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1 Peter Chapter
One
1 Peter 1
The First Epistle of Peter is addressed to believers
among the dispersed of Israel found in those provinces of Asia Minor Which are
named in the first verse; the Second Epistle declares itself to be a second
addressed to the same persons: so that the one and the other were destined for
the Jews of Asia Minor (that is, to those among them who had the same precious
faith as the apostle).
The First Epistle is founded on the doctrine of the heavenly calling
(I do not say of the assembly on earth, [1] which
is not brought before us here) in contrast with the portion of the Jews on the
earth. It presents Christians, and in particular Christians among the Jews, as
pilgrims and strangers on earth. The conduct suited to such is more largely
developed than the doctrine. The Lord Jesus, who was Himself a pilgrim and a
stranger here, is presented as a pattern in more than one aspect. Both epistles
pursue the righteous government of God from the beginning to the consummation
of all things, in which the elements melt with fervent heat, and there are new
heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. The first gives the
government of God in favour of believers, the second in the judgment of the
wicked.
Nevertheless, in presenting the heavenly calling, the
apostle necessarily presents salvation--the deliverance of the soul in contrast
with the temporal deliverance of the Jews.
The following is the description which the Spirit gives
of these believers. They are elect, and that according to the foreknowledge of
God the Father. Israel was a nation elected on the earth by Jehovah. Here, it
is those who were foreknown of the Father. The means by which their election is
carried out is sanctification of the Holy Ghost. They are really set apart by
the power of the Spirit. Israel was set apart by ordinances; but these are
sanctified unto the obedience of Jesus Christ and for the sprinkling of His
blood, that is to say, on the one hand to obey as He obeyed, and on the other
to be sprinkled with His blood and thus to be perfectly clear before God.
Israel had been set apart for the obedience of the law, and for that blood
which, while it announced death as the sanction of its authority, could never
cleanse the soul from sin.
Such was the Christian's position. The apostle wishes
them grace and peace-the known portion of believers. He reminds them of the
blessings with which God had blessed them, blessing God who had bestowed them.
Believing Israelites knew Him now, not in the character of Jehovah, but as the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
That which the apostle presents as the fruit of His grace, is a hope
beyond this world; not the inheritance of Canaan, appropriate to man living on
the earth, which was the hope of Israel, and is still that of the unbelieving
nation. The mercy of God had begotten them again for a living hope by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from out of the dead. This resurrection shewed them
a portion in another world, and the power which brought man into it, although
he had been subjected to death: he would enter it by resurrection, through the
glorious triumph of the Saviour, to share an inheritance that is incorruptible,
undefiled, and that fadeth not away. The apostle is not speaking of our
resurrection with Christ; he views the Christian as a pilgrim here, encouraged
by the triumph of Christ Himself in resurrection, which animated him by the
consciousness that there was a world of light and happiness before him, and a
power which would bring him into this world. Consequently the inheritance is
spoken of as "reserved in heaven.'' In the Epistle to the Ephesians we are
seated in the heavenlies in Christ, and the inheritance is that of all things
of which Christ Himself is heir. But the Christian is also in fact a pilgrim
and a stranger on the earth; and it is a strong consolation to us, in our
pilgrimage, to see this heavenly inheritance before us, as a certain pledge of
our own entrance into it.
Another inestimable consolation is added. If the
inheritance is preserved in heaven for us, we are kept by the power of God all
through our pilgrimage that we may enjoy it at the end. Sweet thought!-we are
kept here below through all our dangers and difficulties; and, on the other
hand, the inheritance there, where there is no defilement or possibility of
decay.
But it is by moral means that this power preserves us
(and it is in this way that Peter always speaks), by the operation in us of
grace, which fixes the heart on objects that keep it in connection with God and
with His promise. (Compare 2 Peter i. 4.) We are kept by the power of God
through faith. It is, God be praised, the power of God Himself; but it acts by
sustaining faith in the heart, maintaining it in spite of all temptations above
all the defilement of the world, and filling the affection with heavenly
things. Peter, however, always occupied with the ways of God respecting this
world, only looks at the share that believers will have in this salvation, this
heavenly glory, when it shall be manifested; when God will, by this glory,
establish His authority in blessing on the earth. It is indeed the heavenly
glory, but the heavenly glory manifested as the means of the establishment of
the supreme government of God on earth for His own glory and for the blessing
of the whole world.
It is salvation ready to be revealed in the last times.
This word "ready" is important. Our apostle says also that the
judgment is ready to be revealed, Christ is glorified personally, has conquered
all His enemies, has accomplished redemption. He only waits for one thing,
namely, that God should make His enemies His footstool. He has taken His seat
at the right hand of the Majesty on high, because He has accomplished
everything as to glorifying God where sin was. It is the actual salvation of
souls-the gathering together of His own, which is not yet finished (2 Pet. 3:9
& 15); but when once all they who are to share it are brought in, there is
nothing to wait for as regards the salvation, that is to say, the glory in
which the redeemed will appear; [2] nor
consequently as regards the judgment of the wicked on earth which will be consummated
by the manifestation of Christ. [3] All is
ready. This thought is sweet for us in our days of patience, but full of
solemnity when we reflect upon the judgment. Yes, as the apostle says, we
rejoice greatly in this salvation, which is ready to be revealed in the last
times. We are waiting for it. It is a time of rest, of the earth's blessing, of
the full manifestation of His glory who is worthy of it who was humbled and who
suffered for us; the time when the light and the glory of God in Christ will
illumine the world and first bind and then chase away all its evil.
This is our portion: abundant joy in the salvation about
to be revealed and in which we may always rejoice; although, if it be needed
for our good we may be in sorrow through divers temptations. But it is only for
a very little while-only a light affliction which passes away and which only
comes upon us if it be needful in order that the precious trial of faith may
have its result in praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ
for whom we are waiting. That is the end of all our sorrows and trials;
transitory and light as they are in comparison with the vast result of the
excellent and eternal glory towards which they are leading us according to the
wisdom of God and the need ofour souls. The heart attaches itself to Jesus: He
will appear.
We love Him although we have never seen Him. In Him,
though now we see Him not, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
It is this which decides and forms the heart, which fixes it and fills it with
joy however it may be with us in this life. To our hearts it is He who fills
all the glory. By grace I shall be glorified, I shall have the glory; but I
love Jesus, my heart pants for His presence-desires to see Him. Moreover we
shall be like Him and He perfectly glorified. The apostle may well say "
unspeakable and full of glory." The heart can desire nothing else: and if
some light afflictions are needful for us we endure them gladly since they are
a means of forming us for the glory. And we can rejoice at the thought of
Christ's appearing; for in receiving Him unseen into our heart we receive the
salvation of our soul. This is the object and the end of faith; far more
precious than the temporal deliverances that Israel enjoyed although the latter
were tokens of the favour of God.
The apostle goes on to develop the three successive steps
of the revelation of this grace of salvation-the full and entire deliverance
from the consequences, the fruits, and the misery of sin: the prophecies; the
testimony of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; the manifestation of Jesus
Christ Himself when the deliverance that had been already announced should be
fully accomplished.
It is interesting to see here how the rejection of the
Messiah according to Jewish hopes, already anticipated and announced in the
prophets, necessarily made way for a salvation which brought with it that of
the soul likewise. Jesus was no more seen; the earthly portion was not realised
by His first coming; salvation was to be revealed in the last times. But thus a
salvation of the soul was unfolded the whole extent of which would be realised
in the glory about to be revealed; for it was the spiritual joy of the soul in
a heavenly Jesus who was not seen and who in His death had accomplished
expiation for sin and in His resurrection, according to the power of the life
of the Son of God, had begotten again to a living hope. By faith then this
salvation was received-this true deliverance. It was not yet the (glory and the
outward rest; that salvation would indeed take place when Jesus appeared but
meantime the soul already enjoyed by faith this perfect rest, and in hope even
the glory Itself.
Now the prophets had announced the grace of God which was
to be accomplished for believers and which even now imparts to the soul the
enjoyment of that salvation; and they had searched into their own prophecies
which they had received by inspiration from God, seeking to understand what
time, and what manner of time, the Spirit indicated, when He testified
beforehand of the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow. For
the Spirit spoke of them both by the prophets, and signified consequently more
than a temporal deliverance in Israel; for the Messiah was to suffer. And they
discovered that it was not for themselves nor for their own times, that the
Spirit of Christ announced these truths with regard to the Messiah, but for
Christians. But Christians, while receiving the salvation of the soul by the
revelation of a Christ seated in heaven after His sufferings and coming again
in glory, have not received those glories which were revealed to the prophets.
These things have been reported with great and divine plainness by the Holy
Ghost sent down from heaven after the death of Jesus: but the Spirit does not
bestow the glory itself in which the Lord will appear; He has only declared it.
Christians have therefore to gird up the loins of their mind, to be sober, and
hope to the end for the grace that (in effect) will be brought to them at the
revelation of Jesus Christ; Such are the three successive steps in God's
dealings: the prediction of the events relating to Christ, which went
altogether beyond Jewish blessings; the things reported by the Spirit; the
accomplishment of the things promised when Christ is revealed.
That, then which the apostle presents, is a participation
in the glory of Christ when He shall be revealed; that salvation, of which the
prophets had spoken, which was to be revealed in the last days. But meantime
God had begotten again the believing Jews to a living hope by the resurrection
of Jesus Christ from among the dead; and by means of His sufferings had made
them comprehend that even now, while waiting for the revelation of the glory,
realising it in the Person of Jesus, they enjoyed a salvation of the soul
before which the deliverances of Israel faded away and might be forgotten. It
was indeed the salvation "ready to be revealed" in all its fullness;
but as yet they only possessed it in respect of the soul. But, being detached
from the manifestation of the earthly glory, this salvation had a yet more
spiritual character. Therefore they were to gird up their loins, while waiting
for the revelation of Jesus, and to acknowledge with thanksgiving that they
were in possession of the end of their faith. They were in relationship with
God.
When announcing these things by the ministry of the
prophets, God had Christians in view, and not the prophets themselves. This
grace was in due time to be communicated to believers; but meantime, for faith
and for the soul, the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven bore testimony to it. It
was to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus
Christ, which was the guarantee of the accomplishment of all the promises and
the power of life for their enjoyment, had begotten them again unto a living
hope; but the right to enjoy the effect of the promise was founded on another
truth. To this the exhortations conduct us. They were to walk as obedient
children, no longer following the lusts that had led them in the days of their
ignorance. Called by Him who is holy, they were to be holy in all their
conversation, as it is written. Moreover, if they called on the Father, who,
regardless of man's pretension to respect, judged according to every one's
work, they were to pass the time of their sojourn here in fear.
