The following outline and discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon on May 1, “The Privilege of Salvation” (1 Peter 1:10–12). The questions can be used for discussion in small groups or for personal reflection. 

Outline

1. Historical Privilege (1 Peter 1:10–12)
2. Cosmic Privilege (1 Peter 1:12)

Main Point: Believers today should have a profound sense of privilege for how they have received salvation. Specifically, they do not merely see what Christ did in salvation from afar like the prophets or from above like the angels, but they see more (historically, specifically) and experience more (cosmically)!

Discussion Questions

• Describe how Peter draws a line of continuity between the prophecies of the Old Testament and the lives of the first century believers.
• How does Peter show that these Christians are not just part of the story, but a privileged part of the story?
• How does Peter show that these Christians have a cosmic privilege in comparison with the angels?

Application Questions

• How do you think about salvation today? What kind of value do you place on it? Is it something that is assumed or just blends into the background of your life? Or is it in the foreground of your mind and heart as something exceedingly precious so that you feel the privilege to be a recipient of the most precious gift anyone could ever receive?
• According to 1 Peter 1:1 and 5:12, what is the theme of the entire letter? How does that theme connect to the main point of 1 Peter 1:10–12? That is, how does Peter’s point about the preciousness of salvation relate to the call to stand firm in the true grace of God as those who know this world is not our home? Is that your mentality? Or do you find yourself sometimes trying to make this world your home?
• In this sermon, what truths landed upon you that you need to share with others in your life? How can you share these truths? Devote it to prayer!

Prayer Focus
Pray for a grace for the Lord to restore the joy of your salvation as you rejoice in your privileged place in salvation history.