Living As Sojourners
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Full quote from the sermon
The gift of God’s love, the blood of Jesus Christ, has redeemed Christians from the corrupt and empty lifestyle of their pagan past; that grace now unites them in fervent love for one another. They serve and help one another, using the rich spiritual gifts with which God’s grace equips them. Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the flock of God, watches over his people. He calls undershepherds to serve him in guarding his sheep. The victory of Jesus Christ over all the powers of darkness frees his people from the power of Satan. They can repulse the roaring lion; in the fires of trial their faith will not be destroyed but purified like gold in the furnace. They may cast their cares on God, knowing that he cares for them.
The grace that already fills Christians with joy will be brought to them fully at the appearing of Jesus Christ. The Lord, whom they love but have not seen, they will see and adore. Knowing well the doom and darkness from which they were delivered, the new people of God sing forth his praises. Their hallelujahs ring from their assemblies, their homes, and even from the prison cells, where their fear of God has set them free from the fear of man. Their witness is a witness of praise. Nourished by the unfailing Word of God they taste already the goodness of their Savior. The true grace of God has called them to his glory: everything, even their sufferings, will serve his purpose who redeemed them at such a price.
– Edmund Clowney,
The Message of 1 Peter: The Way of the Cross