A Home for the Homeless
As we continue our series, “Reimagining the Church,” the image for the church that we’re going to be thinking about today is “A Home for the Homeless”. The first thought some of you may have on hearing that image is that the church is to help people who happen to be homeless in a physical sense, but Pastor Doug will be sharing about it in the fullest sense possible as we will hear in the epistle known as 1 Peter. The “exiles” in 1 Peter are Christians living in this world, which is not their home. The church is to be a home for the homeless both physically and metaphorically, a place where individuals seeking to live counter-culturally in a Christ-like manner, even if that involves suffering, scorn, or misunderstanding from the majority culture, may find unity, love, compassion, and acceptance.
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A Home for the Homeless
Have you ever stayed at a hotel, a rental property, a Bed and Breakfast, an Air BNB, or a resort of any kind? Most of us probably have at one time or another. What’s the proper attitude to have toward the place you’re staying? You want to take care of everything, so you don’t break or damage something that you’d be responsible for repairing. You know the place is temporary for you, but you want to make the most of your time and enjoy the experience and leave it as nice or nicer than you found it. At least, that’s what I think one should do.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we might look at our lives on earth in a similar way. We’re here for a time, but not permanently.
While we’re here we want to make the most of our time and enjoy the experience while being good stewards of the earth and any possessions that we’re temporarily responsible for managing.
Just as we understand we don’t own the hotel or B & B we might stay at briefly, it doesn’t belong to us, it’s not our home, neither ultimately is the earth.
The image for the church that we’re going to be thinking about today is a Home for the Homeless.
The first thought some of you may have on hearing that image is that the church is to help people who happen to be homeless in a physical sense.
There are many who would say that shelter or housing is a basic human right, and the church has a responsibility to assist those in need. We strive to do that through our partnerships with five nonprofits on Cape Cod – Habitat for Humanity, the Homeless Prevention Council, the Lower Cape Outreach Council, Housing Assistance Corporation, and Champ Homes.
Through our church’s mission budget and our Deacon’s Fund, we support organizations and assist individuals to help them retain or find housing. My wife Jill has devoted her working life to this issue. When I say the church is to be a Home for the Homeless, it’s in the fullest sense possible as we will hear in the epistle known as 1 Peter.
1 Peter was likely written during the reign of the Roman emperor Flavian (73-91 AD), and seems addressed to a primarily rural audience, including groups of people far from their homes living in Asia Minor. Scholars estimate that the population of Asia Minor in this period was 8.5 million people with Christians being a small minority totaling perhaps 85,000 people. As a result, they faced misunderstanding and suffering. In the first sentence we learn the letter is addressed to the “exiles of the Dispersion.”
The word “Dispersion” in the Bible usually refers to the exile or emigration of Jews from Israel to other countries. However, in 1 Peter 1:1 and James 1:1, it’s used metaphorically to testify to the church’s sense of being aliens in this world.
By the time of the writing of 1 Peter, most Christian converts were Gentiles rather than former Jews, 1 Peter uses the terms “exiles” or “exile, three times (1:1, 1:17, and 2:11). The “exiles” in 1 Peter are not just workers living far from home, or displaced people, but Christians living in this world, which is not their home.
The church is to be a home for the homeless both physically and metaphorically, a place where individuals seeking to live counter culturally in a Christ like manner, even if that involves suffering, scorn, or misunderstanding from the majority culture, may find unity, love, compassion, and acceptance. Listen to 1 Peter 1:1-2, 3:8-9.
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus (pahnʹtuhs), Galatia, Cappadocia (kap-uh-dohʹshee-uh), Asia, and Bithynia (buh-thinʹee-uh), 2 who have been chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood:
May grace and peace be yours in abundance.
8 Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing.
In the opening verses of 1 Peter. The Apostle Peter writes to the “exiles of the Dispersion”—a group of believers scattered across Asia Minor. This letter, though written centuries ago, resonates deeply with us today as we navigate our own challenges and seek to live faithfully in a world that often feels foreign.
I. Understanding Our Identity: Chosen and Destined
Peter begins with a powerful declaration, the exiles “have been chosen and destined by God the Father.” To be chosen is to be set apart, to have a divine purpose.
If we’re chosen or destined by God, then our life has purpose and meaning and our life is not a random accident in the universe.