Observe, here, that he is not speaking of the final
judgment of the soul. In that sense " the Father judgeth no man, but has
committed all judgment to the Son." The thing spoken of here is the daily
judgment of God's government in this world, exercised with regard to His
children. Accordingly it says, "the time of your sojourn here." It is
a judgment applied to christian life. The fear spoken of is not an uncertainty
as to salvation and redemption. It is a fear founded on the certainty that one
is redeemed; and the immense price, the infinite value of the means employed
for our redemption-namely, the blood of the Lamb, without blemish and without
spot-is the motive for fearing God during our pilgrimage. We have been redeemed
at the cost of the blood of Jesus from our vain conversation: can we then still
walk according to the principles from which we have been thus delivered? Such a
price for our deliverance demands that we should walk with circumspection and
gravity before the Father, with whom we desire to have intercourse both as
privilege and spiritual relationship.
The apostle then applies this truth to the Christians
whom he was addressing. The Lamb had been ordained in the counsels of God
before the world was made; but He was manifested in the last days for
believers: and these are presented in their true character, they believe in God
by Jesus-by this Lamb. It is not by means of the creation that they believe:
although creation is a testimony to His glory, it gives no rest to the
conscience and does not tell of a place in heaven. It is not by means of
providence, which, even while directing all things, yet leaves the government
of God in such profound darkness. Nor is it by means of the revelation of God
on Mount Sinai under the name of Jehovah and the terror connected with a broken
law. It is by means of Jesus, the Lamb of God, that we believe; observe that it
is not said, " in Him," but by Him in God. We know God as the One
who, when we were sinners and dead in our trespasses and sins, loved us, and
gave this precious Saviour to come down even into the death in which we were,
to take part in our position as lying under this judgment, and die as the Lamb
of God. We believe in God who by His power, when Jesus was there for us-in our
stead--raised Him up from the dead and gave Him glory. It is in a Saviour-God
therefore, a God who exercises His power in our behalf, that we believe by
Jesus, so that our faith and our hope are in God. It does not say in something
before God, but in God Himself Where then shall any cause for fear or distrust
arise as regards God, if our faith and hope are in Himself? This changes
everything. The aspect in which we view God Himself is entirely changed; and
this change is founded on that which establishes the righteousness of God in
accepting us as cleansed from all sin, the love of God in blessing us perfectly
in Jesus, whom His power has raised from the dead and glorified-the power
according to which He blesses us. Our faith and our hope are in God Himself.
This places us in the most intimate of relationships with
the rest of the redeemed: objects of the same love, washed by the same precious
blood, redeemed by the same Lamb, they become-to those whose hearts are
purified by the reception of the truth through the Spirit-the objects of a
tender brotherly love, a love unfeigned. They are our brethren. Let us then
love one another fervently with a pure heart. But this is based on another
essentially vital principle. It is a new nature which acts in this affection.
If we are redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb without spot, we are born
of the incorruptible seed of the word of God, which lives and abides for ever.
For the flesh is but grass, the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass
withers, its flower falls, but the word of the Lord abides for ever. This is
the word of the gospel which has been preached unto us. It is an eternal
principle of blessing. The believer is not born after the flesh to enjoy
temporary rights and blessings, as was the case with a Jew, but of an
incorruptible seed, a principle of life as unchangeable as the word of God
Himself. The prophet had told them so, when comforting the people of God; all
flesh, the nation itself, was but withered grass. God was unchangeable, and the
word which by its immutable certainty secured divine blessings to the objects
of God's favour, wrought in the heart to beget a life as immortal and
incorruptible as the word which is its source.
[1] I
add "on earth" here, because the assembly as built by Jesus Himself
and not yet finished, is spoken of in chapter 2, where the living stones come
to Christ.
[2] The
doctrine of the gathering together of the saints to Jesus in the air, when they
go to meet Him forms no part of Peter's teaching, any more than does that of
the assembly on earth with which it is connected. He speaks of the
manifestation of the saints in glory, because he is occupied with the ways of
God towards the earth, although he is so in connection with Christianity.
[3] See
2 Thessalonians 1:9, 10.
── John Darby《Synopsis of 1 Peter》
1 Peter 1
Chapter Contents
The apostle blesses God for his special benefits through
Christ. (1-9) Salvation by Christ foretold in ancient prophecy. (10-12) All are
exhorted to holy conversation. (13-16) Such as is suitable to their principles,
privileges, and obligations. (17-25)
Commentary on 1 Peter 1:1-9
(Read 1 Peter 1:1-9)
This epistle is addressed to believers in general, who
are strangers in every city or country where they live, and are scattered
through the nations. These are to ascribe their salvation to the electing love
of the Father, the redemption of the Son, and the sanctification of the Holy
Ghost; and so to give glory to one God in three Persons, into whose name they
had been baptized. Hope, in the world's phrase, refers only to an uncertain
good, for all worldly hopes are tottering, built upon sand, and the worldling's
hopes of heaven are blind and groundless conjectures. But the hope of the sons
of the living God is a living hope; not only as to its object, but as to its
effect also. It enlivens and comforts in all distresses, enables to meet and
get over all difficulties. Mercy is the spring of all this; yea, great mercy
and manifold mercy. And this well-grounded hope of salvation, is an active and
living principle of obedience in the soul of the believer. The matter of a
Christian's joy, is the remembrance of the happiness laid up for him. It is
incorruptible, it cannot come to nothing, it is an estate that cannot be spent.
Also undefiled; this signifies its purity and perfection. And it fadeth not; is
not sometimes more or less pleasant, but ever the same, still like itself. All
possessions here are stained with defects and failings; still something is
wanting: fair houses have sad cares flying about the gilded and ceiled roofs;
soft beds and full tables, are often with sick bodies and uneasy stomachs. All
possessions are stained with sin, either in getting or in using them. How ready
we are to turn the things we possess into occasions and instruments of sin, and
to think there is no liberty or delight in their use, without abusing them!
Worldly possessions are uncertain and soon pass away, like the flowers and
plants of the field. That must be of the greatest worth, which is laid up in
the highest and best place, in heaven. Happy are those whose hearts the Holy
Spirit sets on this inheritance. God not only gives his people grace, but
preserves them unto glory. Every believer has always something wherein he may
greatly rejoice; it should show itself in the countenance and conduct. The Lord
does not willingly afflict, yet his wise love often appoints sharp trials, to
show his people their hearts, and to do them good at the latter end. Gold does
not increase by trial in the fire, it becomes less; but faith is made firm, and
multiplied, by troubles and afflictions. Gold must perish at last, and can only
purchase perishing things, while the trial of faith will be found to praise,
and honour, and glory. Let this reconcile us to present afflictions. Seek then
to believe Christ's excellence in himself, and his love to us; this will kindle
such a fire in the heart as will make it rise up in a sacrifice of love to him.
And the glory of God and our own happiness are so united, that if we sincerely
seek the one now, we shall attain the other when the soul shall no more be
subject to evil. The certainty of this hope is as if believers had already
received it.
Commentary on 1 Peter 1:10-12
(Read 1 Peter 1:10-12)
Jesus Christ was the main subject of the prophets'
studies. Their inquiry into the sufferings of Christ and the glories that
should follow, would lead to a view of the whole gospel, the sum whereof is,
That Christ Jesus was delivered for our offences, and raised again for our
justification. God is pleased to answer our necessities rather than our
requests. The doctrine of the prophets, and that of the apostles, exactly agree,
as coming from the same Spirit of God. The gospel is the ministration of the
Spirit; its success depends upon his operation and blessing. Let us then search
diligently those Scriptures which contain the doctrines of salvation.
Commentary on 1 Peter 1:13-16
(Read 1 Peter 1:13-16)
As the traveller, the racer, the warrior, and the
labourer, gathered in their long and loose garments, that they might be ready
in their business, so let Christians do by their minds and affections. Be
sober, be watchful against all spiritual dangers and enemies, and be temperate
in all behaviour. Be sober-minded in opinion, as well as in practice, and
humble in your judgment of yourselves. A strong and perfect trust in the grace
of God, is agreeable with best endeavours in our duty. Holiness is the desire
and duty of every Christian. It must be in all affairs, in every condition, and
towards all people. We must especially watch and pray against the sins to which
we are inclined. The written word of God is the surest rule of a Christian's
life, and by this rule we are commanded to be holy every way. God makes those
holy whom he saves.
Commentary on 1 Peter 1:17-25
(Read 1 Peter 1:17-25)
Holy confidence in God as a Father, and awful fear of him
as a Judge, agree together; and to regard God always as a Judge, makes him dear
to us as a Father. If believers do evil, God will visit them with corrections.
Then, let Christians not doubt God's faithfulness to his promises, nor give way
to enslaving dread of his wrath, but let them reverence his holiness. The
fearless professor is defenceless, and Satan takes him captive at his will; the
desponding professor has no heart to avail himself of his advantages, and is
easily brought to surrender. The price paid for man's redemption was the
precious blood of Christ. Not only openly wicked, but unprofitable conversation
is highly dangerous, though it may plead custom. It is folly to resolve, I will
live and die in such a way, because my forefathers did so. God had purposes of
special favour toward his people, long before he made manifest such grace unto
them. But the clearness of light, the supports of faith, the power of
ordinances, are all much greater since Christ came upon earth, than they were
before. The comfort is, that being by faith made one with Christ, his present
glory is an assurance that where he is we shall be also, John 14:3. The soul must be purified, before it
can give up its own desires and indulgences. And the word of God planted in the
heart by the Holy Ghost, is a means of spiritual life, stirring up to our duty,
working a total change in the dispositions and affections of the soul, till it
brings to eternal life. In contrast with the excellence of the renewed
spiritual man, as born again, observe the vanity of the natural man. In his
life, and in his fall, he is like grass, the flower of grass, which soon
withers and dies away. We should hear, and thus receive and love, the holy,
living word, and rather hazard all than lose it; and we must banish all other
things from the place due to it. We should lodge it in our hearts as our only
treasures here, and the certain pledge of the treasure of glory laid up for
believers in heaven.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on 1 Peter》
1 Peter 1
Verse 1
[1]
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout
Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
To the sojourners —
Upon earth, the Christians, chiefly those of Jewish extraction.
Scattered —
Long ago driven out of their own land. Those scattered by the persecution
mentioned Acts 8:1, were scattered only through Judea and
Samaria, though afterwards some of them travelled to Phenice, Cyprus, and
Antioch.
Through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia,
and Bithynia — He names these five provinces in the order
wherein they occurred to him, writing from the east. All these countries lie in
the Lesser Asia. The Asia here distinguished from the other provinces is that
which was usually called the Proconsular Asia being a Roman province.
Verse 2
[2] Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through
sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of
Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
According to the foreknowledge of God — Speaking after the manner of men. Strictly speaking, there is no
foreknowledge, no more than afterknowledge, with God: but all things are known
to him as present from eternity to eternity. This is therefore no other than an
instance of the divine condescension to our low capacities.
