Disciples In Distress (1 Peter)

Dr. George Bannister

Woodville Baptist Church

Disciples In Distress • Sermon • Submitted 4 years ago

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Peter encourages Christians to endure suffering by keeping eternity in focus.

Notes

Transcript

INTRODUCTION:

A- BOOK PROFILE: 1 PETER

•A circulating letter to first-century Christians scattered over the northern part of modern Turkey

(1 Peter 1:2)

•Delivered or recorded by Silas (1 Peter 5:12), a friend and coworker of the apostle Peter

•Sent from Rome identified by the code name Babylon (1 Peter 5:13)

•Written shortly before the outbreak of the Neronian persecution in a.d. 64-65.

•Addressed an audience made up of both Jewish and Gentile Christians, with the majority Gentile

•Written during a time of political, social, and personal persecution

•Emphasizes the reality of suffering in the lives of Christians, but also offers words of encouragement and challenge

•Has suffering as a primary theme, mentioning it sixteen times by using eight different Greek terms

B- AUTHOR PROFILE: PETER (1 Peter 1:1)

•Simon, a fisherman, who followed John the Baptist until his brother Andrew introduced him to Jesus

•Name changed to Peter by Jesus, signifying the rock-like character that would ultimately dominate Peter’s personality

•Natural leader and spokesperson for the disciples

•Impulsive, sometimes selfish, and short-tempered

•Emerged as primary figure in the early church after the day of Pentecost

•Traveled widely in ministry

•Tradition indicates he was crucified upside down in Rome during the persecution by the emperor Nero, around a.d. 68.

C- BOOK OUTLINE:

I. Enduring Distress as a Christian (1 Peter 1:1–2:10)

A. The Hidden Inheritance, the Hidden Lord (1 Peter 1:1–9)

1 Peter 1:1–9 NLT

1 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

1- Chosen people (ἐκλεκτοῖς) who are living as foreigners (παρεπιδήμοις διασπορᾶς) who are scattered (on foreign soil). (1 Peter 1:1)

1 Peter 1:1 NLT

1 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

2- Chosen by God the Father (θεοῦ πατρός) because of His knowledge of you in the past (πρόγνωσιν). (1 Peter 1:2)

1 Peter 1:2 NLT

2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.

3- Made holy by the Holy Spirit (ἐν ἁγιασμῷ πνεύματος) through obedience and acceptance of the work of Christ. (εἰς ὑπακοὴν καὶ ῥαντισμὸν αἵματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ·) (1 Peter 1:2)

1 Peter 1:2 NLT

4- Given a new birth by his mercy which is guaranteed by the resurrection of Christ. (1 Peter 1:3).

1 Peter 1:3 NLT

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,

5- An inheritance is guaranteed to the believer. (1 Peter 1:4)

1 Peter 1:4 NLT

4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

6- Divine protection is given to the believer through faith (1 Peter 1:5)

1 Peter 1:5 NLT

5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

7- Joy is available to the Christian in the middle of distress. (1 Peter 1:6-9)

1 Peter 1:6–9 NLT

6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

B. Preparation for Action (1 Peter 1:10–2:3)

1 Peter 1:10–2:3 NLT

10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward. 12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. 13 So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 17 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” 18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake. 21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. 22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. 23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. 25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you. 1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

1- Don’t take your salvation for granted. (1 Peter 1:10-12)

1 Peter 1:10–12 NLT

a. The Gospel was something that was progressively revealed to the prophets, but not fully understood by any of them. (Hebrews 11:32-39)

Hebrews 11:32–39 NLT

32 How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. 33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. 35 Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. 36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. 39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.

This is what the Apostle Paul referred to as the mystery of the Gospel.

(Ephesians 1:9)

(Ephesians 3:2-10)

Ephesians 3:2–10 NLT

2 assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. 3 As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. 4 As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. 5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. 6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. 7 By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. 8 Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. 9 I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. 10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

They did not understand about Christ’s suffering (beatings, death and resurrection).

They did not understand about the Kingdom of God being open to all people (Jews and gentiles).

They did not understand the ultimate glory of Christ’s coming kingdom.

b. The Gospel is announced through Holy Spirit-empowered witnesses. (Acts 2)

c. The Gospel is so wonderful that the angels of heaven are amazed.

