10/30/05

Intro: Chap.1:8-12- here Peter presents the work of

salvation against the background of OT prophets.

I. Although Christ is unseen, yet in loving faith, we

Rejoice in the ongoing salvation under the plan of

God. 1:8

1. Believers are to love someone never seen!

2. “rejoice” =exuberant joy

 

II. The  larger   saving   work   of   grace   was

communicated thru OT prophets. 1:9-10

1.  As God revealed Himself to Israel, He presented both

warnings of His discipline and promises of His blessing thru

these OT prophets.-  Neh.9:30

2.  Thru those prophets, the Lord revealed the One who

was coming that would be coming-Isa.19:20,  Joel 2:32,

3.  Such saving or deliverance was entirely “of the Lord”-

and was extended to the earth- Isa.60:19-20 and 65:17

 

III. Yet, thee same prophets, led by the Spirit of

Christ, did not grasp the timing & occasion of Christ’s

suffering and glory. 1:11

1. a growing awareness of a momentous work of God---but???

2. The Spirit revealed both the suffering & glory of Christ.

Isa.53:3-7- suffering   53:12 –glory

 

IV. This grace-salvation, embodied in gospel of

Christ, is channeled to us involving 4 distinct identities.

1) Prophets of the gospel- “to them it was revealed”

2) Preachers of the gospel- “those who preached…”

3) Persuader of the gospel- “by the Holy Spirit sent..”

4) Partakers of the gospel- “to you..”

 

V. This saving work of grace drew Angelic attention.

Prophets searched—Holy Spirit supported—Angels scrutinized-

  Angels are observers of the Divine Redemption Plan.