Introduction: These verses, part of the same paragraph that began in verse 3, are dealing with how a believer receives the benefits described in those previous verses. We’ve looked at grace already, and salvation, but Peter deals with it again here, only from a different perspective. These verses show us the value of grace – and how the OT prophets didn’t understand it but prophesied it, and how even the angels in heaven don’t completely comprehend. These verses are meant to show the value of being a NT Christian – and the responsibility that puts upon every one of us to do more than we’ve done to be obedient to that gospel that saved us.
I. Grace was prophesied – vs. 10
A. Although grace was prophesied by the OT prophets without them completely understanding it, they were still saved by that same grace they prophesied, that same grace we are saved by
B. While they prophesied they are mentioned here as inquiring and searching “diligently” concerning the salvation they were prophesying about
“Inquired” – “This word is intensive. It means that they sought out, or scrutinized with care the revelations made to them, that they might understand exactly what was implied in that which they were appointed to record in respect to the salvation which was tobe made known through the Messiah.” (Barnes)
“Searched diligently” – to seek out, to search out – “The idea is, that they perceived that in their communications there were some great and glorious truths which they did not fully comprehend, and that they diligently employed their natural faculties to understand that which they were appointed to impart to succeeding generations.” (Barnes)
II. Grace was provided – vs. 11
A. Through the suffering of Christ on the cross
B. They were searching the Scriptures and their own prophesies to see what the “Spirit of Christ” was pointing to concerning the coming of the Suffering Redeemer
C. The final part of this verse is where the emphasis is – “when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow”
“When it testified beforehand” – speaking of the Holy Spirit as it moved the writers of the OT to prophecy the coming Redeemer
“The sufferings of Christ” – Psalm 22; Psalm 69; Psalm 88; Is. 52:13-53:10
“And the glory that should follow” – speaking of all that is provided because of what Jesus did, but specifically speaking, considering the prophecies of the OT prophets, this point is dealing with the Millennial reign of Christ on earth Isa 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Dan 2:34-35 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. 35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
III. Grace is administered through preaching – vs. 12
A. The purpose of those prophecies concerning the Saviour were given to the OT prophets for the Age of Grace time period – not for there time
B. This does not mean they were saved differently – they just had to believe in faith in the grace of God that would be revealed rather than, as we today, believing in faith in the grace of God that has been revealed
C. The message of grace is delivered by preaching – not just by those that have the Holy Spirit gift of pastor/teacher, but by everyone that presents the gospel to another person
Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Luk 9:6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.
Act 8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Rom 10:14-15 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Conclusion: In times of deepest anguish, in times of deepest despair, the only thing we may have to hold on to is the grace of God. I know this first- hand, as many of you do. The only thing keeping me going right now is the grace of God that saved me, and the knowledge I have of my responsibility to let others know of that grace. If it weren’t for that, I would not be standing here tonight – I would not have any reason to continue on.
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