Elect — By
the free love and almighty power of God taken out of, separated from, the
world. Election, in the scripture sense, is God's doing anything that our merit
or power have no part in. The true predestination, or fore-appointment of God
is, 1. He that believeth shall be saved from the guilt and power of sin. 2. He
that endureth to the end shall be saved eternally. 3. They who receive the
precious gift of faith, thereby become the sons of God; and, being sons, they
shall receive the Spirit of holiness to walk as Christ also walked. Throughout
every part of this appointment of God, promise and duty go hand in hand. All is
free gift; and yet such is the gift, that the final issue depends on our future
obedience to the heavenly call. But other predestination than this, either to
life or death eternal, the scripture knows not of. Moreover, it is. 1. Cruel
respect of persons; an unjust regard of one, and an unjust disregard of
another. It is mere creature partiality, and not infinite justice. 2. It is not
plain scripture doctrine, if true; but rather, inconsistent with the express
written word, that speaks of God's universal offers of grace; his invitations,
promises, threatenings, being all general. 3. We are bid to choose life, and
reprehended for not doing it. 4. It is inconsistent with a state of probation
in those that must be saved or must be lost. 5. It is of fatal consequence; all
men being ready, on very slight grounds, to fancy themselves of the elect
number. But the doctrine of predestination is entirely changed from what it
formerly was. Now it implies neither faith, peace, nor purity. It is something
that will do without them all. Faith is no longer, according to the modern
predestinarian scheme, a divine "evidence of things not seen," wrought
in the soul by the immediate power of the Holy Ghost; not an evidence at all;
but a mere notion. Neither is faith made any longer a means of holiness; but
something that will do without it. Christ is no more a Saviour from sin; but a
defence, a countenancer of it. He is no more a fountain of spiritual life in
the soul of believers, but leaves his elect inwardly dry, and outwardly
unfruitful; and is made little more than a refuge from the image of the
heavenly; even from righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Through sanctification of the Spirit — Through the renewing and purifying influences of his Spirit on their
souls.
Unto obedience — To
engage and enable them to yield themselves up to all holy obedience, the
foundation of all which is, the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ - The
atoning blood of Christ, which was typified by the sprinkling of the blood of
sacrifices under the law; in allusion to which it is called "the blood of
sprinkling."
Verse 3
[3]
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his
abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from the dead,
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ — His Father, with respect to his divine
nature; his God, with respect to his human.
Who hath regenerated us to a living hope — An hope which implies true spiritual life, which revives the heart, and
makes the soul lively and vigorous.
By the resurrection of Christ — Which is not only a pledge of ours, but a part of the purchase-price. It
has also a close connexion with our rising from spiritual death, that as he
liveth, so shall we live with him. He was acknowledged to be the Christ, but
usually called Jesus till his resurrection; then he was also called Christ.
Verse 4
[4] To
an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved
in heaven for you,
To an inheritance —
For if we are sons, then heirs.
Incorruptible —
Not like earthly treasures.
Undefiled —
Pure and holy, incapable of being itself defiled, or of being enjoyed by any
polluted soul.
And that fadeth not away — That never decays in its value, sweetness, or beauty, like all the
enjoyments of this world, like the garlands of leaves or flowers, with which
the ancient conquerors were wont to be crowned.
Reserved in heaven for you — Who "by patient continuance in welldoing, seek for glory and honour
and immortality."
Verse 5
[5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be
revealed in the last time.
Who are kept —
The inheritance is reserved; the heirs are kept for it.
By the power of God —
Which worketh all in all, which guards us against all our enemies.
Through faith —
Through which alone salvation is both received and retained.
Ready to be revealed — That revelation is made in the last day. It was more and more ready to
be revealed, ever since Christ came.
Verse 6
[6]
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in
heaviness through manifold temptations:
Wherein —
That is, in being so kept. Ye even now greatly rejoice, though now for a little
while - Such is our whole life, compared to eternity.
If need be —
For it is not always needful. If God sees it to be the best means for your
spiritual profit.
Ye are in heaviness — Or
sorrow; but not in darkness; for they still retained both faith, 1 Peter 1:5, hope, and love; yea, at this very
time were rejoicing with joy unspeakable, 1 Peter 1:8.
Verse 7
[7] That
the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory
at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
That the trial of your faith — That is, your faith which is tried.
Which is much more precious than gold — For gold, though it bear the fire, yet will perish with the world.
May be found —
Though it doth not yet appear.
Unto praise —
From God himself.
And honour —
From men and angels.
And glory —
Assigned by the great Judge.
Verse 8
[8] Whom
having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye
rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Having not seen — In
the flesh.
Verse 9
[9]
Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Receiving —
Now already.
Salvation —
From all sin into all holiness, which is the qualification for, the forerunner
and pledge of, eternal salvation.
Verse 10
[10] Of
which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who
prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
Of which salvation — So
far beyond all that was experienced under the Jewish dispensation. The very
prophets who prophesied long ago of the grace of God toward you - Of his
abundant, overflowing grace to be bestowed on believers under the Christian
dispensation.
Inquired —
Were earnestly inquisitive.
And searched diligently — Like miners searching after precious ore, after the meaning of the prophecies
which they delivered.
Verse 11
[11]
Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them
did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the
glory that should follow.
Searching what time —
What particular period.
And what manner of time — By what marks to be distinguished.
The glories that were to follow — His sufferings; namely, the glory of his resurrection, ascension,
exaltation, and the effusion of his Spirit; the glory of the last judgment, and
of his eternal kingdom; and also the glories of his grace in the hearts and
lives of Christians.
Verse 12
[12] Unto
whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister
the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the
gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the
angels desire to look into.
To whom — So
searching.
It was revealed, that not for themselves, but
for us they ministered — They did not so much by those predictions serve
themselves, or that generation, as they did us, who now enjoy what they saw
afar off.
With the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven — Confirmed by the inward, powerful testimony of the Holy Ghost, as well
as the mighty effusion of his miraculous gifts.
Which things angels desire to look into — A beautiful gradation; prophets, righteous men, kings, desired to see
and hear what Christ did and taught. What the Holy Ghost taught concerning
Christ the very angels long to know.
Verse 13
[13]
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the
grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Wherefore —
Having such encouragement.
Gird up the loins of your mind — As persons in the eastern countries were wont, in travelling or running,
to gird up their long garments, so gather ye up all your thoughts and
affections, and keep your mind always disencumbered and prepared to run the
race which is set before you.
Be watchful — As
servants that wait for their Lord.
And hope to the end —
Maintain a full expectation of all the grace - The blessings flowing from the
free favour of God. Which shall be brought to you at the final revelation of
Jesus Christ - And which are now brought to you by the revelation of Christ in
you.
Verse 14
[14] As
obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in
your ignorance:
Your desires —
Which ye had while ye were ignorant of God.
Verse 16
[16]
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Verse 17
[17] And
if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to
every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
Who judgeth according to every man's work — According to the tenor of his life and conversation.
Pass the time of your sojourning — Your short abode on earth. In humble, loving fear - The proper companion
and guard of hope.
Verse 18
[18]
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as
silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your
fathers;
Your vain conversation — Your foolish, sinful way of life.
Verse 19
[19] But
with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without
spot:
Without blemish — In
himself.
Without spot —
From the world.
Verse 21
[21] Who
by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory;
that your faith and hope might be in God.
Who through him believe — For all our faith and hope proceed from the power of his resurrection.
In God that raised Jesus, and gave him glory - At his ascension. Without Christ
we should only dread God; whereas through him we believe, hope, and love.
Verse 22
[22]
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto
unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart
fervently:
Having purified your souls by obeying the
truth through the Spirit, who bestows upon you freely, both obedience and
purity of heart, and unfeigned love of the brethren, go on to still higher
degrees of love.
Love one another fervently — With the most strong and tender affection; and yet with a pure heart -
Pure from any spot of unholy desire or inordinate passion.
Verse 23
[23]
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of
God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Which liveth — Is
full of divine virtue. And abideth the same for ever.
Verse 24
[24] For
all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The
grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
All flesh —
Every human creature is transient and withering as grass. And all the glory of
it - His wisdom, strength, wealth, righteousness.
As the flower —
The most short-lived part of it.
The grass —
That is, man.
The flower —
That is, his glory.
