Showing posts with label 1&2 Peter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1&2 Peter. Show all posts
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Put 2 Peter Back on the Bottom Shelf
Only five more books and 41 more days left of the Bible Book Club!
2 Peter 3 - Be On Your Guard
LINK: 2 Peter 3
BACKGROUND
In this chapter, Peter refreshes the memory of these persecuted believers. The holy prophets spoke of the Day of the Lord (Luke 1:70; Acts 3:21; Ephesians 3:5). Jesus spoke of it and His return (John 14:1-3), and the apostles reinforced it (1 Corinthians 15:23; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:14-18; Hebrews 9:28; James 5:7). Therefore, these believers were not to let the scoffers (false teachers), who deny Jesus Christ and His return, get to them!
Why has God waited so long for the day of the Lord? There are two reasons:
While they waited for His coming, they were to live pure and blameless lives, at peace with God. Also, they were to be on their guard and steadfast in the truth and not give in to the error of the false teachers. The most significant thing is that God is waiting for those who do not know Him to be saved! He is a merciful God.
APPLICATION
BACKGROUND
Be on your guard lest,
being carried away by the error of unprincipled men,
you fall from your own steadfastness.
being carried away by the error of unprincipled men,
you fall from your own steadfastness.
(2 Peter 3:17b)
In this chapter, Peter refreshes the memory of these persecuted believers. The holy prophets spoke of the Day of the Lord (Luke 1:70; Acts 3:21; Ephesians 3:5). Jesus spoke of it and His return (John 14:1-3), and the apostles reinforced it (1 Corinthians 15:23; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:14-18; Hebrews 9:28; James 5:7). Therefore, these believers were not to let the scoffers (false teachers), who deny Jesus Christ and His return, get to them!
Why has God waited so long for the day of the Lord? There are two reasons:
In the Lord's time, the end times with Jesus' return will be quick (Matthew 24:42-44; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Revelation 3:3; 16:15). It will be a time of cataclysmic earthly events.
- God's timetable is not our timetable.
- He wants as many people as possible to come into the kingdom in His time frame.
While they waited for His coming, they were to live pure and blameless lives, at peace with God. Also, they were to be on their guard and steadfast in the truth and not give in to the error of the false teachers. The most significant thing is that God is waiting for those who do not know Him to be saved! He is a merciful God.
APPLICATION
- Are you being diligent to grow spiritually as You wait for His coming?
- Are you actively involved in spreading the Good News of the gospel knowing that God wishes no one to perish?
- Do you pray for others to be saved, even the ones you think are the most evil?
Here is a prayer guide for praying for one of the most brutal people on earth right now:
30-Day Prayer Guide
30-Day Prayer Guide
2023 Update: While ISIS is a downgraded threat, they are still active. As this article, ISIS is a Problem of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, explains. Here is a quote from the article:
As General Kenneth McKenzie, former commander of the U.S. Central Command, put it to a USIP audience in 2020: “The enduring defeat of ISIS has got to incorporate a way forward for the displaced persons and all the people that are at risk across the theater; if not, we are actually never really going to defeat ISIS and the problem is going to come back.” In fact, some of these issues are already present in Iraq and Syria: Thousands of fighters are still at large, more are in prison, while their family members are vulnerable or may present vulnerability, if unaddressed.
We need to keep praying.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to be alert and steadfast in truth by seeking Your face diligently and learning how to follow You. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, September 23, 2013
2 Peter 2 - False Teachers
LINK: 2 Peter 2
BACKGROUND
Jesus warned of false teachers who would twist His words and the words of the apostles (Matthew 23:11; Mark 13:22, 23). Peter proclaimed that those days had come. Some were downplaying the significance of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but Paul saw this as the essence of the gospel. (1 Corinthians 15.). Others claimed Jesus could not be God. Still, others claimed He could not have been a man. Some were even promoting wrong and immoral acts.
