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

Living as Citizens of HeavenI. Citizens of HeavenA. Believers are God’s elect, exiles in the worldB. First-century context of scattered Christians (Acts 18:1-4, Acts 18:24-26)C. Our inheritance is in heaven, not on earthD. Our true citizenship is in heavenE. Encouragement in our heavenly hope II. Understand SufferingA. Suffering refines faith like gold in fireB. Examples of faith through sufferingC. Sharing in Christ’s suffering leads to sharing in His gloryD. The joy of salvation sustains us through trials III. Special to GodA. The prophets longed to see Christ’s workB. Even angels long to understand God’s salvation plan IV. Mindset: Be HolyA. Set your hope fully on God’s graceB. Being holy means being set apartC. Live as foreigners with reverent fearD. We are ransomed by Christ’s blood V. Love One Another DeeplyA. Sincere love for one another is a mark of true faith VI. Born of Imperishable SeedA. We are born again through the enduring Word of God VII. Bible ReferencesLeviticus 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 Questions1. 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?