In this first sermon of the 1 Peter series, we looked at how Peter opened his letter to the believers who were suffering from persecution in Asia Minor. In 1 Peter 1:1-2, we read that God sees His people who are suffering as chosen exiles. As believers, the suffering we encounter in the world is evidence that we are exiles living in a foreign land that is not, ultimately, our home. Even though we have earthly citizenship, we are now citizens of God’s Kingdom and will never truly be at home on earth. As believers, we are chosen by God. While we encounter suffering, we can be assured that God hasn’t changed His mind or forsaken us. Just as Peter reminds the Christians in Asia Minor, even while experiencing suffering, we are still known by the Father, forgiven by the blood of Jesus, and being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
