Longing for Christ: Our Identity as Elect Exiles

For those who have been born again, there is a deep longing to see Jesus face to face, to thank Him for His sacrifice, His suffering, His resurrection, and His calling us into His kingdom. This longing is rooted in the reality that, as followers of Christ, we are “elect exiles”—chosen by God, yet living as strangers in a world that is not our true home. Our identity is not first in our jobs, our status, or even our families, but in being God’s chosen people, set apart and called to live in dependence on Christ and in community with one another. The Beatitudes remind us that our life in the kingdom is marked by humility, mercy, purity, and a hunger for righteousness, and that this life will inevitably bring persecution and suffering.

Peter’s letter to the scattered believers begins by reminding them—and us—of the living hope we have through the resurrection of Jesus. This hope is not a fleeting feeling, but a secure inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven by God’s own power. Unlike everything else in this world, which fades, molds, and perishes, our inheritance in Christ is eternally secure. Even when we sin or falter, our salvation is guarded by God Himself, not by our own efforts. This assurance frees us from living in fear and instead draws us back to repentance and deeper trust in Christ.

Yet, life as exiles is not easy. We experience trials and suffering, but these are not random or meaningless. God is sovereign over every moment of our pain, using it to refine us like gold in the fire. Suffering is the means by which God purifies us, removing the residue of sin and revealing our true identity in Christ. Sanctification is not about becoming something we are not, but about becoming more of who we already are in Jesus. Through suffering, God is not making a different you, but revealing the real you He has already made new.

We are more privileged than the prophets and saints of old, for we have the indwelling presence of God Himself. No longer is God’s presence tied to a location or a temple; now, through the Spirit, we are the very tabernacles of God. Even though we have not seen Jesus with our eyes, we love Him and rejoice with inexpressible joy, knowing that the outcome of our faith is the salvation of our souls. The greatest treasure of heaven is not the streets of gold or the absence of pain, but the presence of Jesus Himself. Our hearts long for the day when we will see Him face to face, and until then, we live as exiles, holding loosely to this world and clinging tightly to our living hope.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Our True Identity as Elect Exiles We are not defined by our earthly roles or possessions, but by our status as “elect exiles”—chosen by God and called to live as strangers in a world that is not our home. This identity shapes our perspective, reminding us that comfort here is temporary and that our ultimate allegiance and longing are for the kingdom of God. If we feel too at home in this world, it may be a sign that we have forgotten our true citizenship. [06:51]
• 2. An Inheritance That Cannot Perish Unlike everything in this world that fades, molds, or is corrupted, our inheritance in Christ is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is kept secure by God’s own power, not by our own efforts or righteousness. This assurance means that even when we fail, our hope remains alive because Christ Himself is alive, and our salvation is guarded by the triune God. [16:08]
• 3. The Purpose of Suffering in the Life of the Believer There is no accidental pain for those in Christ; every trial and moment of suffering is under God’s sovereign care and is used to refine our faith. Suffering is the means by which God purifies us, wringing out the residue of sin and revealing the genuine gold of our new identity in Christ. The process is painful, but it is the only way to become more of who we already are in Jesus, and it produces a faith that results in praise, glory, and honor. [29:59]
• 4. The Privilege of God’s Presence We are more privileged than even Moses or the prophets, for God’s presence is no longer confined to a temple or a mountain, but dwells within us by the Holy Spirit. This means we have immediate access to God, not because of our merit, but because Christ has made us new tabernacles. The unique presence of God is our greatest treasure, and we should never take for granted the intimacy we have with Him. [46:36]
• 5. The Ultimate Longing: To See Jesus Face to Face The deepest desire of the true believer is not for the blessings of heaven, but for the presence of Jesus Himself. All the glories of the new creation would be empty without Him. Our hope is not just for a better place, but for a Person—the One who loved us, suffered for us, and called us by name. Until that day, we live as exiles, longing for the moment we can look into His eyes and say, “Thank you.” [54:36]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:36] - Longing to See Jesus Face to Face
• [01:23] - Born Again to a Living Hope
• [03:44] - Our Identity: Elect Exiles
• [06:51] - Chosen to Be Immigrants
• [08:10] - The Barracks: Not Our True Home
• [13:04] - Two Birthdays: The Gift of New Life
• [16:08] - An Imperishable, Undefiled, Unfading Inheritance
• [19:17] - Security of Salvation
• [22:29] - Unfading Hope and the Danger of Comfort
• [25:49] - Don’t Get Used to This World
• [29:16] - The Purpose of Trials and Suffering
• [34:19] - Suffering as Refinement
• [40:41] - The Privilege of the New Covenant
• [46:36] - God’s Presence in Us
• [54:36] - The True Treasure: Jesus Himself
• [55:55] - Living as Salt and Light Until He Returns

Bible Reading

1 Peter 1:1-12 (ESV) —
> Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
> To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
> 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.
> 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,
> to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
> who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
> In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
> so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
> Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
> obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
> Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,
> inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.
> It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

Observation Questions

1. What two words does Peter use to describe the identity of believers in his letter, and why are these words significant? ([06:51])
2. According to Peter, what is unique about the inheritance believers receive through Christ? How does he describe it? ([16:08])
3. What does Peter say is the purpose of the trials and suffering believers experience? ([29:59])
4. How does Peter describe the relationship believers have with Jesus, even though they have not seen Him? ([47:15])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Peter call believers “elect exiles”? What does it mean for our sense of belonging and identity in this world? ([06:51])
2. The sermon says our inheritance is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.” How might this truth change the way someone views their failures or fears about losing their salvation? ([19:17])
3. The pastor said, “There is no accidental pain in the life of the believer.” How does this perspective affect the way we process suffering and hardship? ([29:59])
4. The sermon claims that the greatest treasure of heaven is not the blessings, but the presence of Jesus Himself. Why is this distinction important for how we live now? ([54:36])

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to consider if we feel “at home” in this world or if we feel like exiles. Are there ways you have become too comfortable with life here? What would it look like to live more like an “elect exile”? ([11:12])
2. When you think about your identity, what do you tend to put first—your job, family, status, or your identity as God’s chosen child? How can you remind yourself this week that your truest identity is in Christ? ([06:51])
3. The pastor shared about living in fear of losing salvation after sinning. Have you ever struggled with this kind of fear? How does knowing your inheritance is secure in Christ help you respond differently when you fail? ([19:17])
4. Think about a recent trial or season of suffering. Looking back, can you see ways God was “wringing out” sin or growing your faith through it? How might this change the way you approach future hardships? ([36:54])
5. The sermon said that sanctification is not about becoming someone you’re not, but about becoming more of who you already are in Jesus. What is one area of your life where you sense God is making you more like Christ right now? ([38:43])
6. The pastor said we are more privileged than Moses or the prophets because God’s Spirit lives in us. How does this truth affect your daily relationship with God? Are there ways you take this privilege for granted? ([46:36])
7. The deepest longing of the believer is to see Jesus face to face. What are you most looking forward to about being with Jesus? How can this hope shape your priorities and choices this week? ([54:36])