2- Live out your salvation in the midst of distress. (1 Peter 1:13-25)

a. Pursue holiness (1 Peter 1:13-17)

1 Peter 1:13–17 NLT

13 So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 17 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.”

Pursue holiness by preparing the mind for action and discipline.

“So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control.” (v. 13 a)

(ἀναζωσαμενοι τας ὀσφυας τῆς διανοίας = [an idiom, literally ‘to bind up the loins of the mind’] to prepare oneself for learning and thinking—‘to get one’s mind ready for action, to be ready to learn and to think, to be alert.’ διὸ ἀναζωσάμενοι τὰς ὀσφύας τῆς διανοίας ὑμῶν ‘so then, have your minds ready for action’

(νήφοντες = ‘to be sober, to not be drunk,’ probably not occurring in the NT; see 88.86) to be in control of one’s thought processes and thus not be in danger of irrational thinking—‘to be sober-minded, to be well composed in mind.’

(1 Th 5:6.)

1 Thessalonians 5:6 NLT

6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

Pursue holiness by putting all of your hope in the completed gift of salvation.

(τελείως, ἐλπίσατε ἐπὶ τὴν φερομένην ὑμῖν χάριν ἐν ἀποκαλύψει Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.= completely put all of your hope in the grace coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.)

Pursue holiness by persevering in obedience.

(Luke 6:46)

Luke 6:46 NLT

46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?

Pursue holiness by perceiving the example for life.

Pursue holiness by planning life with your eternal home in view.

b. Remember the high cost of your salvation (1 Peter 1:18-20)

1 Peter 1:18–20 NLT

18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.

God paid the ransom to save you.

From the empty live you inherited from earthly ancestors.

The ransom was not paid with things of temporal value.

The ransom was paid with the blood of Christ.

Jesus was the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.

Jesus’ death and resurrection was determined before the world began.

c. Seek to reflect the transformed character God has placed within you. (1 Peter 1:21-2:3)

1 Peter 1:21–2:3 NLT

21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. 22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. 23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. 25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you. 1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

Reflect a transformed character through demonstrating sincere love (1 Peter 1:21-22)

1 Peter 1:21–22 NLT

Reflect a transformed character through obedience to the Word of God. (1 Peter 1:23-25)

1 Peter 1:23–25 NLT

23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. 25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

Reflect a transformed character through radical pursuit of spiritual growth. (1 Peter 2:1-3)

1 Peter 2:1–3 NLT

1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

Forsake behavior that contradicts your profession of faith in Christ! (1 Peter 2:1)

1 Peter 2:1 NLT

1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.

Cultivate an insatiable craving for consuming and activating scriptural teaching in your life. (1 Peter 2:2-3).

1 Peter 2:2–3 NLT

2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

C. The Hidden Spiritual House (1 Peter 2:4–10)

1- Jesus is the cornerstone. (1 Peter 2:4, 6-8)

1 Peter 2:4 NLT

4 You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.

1 Peter 2:6–8 NLT

6 As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 7 Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” 8 And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.

4 Πρὸς ὃν προσερχόμενοι, λίθον ζῶντα, ὑπὸ ἀνθρώπων μὲν ἀποδεδοκιμασμένον παρὰ δὲ θεῷ ἐκλεκτὸν ἔντιμον

6 διότι περιέχει ἐν γραφῇ· Ἰδοὺ τίθημι ἐν Σιὼν λίθον ἀκρογωνιαῖον ἐκλεκτὸν ἔντιμον, καὶ ὁ πιστεύων ἐπʼ αὐτῷ οὐ μὴ καταισχυνθῇ.

7 ὑμῖν οὖν ἡ τιμὴ τοῖς πιστεύουσιν· ἀπιστοῦσιν δὲ λίθος ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας

8 καὶ λίθος προσκόμματος καὶ πέτρα σκανδάλου· οἳ προσκόπτουσιν τῷ λόγῳ ἀπειθοῦντες· εἰς ὃ καὶ ἐτέθησαν.

a. Rejected by unbelieving people.

(1) Rejected (ἀποδεδοκιμασμένον = to judge someone or something as not being worthy or genuine and thus something to be rejected—‘to regard as not worthy, to reject.’