Peter gave his readers several Old Testament illustrations to demonstrate that "the Lord knows how to rescue the godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment" (2:9). While we do not know for sure, the angels referred to in 2:4 could be their fall with Satan when he rebelled against God (Ezekiel 28:15) or the sin of angels in Genesis 6:1-4. Also, look at Jude 6-7 for a cross-reference regarding these angels. All the other illustrations come from the book of Genesis. See if you can find them!
Peter went on to explain some of the characteristics of false teachers. They were rebellious, animalistic, deceitful, chronic sinners, and greedy (see the "error of Balaam" in Jude 11; Numbers 22-24; 25:1-3; 31:16; and Revelation 2:14). He concluded the chapter by talking about the destruction these false teachers can bring to a church.
Peter's warning was clear: Be on the alert for false teachers!
APPLICATION
Are you on the alert for false teachers today?
Are you able to discern true teaching from false teaching?
Here are some questions from p. 54-55 of Precept Upon Precept - 2 Peter:
Lord, help us to be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves in this world. Help us to discern between true and false teachers. We ask this in Jesus' name, and for Your glory. Amen.
BACKGROUND
Jesus warned of false teachers who would twist His words and the words of the apostles (Matthew 23:11; Mark 13:22, 23). Peter proclaimed that those days had come. Some were downplaying the significance of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but Paul saw this as the essence of the gospel. (1 Corinthians 15.). Others claimed Jesus could not be God. Still, others claimed He could not have been a man. Some were even promoting wrong and immoral acts.
Peter gave his readers several Old Testament illustrations to demonstrate that "the Lord knows how to rescue the godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment" (2:9). While we do not know for sure, the angels referred to in 2:4 could be their fall with Satan when he rebelled against God (Ezekiel 28:15) or the sin of angels in Genesis 6:1-4. Also, look at Jude 6-7 for a cross-reference regarding these angels. All the other illustrations come from the book of Genesis. See if you can find them!
Peter went on to explain some of the characteristics of false teachers. They were rebellious, animalistic, deceitful, chronic sinners, and greedy (see the "error of Balaam" in Jude 11; Numbers 22-24; 25:1-3; 31:16; and Revelation 2:14). He concluded the chapter by talking about the destruction these false teachers can bring to a church.
Peter's warning was clear: Be on the alert for false teachers!
APPLICATION
Are you on the alert for false teachers today?
Are you able to discern true teaching from false teaching?
Here are some questions from p. 54-55 of Precept Upon Precept - 2 Peter:
- When you evaluate the popular teachings put forth in the name of Jesus Christ today, what or where is the emphasis?
- Do you see any common denominators between today's Christian messages and the messages of the false prophets in 2 Peter 2?
- What type of message do you like the best? What do you think constitutes a good message? Why?
- What do you think should happen as a result of a message?
- What do you think are the missing key elements in Christian messages today?
- When someone expounds a message from the Word of God, are you familiar enough with the Word of God to know whether or not that person is handling the Scriptures properly? He may even be speaking truth, but does the passage he is handling really mean what he is saying it means? Can you tell? Why or why not?
- Do you go to Christian conferences or seminars? If so, why?
- What is your plan to fulfill 2 Timothy 2:15?
- What do you think you need to strengthen your Christian walk? An experience? A vision, a dream, or a prophecy? A clear understanding of His Word? Obedience to the truths of God?
Lord, help us to be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves in this world. Help us to discern between true and false teachers. We ask this in Jesus' name, and for Your glory. Amen.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
2 Peter 1 - Deeper Knowledge of Him in Our Struggle with Sin
LINK: 2 Peter 1 (Memorize 1:3-4)
BACKGROUND
2 Peter
The background about Peter is HERE.
Peter wrote this letter between A.D. 64 and 68. It was some time after the writing of 1 Peter (A.D. 62-63) and before the traditional date for his death in A.D. 67 - early 68 since he states in 2 Peter 1:13-15 that the time of his death was very near. Traditional holds that his death was in Rome. Since 1 Peter was probably written in Rome, this was likely written from Rome also.