If we’re chosen by God then each life has value, dignity, and worth which defines our self-understanding and gives us a solid foundation for our identity; for who we are and whose we are. Each of us, as believers, is part of a grand narrative orchestrated by God.
We’re not random; we’re called.
In a world that often defines us by our appearance, achievements, material possessions, or social media presence, Peter reminds us that our identity is rooted in God.
Reflect on that for a moment. You’re chosen.
This has implications for your self-worth and how you view others.
If you’re chosen, then every person you encounter is valuable in the eyes of God. Understanding you’re chosen infuses every day of your life with significance.
II. Sanctified by the Spirit
Next Peter mentions being “sanctified by the Spirit.” Sanctification is a process of transformation where the Holy Spirit works in us, making us more like Christ.
This isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing journey. It involves letting go of old ways and embracing a new life—one characterized by holiness, love, and obedience.
When we consider what it means to be sanctified, we realize that it calls for an active response from us. We’re invited to participate in this work of transformation.
This means seeking God daily, engaging in prayer, reading Scripture, and allowing the Spirit to guide our decisions and interactions with others.
All of us can ask the Spirit to make clear to us what areas of our life need to change for us to become more Christlike.
We can ask the Spirit to convict us of any habits or thoughts we need to surrender or change.
III. The Call to Obedience
Peter then speaks of being “obedient to Jesus Christ.”
Obedience is often viewed negatively in our culture; to some people it can sound like a loss of freedom. However, true freedom is found in obedience to Christ. Following his commands leads to life and flourishing.
In a world that often promotes individualism and self-centeredness, we’re called to a different standard.
Jesus models for us what it means to live in submission to God’s will. As we learn to obey God, and align our lives with God’s purposes, we experience the fullness of grace and peace that 1 Peter desires for us.
There may be areas of your life in which you struggle to obey God’s commands.
How can you seek Christ’s strength to align your will more greatly with God’s?
Why does aligning our will with Christ’s matter?
Well, those of us who drive a car know that continuing to drive a vehicle with bad alignment will increase friction on your tires, making them less fuel efficient, wear out the tires faster, and even permanently damage them. Being out of alignment makes steering more difficult and may put you at greater risk of an accident.
In the same way, when our will and behavior are not properly aligned with the teaching and behavior of Christ, we’re more likely to find our life is a bumpy, uncomfortable ride and we’re more likely to steer ourselves into trouble.
Right at the start of this letter, the recipients are hearing they’re chosen by God and sanctified by the Spirit to live in obedience to Christ who shed his blood that they might be forgiven and have the gift of relationship with God and eternal life. That’s what we’re called to in our life on earth however many years we may have.
IV. Living in Grace and Peace
Peter’s greeting, “May grace and peace be yours in abundance,” sets the tone for the rest of the letter.
Grace is God’s unmerited favor, while peace is the deep, abiding assurance that comes from knowing God. These gifts are foundational to our Christian living and must overflow into our relationships with others.
Grace allows us to extend forgiveness and kindness, even when it’s difficult.
Peace equips us to be peacemakers in a world rife with conflict.
As we live in grace and peace, we become conduits of these virtues to those around us.
How are you doing at cultivating a spirit of grace and peace in your interactions with others?
Would the people who know you well or interact with you say that you’re someone who embodies grace and peace in your relationships?
If they’d be more likely to describe you as combative or hostile rather than gracious and peaceful, is it possible you might need to re-think your behavior or how you’re expressing yourself?
V. The Call to Community
Shifting from chapter 1 to 1 Peter 3:8-9, In verse 8, Peter describes how we’re to live in the church which is a home for all those who are seeking God in this world. “Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” Here, Peter emphasizes the importance of community.
Our faith is not just personal; it’s communal. We’re called to live together in harmony, reflecting the love of Christ in five specific ways.
- Unity of Spirit goes beyond mere agreement. It’s a deep connection rooted in our shared faith and mission. We may come from different backgrounds and experiences, but our common identity in Christ unites us. Each of us has a role to play in creating unity in the church. We can either help build unity through our speech and actions, or we can hinder unity or even be divisive. The next four things Peter mentions are what make unity in the church possible.
- Sympathy: Sympathy is more than feeling for someone; it’s feeling with someone. It’s what we feel when we express how sorry we are to someone who has lost a loved one. It’s feeling compassion for a friend who is struggling or for a coworker or classmate who is overwhelmed. It’s expressing empathy for a family member who’s making a difficult decision. It’s why Paul writes (Romans 12:15) that we weep with those who weep. In the church, we sympathize with one another.
