The Great Unveiling: Grace Revealed And Ready Series

Introduction: The Privilege of Our Position

We often look back at the great heroes of the Old Testament—Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah—and think, "If only I had their connection with God! If only I could have seen the burning bush or parted the sea." We tend to think they had the "front row seats" to God’s plan.

But in this passage, Peter flips that idea completely around. He tells us that we—the New Testament believers—are the ones in the privileged position. He pulls back the curtain of history to show us that the great prophets were scratching their heads, trying to understand what we now experience freely. Even the angels in heaven are leaning over the balcony of eternity, trying to get a glimpse of the gospel that we hear every Sunday.

Peter uses this incredible truth to launch into his first major command of the letter. Because we have such a great salvation, we must live a ready and focused life.

1. The Search of the Prophets (vv. 10-11)

First, Peter points us to the past. He speaks of the prophets who "enquired and searched diligently."

* The Mystery of the Message: These men were mouthpieces of God. The "Spirit of Christ" was in them, giving them puzzle pieces of a future picture. They wrote about a Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53) and a Conquering King (Psalm 2). They saw "the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow."

* The Conflict: But they couldn't quite fit the pieces together. How could the Messiah suffer and reign? How could He die and live forever? They searched the scriptures they themselves were writing, asking "Who is this?" and "When will this happen?" ("what, or what manner of time").

* The Waiting: They longed to see the fulfillment of their own prophecies, but they died without seeing the full picture. They saw the shadow; we see the substance.

2. The Wonder of the Angels (v. 12)

Next, Peter points us to the spiritual realm.

* Not for Them, But for Us: God revealed to the prophets that their message wasn't primarily for their generation, but for "us"—you and me. We are the recipients of the mail that Isaiah and Jeremiah wrote. The gospel preached to you by the power of the "Holy Ghost sent down from heaven" is the final unveiling of their ancient mysteries.

* Angelic Curiosity: Then Peter adds a stunning detail: "which things the angels desire to look into." The word "look into" implies stooping down to examine closely. Angels are holy; they have no need for redemption. They have never felt the joy of being lost and then found. They watch the drama of human salvation with fascinated wonder, marveling at God's grace toward sinners. You have experienced a grace that angels can only study.

3. The Call to Action (v. 13)

Because we possess this salvation that prophets searched for and angels study, how should we live? Peter shifts from theology to practicality with the word "Wherefore" (therefore).

* Mental Readiness: "Gird up the loins of your mind"

In Peter's day, men wore long robes. To run or work, they had to tuck up their robes into their belt ("gird their loins") to move freely without tripping.

* Meaning: Peter is telling us to roll up the sleeves of our minds. Stop letting your thoughts drag in the mud of worry, fear, and worldly distraction. Get ready for action. Mental laziness is dangerous for a Christian. We need disciplined, prepared minds.

* Spiritual Alertness: "Be sober"

This doesn't just mean avoiding drunkenness (though it includes that). It means spiritual sobriety. It means seeing things as they really are. Don't be intoxicated by the world's allurements, its panic, or its philosophies. Stay calm, steady, and clear-headed.

* Unwavering Focus: "Hope to the end"

Finally, set your hope completely on the grace that is coming. Don't hedge your bets.

* The Final Grace: Just as grace came at Christ's first coming, a final, perfecting grace is coming at His second coming ("the revelation of Jesus Christ"). Fix your eyes on that horizon. Don't hope a little bit in money and a little bit in Jesus. Put all your chips on the grace of God.

Conclusion: Live Like You Are Privileged

Brothers and sisters, do not take your salvation for granted. You are living in the age of fulfillment.

* Abraham longed to see your day.

* Isaiah searched to understand your gospel.

* The angels marvel at your redemption.

You are the recipient of the greatest news in the universe. So, don't live sloppy, distracted lives. Gird up your minds. Stay sober. Fix your hope on Jesus. Live with the focus and intensity that such a great salvation deserves.

Amen.