Preparations for the Cross (1 Peter 1:3-13)
Gearl Spicer, April 1, 2023
Part of the Palm Sunday series, preached at a Sunday Online service
1 Peter 1:3–13 (Listen)
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 to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
(ESV)
Sermon Notes
Easter - Palm Sunday
Preparations for the Cross
1 Peter 1:3-13
4/2/23
Are you preparing your heart for Easter?
Preparation demands we focus our hearts, surrender our wills and release all distractions!
Our journey to the cross begins today!
*Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fadd away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5
*and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not seen Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. 1 Peter 1:8
*Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sombre in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelations of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13
I. Guaranteed Inheritance - 1 Peter 1:3-5
A. Living encounter with hope
B. Reservation that can't be revoked
C. Protection that comes from our salvation
II. Endurance leads to effectiveness - 1 Peter 1:6-7
A. Trials are opportunities to trust Him more
B. Tests lead us to praise
III. Joy is the validator of salvation - 1 Peter 1:8-9
A. Faith leads to inexpressible joy
B. End result of all challenges is heaven
IV. Understand the results of all prophecy - 1 Peter 1:10-13
A. He is the answer to all that was foretold
B. Holy Spirit presence in our lives affirms Jesus
C. Encounter His grace to set your direction
Are you prepared for Easter?