- Love for one another: When we cultivate love for one another, we embody the nature of Christ. In our current climate this is vital to remember. Jesus said to love your neighbor. Not control your neighbor, not mock your neighbor, not shame your neighbor, not dehumanize your neighbor, not demonize your neighbor. Love is to be the distinguishing characteristic of a Chirstian. If we lived love well as Jesus did, we wouldn’t have to tell people we were Christians. They’d know.
- A Tender Heart: A tender heart is sensitive to the needs and struggles of others. It recognizes that we’re all in need of grace. One of the worst things a person can have spiritually, or physically, is hardness of heart; we see that in the Bible from Pharoah in the book of Exodus (8:15) to Jesus’ opponents in the gospels (Mark 3:5, “And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart,”). Hardness of heart grieves the heart of God and if your heart is hard rather than tender, you won’t have love or sympathy for others and you’re more likely to contribute to division and conflict than unity and harmony.
- A Humble Mind: Humility is essential for a thriving church. Paul writes in Romans 12:16, “16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.” Humility reminds us we’re all equal at the foot of the cross. Pride, arrogance, and contempt poison relationships and unity. The Bible tells us over and over that God is with the humble and opposes the proud. James 4:6, reminds us, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
How can you actively promote unity and love in your relationships, our church, and community? What steps can you take to foster greater understanding and compassion?
VI. Repaying with Blessing
Peter concludes this section with a challenging word: “Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing.”
In a world that encourages retaliation and revenge, we’re called to respond differently. The way of Jesus is different from the way of the world or the way of worldly power.
To repay with a blessing means we actively choose to respond with kindness and love, even in the face of hostility. This isn’t merely about refraining from negative actions; it’s about proactive goodness. Jesus exemplified this on the cross, where He prayed for those who crucified Him.
As you reflect on your own responses to conflict, are there situations in your life where God may be calling you to repay with a blessing instead of retaliation?
VII. Our Inheritance
Peter reminds us that this call to bless others is connected to our identity as those who “might inherit a blessing.” Living in accordance with this calling leads to a deeper experience of God’s blessings in our lives.
To inherit a blessing is about receiving the fullness of what God has promised—grace, peace, joy, and ultimately eternal life with the Lord.
Our actions today and every day reflect our understanding of this inheritance.
How can the awareness of your inheritance motivate you to live differently this week?
The words of 1 Peter challenge us to embrace our identity as chosen and sanctified people, called to live in a Spirit led community characterized by obedience to Christ which produces grace, sympathy, love, tenderness, and humility. We’re invited to respond to the world not with retaliation but with blessings, reflecting the heart of Christ.
May we commit to living out these truths. Remember, we’re not just chosen for ourselves but for the sake of others. May we live as bearers of blessing in a world in desperate need of God’s love.
Closing Prayer
Gracious God, we thank you for the new identity we have because of our faith in Jesus Christ. Thank you for choosing us so we have purpose and meaning and for giving us the Holy Spirit so we may live in obedience to Christ and become more like Jesus every day of our lives. We thank you for the new community and home we have in this world called the church which helps us as we seek to follow Christ. Help everyone of us to do all we can to build the cohesiveness and strength of the church by having unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, a humble mind, and a willingness to serve one another. In Jesus name and for His sake. Amen.
Questions for Discussion or Reflection
- Divine Purpose: What do you think it means to be “chosen and destined by God the Father,” and does this influence your own understanding of your journey of faith? Why or why not?
- Role of the Holy Spirit: In what ways does being “sanctified by the Spirit” affect the daily lives of believers? What does sanctification look like in practice?
- Obedience to Christ: How can we actively demonstrate obedience to Jesus Christ in our lives, and what challenges might we face in doing so?
- Unity and Love: What are practical ways to cultivate “unity of spirit” and “love for one another” within a church community (1 Peter 3:8)?
- Characteristics of Community: How do “sympathy,” a “tender heart,” and a “humble mind” contribute to healthy relationships among believers? Can you share an example from your experience?
- Response to Wrongdoing: What are some common ways people respond to “evil for evil” today (1 Peter 3:9)? How does Peter’s instruction to “repay with a blessing” challenge those responses?
- Practical Application: Can you think of a situation where you found it difficult to “repay with a blessing”? How might you handle a similar situation differently in the future?