Tradition has it that Peter asked to be crucified upside down because he did not consider himself worthy to be crucified in the same way as the Lord.
He wrote this letter to "those who received a faith of the same kind as ours" (1:1) and those he had written before (3:1). If 3:1 is referring to 1 Peter, it was written to the mixed Jewish and Gentile churches in the states stretching along the southern shore of the Black Sea in northern Asia Minor. There is a possibility that the letter he refers to in 3:1 is not 1 Peter. If that is the case, we do not have the letter and cannot know who it is addressed to. Regardless, the letter applies to believers everywhere!
Peter wrote this letter to exhort the believers to press on to a deeper knowledge of Christ that resulted in practical spiritual values and right living. If they did this they would become steadfast and fruitful and could combat the false teachers and look forward to Christ's return.
The purpose of the book can be stated in this key verse:
BACKGROUND
2 Peter 1
He introduces himself as Simon ("waverer") Peter ("the one who stood firm"). That is what this book is about, how to go from wavering to standing firm!
In 1:2-11, Peter exhorts his recipients toward a deeper knowledge of God. The Greek word used in 1:2, 3, and 8 is epignosis. It denotes "exact or full knowledge, discernment, recognition . . . expressing a fuller or a full knowledge, a greater participation by the knower in the object known, thus more powerfully influencing him" (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: Volume 2, p. 301, Strong's 1922). It is beyond just knowing about God but having a deeper, more profound, heart knowledge that allows His very power to infuse you, causing you to live a deeper, God-driven, spiritual life. We get to that deeper knowledge through His "precious and magnificent promises" in the Word of God!
This word for knowledge is used only 20 times and only in the epistles, four of which are in this epistle, and three are in this chapter alone. It is definitely a keyword in this book!
In 1:5-9, Peter talks of pursuing the qualities that make us useful and fruitful and are part of this deeper knowledge of God. Monty Mills pictures these qualities as a ladder reaching spiritual maturity:
BACKGROUND
2 Peter
The background about Peter is HERE.
Peter wrote this letter between A.D. 64 and 68. It was some time after the writing of 1 Peter (A.D. 62-63) and before the traditional date for his death in A.D. 67 - early 68 since he states in 2 Peter 1:13-15 that the time of his death was very near. Traditional holds that his death was in Rome. Since 1 Peter was probably written in Rome, this was likely written from Rome also.
Tradition has it that Peter asked to be crucified upside down because he did not consider himself worthy to be crucified in the same way as the Lord.
He wrote this letter to "those who received a faith of the same kind as ours" (1:1) and those he had written before (3:1). If 3:1 is referring to 1 Peter, it was written to the mixed Jewish and Gentile churches in the states stretching along the southern shore of the Black Sea in northern Asia Minor. There is a possibility that the letter he refers to in 3:1 is not 1 Peter. If that is the case, we do not have the letter and cannot know who it is addressed to. Regardless, the letter applies to believers everywhere!
Peter wrote this letter to exhort the believers to press on to a deeper knowledge of Christ that resulted in practical spiritual values and right living. If they did this they would become steadfast and fruitful and could combat the false teachers and look forward to Christ's return.
The purpose of the book can be stated in this key verse:
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand,
be on your guard so that you are not carried away
by the error of unprincipled men
and fall from your own steadfastness.
2 Peter 3:17
BACKGROUND
2 Peter 1
He introduces himself as Simon ("waverer") Peter ("the one who stood firm"). That is what this book is about, how to go from wavering to standing firm!
In 1:2-11, Peter exhorts his recipients toward a deeper knowledge of God. The Greek word used in 1:2, 3, and 8 is epignosis. It denotes "exact or full knowledge, discernment, recognition . . . expressing a fuller or a full knowledge, a greater participation by the knower in the object known, thus more powerfully influencing him" (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: Volume 2, p. 301, Strong's 1922). It is beyond just knowing about God but having a deeper, more profound, heart knowledge that allows His very power to infuse you, causing you to live a deeper, God-driven, spiritual life. We get to that deeper knowledge through His "precious and magnificent promises" in the Word of God!
