A Chosen Ambassador in Exile – 1 Peter 1:1-12 How do you see yourself as a Christian in this world: An immigrant putting down permanent roots? How do you see yourself as a Christian in the world: A tourist or visitor? How do you see yourself as a Christian in the world: An ambassador in exile? And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 Corinthians 5:19c-20 NLT Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 1 Peter 1:1-2 NIV "Exile is the experience of knowing one is an alien, perhaps in a hostile environment where the dominant values run counter to one’s own.” Walter Brueggemann “Exile is an outcast in one’s own country.” Paul Tabori “To be exile is to be separated from one’s place of belonging.” Paul Williams You are a chosen ambassador in 1 Peter 1:1-3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5 NIV God has reserved your future 1 Peter 1:3-5 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9 NIV As an elect exile your is deepening 1 Peter 1:6-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy 1 Peter 1:8 NIV Questions for personal reflection or D groups: What are you thankful for? What has been difficult this week? Read 1 Peter 1:1-9 What do these verses teach us about God? What do they teach us about people? What do you need to believe, repent or obey from these verses? What is your “I will” statement that you sense from God through these Scriptures?