We’re now studying the book of 1 Peter. For the last couple of posts I’ve been talking about Peter’s opening remarks. They are very eye-opening.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
1 Peter 1:1-2 NIV
I’ve talked about the fact that he is writing to the elect; aliens, scattered throughout the world. Today I want to emphasize that we are chosen. That word chosen means selected, hand-picked, or favorite.
Why has God chosen us? The answer is simply because we responded to His call.
“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 22:14 NIV
We are all invited – called – but chosen means that you responded and put yourself in the position of being selected. I talked about that in my first post of this series. Now we’ll take it a step further.
The Apostle Peter described this truth in the verse we looked at above. He said that we were chosen according to the foreknowledge of the Father. Then we were sanctified by the working of the Holy Spirit in us.
That, in and of itself, is great news. But he didn’t stop there. He had to put in that tough little word – “for”. That changes everything. That means that there was a reason for all that He did. It can be summed up in one word – purpose.
It turns out that we are strangers, scattered and chosen for a purpose. What is that purpose? According to Peter, the purpose is obedience to Christ.
That word obedience literally means to hear under. You could also call it attentive listening. If I’m an alien, then I must listen to MY King. Being scattered in the world I have to listen for the Lord’s special instructions for me.
If I’m chosen, then I need to listen to the one who chose me. We must listen carefully and follow His instructions. If we don’t, then things will start to go wrong.
The problem is that listening requires time in the Lord’s presence. We live in a fast paced world. We look for the quick fixes. How can I get it done immediately?
The truth is that there’s no technology that can speed up the development of relationship. The only way is by spending time. Whether it’s with another human, or the Holy Spirit, I have to take the time necessary to get to know them. This fact will never change.
I am a stranger, an alien, to this world. I am scattered to be salt. I am chosen by God to obey Him. Therefore, I must listen attentively.
We need these attitudes if we’re going to be effective for Christ. Only then will we see a difference in the world around us. The world is desperately waiting for a church that knows who they are in Christ.
Question: How have you made a difference for Christ in the lives of those around you?
© 2025 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 