This word for knowledge is used only 20 times and only in the epistles, four of which are in this epistle, and three are in this chapter alone. It is definitely a keyword in this book!
In 1:5-9, Peter talks of pursuing the qualities that make us useful and fruitful and are part of this deeper knowledge of God. Monty Mills pictures these qualities as a ladder reaching spiritual maturity:
 |
| Mills, M. S. (1997). II Peter: A study guide to the Second Epistle by Peter (2 Pe 1:5). |
Faith is not the first rung but the foundation for the ladder (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). We are to "apply all diligence" which means to "exert oneself to the fullest." and "supply" each of the qualities listed to that faith. The Greek word for "supply" is epichoregeo. We get the English words "chorus" and "choreography" from it.
If we are progressing in these things, we will be effective in life and develop that deeper and more personal knowledge of God! If this happens, heaven will have abundant rewards!
Let's "join in the chorus" from faith to love!
If a person is not growing in these qualities and claims to be a believer, they better evaluate their life before God (1:9). He may not be saved! Fruit and works are the FRUIT of salvation (remember our study of James?).
In the last half of this chapter, Peter, as a witness of the majesty of Christ (Matthew 17:1-8) and about to die, reiterated the importance of knowing and applying God's Word. The false teachers would die, but God's Word would go on forever. It was important for them to continually review the fundamentals of the faith found in the Word (1:12). He also reiterated that Jesus was the fulfillment of what the Old Testament prophets had spoken. They had spoken from God (2 Timothy 3:16). If we are to grow spiritually, we must depend on the Word of God!
REFLECTION
Back in the late 80s, I was tired of struggling with the same old sin. Sometimes, I felt consumed by it. How could I combat it?
I lay on my futon in my basement room and cried out to God, and He led me to these wonderful verses:
So, I pressed in more deeply than I had ever pressed in before. Guess what? The sin went away. There was no room for it because I was so full of Him! It's the WIN-WIN AGAINST SIN! (I am on a rhyming role today!)
I do not think we really press in. We cautiously reach out and touch Him at sporadic times throughout the week, and then we turn away and "minister nourishment" to our souls with empty calories.
Why don't we put all of our efforts into truly nutritious (and delicious) spiritual food?
Are you pressing into Him in your struggle against sin?
Try putting all of your efforts into it and see what happens!
Memorize 2 Peter 1:3-4 too!
PRAYER
Oh Lord, I feel like I am inadequate to really articulate this. Please help the reader to understand the true depth of this chapter. Make it life-changing for them despite me!! I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
In ancient Greece the state established a chorus but the director, the chorēgys, paid the expenses for training the chorus. Then the word came to be used of one who provides for or supports others or supplies something for them in abundance. A believer is to “furnish, supply, or support” his life with these virtues. (The same word is trans. “supplies” in 2 Cor. 9:10 and “supported” in Col. 2:19. Peter used it again in 2 Peter 1:11 where the niv renders it “receive.”) (The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Volume 2, p. 865)My favorite definition for "supply" is "minister nourishment." So, we are to "nourish" that faith with moral excellence and redemptive acts. We are to nourish this with an entry-level knowledge of God (that will lead to deeper knowledge), have our passions under control, patiently endure, reverence God, fervently give practical care for others, and finally practice unconditional love to all.
If we are progressing in these things, we will be effective in life and develop that deeper and more personal knowledge of God! If this happens, heaven will have abundant rewards!
Let's "join in the chorus" from faith to love!
If a person is not growing in these qualities and claims to be a believer, they better evaluate their life before God (1:9). He may not be saved! Fruit and works are the FRUIT of salvation (remember our study of James?).
