I. Writer: The Authority of Our Election (1 Peter 1:1a)
A. “an apostle of Jesus Christ”
B. “Peter”
C. Why this is significant
II. Recipients: The Dynamics of Our Election (1 Peter 1:1b-2a)
A. The meaning of our election: “who are chosen”
1) The root idea:
2) Its one-way action
3) The OT concept (e.g. Deut. 7:6-8)
B. The basis of our election: “according to the foreknowledge of God the
Father”
1) God’s foreknowledge makes the ultimate basis something God did, not
us
2) God’s foreknowledge is grounded in His predetermined plan (cf. Isa.
40:13-14; 55:8-9; Acts 2:23; 1 Pet. 1:20; Eph. 1:4-6)
3) God’s foreknowledge in election includes the idea of a predetermined
close relationship (cf. Mt. 7:23; Amos 3:3; Rom. 8:29-30)
C. The means of our election: “by the sanctifying work of the Spirit”
1) What this is (cp. 1 Cor. 6:11; Heb. 10:14; 1 Thess. 4:13; cf. 1 Pet. 1:23)
2) Why it’s needed (cf. 1 Cor. 2:14; Rom. 3:11, 18; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Tim. 2:10)
D. The result of our election: “to the obedience of Jesus Christ and the
sprinkling of His blood”
1) The human result (cf. 1 Pet. 1:22, 14; Rom. 1:5; Ac. 6:7; 13:48)
2) The divine result (cf. Ex. 24:3-8; 1 Pet. 1:18-19)
E. The effect of our election: “To those who reside as exiles scattered
throughout…”
1) What it means
2) What it implies
a) We have a more _ home, therefore:
b) We have a more _ home, therefore:
III. Greetings: The Blessing of Our Election (1 Peter 1:2b)
Discussion Questions
1) “By what authority?” is a good question to ask yourself and others (in evangelism) as to the
basis of one’s beliefs. If an unbeliever asked you for why you accept the Bible (such as 1
Peter) as the word of God, how can the way Peter introduced himself help you with the
answer?
2) Answer the following common concerns regarding the doctrines of God’s election and
foreknowledge:
a. This makes God the cause of evil and like a puppet-master.
b. This takes away people’s “freewill” and God’s just basis for judging unbelievers?
c. This fosters pride and complacency in the pursuit of holiness and obedience to God.
d. Why did God only choose some and not everyone?
e. Any other concerns?
3) How does knowing you’ve been chosen by God help you stand firm in grace amidst an anti-
Christian culture? What is a practical and balanced way we can apply this truth?