Christ's Work: Hope for Elect Exiles

 

Summary

In 1 Peter 1:20-21, we find a profound creed that encapsulates the work of Christ for the sake of the elect exiles. This passage reveals four key aspects of Christ: He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, made manifest in the last times, raised from the dead, and given glory. These truths are not just theological concepts but are deeply personal, as they are for the sake of believers, the elect exiles. The foreknowledge of Christ before the world's foundation highlights God's eternal plan of salvation, a divine covenant within the Godhead to provide redemption. This foreknowledge is not merely about God's omniscience but His sovereignty, as He ordains all that comes to pass.

The incarnation of Christ, His manifestation in the last times, reveals both the divine nature and true humanity. In Christ, we see the ultimate Adam, who unlike the first Adam, perfectly reveals the Father. His resurrection is a triumphant note, signifying God's acceptance of His sacrifice and the intra-Trinitarian love between the Father and the Son. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a demonstration of God's power and love, leading to Christ being given glory. This glory is the manifestation of the divine essence, a mystery that invites us to bow in reverence.

As believers, we are no longer exiles from God but exiles from the world, belonging to a new commonwealth, the commonwealth of God. Our faith and hope are not in the transient things of this world but in the solid foundation of God. In a world that often feels hostile and alien, we are called to stand firm in faith and hope, not compromising or negotiating our beliefs. Our hope is a powerful testimony to a world in need, a world that is often without hope and without God. As elect exiles, we are to live lives that display the hope we have in Christ, proclaiming the gospel both in word and deed.

Key Takeaways:

- The foreknowledge of Christ before the foundation of the world reveals God's eternal plan of salvation, emphasizing His sovereignty and the divine covenant within the Godhead to provide redemption. This foreknowledge is not just about God's omniscience but His sovereign ordination of all events. [05:00]

- The incarnation of Christ reveals both the divine nature and true humanity, presenting Christ as the ultimate Adam who perfectly reveals the Father. This manifestation is not just a historical event but a profound revelation of God's nature and His plan for humanity. [10:43]

- The resurrection of Christ is a triumphant note, signifying God's acceptance of His sacrifice and the intra-Trinitarian love between the Father and the Son. It is a demonstration of God's power and love, leading to Christ being given glory. [13:39]

- As believers, we are no longer exiles from God but exiles from the world, belonging to a new commonwealth, the commonwealth of God. Our faith and hope are not in the transient things of this world but in the solid foundation of God. [27:10]

- In a world that often feels hostile and alien, we are called to stand firm in faith and hope, not compromising or negotiating our beliefs. Our hope is a powerful testimony to a world in need, a world that is often without hope and without God. [39:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:41] - Introduction to 1 Peter 1:20-21
- [01:44] - The Creed of Christ's Work
- [02:41] - Understanding the Pronouns
- [03:34] - Foreknowledge of Christ
- [05:00] - The Eternal Plan of Salvation
- [06:48] - God's Sovereignty and Omniscience
- [09:00] - The Incarnation of Christ
- [10:43] - Revelation of Divine Nature
- [12:17] - The Mount of Transfiguration
- [13:39] - The Resurrection and God's Acceptance
- [15:45] - The Glory of Christ
- [19:08] - Believers in God
- [23:01] - Hope in a World Without God
- [27:10] - Exiles from the World
- [39:12] - Standing Firm in Faith and Hope
- [42:14] - Living as Elect Exiles

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Peter 1:20-21
- 1 Timothy 3:16
- Ephesians 2:12-13

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the four key aspects of Christ's work mentioned in 1 Peter 1:20-21? How do these aspects relate to the concept of "elect exiles"? [02:41]

2. In 1 Timothy 3:16, what are the elements of the creed that Paul presents, and how do they compare to the creed found in 1 Peter 1:20-21? [01:44]

3. According to Ephesians 2:12-13, what was the condition of believers before being brought near by the blood of Christ? How does this passage describe the transformation in believers' status? [20:58]