Is fallen off — As
it were, while we are speaking. Isaiah 40:6, etc.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on 1
Peter》
Chapter 1. Trials of Faith
Though Having
Not Seen Him
Love Him
I. Salvation
Revealed in the Last Him
II. Normal
Performance of Life
III. Born Again
by the Word of God
── Chih-Hsin
Chang《An Outline of
The New Testament》
Chapter One General Review
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To consider terms used by Peter to describe the people of God: "Pilgrims of the Dispersion", "elect", "obedient children" 2) To reflect upon the salvation, inheritance, and grace to come at the revelation of Jesus Christ 3) To note how we have been served by prophets, apostles, angels, the Holy Spirit, and Christ 4) To be reminded of the need to live holy lives, conducted with reverence toward God and with fervent and sincere love toward brethren SUMMARY
Peter begins his first epistle to Christians in Asia Minor byacknowledging their election according to God's foreknowledge, madepossible by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, and for obedience andsprinkling by the blood of Jesus (1-2). He then praises God for their living hope, incorruptible inheritance,and glorious salvation to be revealed at the coming of Christ. Despitegrievous trials, the power of God and their genuine faith protects themand gives them inexpressible joy. Their salvation to come was foretoldby the prophets, and preached in the gospel by those inspired by theHoly Spirit (3-12). In view of this salvation, Peter prescribes conduct becoming the peopleof God. They are to focus their mind and hope on the grace that willbrought to them at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedientchildren, they should conduct themselves in holiness and fear, imitatingtheir holy Father who judges without partiality, ever mindful they havebeen redeemed by the precious blood of Christ through whom their faithand hope are in God. They are to love one another fervently with purehearts, since they have purified their souls for that very purposethrough their obedience to the truth, and have been born again by theincorruptible Word of God which lives and abides forever (13-25). OUTLINE
I. INTRODUCTION (1-2)
A. THE AUTHOR (1a ) 1. Peter 2. An apostle of Jesus Christ B. THE RECIPIENTS (1b-2b) 1. Pilgrims of the Dispersion 2. In Pontus , Galatia , Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia 3. Elect (chosen)... a. According to the foreknowledge of God the Father b. In sanctification of the Spirit c. For obedience and sprinkling of blood of Jesus Christ C. GREETINGS (2c ) 1. Grace and peace 2. Be multiplied II. OUR SALVATION IN CHRIST (3-12)
A. BORN AGAIN TO A LIVING HOPE (3-5) 1. Because of God's abundant mercy 2. Because Jesus has been raised from the dead 3. Because of our wonderful inheritance a. Incorruptible, undefiled, and that does not fade away b. Reserved in heaven 4. Because of being safely kept a. By the power of God through faith b. For salvation ready to be revealed in the last time B. PRODUCING JOY IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING (6-9) 1. Great joy, though for a little while grieved by various trials 2. The genuineness of faith tested by fire a. Proving more precious than gold that perishes b. May be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ 3. Rejoicing with joy inexpressible and full of glory a. For loving Him whom you have not seen b. For believing Him whom you have not seen 4. Receiving the end of such faith - the salvation of your souls C. SERVED BY PROPHETS AND APOSTLES (10-12) 1. Regarding our salvation the prophets inquired and searched diligently a. Wondering what and when the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating b. When He testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow 2. They were ministering such things not to themselves, but to us a. Things now reported by those who preached the gospel by the Holy Spirit b. Things which angels desire to look into III. OUR DUTY IN CHRIST (13-25)
A. HOLY CONDUCT (13-21) 1. Gird up the loins of your mind a. Be sober b. Rest your hope fully upon the grace to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ 2. Be holy in all your conduct a. As obedient children b. Not conforming to former lusts done in ignorance c. As He who called you is holy, just as it is written 3. Conduct yourselves during your stay in fear a. Since you call on the Father who judges each one without partiality b. Knowing that you redeemed 1) Not with corruptible things like silver and gold 2) From your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers 3) With the precious blood of Christ a) As of a lamb without blemish and without spot b) Foreordained before the foundation of the world c) Manifest in these last times for you d) Through whom you believe in God 1] Who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory 2] So that your faith and hope are in God B. FERVENT AND PURE LOVE (22-25) 1. Since you have purified your souls a. In obeying the truth through the Spirit b. In sincere love of the brethren 2. Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible a. Through the word of God which lives and abide forever 1) All flesh is as grass, all the glory of man as the flower of the grass 2) The grass withers, its flower falls away 3) The word of the Lord endures forever b. The word which by the gospel was preached to you REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Introduction (1-2) - Our salvation in Christ (3-12) - Our duty in Christ (13-25) 2) To whom does Peter address this epistle? Where were they located? (1)
- To the pilgrims of the Dispersion; Pontus , Galatia , Cappadocia , Asia, Bithynia 3) What three things are said concerning their election? (2)
- According to the foreknowledge of God - In sanctification of the Spirit - For obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ 4) What has God done for us according to His abundant mercy? How wasthis done? (3)
- Begotten us against to a living hope - Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 5) What kind of inheritance does the Christian have? Where is it now?(4)
- Incorruptible, undefiled, and that does not fade away; reserved in heaven 6) How are Christians kept (guarded) for their salvation? (5)
- By the power of God - Through faith 7) In what do Christians greatly rejoice? (5-6)
- Their salvation ready to be revealed in the last time 8) What benefits can come out of enduring grievous trials? (6-7)
- The testing of genuine faith - Praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ 9) Though they had not seen Jesus, what is said about Peter's readers?(8)
- They loved Jesus - They believed Jesus - They rejoiced with joy inexpressible and full of glory 10) What would they receive as the end of their faith? (9)
- The salvation of their souls 11) What did the prophets of old testify about? (10-11)
- Of the salvation and grace that would come - Of the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow 12) When these prophets wondered about they were prophesying, what werethey told? (12)
- They were not serving themselves, but us (Christians) - They were ministering things that have now been reported by those who preached the gospel 13) Upon what are Christians to rest their hope? (13)
- The grace to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ 14) As obedient children, what three admonitions are given toChristians? ( 14-17)
- Do not conform to the former lusts - Be holy in all your conduct - Conduct yourselves during your sojourn in fear 15) What three reasons are given to obey these admonitions (14-19)
- God is holy - The Father judges each one's work without partiality - We were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ 16) What four things are said about Christ? (20-21)
- He was foreordained before the foundation of the world - He was manifest in these last times for us - He was raised from the dead and given glory - Through Him we believe and have hope in God 17) What did God do to Jesus so that our faith and hope are in God? (21)
- Raised Him from the dead (resurrection) and gave Him glory (ascension) 18) What two reasons are given for us to love one another fervently witha pure heart? (22-23)
- We have purified our souls in obeying the truth - We have been born again of the Word of God 19) What is said of the Word of God? (23-25)
- Incorruptible seed - Lives and abides forever - Endures forever - By the gospel was preached to them 20) What is said about flesh and the glory of man? (24)
- Flesh is as grass which withers; the glory of man as the flower which falls away Pilgrims Of The Dispersion (1:1)
INTRODUCTION
1. Throughout the New Testament, various phrases are used to describe those people of God who make up the Lord's church a. Individually, they are referred to as disciples, saints, believers, priests, Christians, etc. b. Collectively, they are called the church, the church of God churches of Christ, the body of Christ, the temple of God family of God, etc. -- Each of these terms describe various relationships maintained by those who are Christians 2. An interesting phrase not commonly used in reference to the people of God is found in 1 Pe 1:1, where Peter addresses "the pilgrims of the Dispersion" 3. A proper understanding of this phrase can be very beneficial, and give us insight into: a. What the Christian life is b. An important responsibility expected of Christians c. Our true home, and goal in this life [Let's start by...] I. DEFINING "PILGRIMS OF THE DISPERSION"
A. THE WORD TRANSLATED "PILGRIM" IS INTERESTING... 1. Transliterated from Grk., it is parepidemos {par-ep-id'-ay-mos} which is a combination of three words: a. para - "alongside of" b. epi - "upon" c. demos - "used in Biblical Greek of the people of a heathen city" (Wuest) 2. Here, then, is how Thayer defines the word... a. "one who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to reside there by the side of the natives" b. "a stranger" c. "sojourning in a strange place, a foreigner" d. "in the NT metaph. in reference to heaven as the native country, one who sojourns on earth: so of Christians (1 Pe1:1)...of the patriarchs (He 11:13)."
3. Another definition: "One who stays in a place as a stranger or visitor; to describe Christians whose final citizenship is in heaven and who are regarded as temporary dwellers on earth." (Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia Of The Bible) B. THE MEANING OF THE WORD "DISPERSION"... 1. The Greek word is diaspora {dee-as-por-ah'} a. It is noun form of the verb diaspeiro b. Which means "to sow, to scatter seed" 2. The term is found in Jn 7:35, and there it refers to the Jews who were scattered among the Greeks a. As a result of the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities b. This has caused some to conclude that Peter was writing to Jewish Christians c. Who were living in the regions of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey 3. But there is good reason to believe that Peter was writing to ALL the Christians, both Jewish and Gentile, who were scattered throughout Asia Minor a. Comments are made in this epistle that cannot be understood in reference to the original recipients being Jews - cf. 1 Pe 1:14,18,20-21 b. More likely, Peter employs terms once limited to the Jews, but now applicable to all who are in Christ 1) For example, terms like "elect" (1:2), "holy nation" (2:9), "people of God" (2:10) 2) Even as Paul did: "circumcision" (Ph 3:3), "Israel God" (Ga 6:16) 4. If this be so, then Peter implies by using the term "pilgrims of the dispersion" that all Christians are: a. Pilgrims living in a world not their own b. Like scattered seed, spread out among those in the world [With this understanding of the phrase, "pilgrims of the dispersion," wecan now draw insights that are implied by it...] II. INSIGHTS FROM BEING CALLED "PILGRIMS OF THE DISPERSION"
A. THIS PHRASE REVEALS WHAT THE CHRISTIAN LIFE REALLY IS... 1. It is but a JOURNEY, begun when we first became Christians, ending only when we reach our true destination a. This ought to affect our entire perspective on life 1) It is not an end in itself 2) Only a temporary trip toward our final destination 3) Our homes, our jobs, take on a different meaning when viewed in this light b. This ought to affect our perspective on death 1) Not the end of life, but the end of our journey! 2) Not the end of life, but the beginning of eternity in our true home! 2. Embarked on this JOURNEY, we become like our spiritual father, Abraham a. Notice He 11:8-10, 13-16 b. If this be our attitude towards this life... 1) Then God is not ashamed to be called our God 2) And we can honestly sing songs like "This World Is Not My Home" B. THIS PHRASE REMINDS US OF AN IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITY... 1. Our responsibility as "pilgrims" is to be SEPARATE - cf. 1 Pe2:11-12
a. We may be "in the world," but we are not to be "of the world" - Jn 17:15-16; 2 Co 6:14-7:1 b. Remaining separate may cause some in the world to think we are strange - cf. 1 Pe 4:3-4 c. But Jesus said this would happen, even as it did to Him - Jn 15:18-19 2. Figuratively speaking, we should be like those foreign refugees now in our country: a. Who resist giving up their heritage, their language b. Who resist attempts to "Americanize" them and destroy their cultural traditions 3. Can it be said of us who are Christians, that we are keeping ourselves SEPARATE from the world? a. Are we allowing the world to influence our... 1) Speech? 2) Dress? 3) Conduct? b. If we so, then we are no longer "pilgrims," but "naturalized citizens" of this world! c. Remember John's warning in 1 Jn 2:15-17 C. THIS PHRASE OUGHT TO REMIND US OF OUR TRUE HOME... 1. Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly await our Savior - Ph 3:20-21 2. We are to be looking for "a new heavens and a new earth" - 2 Pe 3:13-14 3. That is where we will find our true home, the CITY... a. "which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." - He 11:10,16 b. That is "the one to come" - He 13:14 c. That "comes down out of heaven from God" - Re 21:1-22:5 -- That is where we, who are now simply strangers and foreigners scattered like seed in this world, will one day be gathered together! 4. Those who are truly "pilgrims" will think often of their true home a. When my family lived in Taiwan in the states b. And so we will think often of our heavenly home, if we are truly "pilgrims of the Dispersion"! CONCLUSION
1. Are we "pilgrims of the Dispersion"? We are, if as Christians we... a. View our life here on earth as a journey in a foreign land! b. Keep ourselves separate from things in the world that would lead us away from God! c. View as our true home, the heavenly city God has prepared from those who confess they are strangers and pilgrims on the earth! 2. But you are NOT a "pilgrim of the Dispersion" if... a. You have not yet begun your spiritual sojourn by obeying the gospel of Christ! b. Having done so, you allow the attractions of the world to discontinue your journey and "settle down" in things which would separate you from God! Are YOU a "pilgrim of the Dispersion"?
