The Identity Of Saint Who Series

Saints are to live a life that is set apart. They are to remember that they are aliens and not seek to be conformed to the comforts of this life but to be holy for God is Holy.

Now I want you to notice it does not say be holy as God is Holy. That would be a demand beyond our capacity. He calls us to be set apart because He (God) is Set apart. And we are His, our identity is rooted in His Holiness.

3. The Reward of a Saint is the blessing of Grace and Peace.

Look at it again –

I Peter 1:

2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Peter pronounces a blessing on all who live set apart unto obedience to Christ – that our lives will be filled to the fullest measure with Grace and Peace.

He does not say we will be pain free, or even happy. Peter pronounces a blessing that is far greater; We will be filled to the fullest measure with grace and peace.

Grace = Charis

5485 χάρις [charis /khar·ece/] n f. From 5463; TDNT 9:372; TDNTA 1298; GK 5921 Grace, the state of kindness and favor toward someone, often with a focus on a benefit given to the object; by extension: gift, benefit; credit; words of kindness and benefit: thanks, blessing

Peace = Eirene

1515 εἰρήνη [eirene /i·ray·nay/] n f. Probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); TDNT 2:400; TDNTA 207; GK 1645; 92 peace, harmony, tranquility; safety, welfare, health; often with an emphasis on lack of strife or reconciliation in a relation, as when one has “peace with God.” Often used as a verbal and written greeting.

Living a life set apart unto obedience to Christ offers us the greatest blessing in life – peace with God and His favor and kindness.

Peter proclaims

A. You are Set Apart by God to Obey Christ.

B. You are Saved by Christ’s Mercy.

4. Saints will Obtain an Everlasting Inheritance.

I Peter 1:

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Peter tells the saints that they have a lasting inheritance which cannot fade or be destroyed. And that inheritance is protected by the power of God Himself.

If you have an investment fund or a retirement fund, you are concerned with how it is protected. You want to know can you trust that the money you invested will be there when you need it?

We recently went through a crises in the stock market that caused millions to loose a considerable portion of their investments. But this investment is protected by God Himself. He has set it aside on our behalf and holds it in reserve for us in heaven. What a promise. This promise should compel us to live for what lasts.