4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between God's foreknowledge and His sovereignty? Why is this distinction important? [06:48]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the foreknowledge of Christ before the foundation of the world emphasize God's eternal plan of salvation? What does this reveal about God's character and His intentions for humanity? [05:00]

2. The sermon mentions that Christ's resurrection is a demonstration of intra-Trinitarian love. How does this concept deepen our understanding of the relationship within the Trinity and its significance for believers? [13:39]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers are "exiles from the world"? How does this status affect their identity and mission in the world? [27:10]

4. The sermon highlights the importance of standing firm in faith and hope in a hostile world. What practical steps can believers take to maintain their faith and hope amidst challenges? [39:12]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea that believers are "exiles from the world." How does this perspective influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [27:10]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not compromising or negotiating beliefs. Can you identify a situation where you felt pressured to compromise your faith? How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? [39:12]

3. Consider the concept of God's foreknowledge and sovereignty. How does this understanding impact your trust in God's plan for your life, especially during uncertain times? [06:48]

4. The resurrection of Christ is described as a triumphant note. How does this truth encourage you in your personal struggles or challenges? [13:39]

5. The sermon calls believers to live lives that display hope in Christ. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate this hope to those around you? [42:14]

6. Reflect on the transformation described in Ephesians 2:12-13. How does remembering your past condition without Christ motivate you to share the gospel with others? [20:58]

7. The sermon mentions the importance of being ready to give an answer for the hope within us. How can you prepare yourself to share your faith effectively with someone who is curious about your hope in Christ? [39:55]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Sovereign Plan of Salvation
The foreknowledge of Christ before the foundation of the world reveals God's eternal plan of salvation, emphasizing His sovereignty and the divine covenant within the Godhead to provide redemption. This foreknowledge is not just about God's omniscience but His sovereign ordination of all events. It is a profound reminder that God is not reacting to the world but has a purposeful plan that He is unfolding. This plan is deeply personal, as it is for the sake of believers, the elect exiles. Understanding this can bring comfort and assurance, knowing that our lives are part of a divine narrative that God has orchestrated from eternity. [05:00]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: How does knowing that God has a sovereign plan for your life change the way you view your current circumstances?


Day 2: The Incarnation: Divine and Human
The incarnation of Christ reveals both the divine nature and true humanity, presenting Christ as the ultimate Adam who perfectly reveals the Father. This manifestation is not just a historical event but a profound revelation of God's nature and His plan for humanity. In Christ, we see the perfect union of divinity and humanity, a mystery that invites us to explore the depths of God's love and purpose. The incarnation is a testament to God's desire to be known and to relate to us in our humanity, offering a model of perfect obedience and love. [10:43]

Hebrews 2:14-17 (ESV): "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

Reflection: In what ways can you reflect the nature of Christ in your daily interactions with others?


Day 3: The Power and Love of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Christ is a triumphant note, signifying God's acceptance of His sacrifice and the intra-Trinitarian love between the Father and the Son. It is a demonstration of God's power and love, leading to Christ being given glory. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a living reality that empowers believers to live in the light of Christ's victory over sin and death. It assures us of our future resurrection and eternal life, providing hope and strength to face the challenges of this world. [13:39]

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (ESV): "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."

Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection influence your perspective on life and death today?


Day 4: Exiles from the World, Citizens of Heaven
As believers, we are no longer exiles from God but exiles from the world, belonging to a new commonwealth, the commonwealth of God. Our faith and hope are not in the transient things of this world but in the solid foundation of God. This identity as elect exiles calls us to live differently, with our eyes set on eternal realities rather than temporary pleasures. It challenges us to evaluate where our true allegiance lies and to live as citizens of heaven, reflecting the values and priorities of God's kingdom. [27:10]

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV): "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can live as a citizen of heaven in your daily life?


Day 5: Standing Firm in Faith and Hope
In a world that often feels hostile and alien, we are called to stand firm in faith and hope, not compromising or negotiating our beliefs. Our hope is a powerful testimony to a world in need, a world that is often without hope and without God. As elect exiles, we are to live lives that display the hope we have in Christ, proclaiming the gospel both in word and deed. This steadfastness in faith and hope is not only for our benefit but serves as a beacon of light to those around us, pointing them to the source of true hope and life. [39:12]

1 Peter 3:15-16 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the hope of Christ through your actions and words today? How can you intentionally share that hope with them?

