Digging Deeper: God So Loved the World
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)
. . . To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia 2 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. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again.
1 Peter 1:1b-3b (ESV)
GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD
Peter calls his readers “elect,” chosen by the “foreknowledge of God the Father” (v. 1-2a). As Hiebert notes, “The opening characterization of the readers as elect was meant to strengthen and encourage them in their affliction. The doctrine of election is a ‘family truth’ intended to foster the welfare of believers.” Peter is addressing the exiles as one of the family of Christ; loved, and not forsaken.
If you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you are a member of the family of God. He loves us enough to send his only Son to die for our sins, to provide a bridge to span the chasm that exists due to our sinful nature. According to Peter, the Triune God is at work: the Father, who plans with purpose and foreknowledge; the Holy Spirit, who activates the plan (sanctifies/sets apart); and, Jesus, the object of our worship and instrument of our salvation, who sprinkles with His blood to bridge that chasm (v. 2b). As Barclay comments, “It is in the purpose of God that the Christian is called. It is by the work of the Holy Spirit that his life is hallowed towards God. It is by the sprinkling of the blood of Christ that he is cleansed from past sin and dedicated to future obedience to God.”
Peter reminds his readers that God, in His great mercy, causes us to be born again (v. 3b). Peter wishes them grace and peace (v. 2b), despite their trying circumstances. When we get discouraged, we should always remember that we are loved, immeasurably! God has shown us mercy (even in our sin), not punishing us with what we deserve. He has extended His infinite grace, blessing us with what we did not earn. How can we become discouraged knowing that blessed truth?
Think back to a time in your life when you experienced discouragement. Now, think of the person who came alongside you and loved on you. What sacrifice did they make to comfort and encourage you? What road did they walk enabling them to be the perfect person to encourage you? Now imagine how much infinitely more Jesus loves you, to give His life for you!
Diggin Deeper (er):
Gal 2:20; 1 Thess 1:4
Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.