(Mark 8:31)

Mark 8:31 NLT

31 Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead.

b. Embraced by believing people.

(1) προσερχόμενοι = to move toward a reference point, with a possible implication in certain contexts of a reciprocal relationship between the person approaching and the one who is approached—‘to move toward, to approach, to come near to.’

c. Chosen by the God the Father

(1) παρὰ δὲ θεῷ ἐκλεκτὸν ἔντιμον = chosen by God as precious and valuable.

(Ps. 118:22, 23)

Psalm 118:22 NLT

22 The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.

Psalm 118:23 NLT

23 This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.

( Is. 8:14)

Isaiah 8:14 NLT

14 He will keep you safe. But to Israel and Judah he will be a stone that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare.

(Isa. 28:16)

Isaiah 28:16 NLT

16 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.

(Luke 2:34)

Luke 2:34 NLT

34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him.

2- Disciples are building blocks that are used to build God’s temple. (1 Peter 2:5, 9-10)

1 Peter 2:5 NLT

5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.

1 Peter 2:9–10 NLT

9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

(1 Cor. 3:16)

1 Corinthians 3:16 NLT

16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?

(Ephesians 2:22)

Ephesians 2:22 NLT

22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

(Matthew 16:18)

Matthew 16:18 NLT

18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

a. Christ’s disciples are precious to Him:

Chosen People (γένος ἐκλεκτόν = γένος- a large group of genetically related people [as in a race] , ἐκλεκτόν- chosen, choice)

Royal Priests (βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα= royal, kingly priesthood, to be a priest)

Holy Nation (ἔθνος ἅγιον = ἔθνος- the largest unit into which the people of the world are divided on the basis of their constituting a socio-political community—‘nation, people.’ ἅγιον- pertaining to being holy in the sense of superior moral qualities and possessing certain essentially divine qualities in contrast with what is human—‘holy, pure, divine.)

God’s very own possession- λαὸς εἰς περιποίησιν- Carries the connotation of being His personal possession, prized above all other people.

(Ex. 19:5; Deut. 7:6; 14:2; 26:18)

Exodus 19:5 NLT

5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.

Deuteronomy 7:6 NLT

6 For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.

Deuteronomy 14:2 NLT

2 You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.

Deuteronomy 26:18 NLT

18 The Lord has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands.

b. Christ’s disciples are in a unique position:

A changed standing before God (1 Peter 2:10)

1 Peter 2:10 NLT

10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

( οἵ ποτε οὐ λαὸς νῦν δὲ λαὸς θεοῦ, οἱ οὐκ ἠλεημένοι νῦν δὲ ἐλεηθέντες.)

A challenging purpose from God (1 Peter 2:9)

1 Peter 2:9 NLT

Ὑμεῖς δὲ γένος ἐκλεκτόν, βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα, ἔθνος ἅγιον, λαὸς εἰς περιποίησιν, ὅπως τὰς ἀρετὰς ἐξαγγείλητε τοῦ ἐκ σκότους ὑμᾶς καλέσαντος εἰς τὸ θαυμαστὸν αὐτοῦ φῶς·

II. At Home, But Not in This World (1 Peter 2:11–3:12)

1 Peter 2:11–3:12 NLT

11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 13 For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. 15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. 16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. 17 Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king. 18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives. 3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do. 7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. 8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

A. The Christian’s Inner Self (1 Peter 2:11–12)

1 Peter 2:11–12 NLT

1- Remember that you are citizens of another world system!

a. Peter points out that we are “temporary residents” and “foreigners” in this world. (1 Peter 2:11)

1 Peter 2:11 NLT

11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.

(Ἀγαπητοί, παρακαλῶ ὡς παροίκους καὶ παρεπιδήμους ἀπέχεσθαι τῶν σαρκικῶν ἐπιθυμιῶν, αἵτινες στρατεύονται κατὰ τῆς ψυχῆς·)

(Ephesians 2:19-22)

Ephesians 2:19–22 NLT

19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. 22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

(Hebrews 11:13-16)

Hebrews 11:13–16 NLT

13 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. 15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

(1) The Apostle John described that homeland in the book of Revelation.

(Rev 21:1–22:5)

b. Peter warns us to avoid the pursuit of worldly desires. (1 Peter 2:11)

1 Peter 2:11 NLT

11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.

