Benjamin Leonard - April 20, 2014
Nourishment of Grace (1Peter 1:17-21)
An exposition of 1Peter 1:17-21
From Series: "Planted!"
There are different ways to preserve a plant. You can control the environment of a potted plant by moving it around, depending on the weather. An alternative, however, is to prepare the plant for the weather that is to come. By making sure it is well rooted, watered, and has good soil. God often chooses to prepare His plants by giving them grace to blossom in heat. In Peter’s first epistle, he ministers God’s grace to a people who like seed have been intentionally scattered by God across Asia Minor. These people have been weathering the storm of persecution and suffering in their various communities. Rather than remove them from there location, Peter calls them to recognize the Grace of God and plant themselves in it (1Peter 5:12)! However, he doesn't just give them grace to endure the heat but grace to bear fruit in its midst. Thus, Peter spends a great deal of time detailing the fruit that should be produced by those planted in dry places. This fruit is intended by God to lead the lost to glorify God upon his return (1Peter 2:11-12). Throughout this series we will see God’s call to plant ourselves in His grace and bear much fruit, so the community around us may glorify God. Are you Planted?