The "Elect" Of God (1:2)
INTRODUCTION
1. In our previous study, we noticed that Peter referred to Christians as "pilgrims of the Dispersion" a. This description implies that Christians are but strangers, foreigners, sojourning in a land not their own, and scattered about like seed b. With their citizenship in heaven, they may be "in" this world, but they are not to be "of" this world c. Therefore, one of their important duties is to be "separate" - cf. 1 Pe 2:11 2. One might think that since Christians are "scattered strangers" in this world, they are to be pitied 3. Not so, for though they are strangers in the world, they are the "ELECT" of God - 1 Pe 1:2 a. The word "elect" simply means "chosen" and is thus translated in 1 Pe 2:9-10 b. There we learn that Christians are "a chosen generation"; i.e., they are truly God's chosen people! 4. In this lesson, we shall consider what it means for Christians to be "The ELECT Of God" [Using the comments of Peter in 1 Pe 1:2 as an outline for this study,we see first that as the ELECT of God...] I. WE ARE A PART OF GOD'S PREDETERMINED PLAN
A. PETER SAYS "ELECT ACCORDING TO THE FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD" 1. The word "foreknowledge" comes from "prognosis" {prog'-no-sis} 2. It means "forethought, pre-arrangement" 3. I.e., being the "elect" (chosen) of God is in keeping with God's plan which He designed beforehand 4. As B. W. Johnson says in his "People's New Testament" commentary: "Their election and salvation was in accordance with God's predetermined purpose to save men through the gospel, and hence, according to foreknowledge." B. PAUL EXPOUNDS UPON THIS "PRE-ARRANGEMENT" IN EPHESIANS... 1. God planned it before the world began - Ep 1:4 2. It anticipated the "chosen" being holy and without blame - Ep 1:4 3. It looked forward to the "elect" being adopted as sons - Ep1:5
4. This plan is according to God's good pleasure - Ep 1:5 5. This plan has a goal that the "elect" walk in good works - Ep 2:10
C. WAS THIS "ELECTION" INDIVIDUAL OR CORPORATE? 1. I understand election by God to have been general, not particular; corporate, not individual 2. That it would be "the body of Christ, the church as a whole"... a. Which God chose to be the recipients of His divine and gracious purposes b. And which He planned beforehand (foreknowledge) to carry out in Christ Jesus 3. While in the "corporate" sense this choice is unconditional and final, as "individuals" we must be "diligent to make your calling and election sure" - 2 Pe 1:10 1) Just as Israel receive His blessings during the Old Testament period 2) But individually, the Israelites also had to make "their calling and election sure" [So by being in Christ, we are God's "elect", and involved in a plan which was in the mind of God before time began and which is still in theprocess of being worked out! The implication of this is that those whoare God's "elect" are very special to God. As we return to 1 Pe 1:2, we learn also that...] II. WE BECOME GOD'S "ELECT" THROUGH THE SANCTIFYING WORK OF THE SPIRIT
A. SANCTIFICATION AND THE HOLY SPIRIT... 1. Sanctification, the process by which we are "set apart" for God's purpose, is accomplished by the Holy Spirit 2. There are several passages that describe the connection between the Holy Spirit and our sanctification - Ro 15:16; 1 Co 6:11;2 Th 2:13
B. HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT ACCOMPLISHES THIS "SANCTIFICATION"... 1. It is through the Word of God a. It was God's will that the Holy Spirit would reveal the Word to the apostles - cf. Jn 16:12-13 b. Through this revealed Word, we are "sanctified" (set apart) - cf. Jn 17:17 2. Therefore, when people obey the Word of God which has been revealed by the Holy Spirit, they become "chosen...to salvation" through: a. "sanctification of the Spirit" (the Divine side of conversion, as the Spirit has revealed the Word and convicts men of sin through it) b. "and belief of the truth" (the human side of conversion, as they believe it) - cf. 2 Th 2:13-14 [Having been "sanctified" (set apart) by belief in the truth, and as God's "elect" now a part of His eternal plan, you might expect such privileges would call for certain responsibilities. Indeed it does, for as God's "elect"...] III. WE HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OBEDIENCE!
A. GOD'S CHOSEN ARE EXPECTED TO BE OBEDIENT... 1. We saw earlier in Ep 2:10 that it was part of God's plan before time began that the people of God would "walk in good works" 2. This is all part of God's wonderful grace as defined by Paul in Ti 2:11-14 3. We do not earn salvation by such good works (cf. Ti 3:5), but nonetheless we are to be diligent in doing them - Ti 3:1,8,14 B. PETER WILL LATER EXPOUND UPON THE NEED FOR OBEDIENCE... 1. As obedient children of God, we are to be holy - 1 Pe 1:14-16 2. We are even to submit to civil authorities, that we might silence the ignorance of foolish men - 1 Pe 2:13-16 3. Peter implies grave consequences to those "who obey not the gospel of God" - 1 Pe 4:17 [Peter also tells servants and wives to be obedient, but this should suffice to impress upon us that the privilege of being God's "elect" involves the responsibility of being obedient to the will of the Lord. Finally, being the "elect" of God also means...] IV. WE HAVE THE BLESSING OF FORGIVENESS!
A. WE ENJOY THE "SPRINKLING OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST" 1. A clear reference to the blessing of forgiveness of sins made possible by the death of Christ 2. The blessing of forgiveness is one enjoyed... a. When we first become Christians upon our baptism into Christ - Ac 2:38; 22:16 b. As we confess sins throughout our daily walk with God - 1 Jn 1:7-9 B. THIS BLESSING IS ONLY ONE OF SEVERAL MENTIONED IN PETER'S EPISTLE 1. He later speaks of "an inheritance" - 1 Pe 1:4 2. And the "salvation of souls" - 1 Pe 1:9 3. He describes Jesus as the "Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" - 1 Pe 2:25 4. He also refers to the care of God - 1 Pe 5:7 CONCLUSION
1. We hope to examine some of these blessings for God's "elect" in greater detail in future lessons 2. But what we have seen from 1 Pe 1:2 is that while Christians may indeed be "pilgrims", strangers living in a world not their own, they are not to be pitied! 3. For by the grace of God and their obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, they are God's "elect", His "chosen ones", and as such they are: a. Part of God's predetermined plan b. Chosen through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit c. Given responsibilities in keeping with the fact they are the children of God d. Recipients of the richest blessings God has to offer (such as forgiveness of sins) 4. It is surprising, then, that Peter would address such people with: "Grace to you and peace be multiplied"? 5. Certainly those who are God's "elect" receive in multiple measure the saving grace of God and the peace which accompanies such unmerited favor! How about you? Are you one of the "elect" of God? You are if you haveanswered the call of the gospel through the obedience of faith (cf. Mk 16:15-16; Ac 2:38-41)!
If you have not yet rendered obedience to the gospel, then please do sotoday, especially in view of the following statements by Peter and Paul: "For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and ifit begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obeythe gospel of God?" - 1 Pe 4:17
"and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire takingvengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the gloryof His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saintsand to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed." - 2 Th 1:7-10
A "Living" Hope (1:3-5)
INTRODUCTION
1. In our study of Peter's epistle so far, we have noticed... a. That as far as the world is concerned, Christians are but "pilgrims" b. But as far as God is concerned, we are His "elect" 2. As the "elect" (chosen) of God, we are the recipients of many blessings that God offers to all who will obey and follow Christ a. One of these blessings is described in 1 Pe 1:3-5 b. There we learn that God has caused us to be born again unto "a living hope" 3. An understanding of this "living" hope can help Christians who are "pilgrims" be more joyful during their sojourn in this life 4. Therefore, in this lesson we shall examine what Peter says about the Christian hope that makes it a "living" hope [Verse 3 begins with Peter praising God, and this leads us to the first reason our hope is a "living" hope...] I. BECAUSE GOD IS MERCIFUL!
A. THE BASIS FOR OUR HOPE LIES NOT IN OUR OWN PERFECTION OR RIGHTEOUSNESS...
1. It is a good thing that it does not, for all are sinners in God's sight - cf. Ro 3:23 2. Even as Christians we find ourselves guilty before God - cf. 1 Jn 1:8,10 B. THE BASIS FOR OUR HOPE LIES IN THE ABUNDANCE OF GOD'S MERCY... 1. Mercy bestowed while we were yet sinners - cf. Ro 5:6,8 2. Mercy bestowed upon the conditions of faith, repentance, and baptism - cf. Ac 2:36-38 3. Mercy bestowed continually upon Christians as they repent of and confess their sins - cf. 1 Jn 1:9 [Because of God's "abundant mercy", then, we who are sinners can have a"living" hope! But according to verse 3 there is another reason to have hope...] II. BECAUSE JESUS IS ALIVE!
A. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS IS CRUCIAL TO OUR HOPE... 1. If Christ is not risen, then the apostles were liars, and our faith is vain! - 1 Co 15:14-15 2. If Christ is not risen, we are still held guilty for our sins, no forgiveness has occurred! - 1 Co 15:17 3. If Christ is not risen, those who have died as Christians have perished, they are lost! - 1 Co 15:18 4. If Christ has not risen, then we do not have a "living" hope, instead we are to be pitied by others! - 1 Co 15:19 B. BUT THROUGH JESUS' RESURRECTION, WE HAVE BEEN "BORN AGAIN" TO ALIVING HOPE!
1. Peter may have reference not to the process of conversion (though he does in 1 Pe 1:23), but to the renewed hope produced by the resurrection of Jesus a. E.g., after Jesus' death and prior to His resurrection, the disciples were despondent b. But after the resurrection of Jesus, His disciples were "born again" in regards to their hope c. As Guy N. Woods says in his commentary: "The reference here is...to the re-establishment of the faith of the disciples by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead." 2. Surely the fact that Jesus did rise gives us reason for a "living" hope a. God would not raise a liar, so anything Jesus said about our hope is true - e.g., Jn 11:25 b. Since Jesus rose from the dead, we have a firm hope that we too will one day rise from the dead - cf. 1 Co 15:20-23 [By the abundant mercy of God, and upon the basis of Jesus' own resurrection, then, we have "born again" to a living hope! But there are two more reasons discussed in verses 4-5 as to why our hope can be described as "living". One is...] III. BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF OUR INHERITANCE!
A. THE DEGREE OF HOPE WE HAVE IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE INHERITANCEWE HAVE...
1. If our inheritance is a good one, our hope is strong, or "living" 2. If our inheritance is a poor one, then our hope is weak, or "dead" B. AS DESCRIBED BY PETER, OUR INHERITANCE... 1. IS INCORRUPTIBLE a. The Greek word is aphthartos {af'-thar-tos}, meaning "not liable to corruption or decay, imperishable" b. Unlike this present heavens and earth in which now live, and which will one day be destroyed - 2 Pe 3:10-13 2. IS UNDEFILED a. The Greek word is amiantos {am-ee'-an-tos}, meaning "not defiled, unsoiled" b. It is unlike the earthly Canaan , which could be and was defiled by its inhabitants c. Our hope pertains to that where the defiled are not allowed to enter - cf. Re 21:27 3. DOES NOT FADE AWAY a. The Greek word is amarantos {am-ar'-an-tos}, meaning "unfading, perennial" b. The word is a variation of "amaranth" which was the name of a mythical flower whose bloom was perpetual and whose loveliness never faded c. Such is our heavenly reward: it will not rust, fade, or wither like so many things do here on earth 4. IT IS RESERVED IN HEAVEN a. The word "reserved" comes from tereo {tay-reh'-o}, meaning "to watch, to observe, to guard, protect, to reserve, set aside" b. Therefore, our inheritance is safely guarded in heaven itself! c. No one, not even Satan himself, can steal it from you! [Since this is the nature of our "inheritance" upon which our hope rests, we can see why our hope is described as a "living" hope. There is one more reason to call our hope a "living" hope: not only isour inheritance safely guarded in heaven, but also...] IV. BECAUSE WE ARE SAFELY GUARDED!