παρακαλῶ = to ask for something earnestly and with propriety—‘to ask for (earnestly), to request, to plead for, to appeal to, earnest request, appeal.’

ἀπέχεσθαι = to be at some distance away from—‘to be away from, to be off from.’ ἔτι δὲ αὐτοῦ μακρὰν ἀπέχοντος ‘he was still a long way from (home)’ Lk 15:20.

σαρκικῶν = pertaining to behavior which is typical of human nature, but with special focus upon more base physical desires—‘worldly, base.’

ἐπιθυμιῶν = to strongly desire to have what belongs to someone else and/or to engage in an activity which is morally wrong—‘to covet, to lust, evil desires, lust, desire.’

στρατεύονται κατὰ τῆς ψυχῆς· = engage in warfare against the soul (ψυχῆς).

στρατεύονται = to engage in war or battle as a soldier—‘to battle, to fight, to engage in war, warfare.’

(1 Corinthians 3:3)

1 Corinthians 3:3 NLT

3 for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?

c. Peter warns that the pursuit of worldly desires is self-destructive for the believer. (1 Peter 2:12)

1 Peter 2:12 NLT

12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

(τὴν ἀναστροφὴν ὑμῶν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἔχοντες καλήν, ἵνα, ἐν ᾧ καταλαλοῦσιν ὑμῶν ὡς κακοποιῶν, ἐκ τῶν καλῶν ἔργων ἐποπτεύοντες δοξάσωσι τὸν θεὸν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ἐπισκοπῆς.)

καλήν = pertaining to a positive moral quality, with the implication of being favorably valued—‘good, fine, praiseworthy.’

ὑμῶν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν = you [behave properly] among [unbelieving] peoples.

καταλαλοῦσιν = to speak against, often involving speaking evil of—‘to speak evil of, to slander, slander.’

ἐποπτεύοντες = to see, to observe

καλῶν ἔργων = good, praiseworthy works

δοξάσωσι = to speak of something as being unusually fine and deserving honor—‘to praise, to glorify, praise.’

τὸν θεὸν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ = God in heaven

(Matthew 5:16)

Matthew 5:16 NLT

16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

(Galatians 5:16-24)

Galatians 5:16–24 NLT

16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.

B. A Life of Submission (1 Peter 2:13–3:7)

1 Peter 2:13–3:7 NLT

13 For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. 15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. 16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. 17 Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king. 18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives. 3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do. 7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

1- The believer is to submit to civil authorities. (1 Peter 2:13-17)

1 Peter 2:13–17 NLT

a. The disciple of Christ is to exhibit a meek and godly attitude toward those in civil authority.

b. The disciple of Christ is to submit in obedience to governmental authorities as long as it does not involve denial of Christ. (Matthew 10:32-33)

Matthew 10:32–33 NLT

32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.

2- The believer is to submit to authority in up-close relationships.

a. Submit to those in authority at work. (1 Peter 2:18-25)

1 Peter 2:18–25 NLT

18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.

b. Submission at home. (1 Peter 3:1-7)

1 Peter 3:1–7 NLT

1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives. 3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do. 7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

c. Submission and godly behavior when in distress. (1 Peter 3:8-11)

1 Peter 3:8–11 NLT

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

C. The Christian’s Corporate Self (1 Peter 3:8–12)

1 Peter 3:8–12 NLT

1- Disciples of Christ are to strive to display godly attitudes toward one another. (1 Peter 3:8)

1 Peter 3:8 NLT

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

2- Disciples of Christ are to respond positively when mistreated. (1 Peter 3:9)

1 Peter 3:9 NLT

9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

3- Disciples of Christ are to avoid misuse of the tongue (1 Peter 3:10)

1 Peter 3:10 NLT

10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.

4- Disciples of Christ are to pursue godly actions. (1 Peter 3: 11-12)

1 Peter 3:11–12 NLT

11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

III. Suffering—The Road to Glory (1 Peter 3:13–4:19)

A. Suffering for Doing Good (1 Peter 3:13–22)

B. Living for God (1 Peter 4:1–11)

C. Sharing the Sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 4:12–19)

IV. Final Exhortations and Greetings (1 Peter 5:1–14)

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