Quotes

"He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God." [00:00:19]

"In this text we have a creed. It is a creed that confesses the work of Christ for the sake of elect exiles. Now, you know, 1 Timothy 3:16; turn back there. We think that this was either a creed that Paul under inspiration is giving to the first century church or perhaps even a creed that was circulating in the early church, that under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Paul incorporates into his first epistle." [00:01:04]

"And before anyone did anything, before anyone was even born, before the earth was even brought into being, before creation was spoken into existence, before the foundations of the earth were laid, there was the foreknowledge of the elect. But in this verse, it is about Christ. In this verse we are peeking into the eternal Being, the triune Godhead, the eternal pactum, covenant within the members of the Godhead to provide salvation." [00:04:32]

"It is very simple. That God foreknows is because God foreordains. He knows all that comes to pass from the macro scale to the tiniest of details because He has ordained all that has come to pass from the macro scale to the tiniest of details. And God not only foreknew His elect before the foundation of the world, but this Lamb of God, this One covenanted to provide redemption on behalf of sinners, this One was foreknown before the foundation of the world." [00:07:45]

"Then, this decree of salvation is then worked out in history. He appears as the Incarnate One. And so, 'He was foreknown but was made manifest.' And so, we have the doctrine of election. Now we have the doctrine of the incarnation of Christ. And notice what it says: 'in the last time,' 'at last' as in ultimate, very much akin to Paul's expression, 'the fullness of time,' in God's perfect plan and timing Christ is brought forth." [00:09:45]

"And so, in Christ not only in the incarnation does He accomplish our redemption, but in Christ and in the incarnation, we see the glory of God. And when He completes His mission, which we will see in a moment, He is in His glorified state returned to the Father's right hand. He was foreknown. He was made manifest, and as Peter tells us here, this is 'for the sake of you.'" [00:12:36]

"The resurrection is that note of triumph. It is that note of the acceptance of God of Christ's sacrifice. He was raised from the dead. The New Testament authors are very careful to make Christ passive in His resurrection: God raised Jesus from the dead. Yes, a representation of His acceptance of Christ's sacrifice, but also what a demonstration of the intra-Trinitarian love between the Father and the Son!" [00:13:31]

"This word 'glory,' a very challenging word for theologians to plumb the depths of. But what does glory mean but the representation, manifestation, demonstration of the very divine essence? We are at the end of our finite mental capacity when we speak of the glory of God. We can call it a 'refulgent splendour.' We can speak in biblical terms of 'God dwelling in inaccessible light.'" [00:15:57]

"And as we go back there and we see that our faith and our hope are in God, we can see the concreteness, the foundation of our faith and hope. It is not in a wish dream. It is not in whatever we manipulate or make or have derived as a truth over centuries and millennia of exploration. It is in God. It is solid. It has a foundation." [00:27:27]

"And as our world begins to sound a little bit like the world of 1 Peter, and as our world begins to look like the world of 1 Peter, we anchor ourselves in this text and we remind ourselves that the way forward is not compromise, is not negotiation, is not accommodation; the way forward is through faith and hope in God." [00:39:17]

"Remember, you were there too once. We were all there once, but God, but Christ, we would still be there. And as we rub shoulders in this hostile world, may they see our faith, may they see our hope, and may they see the truth of the gospel proclaimed, to be sure; it must be, and also demonstrated in our lives, the lives of elect exiles." [00:41:49]

"Our Father and our God, we thank You for Your Word. We thank You for the gift of Your dear Son, who was foreordained, who was made manifest, who was raised from the dead, and who was given glory. And we thank You for the gift of faith and hope that we have through Him and Him alone. We pray that we would be faithful proclaimers of the gospel and that we would live our lives in such a way that our hope is on display for a world in desperate need, and we pray these things in Christ's name. Amen." [00:42:34]

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Transcript
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