Living as Citizens of Heaven – A Study of 1 Peter 1

Living as Citizens of Heaven

I. Citizens of Heaven
A. Believers are God’s elect, exiles in the world

B. First-century context of scattered Christians (Acts 18:1-4, Acts 18:24-26)

C. Our inheritance is in heaven, not on earth

D. Our true citizenship is in heaven

E. Encouragement in our heavenly hope

II. Understand Suffering

A. Suffering refines faith like gold in fire

B. Examples of faith through suffering

C. Sharing in Christ’s suffering leads to sharing in His glory

D. The joy of salvation sustains us through trials

III. Special to God

A. The prophets longed to see Christ’s work

B. Even angels long to understand God’s salvation plan

IV. Mindset: Be Holy

A. Set your hope fully on God’s grace

B. Being holy means being set apart

C. Live as foreigners with reverent fear

D. We are ransomed by Christ’s blood

V. Love One Another Deeply

A. Sincere love for one another is a mark of true faith

VI. Born of Imperishable Seed

A. We are born again through the enduring Word of God
 

VII. Bible References

Leviticus 20:23-25, Psalm 34:17-19, Acts 18:1-4, Acts 18:24-26, Romans 8:17, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Hebrews 11:35b-38, 1 Peter 1 , Revelation 5:9-10
 

VIII. Discussion Questions

1. Do you see yourself more as a citizen of heaven or an earthly nation?

2. How do you view suffering in light of God’s plan?

3. What does being set apart by God mean to you?

4. Who in your life do you love deeply?

5. How does being born of imperishable seed shape your faith?