A. CHRISTIANS ARE "KEPT" FOR THE SALVATION READY TO BE REVEALED INTHE LAST TIME
1. The word "kept" is from phroureo {froo-reh'-o}, and is a military term 2. It means "to guard, protect by a military guard, either to prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight" 3. "While our inheritance is being kept guarded in heaven under the watchful eye of God, we are being garrisoned about by God's protecting care for it." (WUEST) B. NOTE THAT BEING "KEPT" INVOLVES TWO THINGS... 1. First, THE POWER OF GOD! a. We have the help of God Himself, who knows how to help those in temptation b. He knows how to deliver them out of temptation - cf. 2 Pe 2:9
c. He knows how to enable them to bear with the temptation - cf. 1 Co 10:13 d. He supplies the armor necessary to withstand in the evil day - cf. Ep 6:10-13 2. Also, OUR FAITH! a. To be safely guarded by God's protective care requires faith on our part b. The only way we can ever lose our inheritance reserved in heaven is to become unfaithful to the Lord! - cf. Re 2:10 c. While the Bible teaches the security of the "believer"... 1) It also teaches that a "believer" can become an "unbeliever" - cf. He 3:12-13 2) And it teaches that "unbelievers" have no hope - cf. He3:14-4:3
d. As long as we remain "faithful", then, we have the assurance of God's protective care to guide us until we receive that inheritance reserved in heaven for us! CONCLUSION
1. In this passage (1 Pe 1:3-5), then, are four reasons why the hope of the Christian is called a "living" hope: a. Because God is merciful! b. Because Jesus is alive! c. Because of the nature of our inheritance! d. Because we are safely guarded! 2. A "living" hope can be a source of great joy in the lives of Christians; it certainly was to the original recipients of Peter's epistle: "In this (the living hope that pertains to the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time) you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have beengrieved by various trials." - 1 Pe 1:6
3. Do you have this "living" hope? a. You do if you have received God's mercy offered in Christ, and are remaining faithful to the Lord b. If you have not received this mercy, or have neglected it through unfaithfulness, why not come to the Lord according to His conditions found in His Holy Word? - cf. Ac 2:38; 1 Jn 1:9
Joy Inexpressible And Full Of Glory (1:6-9)
INTRODUCTION
1. One of the many blessings available to the "elect" (chosen) of God is a very special kind of joy... a. For reasons we shall notice in our lesson, Christians are able to "greatly rejoice" (lit., "leap for joy") - 1 Pe 1:6 b. They have access to joy that is "inexpressible and full of glory" - 1 Pe 1:8 c. A joy so great, so glorious, that it is impossible to truly express with words! 2. In this lesson, we shall focus our attention on Peter's remarks in 1 Pe 1:6-9 concerning this "inexpressible joy" that Christians are blessed to have [Notice first that in verse 6 Peter begins by saying "IN THIS you greatly rejoice..." He is referring to those things which serve as...] I. THE BASIS FOR INEXPRESSIBLE JOY
A. THERE ARE "PAST" GROUNDS FOR REJOICING... 1. We have been "set apart" by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit - 1:2 2. We have been "sprinkled" with the blood of Jesus Christ - 1:2 3. We have been "born again" to a living hope - 1:3 B. THERE ARE "PRESENT" GROUNDS FOR REJOICING AS WELL... 1. We are God's "elect" - 1:2 2. We are "kept" by the power of God through faith - 1:5 C. AND THERE ARE "FUTURE" GROUNDS FOR REJOICING... 1. We have an "inheritance" reserved for us in heaven - 1:4 2. We look forward to the "salvation" which will be revealed in the last time - 1:5, cf. 1:9 [All these blessings (past, present, future) serve as the basis for inexpressible joy. Because of them, we can "greatly rejoice!" Exactly how great is this joy? In verses 6-7, Peter explains...] II. THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF THIS JOY
A. IT ENABLES ONE TO REJOICE EVEN IN TRIAL (1:6) 1. No matter what degree of suffering one may experience, in Christ there is joy to match it a. As Peter explains in 1 Pe 4:12-13 b. As he and the rest of the apostles exemplified in Ac 5:40-41
2. How can Christians find joy in such trials? a. Informed Christians understand the purifying nature of such trials - 1 Pe 1:7; cf. 2 Co 4:17-18 b. Knowing what trials can produce, it is possible to be joyful in trials - cf. Ja 1:2-4,12; Ro 5:1-4 B. WHAT KIND OF TRIALS? 1. The word "various" includes all kinds 2. Primarily, it includes those which come as a result of living for Christ - e.g., Mt 5:10-12 3. But we can also rejoice in the everyday afflictions of life a. E.g., sickness, heartbreak, frustration, approaching death b. For these things also provide an opportunity to test our faith, hope, love, longsuffering and patience [If one is able to rejoice even in the midst of such trials, surely theyhave a joy "inexpressible and full of glory"! But how can Christians be sure to possess this joy? For it must be admitted that all do not, and there are times when even the best of us do not. In verse 8, Peter alludes to two things which I suggest are necessaryto...] III. POSSESSING THIS INEXPRESSIBLE JOY
A. WE MUST LOVE JESUS... 1. "whom having not seen you love" 2. Jesus is the ultimate source for being able to rejoice in all things - cf. Ph 4:4 a. He has promised that if we truly love Him, He and His Father will be with us - Jn 14:23 b. If Jesus is with us, we can receive that joy which is inexpressible! - Jn 15:11; 16:33 3. But can we who have never seen Jesus, love Him? Yes! - cf. 1 Pe 1:8 4. How can we come to love Him we have not seen? Through a devotional study of: a. The Old Testament, with its prophecies of the Messiah b. The Gospels, with their description of His life, teachings, compassion, suffering, death, and glorious resurrection c. The Acts, with its action-packed portrayal of the Lord working together with His church d. The Epistles, where we learn of many blessings found in Christ, and of His ministry as High Priest interceding in our behalf e. The Revelation, in which we learn of the glorious victory to be won by the Lamb and His followers B. WE MUST ALSO BELIEVE IN JESUS... 1. "Though now you do not see Him, yet believing..." 2. Through believing in Jesus we can "rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory" 3. But such faith is more than a mental assent, or academic knowledge of Jesus 4. It involves the key element of faith itself, which is "trust" a. Trusting in His commands to be for our ultimate good b. Trusting is His promises to fulfilled c. The kind of trust that prompts us to obey Jesus wholeheartedly d. This kind of faith comes from the Word of God - Ro 10:17 CONCLUSION
1. When we have this kind of faith in Jesus, and when we truly love Him with our whole being... a. A blessing we receive is that "joy inexpressible and full of glory"! b. A blessing that can sustain us till we reach the end (goal) of our faith: salvation! - 1 Pe 1:9 2. And that is because this "inexpressible joy"... a. Is based upon many other blessings: past, present, and future b. Enables us to joyfully persevere through all kinds of trials in this life 3. But again, this blessing is only for those who truly love Jesus and believe in Him... a. Do you love Jesus? If you do, you will keep His commandments - Jn 14:15,23 b. Do you believe in Jesus? If you do, you will do what He says - cf. Lk 6:46 Are there commandments of Jesus you have not yet obeyed? If so, why notobey them today so that this "inexpressible joy" can be yours as well!
Ministering Not To Themselves, But To Us (1:10-12)
INTRODUCTION
1. Already in Peter's epistle we have seen several blessings enjoyed by the "elect" of God... a. E.g., born again to a "living" hope - 1 Pe 1:3 b. E.g., having a joy "inexpressible and full of glory" - 1 Pe 1:8 2. As one continues in verses 10-12, he finds that Peter expands upon the topic of the "salvation" Christians enjoy as a result of their faith (please read) 3. If one takes the time to contemplate upon what is found in this passage, he should not fail to be impressed with how privileged we are in God's sight a. For there we learn that we are the recipients of a gospel that was prophesied and has come to us only through the efforts of a very distinguished company of individuals! b. And in their efforts, they were ministering not to themselves, but to us who are now Christians! [To illustrate just how privileged we are, let's begin identifyingthose who have ministered to us...] I. WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY "THE PROPHETS"!
A. WHICH IS THE MAIN THOUGHT OF THIS PASSAGE... 1. When the prophets prophesied, they were often intrigued by what they revealed - 1 Pe 1:10-11 a. This is because they were inspired or moved by the Holy Spirit, and not by their own will - cf. 2 Pe 1:21 b. Therefore, they often expressed perplexity concerning those things they prophesied - e.g., Dan 7:28; 8:26-27 2. But as pointed out in our text, it was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but us! - e.g., Dan 12:8-9 B. CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS POINT... 1. We who are Christians have been served by such people as: a. Moses, Samuel, and David b. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel 2. These men (and many others) spent their lives, and in many cases even gave their lives, in service to you and me! 3. Yes, these great "heroes of faith" suffered much in their service to God and to us who are now in Christ - cf. He 11:36-38
[Does this not indicate that we must be very special in God's sight?We who have been ministered unto by the prophets of Almighty God, andwho endured all these things for our sake? And yet, there is even more...] II. WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY "THE HOLY SPIRIT"!
A. THIS THOUGHT IS ALSO EXPRESSED IN OUR TEXT... 1. For it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the prophets to proclaim things to come - 1 Pe 1:11 a. It was He who inspired David and Isaiah to foretell the sufferings of Christ - e.g., Ps 22; Isa 53 b. It was He who likewise moved the prophets to proclaim the glories to follow 1) E.g., the resurrection of Jesus - Ps 16: 9-11 2) E.g., His ascension and coronation - Dan 7:13-14 2. And it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the apostles to reveal the gospel - 1 Pe 1:12 a. As Jesus promised He would, in His discourse to His apostles - Jn 16:13 b. As Paul said He did, in writing to the Ephesians - Ep 3:5 B. AGAIN, CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS TRUTH... 1. Through His ministry of inspiration and revelation in the lives of the prophets and apostles, we have been served by the Holy Spirit 2. Because of His work, we have today the completed revelation of God's Word in our hands! 3. This is in addition to the "sanctifying work" of the Holy Spirit to which Peter referred in 1 Pe 1:2 [Do we appreciate the service that the Holy Spirit has rendered for usthroughout the ages? Is this not an indication of the great value Godmust place upon His people? But there is even another group of distinguished individuals who servedtheir lives in our behalf...] III. WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY "THE APOSTLES"!
A. THIS WE CAN GLEAN FROM VERSE 12... 1. "...those who preached the gospel to you" a. This is a likely reference to the apostles of Jesus Christ b. Who were commissioned to preach the gospel, as recorded in Mk 16:15-16 2. As they carried out this "Great Commission", they considered themselves but servants for those to whom they preached a. As Paul said, they were but "seed-throwers" and "water-boys" - cf. 1 Co 3:5-7 b. They were serving as servants of Christ - 1 Co 3:21-4:1; 2 Co 4:5
B. THEREFORE, WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY MEN... 1. Such as Peter, James, John, and Paul 2. Who gave their lives for our sake, to convince the world that our faith in their testimony is not unfounded, but that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead! - cf. 2 Co 11:24-29 [When we take the time to think about those who spent their lives ministering to us, we can't help but conclude that Christians hold a very high place in God's scheme of redemption as it has unfolded throughout the ages! But before we conclude this lesson, let me point out another noble group that has served those who are God's "elect"...] IV. WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY "ANGELS"!
