Title: Failures and Faith of Peter
Text: 1 Peter 1:1-2

Notes:

Theme of 1st Peter: Encourage Christians to face persecution so that the true grace of Jesus is evidenced in them (5:12).

• Apostle: one who is sent; Messenger; Ambassador
• Elect: to be chosen; to be adopted
• Foreknowledge: God chooses who comes to faith; Connected to predestination; Comes from God’s omniscience- He knows past, present, and future
• Sanctified: To be set-apart; used for a different purpose

Salvation according to 1st Peter:

1. God the Father does the choosing (foreknowledge of God)
2. The Holy Spirit sets us apart and changes us (sanctification of the Spirit)
3. Through Jesus we are forgiven and made right (for the sprinkling of Jesus’ blood)

Much of what we consider disqualifications of receiving God’s grace or being used by Him- God turns into stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks. 

Peter’s usefulness to God was based solely on being chosen by God, sanctified by His Spirit, and forgiven through the blood of Jesus.