The PRESERVATION of the Saints (Including You!)
As you are about to hear this PODCAST, it was a night that Peter would never, ever forget.
Nor should we.
For embedded within the events of this night is a blessedly-enduring word of hope and assurance. Hope and assurance for you. Hope and assurance for me. And certainly hope and assurance for someone or someones whom you and I deeply love.
…through your faith, God is protecting you by His power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.
6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. (1 Peter 1:5-6)
Now, at the heart of Peter’s words here is a discussion Peter had with Jesus on the night when Jesus, Peter and the other eleven Apostles took part in a Seder Dinner, but what we refer to today as Jesus’ “Last Supper”:
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”
33 Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.”
34 But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
And, as Jesus prophesied, Peter vehemently denied that he even knew who Jesus was. Talk about an historically low point in a man’s life.
Yet, there, in the upper room, a war was being waged over Peter’s very soul. Satan may have won the initial battle, resulting in him denying Christ. But Jesus ultimately won the war!
This partially explains why Peter writes so often about the need to stand firm in your faith. He had been through it, and came out on the other end, knowing the critical importance of standing firm, filled with hope and assurance!
And, if you are genuinely a follower of Jesus, no matter what happens, you will be preserved by God!
God is protecting you by His power until you receive this salvation (1 Peter 1:5)
THAT is preservation! God will preserve you… even as Satan tries to devour you, as he tried to devour Peter.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.11 All power to him forever! Amen. (1 Peter 5:8-11)
For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! (Psalm 34:7-8)
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is. (2 Timothy 2:13)