SEE HOW WELL GOD PLANNED
April 1, 2001 PM
Sermon Outline
1 Pet 1:20,21
INTRO: Although there are many great lessons to be learned from the bible, there is one that may easily be overlooked as we fasten onto specific texts or truths. And, really, this lesson does not depend on one text ... rather, it is drawn from an overview from Genesis to Revelation. And the lesson is simply this: See How Well God Planned! As Peter writes of great redemption themes, He injects this grand truth. There is nothing sloppy or accidental with God. He has planned well. And that planning is best seen in Jesus. Now, note:
I. JESUS WAS FOREORDAINED BEFORETHE FOUNDATION ... (1:20a)
A. God made provision for all physical needs, man was created
1. after provision for physical needs, man was created
2. before sin entered the world , Gods plan to deal with it was established
3. God planned for our physical and spiritual needs
B. Premillennialists say God never intended the crucifixion
1. they say Gods plan was earthly kingdom Jesus as King
2. but the Jews rejected and killed Jesus ... and God had to hurriedly substitute the church
3. and Jesus will finally come back for 1000 year reign
C. But that theory denies plain Bible fact!
1. note Eph 1:3-8 and Rev 13:8 Jesus death, redemption through Hisblood, the church are matters planned, settled before the foundation of the world (see also Acts 2:23)
2. Jno 6:15 the Jews would gladly have made Him a king
3. so, everything which has been done is part of carefully laid and executed plans
II. JESUS WAS MANIFEST ... FOR YOU (1:20b)
A. The invisible made visible
1. could there be a greater boon than to see Deity?
2. I suppose we would say our salvation is certainly a thing of greater value
3. but to people who had so many questions - and few answers ... Jesus seen was such a blessing
B. Peter confirms what John said Jno 1:1,2,14
1. in Jesus we see God dwelling among men
2. Jno 14:9 in Jesus we are able to visualize what God is like and His having dwelt among men suits Him to His work as our Advocate with the Father (Heb 4:14,15)
3. For you the plan of God is highly personal ... the Lamb of God died for me
III. JESUS IS OUR MEANS OF BELIEVING IN GOD (1:21a)
A. By the resurrection
1. of course, resurrection proves Jesus claims - Rom 1:4
2. but Peter says it also proves that God is and gives us a historical, witnessed event which says, God is!
3. in other words, if God didnt raise Jesus from the dead, who did? (Col 2:12)
B. By the glory of Christ
1. I have a bit of difficulty with the word glory
2. its a hard word to explain, to conceive
3. but let me suggest something ... Eph 3:20,21 - Glory in the church by Christ (explain)
IV. JESUS IS THE BASIS OF OUR FAITH AND HOPE (1:21b)
A. Sadly, people place their trust and hope in frail places
1. people then and now tend to trust tangibles - wealth
2. and experience keeps proving that those things will fail us when we need support most Prov 11:28a
3. we need something, someone who is there - and who can really offer hope and help
B. And through Jesus, God is that Someone
1. Ps 146:3-5 what a great contrast is here
2. Ps 57:1 here is the happy circumstance of one who has confidently placed his trust in God
3. Jesus is a surity of Gods concern for us
CLOSE: God did plan well, didnt He! There is just no weakness in what He offers us in and through Jesus.
Cecil A. Hutson
01 April 2001