A. VERSE 12 TELLS US THAT ANGELS HAD A KEEN INTEREST... 1. In things prophesied by the prophets 2. In things proclaimed by the apostles through the gospel B. WHY SUCH A KEEN INTEREST? 1. They too were involved in the process of foretelling and revealing the salvation in Christ! a. E.g., Gabriel's appearances to Daniel - cf. Dan 8, 9 b. E.g., Gabriel's appearances to Zacharias and Mary - cf. Lk 1:11-19, 26-38 2. But like the prophets, angels were also in the dark concerning the details of coming salvation 3. And so, the angels were serving not themselves but us! - cf. He 1:13-14 CONCLUSION
1. Our Father in heaven must hold His "elect" (the church) in high regard to have them served by such a distinguished company! 2. To be so privileged should motivate us to praise God for His grace and to devote our lives in grateful service to Him and His people 3. But the grace God bestowed toward us reached its peak when addition to all these (prophets, the Holy Spirit, apostles, angels) He sent His only Son to serve us as well! "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,and to give His life a ransom for many." - Mt 20:28
Shall we not respond with grateful service through faithful obedienceto His Will?
Fortifying The Focus Of Our Hope (1:13)
INTRODUCTION
1. Up to this point in his epistle, Peter has summarized some of the blessings enjoyed by God's "pilgrims"... a. Their election, sanctification, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus - 1 Pe 1:2 b. Their rebirth to a living hope - 1 Pe 1:3 c. Their incorruptible inheritance, reserved in heaven - 1 Pe 1:4 d. Their being kept by the power of God through faith for the salvation to come - 1 Pe 1:5 e. Their great joy, which is inexpressible and full of glory - 1 Pe1:6-9
f. The honor of having been served by a distinguished group of individuals - 1 Pe 1:10-12 2. Starting with verse 13, we find a series of exhortations... a. These exhortations are based upon the wonderful blessings listed previously (note the connecting word "therefore") b. These exhortations are found throughout much of the rest of the epistle 3. The first exhortation relates to the "hope" that we have as Christians - 1 Pe 1:13 a. In which we are charged to "rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" b. Put another way, we are being charged to "fortify the focus of our hope" c. What this means, and how we are to accomplish it, will be the focus of this lesson [Let's start by first noticing...] I. OUR DUTY TO FORTIFY THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE
A. THAT IS THE PRIMARY EXHORTATION IN THIS PASSAGE... 1. I.e., the words "rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you" is the main point of this verse 2. The other exhortations which precede it are subsidiary 3. And will be considered later B. WHAT IT MEANS TO "REST YOUR HOPE FULLY" 1. It means to "set your hope perfectly, unchangeably, without doubt and despondency" 2. As the NASV puts it: "fix your hope completely on the grace..." 3. Therefore Peter is exhorting us to make our hope one that is complete, strong, and not wavering C. THE CULTIVATION OF A STRONG HOPE IS THEREFORE A CHRISTIAN DUTY... 1. We have a duty to develop and fortify our hope 2. Just as we need to cultivate patience, self-control, etc., so we need to cultivate our hope! 3. For without a hope that is strong... a. Our faith may waver b. We are subject to fear, doubt, and depression 4. Yes, the cultivation (or fortification) of our hope is essential to living joyful and victorious lives as Christians! [This is the main point of verse 13, an exhortation to fortify our hope, to make it stronger. Just as we are to grow in faith and love, so we are to grow in hope! To do this effectively, it is important to give thought to...] II. IDENTIFYING THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE
A. AS DEFINED IN VERSE 13, OUR HOPE IS... 1. The "grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" 2. I.e., the unmerited favor that we will receive when Jesus comes again! B. AS ALLUDED TO IN THE PRECEDING TWELVE VERSES, OUR HOPE IS... 1. The "inheritance...reserved in heaven for you" - 1 Pe 1:4 2. The "salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" - 1 Pe1:5
3. The "praise, honor, and glory" we shall receive "at the revelation of Jesus Christ" - 1 Pe 1:7 4. The "end of your faith--the salvation of your souls" - 1 Pe 1:9
C. IN VIEW OF ALL THESE VERSES, THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE IS TO BE... 1. The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the wonderful grace He will bring! 2. The wonderful praise, honor, and glory we shall receive when He comes! 3. The complete and final salvation of our souls from sin and its effects! 4. The receiving of our wonderful inheritance, the heavenly city, which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that does not fade away! [Such is to be the focus of our hope. And as stated previously, the main charge in this passage to "rest our hope fully upon the grace thatis to be brought to you" (to fortify the focus of your hope). How we accomplish this is now considered as we examine...] III. WHAT IS NECESSARY TO FORTIFY THE FOCUS OUR HOPE
A. "GIRD UP THE LOINS OF YOUR MIND" 1. "gird up" is an oriental expression... a. It refers to the act of gathering up around the waist the long, loose robes warn by those in the east b. Such "gathering up" was necessary or one's progress in running or some other act of exertion would be impeded 2. With the use of this metaphor, Peter is saying... a. We must put out of the mind all things that would impede the free action of the mind in connection with developing our hope b. We must put out of the mind such things like worry, fear, or obsession with material possessions 3. I.e., remove anything and everything that is not conducive to having a strong hope in the coming of our Lord a. Such as carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life - cf. Lk 21:34-35 b. Such things as these "choke" us and hinder our ability to bear fruit (such as the fruit of a strong hope) - cf. Lk 8:14
B. "BE SOBER" 1. The word "sober" means "to be calm and collected in spirit, to be temperate, dispassionate, circumspect" 2. It is that state of mind in which the individual is self- controlled, able to see things without the distortion caused by worry or fear 3. I.e., to fortify the focus of our hope requires a CALM and SERIOUS attention to the task at hand - cf. Lk 21:36 ("Watch therefore, and pray always...") 4. We cannot cultivate and fortify a strong hope if we are so "weak-minded" that we allow things to divert us away from our true calling! CONCLUSION
1. And what is our calling? To sojourn through this life as pilgrims, but with a hope that is resting fully upon the grace we will receive when Christ comes again! 2. The problem with many Christians today is NOT that they have no hope... a. But that their hope is weak and shallow b. And that is because they are preoccupied with the affairs of this temporary life 3. To remain faithful to the Lord, we need to heed Peter's exhortation to fortify the focus of our hope by... a. Freeing our minds of those things which would hinder us b. Being more serious about the kind of lives our Heavenly Father would have us live - cf. Lk 12:35-40 Our next lesson will elaborate upon how God would have us live; but fornow, are we living for God at all...?
Proper Conduct As Obedient Children (1:14-21)
INTRODUCTION
1. In our previous study, we saw from verse 13 that we have the responsibility to fortify the focus of our hope and set it fully upon the grace that we are to receive when Jesus comes again 2. Another responsibility we have as Christians is to conduct ourselves as "obedient children" - 1 Pe 1:14 3. While the need to be obedient is often misconstrued by some as sounding legalistic, it is stressed in the New Testament nonetheless - cf. He 5:9; 2 Th 1:8 4. In what way are we to be obedient? There is much the Bible has to say on the subject... a. But in this lesson we shall focus our attention to 1 Pe 1:14-21 b. Where we learn that "Proper Conduct As Obedient Children" has both negative and positive connotations (i.e., both "thou shalt nots" and "thou shalt") [For example, we learn from verse 14 that as "obedient children"...] I. WE ARE NOT TO CONFORM TO FORMER LUSTS
A. UNDERSTANDING WHAT PETER IS SAYING... 1. The word "conform" ("fashion" in the KJV) means "to conform one's self (i.e. one's mind and character) to another's pattern" 2. The "former lusts" refer to the evil desires and behavior in which we once engaged, and in which the world continues to engage 3. In essence, then, Peter is saying: a. "Don't act like you once did, or like those still in the world." b. "Do not adopt their sinful habits, mannerisms, dress, and speech, which you did before you became Christians." B. APPLYING WHAT PETER IS SAYING... 1. We will not seek to act like those who are not Christians 2. For Christians are not to be "conformists", but true "non-conformists", or "transformists" - cf. Ro 12:1-2 a. "Conformists" simply imitate others, sometimes claiming to do so only outwardly b. But "transformists" are those who: 1) Have undergone a true change on the "inside" 2) And who manifest the difference on the "outside" 3. To behave properly as "obedient children", then, we need to be sure we are not adopting the sinful habits or mannerisms of those in the world a. Like accepting the popular fashions of our society which appeal to fleshly desires 1) E.g., short dresses, tight "designer jeans", and other immodest apparel 2) Christians, rather than conforming, are to adorn themselves in modest apparel - cf. 1 Ti 2:9-10 b. Like filling our speech with suggestive language or jokes - cf. Ep 4:29; 5:3-4 c. Or delighting in various forms of entertainment which cater to fleshly desires - cf. Ph 4:8 4. But too many Christians DO conform to the world and its lusts... a. Therefore it is not surprising to hear many becoming entrapped by the world b. As is indicated by the rise of marital unfaithfulness and divorce 5. So Christians need to heed what Peter is saying (as well as what was said by John - 1 Jn 2:15-17) [In a more "positive" vein, we learn from verses 15-16 that as "obedient children"...] II. WE ARE TO BE HOLY IN ALL OUR CONDUCT
A. CONCERNING THE WORD "HOLY"... 1. It is closely related to the words "sanctify" and "sanctification" 2. All of which stress the idea of being "set apart" 3. To be "holy", then, means that we are "set apart" or dedicated to God B. WE ARE TO BE "HOLY" FOR AT LEAST TWO REASONS... 1. The first reason is that given in our text: "For I (God) am holy." a. The God who has called us through His gospel is a holy God b. He Himself is "set apart" from sin and wickedness c. His very nature demands a similar holiness on our part - cf. He 12:14 2. It is also Jesus' desire that we be holy (He died for this very purpose!) - cf. Ep 5:25-27 C. NOTE ALSO THAT WE ARE TO BE HOLY IN "ALL" OUR CONDUCT! 1. Holiness is not something we put on when convenient, like on Sundays 2. Instead, our daily life, our entire conduct is to be "set apart" in service to the Lord - cf. Ro 12:1 3. For this to be true, every aspect of our life must be in harmony with God's demand for holiness! a. This means our work, our speech, our dress, our recreation... b. ...ALL should be in harmony with the principles of God's Word 4. Even the most mundane things, when done in keeping with God's Will, become a part of our holy service to God! 5. Can it be said of our lives, that we are holy in all our conduct? a. Do we go about our business, our play, with the thought of being "set apart" to the Will of God, so that it is evident in our business or play? b. I sure that all of us can improve in this area of our service as "obedient children"! [There is one more point that can be made in reference to our conduct as "obedient children", taken from verses 17-21...] III. WE MUST CONDUCT OURSELVES IN FEAR
A. AS PILGRIMS, "FEAR" HAS A PROPER PLACE 1. Even as Jesus taught His disciples - Mt 10:28 2. And as Paul wrote the Philippians - Ph 2:12 B. PETER GIVES TWO REASONS FOR SUCH "FEAR"... 1. In view of the judgment by our Father - 1 Pe 1:17 a. He will not be partial - "without partiality" b. He will be personal - "judges according to each one's work" -- No one will receive special favors, no one will escape His discerning eye! 2. In view of the high cost of redemption - 1 Pe 1:18-21 a. We were not redeemed from our sins with silver or gold b. But only by the precious blood of Christ! 1) Who was without blemish and without spot 2) Who was foreordained to die for our sins before the world began 3) Who came to this earth for our sakes 4) By whom our faith and hope are in God! c. Any Christian who does not conduct himself in a manner appreciative of the price paid for his sins, can expect a fate worse than death if he does not repent! - cf. He 10:26-31
