OUR INHERITANCE
1 Peter 1:3–12
As a pastor I have seen some people at their worst because of perceived neglect in a will after the death of a family member.
As Christians, however, we have an inheritance from a Lord who died. Our heavenly inheritance can never be taken away from us.
Joyous Praise (3–5)
Before understanding the message of 1 Peter, we need to understand what was happening in the lives of the Christians to whom Peter wrote.
Peter wrote to believers in the Roman provinces of Asia Minor who were experiencing persecution or ridicule because of their commitment to Jesus.
Peter begins his message with a beatitude to strengthen the believers, indicated by the word “blessed.” There is a threefold description of the acts of God that bless His people.
God blessed Christians with a new birth that results in a living hope because of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. While our English word “hope” may or may not indicate fulfillment of that hope and is more like a wish, the biblical term is stronger and commonly points to the reality of the future hope. The Greek term has the connotation of firm conviction that the matter will occur.
Four descriptive terms point to the different aspects of God’s gifts. Our heavenly inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, unfading and kept in heaven for believers.
The trials that affected the believers in the first century would not hinder these believers from receiving their inheritance from God. Peter reminded them that salvation will be revealed in the last days — perhaps a reference to the Second Coming.
As Christians we have an imperishable, undefiled and unfading inheritance in heaven.
What is the significance of a living hope for this life and the next?
Strong Faith (6–9)
Reflection upon the grace of God in our salvation that He provided in the past helps us regarding the future. Jesus’ future ministry includes His Second Coming. God allows trials in our lives for the purpose of proving the character and the reality of the believer’s faith.
Trials may strengthen or destroy a believer depending upon the maturity of their faith. At the Second Coming, the faith we had during trying times may be more valuable than gold refined by fire. A good beginning in the Christian life is important. However, being faithful to the end is more valuable than a good beginning.
The key emphasis, in my opinion, is that our salvation is guarded through God’s power.
God will complete His work in our lives for a salvation that will be revealed at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Because of the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb, we have a living hope even beyond the grave.
How does our faith grow stronger through the trials we experience?
Promised One (10–12)
The Old Testament prophets searched the Old Testament Scriptures for messages about the Promised One as well as the message concerning salvation by grace. How is our knowledge of Jesus different from the knowledge the prophets and the angels have concerning Jesus?
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida
