1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… I. WE ARE KEPT SAFE. 1. God hides His people (Psalm 27:5; Colossians 3:3). 2. God guards His people. II. WE ARE KEPT UP. A corpse might be kept safe, but it would only be preserved corruption. Let us remember that He who keeps our spiritual life secure from outward attack, also keeps it from internal decay. With perpetual preservation there is continual renovation. III. WE ARE KEPT BACK. He who knows anything of the tendencies of his heart praises God as much for restraining as sustaining grace. IV. WE ARE KEPT ON. If ye are found still running with patience give glory to Him unto whom alone it belongs. V. WE ARE KEPT THROUGH. There is as much need for us to be taught how to bear with equanimity, as how to serve with unceasing zeal. We are kept through faith's trial as well as in faith's service. VI. WE ARE KEPT CLEAN. We who are kept safe in our title are kept meet in our persons for the coming glory. VII. WE ARE KEPT IN ORDER. The grace that saves places us in Christ's school house for instruction. VIII. WE ARE KEPT ALWAYS. The keeping of the text extends unto "the last time." We are kept "unto the end." What is there before us? Well, there is sickness for sure. But the promise is, "He," that is the Lord, "will make his bed in his sickness." Beyond sickness stands grim death, but that has lost all power to sting. Beyond death there yawns an open grave. But here the Lord's keeping shines forth most magnificently. Yes, kept for the resurrection morning. Kept by invincible might for reunion with the glorified spirit. Nothing short of eternal keeping becomes the ever-living God, or meets the requirements of our immortal souls. IX. WE ARE KEPT FOR A PUBLIC EXHIBITION (Ephesians 2:7). (A. G. Brown.) Parallel Verses KJV: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, |
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