During The Time Of Your Exile | Dr. Matthew McKellar | June 14, 2026

Main message: Christians are "exiles" on earth whose identity and certain heavenly inheritance should shape how they live now: set your hope fully on Christ, pursue holiness, walk in reverent awe of God, love others sincerely, and long for the nourishing Word that fuels spiritual growth.

Key points:

• Peter emphasizes identity first: believers are "elect exiles" with an imperishable inheritance kept in heaven, and that perspective precedes commands.
• Five cues for exile living: Hope (set your hope fully on Christ's coming), Holy (be set apart as God is holy), Fear (reverential awe of an impartial Judge), Love (fervent brotherly love purified by obedience), Long (crave the pure spiritual milk of Scripture to grow).
• Redemption is costly and certain: believers were ransomed by the precious blood of Christ and raised by the Father so faith and hope rest in God.
• The abiding Word endures amid changing circumstances; spiritual nourishment from Scripture produces sanctification and genuine love.
• "Fear" here is awe that motivates obedience and desire to please the Father, not cringing terror.

Scriptures mentioned: 1 Peter 1:13–2:3, 1 Peter 1:1–2, 1 Peter 2:11, Leviticus 19:2, Isaiah 40:6–8, Psalm 34:8, 1 Corinthians 3, Hebrews (referenced)