December 20: 1 Peter 1-5

December 20, 1 Peter 1-5

1 Peter intro from the ESV Bible: “The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged by the persecution they were encountering because of their faith. Peter exhorted them to stand strong, repeatedly reminding them of Christ’s example, the riches of their inheritance in him, and the hope of his returning again to take them to heaven. Peter explained how Christians should respond when they suffer because of their beliefs. Called the “apostle of hope,” Peter’s primary message is to trust the Lord, live obediently no matter what your circumstances, and keep your hope fixed on God’s ultimate promise of deliverance. Suffering is to be expected, but it is temporary and yields great blessings for those who remain steadfast. Peter probably wrote this letter in the mid-60s a.d.” 

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 1 Greeting. One of Jesus’ lead disciples, Peter is the author of this letter. He wrote this letter to encourage the saints who were being persecuted and he was pushing them to holiness and obedience in Christ Jesus..

Born Again to a Living Hope. Through accepting Christ, we are born again spiritually & Peter is very grateful to God for the life we can now have. This life in heaven is guarded for us by God and will not change. Even when we are going through trials and the like, we can endure them. We are to know that during these times, our faith is being tested and purified (Sanctification). Even though we have not ‘seen’ Jesus, by faith we love Him and know Him. 

The Prophets for years were talking about Jesus and the Salvation that He would bring - and God was revealing it to them. Salvation is such an amazing thing, that even angels long to look into it. How incredible is that?

Called to Be Holy. Holman's Concise Bible Commentary puts this section this way, “Peter explained that the character of God and the high cost of redemption were incentives to produce holiness in his readers. He also demanded that holiness show itself in earnest love for other believers and in a forsaking of all malicious attitudes.

Peter’s words in 1:13 are equivalent to saying, “Roll up your sleeves and go to work.” He mentioned that the return of Jesus Christ was to give them hope and stability in the face of persecution. Christians would show their response to God’s holiness by leaving the “evil desires” of their past ignorance and by adopting God’s own behavior as their pattern.

In 1:17–21 Peter indicated that a proper reverence for God and an appreciation of the high cost of redemption demanded holy living. The readers would understand redemption as the freeing of a slave by paying a price. The payment that released Christians from an “empty way of life” was the “blood of Christ.” Peter noted that God had determined the performance of this work of Christ before the beginning of time. He had only recently made His plan evident in the incarnation, passion, and resurrection of Jesus.

Peter urged his readers to express their holiness by genuine love for one another. The quotation of Isaiah 40:6–8 (vv. 24–25) showed that the experience of this love came from the creative activity of God. Peter directed his readers to put aside malice and hypocrisy in their response to God’s holiness. He also encouraged them to grow as believers by appropriating the nurture inherent in the gospel message.”

1 Peter 2 A Living Stone and a Holy People. Peter encourages all of his readers to put aside their old way of life before Christ (their sins) and desire nothing more than Jesus Christ -  “if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” If you have met Jesus, you will know that He is good. If you have not - you will not see that He is good. It is like hearing things about somebody and forming your prejudices or partialities before even meeting them… Your perception may change once you actually met the person. Again, Holman’s Concise Commentary sums this up very well, “Peter used three images to describe the church in this section. First, he portrayed the church as a living body that gave sacrificial service to God. Christ was a life-giving Stone who enabled His followers to produce such spiritual sacrifices as obedience (Rom. 12:1), praise, and practical ministry (Heb. 13:15–16). Second, he described the church as a building or structure founded on Christ as the cornerstone. He quoted Old Testament passages from Isaiah 8:14; 28:16 and Psalm 118:22 to show that Christ was a foundation stone for believers and a rock which caused tripping for unbelievers. Third, he used the language of Exodus 19:5–6 and Hosea 2:23 to portray believers as a select nation reflecting the glories of God. God had fashioned special recipients of His mercy from those who previously never belonged to anyone.”