CONCLUSION
1. From verses 14-21, then, we learn that "Proper Conduct As ObedientChildren" means that...
a. We are not to conform ourselves to former lusts b. We are to be holy in all our conduct c. We are to conduct ourselves in fear 2. Paul said much the same thing in writing to the church at Corinth "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit,perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Co 7:1)
3. This we cannot do on our own, but by the redeeming grace of God... a. We can be forgiven by the precious blood of Christ b. We can be strengthened by the power of His Spirit to live the sort of lives pleasing to our Heavenly Father Have you responded to the grace of God in order to receive such wonderful blessings? - cf. Ac 2:38
Loving One Another Fervently (1:22)
INTRODUCTION
1. In our last study, we saw that "Proper Conduct As Obedient Children" means: a. Not to conform ourselves to the former lusts - 1 Pe 1:14 b. To be holy in all our conduct - 1 Pe 1:15-16 c. To conduct ourselves in fear - 1 Pe 1:17-21 2. Another responsibility we have as obedient children is found in verse 22... a. Simply stated, we are to "love one another fervently". b. A closer look at verse 22 reveals: 1) What "fervent love" is 2) And how it is possible for Christians to "love one another fervently" [But before we take that closer look, consider this question...] I. WHY IS "FERVENT LOVE" IMPORTANT?
A. IT IS A DEMONSTRATION OF DISCIPLESHIP... 1. While Judas had gone to betray Him, Jesus gave a new commandment - Jn 13:33-35 2. It is a commandment to love one another, even as Jesus loved us 3. The reason for such a commandment: to convince the world that we are truly His disciples! 4. Where there is no "Christ-like love", our actions betray our words a. We may profess to be Christ's disciples... b. But failure to have a fervent love like Christ had for us will cause the world to doubt our discipleship! B. IT IS A DEMONSTRATION OF SPIRITUAL LIFE... 1. "Love of the brethren" is an indication that we have passed from spiritual death to spiritual life - 1 Jn 3:14 2. Failure to love the brethren is an indication that we are still spiritually dead! C. THIRDLY, IT DEMONSTRATES OUR RELATIONSHIP TO GOD... 1. God is love, and those who truly love have been born of God - 1 Jn 4:7 2. Failure to love leaves the impression that we have not been born again and that we do not truly know God! - 1 Jn 4:8 [Certainly these three reasons should convince us that "loving oneanother fervently" is important. But what qualifies as a "fervent love"? What kind of love will demonstrate our discipleship, our spiritual life, our relationship withGod?] II. WHAT IS "FERVENT LOVE"?
A. CLEARLY, IT IS "FERVENT"... 1. The same word is used in reference to prayer in Ac 12:5 a. There it is translated "constant" or "earnest" b. Just as the disciples were constantly praying for the release of Peter, so our love for one another is to be "unceasing" 2. Therefore, only that love which is constant and earnest can qualify as "fervent love" B. IT MUST ALSO BE "SINCERE"... 1. Translated "unfeigned" in some versions 2. The Greek word literally means "not hypocritical" 3. This makes it clear that "fervent love" is not to be some kind of show, but coming from the heart - cf. Ro 12:9 C. FINALLY, IT MUST ALSO BE "PURE"... 1. Love of the brethren must always be kept in the context of moral purity 2. Under no circumstances is our love to be a cover for sexual immorality - Ep 5:2-3 3. Pure, sincere, fervent love, then, is one that emulates Christ's love, i.e., a sacrificial love! [How do we measure up to this type of love? Do we have a pure and sincere love for one another? Does the word "fervently" accurately describe our feelings and actions towards each other? If our only contact with one another is a weekly assembly, and if we are not opening our hearts and our homes to one another, can it be saidthat we love one another fervently? Brethren, think upon these things! Finally...] III. HOW IS "FERVENT LOVE" POSSIBLE?
A. IT IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OUR SOULS HAVE BEEN PURIFIED... 1. By obeying the truth we have been forgiven - 1 Pe 1:22; cf. Ac 2:38 2. By continuing to heed the truth, we are taught to be pure - cf. Ep 4:20-24 3. Therefore we can be fervent in our love for it will be a pure love B. IT IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN "BORN AGAIN" 1. Born again by the incorruptible word of God! - cf. 1 Pe 1:23 2. How does being born again by the Word of God prepare us to love one another fervently? a. By the Word of God we come to know what true love really is b. For the Word of God tells us of: 1) The love of Jesus - 1 Jn 3:16-18 2) The love of God - 1 Jn 4:9-10 C. IN OTHER WORDS... 1. We CAN have this fervent love because we have been purified and understand the need for a sincere, pure love of the brethren 2. We WILL have this fervent love, because the love of Jesus and God motivates us! CONCLUSION
1. If we fail to "love one another fervently" with sincerity and purity, it is an indication that we either: a. Have never been purified, born again b. Or are not allowing the love of God and Jesus to motivate us 2. Furthermore, failure to love one another fervently presents a picture to the world which belies our claim to: a. Be true disciples of Christ b. Possess spiritual life c. Have a relationship with God as our heavenly Father 3. Perhaps this is the reason Peter exhorts us to love one another fervently, not only here in verse 22, but also in 1 Pe 4:8! 4. In view of these truths found in God's Word, how are we doing in our gave for one another? a. Even if we excel in this department, there is room for improvement - cf. 1 Th 4:9-10 b. In the days ahead, think of how you can be more fervent in your love of the brethren c. But just don't think, ACT! Open your hearts and homes to each other! If you are not a Christian, we want you to enjoy the blessings of God'slove and the love of His children. But these blessings are only for those who have purified themselves by obeying the truth! Why not do so today?
－－《Executable
Outlines》
Trials of
faith
Though
having not seen Him
Love
Him
I.
Salvation revealed in the last time
1.A living hope
2.Rejoice in suffering
3.Examining and preaching
II.
Normal performance of life
1.Be self-controlled
2.In reverent fear
3.Redeemed with the precious blood
III.
Born again by the word of God
1.Born of God
2.The seed of life
3.The everlasting word
－－ Chih-Hsin
Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
Strangers Scattered Abroad
(1.1)
I.
Displaced Persons—strangers (v.1)
II.
Dispersed People—Scattered (v.1)
III.
Disinherited Reople—homes destroyed (v.1)
IV.
Dependent People—on the Triune God (v.2)
V.
Distressed People—through manifold trials (v.6)
──
Archibald Naismith《Outlines
for Sermons》
How to be secure through
suffering: Know that you are saved (v.1~12)
I.
Know that you are the chosen of God (v.1~2)
1. They are believers who are only
strangers or pilgrims scattered over the earth (v.1)
2. They are people elected by god
(v.2)
3. They are people set apart to God
and covered by the blood of Christ (v.2)
4. They are people who obey God
(v.2)
5. They are people who experience
grace and peace (v.2)
II.
Know the believer’s living hope (v.3~5)
1. The source of the hope (v.3):
(1)
By the mercy of God
(2)
By the new birth
(3)
By the resurrection of Christ
2. The inheritance of the hope
(v.4)
(1)
Incorruptible, undefiled
(2)
Does not fade away
(3)
Reserved in heaven
3. The assurance of the hope (v.5)
(1)
Kept by God’s power
(2)
Guarded by faith
III.
Know the truth about trials and temptations (v.6~9)
1. Know the fact: Life is full of
trials and temptations (v.6)
(1)
They are only for a season
(2) They bring
heaviness
2. Know the purpose of for trials and temptations (v.7)
(1) To test and
prove our faith
(2) To bring praise,
honor, glory to both Christ and us
3. Know how to conquer trials and temptations (v.8~9)
(1) By your love for
Christ
(2) By your lelief
in Christ
(3) By your joy and
glory
(4) By your
salvation
──《The
Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible》
The Doctrine Enunciated by
Peter
I.
Foreordination, according to God’s foreknowledge (v.2)
II.
Sanctification, set apart by the Spirit of God (v.2)
III.
Regeneration ‘unto a living hope’ (v.3)
IV.
Expectation of an inheritance in Heaven—through disinherited on earth (v.4)
V.
Preservation by the power of God (v.4)
VI.
Jubilation because of what is to be revealed (v.5)
VII.
Temptation—in heaviness because of various trials (v.6)
VIII.
Valuation—faith—more precious than gold (v.7)
IX.
Salvation—the end of their faith (v.9)
X.
Revelation—Prophecies of the grace to come (v.10)
──
Archibald Naismith《Outlines
for Sermons》
Faith and its Actings
I.
The Operation of Faith—through faith unto salvation (v.5)
II.
The Probation of Faith—that the trial of your faith (v.7)
III.
The Exultation of Faith—believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable (v.8)
IV.
The Consummation of Faith—receiving the end of your faith (v.9)
──
W.E.V.
Exhotations based on
Doctrine
The
‘Wherefore’ of 1 Pet.1.13 links what follows with the doctrine that precedes
it.
I.
The Mind of the Christian—Sobriety enjoined because of the Revelation (v.13~14)
II.
The Morality of the Christian—Holiness enjoined because of our Relationship
(v.15~17)
III.
The Motive of the Christian—Reverential Fear enjoined because of our Redemption
(v.18~21)
IV.
The Mainstay of the Christian—Fervent love enjoined because of our Regeneration
(v.22~25)
──
Archibald Naismith《Outlines
for Sermons》
Redemption—Men’s Price and
God’s Purchase (v.19~20)
The Most Man Can Offer The
Price God Requires
I. Silver and gold Precious
blood
II. Comes from the earth the
Lamb of God from Heaven
III. Inanimate the
living Lord
IV. Human currency Divine
currency
V. Only temporary in value Eternal
in efficacy
VI. Corruptible Incorruptible
VII. Defiled ‘Without
blemish and without spot’
──
Archibald Naismith《Outlines
for Sermons》
The Word of
the the Lord Endureth for Ever (v.25)
Because of—
I The Uniqueness of its Production and
Preservation (Preserved from Corruption and Extirpation)
II The Unity of its Structure and
Spirit—Contents of the O.T. and N.T. are Historic, Didactic and Prophetic—in
that order
III The Uniformity of its Teaching and
Testimony concerning God and man, with Jesus Christ the central Figure
IV The Universality of its Application
and Appeal
──
Archibald Naismith《Outlines
for Sermons》