Build the House
Build This House Part1
1Pe 1:23 for you have been born again [that is, reborn from above–spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] not of seed which is perishable but [from that which is] imperishable and immortal, that is, through the living and everlasting word of God.
1Pe 1:24 For, “ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERS AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF,
1Pe 1:25 BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER.” And this is the word [the good news of salvation] which was preached to you.
Purpose: To help believers understand who we are, what we possess, and how to live with unshakable hope when life gets hard.
Peter writes to believers scattered throughout Asia Minor—displaced, persecuted, and under pressure. The persecution under Nero intensified greatly and believers fled to other parts of world.
A candle’s light shines brightest in darkness. Likewise, the darker the world grows, the brighter a believer’s hope must burn.
Peter opens by reminding them not of their pain, but of their position—chosen by God, sanctified by the Spirit, and sprinkled by Christ’s blood.
I.Chosen by God
1Pe 1:1 Peter, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus Christ, To those [elect–both Jewish and Gentile believers] who live as exiles, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia [Minor], and Bithynia, who are chosen [Heb 13:14]
1Pe 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father by the sanctifying work of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace [that special sense of spiritual well-being] be yours in increasing abundance [as you walk closely with God].
1. Chosen — You’re not random; you’re selected by divine intent.
2. Exiles — You may feel out of place, but you’re right on purpose. Heaven is home; Earth is mission field.
3. Covered — The blood of Jesus didn’t just pardon you—it positioned you.
You may be rejected by men, but you’re handpicked by God. Your assignment may be local, but your citizenship is eternal.
II. Protected (vv. 3–5)
1Pe 1:3 Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again [that is, to be reborn from above–spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [Mat 28:1-9; Mrk 16:6; Luk 24:6; Jhn 20:1-18]
1Pe 1:4 [born anew] into an inheritance which is imperishable [beyond the reach of change] and undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,
1Pe 1:5 who are being protected and shielded by the power of God through your faith for salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time.
1. New Birth — We were dead in sin, now born again.
2. New Inheritance — Incorruptible, undefiled, reserved in heaven.
Heaven, Holy Spirit, Power and Authority, Access, Forgiveness, Righteousness, Peace.
3. New Security — “Kept by the power of God” — divine security that can’t be hacked or revoked.
When you buy a house, you insure it. When you’re born again, heaven ensures you.
III. Refined by Fire (vv. 6–9)
1Pe 1:6 In this you rejoice greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
1Pe 1:7 so that the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in [your] praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1Pe 1:8 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not even see Him now, you believe and trust in Him and you greatly rejoice and delight with inexpressible and glorious joy,
1Pe 1:9 receiving as the result [the outcome, the consummation] of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1. Suffering is for a season
2. Suffering isn’t punishment—it’s proof that your faith is precious.
3. Suffering tests the genuineness of your faith and produces praise, honor and glory.
4. Suffering will produce a faith that is resilient
-Fire doesn’t destroy gold; it reveals its purity.
Selfishness, Pride, Fear, Greed, Judgmental spirit,
-Your pain is temporary, but the glory it produces is eternal.
Stop asking, “Why me?” and start asking, “What’s God refining in me?”
Every storm is a test of trust. Every test is a setup for testimony.
Goldsmiths know the metal is pure when they can see their reflection in it. God refines until He sees His image in you.
IV. Sober and focused (vv. 13–21)
1Pe 1:13 So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit–steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1Pe 1:14 [Live] as obedient children [of God]; do not be conformed to the evil desires which governed you in your ignorance [before you knew the requirements and transforming power of the good news regarding salvation].
1Pe 1:15 But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage];
1Pe 1:16 because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY (set apart), FOR I AM HOLY.” [Lev 11:44-45; Lev 19:2]
1Pe 1:17 If you address as Father, the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in [reverent] fear [of Him] and with profound respect for Him throughout the time of your stay on earth.
1Pe 1:18 For you know that you were not redeemed from your useless [spiritually unproductive] way of life inherited [by tradition] from your forefathers with perishable things like silver and gold,
1Pe 1:19 but [you were actually purchased] with precious blood, like that of a [sacrificial] lamb unblemished and spotless, the priceless blood of Christ. [Lev 22:20]
1Pe 1:20 For He was foreordained (foreknown) before the foundation of the world, but has appeared [publicly] in these last times for your sake
1Pe 1:21 and through Him you believe [confidently] in God [the heavenly Father], who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are [centered and rest] in God.
1. Prepare your mind – tighten up your thinking, don’t live distracted.
2. Set your hope fully on grace – holiness is grace-driven, not guilt-driven.
3. Live reverently – You were redeemed “not with silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ.”
Holiness is not how you dress—it’s how you decide.
It’s how you think, talk, and treat people when nobody’s watching.
Remember your life prior to Christ was useless, unproductive, futile and frivolous.
Don’t let culture dilute your consecration. You represent heaven here.
V. Born of the Word (vv. 22–25)
1Pe 1:22 Since by your obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves for a sincere love of the believers, [see that you] love one another from the heart [always unselfishly seeking the best for one another],
1Pe 1:23 for you have been born again [that is, reborn from above–spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] not of seed which is perishable but [from that which is] imperishable and immortal, that is, through the living and everlasting word of God.
1Pe 1:24 For, “ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERS AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF,
1Pe 1:25 BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER.” And this is the word [the good news of salvation] which was preached to you. [Isa 40:6-8]
“Love one another deeply from a pure heart… for you have been born again through the living and enduring Word of God.”
Salvation purifies; love proves it.
The same Word that gave you new life sustains your spiritual health.
Everything fades—beauty, fame, kingdoms—but the Word of the Lord endures forever.
You can’t claim new birth and hold old grudges. The living Word births living love.
VII. Living Hope in a Dying World
–You are chosen, not forgotten.
-You have living hope, not false optimism.
– You are being refined, not ruined.
-You are called to holiness, not compromise.
-You are rooted in the Word, not worldly trends.