Submission to Authority. This concept of submission is met with much resistance in our day and age. Ironically, we are a rebellious people, just like those that Peter was writing to, so take heed and listen! What is this section referring to? Submit to those in authority as unto God. Whether Kings or masters, this is God’s will. In doing so, you can still live in freedom, as long as you don't use your freedom to cover up your evil and sin. Live as a servant of God, which would be submission. Also, we are to honor everyone and love our brothers and sisters in Christ, fearing God and giving honor to those in authority. 

Peter goes on telling the slaves to submit to their masters, just like Paul did. For us, we are to submit to those in authority over us. We don't always have to fight back or be heard. We are to follow the example of Jesus Christ… “For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

1 Peter 3 Wives and Husbands. In a simplistic way, Bakers Commentary summarizes this chapter for us. “Peter encourages wives to be submissive to their husbands, to stress not external adornment but the inner beauty of a quiet and gentle spirit, and to imitate holy women of the past. He mentions Sarah by name and calls women who seek to do that which is right her daughters. Peter exhorts husbands to live thoughtfully and respectfully with their wives.

The author admonishes all recipients to be harmonious, sympathetic, compassionate, and humble toward one another. He supports his exhortation with a lengthy quotation from Psalm 34:12–16. If they avoid evil and do good, they receive God’s indispensable blessing.

Some believers suffer for doing what is right. Peter calls these people blessed. He tells the readers to be able to give a reason for the hope that they have, to keep a clear conscience, and to be willing to suffer for doing good. He directs their attention to the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. Peter illustrates salvation with a reference to Noah and his household, who survived the flood. The waters of the flood symbolize baptism. Baptism points to Jesus Christ; his death and resurrection provide the cleansing that baptism signifies. Christ ascended to heaven, sits in majesty at God’s right hand, and rules over the spiritual world of angels, authorities, and powers.”

1 Peter 4 Stewards of God’s Grace. Don’t live for the fleshful desires but live to obey God and hate sin. Honestly, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” Live in light of that. Time is short and be self controlled loving one another. Love does not just forgive and pursue, but love endures. Love is bold and love is obeying God’s Word and commands. Live this way! It is a better way to live…

Peter tells us that we are to use our gifts for God. Use the gifts that God has given you for God.

Suffering as a Christian. Peter shows us what is coming and how to react… “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” When you are going through a trial - rejoice that you are considered worthy of bearing the name of Jesus Christ. I know that may sound like a cliche, but think about it. People don't like Jesus and so they probably wont like those that love Him. If you are convinced that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life - then you probably will have some serious trials as your faith is being increased and you are also pursuing holiness… all of this is for Christ and it is worth it. “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” 

1 Peter 5 Shepherd the Flock of God. The elders are to protect and equip the body of Christ. Not for selfish gain in a domineering way, but leading them by example. When the Chief Shepherd (Jesus) appears, the good elders will receive an unfading crown of Glory. Younger ones are to submit to the elders. We are all to live with a heart of humility because “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Bakers Commentary for the summary of this chapter, “Peter begins this chapter by exhorting the elders in the church to be shepherds of God’s flock, for he also is an elder who is responsible to the Chief Shepherd Jesus Christ. He tells them to serve as overseers, to avoid greed, and to be examples to the members of the church. Then they will receive the crown of glory as their reward.

The apostle continues with a few admonitions: he exhorts young men to be submissive, and all the readers to be humble. Peter encourages the believers to cast their anxieties on God, to be self-controlled, and to resist the devil.

The apostle prays a prayer that is eloquent in its simplicity. In it he assures the readers that God will restore them, make them strong, and establish them. He mentions that Silas has helped in writing the epistle and in summary states the purpose of the letter. With final greetings and a prayer of peace he concludes this first epistle.”

To sum it all up: 

• Our lives are to reflect Christ Jesus. We are to be holy. We are saints not sinners. 
• Use the gifts that God has given you for God.
• As you can tell from this epistle, we are to be holy. We are to hate sin. We are to give up our old ways of living and be obedient to God. 
• IF your heart is for Christ, these commands today from Peter are a source of encouragement and hope. If we live this life how God has called us to, we are living our lives for the Everlasting Hope - that is eternity with Jesus Christ.