I Peter 1 – Greatly Rejoice!

I Peter 1:6a, In this you Greatly Rejoice!

Rejoice in what?  The context will tell us…

I Peter 1:1-9, Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:  Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In this you greatly rejoice,

You GREATLY REJOICE!!  Why???

1. 2, God has chosen to save some – He has saved you!
2. 2, The Spirit has baptized you into Jesus and is now at work to make you more holy – sanctified – and thus more obedient.
3. 2, Jesus gave His life in full payment for sins to justify those unworthy – He died for you!
4. 3, God is of abundant mercy – you fumble and stumble yet God does not turn away.
5. 3, God has begotten you to a life of hope – He is in the boat with you – all is well!
6. 3, God has conquered death and the grave – Jesus rose from the dead!!
7. 4, Your name is on the will – you are an heir, a joint heir! Romans 8:17
8. 4, Your inheritance will not diminish, fade, nor rust!  Nothing can lessen the glories to come!
9. 5, You are kept – held by God’s mighty hand! John 10:27-30
10. 5, The completion of salvation is coming – no more curse, pain, or death!

Thus, the response of Greatly Rejoice is only logical!

Yes!  GREATLY REJOICE!

And then: 6b-8, …though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory

So we gladly join Mark Altrogge with these thoughts and words about our God:
You are beautiful beyond description! Too marvelous for words!
Too wonderful for comprehension Like nothing ever seen or heard!
Who can grasp your infinite wisdom? Who can fathom the depth of your love?
You are beautiful beyond description!  Majesty enthroned above!
And I stand, I stand in awe of you!  I stand, I stand in awe of you!
Holy God to whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of you!

Oh, how we ought to be enthralled with Jesus for Who He is and what He has done – becoming a human to live in a “swamp” in order to adopt “swamp” people who by faith embrace Him as their Savior and Lord.  What an amazing, incredibly GREAT story!  We indeed should be somewhat speechless and overjoyed.  Hallelujah!  Glory to God in the highest!!