In the last half of this chapter, Peter, as a witness of the majesty of Christ (Matthew 17:1-8) and about to die, reiterated the importance of knowing and applying God's Word. The false teachers would die, but God's Word would go on forever. It was important for them to continually review the fundamentals of the faith found in the Word (1:12). He also reiterated that Jesus was the fulfillment of what the Old Testament prophets had spoken. They had spoken from God (2 Timothy 3:16). If we are to grow spiritually, we must depend on the Word of God!
REFLECTION
Back in the late 80s, I was tired of struggling with the same old sin. Sometimes, I felt consumed by it. How could I combat it?
I lay on my futon in my basement room and cried out to God, and He led me to these wonderful verses:
He brought such life-changing clarity to me at that moment. If I was totally wrapped up in deeply knowing Him, then that sin was not going to be very appealing to me, and I could escape its corruption of me. To treat the sin, I needed to press in (hey that rhymed)! I just needed to seek Him more deeply, and I could do that by total immersion in His Word and the practice of His presence 24/7/365.Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everythingpertaining to life and godliness,through the true knowledge of Himwho called us by His own glory and excellence.
For by these He has granted to us
His precious and magnificent promises,
so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature,
having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.2 Peter 1:3-4
So, I pressed in more deeply than I had ever pressed in before. Guess what? The sin went away. There was no room for it because I was so full of Him! It's the WIN-WIN AGAINST SIN! (I am on a rhyming role today!)
I do not think we really press in. We cautiously reach out and touch Him at sporadic times throughout the week, and then we turn away and "minister nourishment" to our souls with empty calories.
Why don't we put all of our efforts into truly nutritious (and delicious) spiritual food?
APPLICATION
Are you pressing into Him in your struggle against sin?
Try putting all of your efforts into it and see what happens!
Memorize 2 Peter 1:3-4 too!
PRAYER
Oh Lord, I feel like I am inadequate to really articulate this. Please help the reader to understand the true depth of this chapter. Make it life-changing for them despite me!! I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
1 Peter 5 - Shepherding in Suffering
LINK: 1 Peter 5
BACKGROUND
Peter was exhorted by Jesus to tend and shepherd His sheep (John 21:15-17), and this is what Peter is doing in this chapter by encouraging the local shepherds in Asia Minor!
He speaks to older men (elders) and younger men in 5:1-5. When he is talking to older men, he is specifically talking to appointed officials who have a shepherding role in the local church (See the posts on 1 Timothy 5 and Titus 2 for more about elders). He encourages the elders to shepherd voluntarily and humbly with no desire to control the flock or to gain financially. The younger men are to humbly submit to their elders.
He ends the letter with many exhortations for living the Christian life:
REFLECTION
What a great promise that God will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish us when we have suffered (1 Peter 4:10). I remember quoting that verse over and over as I went down to Southern California to say goodbye to my dad when he was dying and having to face my two older brothers who were loud, outspoken, alcoholics, and doing cocaine! Talk about double suffering! I was so afraid of them, but God was my comfort and strength to where my older brother declared, "Carol, you have been a ROCK through all of this!" With this, I was able to testify of the ROCK inside of me!
APPLICATION
We have learned a lot about suffering through the book of 1 Peter. The Daily Walk calls it "A Survival Manual for Suffering Saints" stating, "Persecution can cause you to grow or grumble in the Christian life. It all depends on your response"(December 2008, p. 22). I would have to wholeheartedly agree.
So how do you respond to fiery ordeals? Do you allow God to grow you through the suffering? Do you run away? Do you freak out and rely on your own strength to resist?
The Daily Walk states this about the book of 1 Peter:
PRAYER
Lord, help us to rely on Your resources to respond to suffering. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
BACKGROUND
Peter was exhorted by Jesus to tend and shepherd His sheep (John 21:15-17), and this is what Peter is doing in this chapter by encouraging the local shepherds in Asia Minor!
He speaks to older men (elders) and younger men in 5:1-5. When he is talking to older men, he is specifically talking to appointed officials who have a shepherding role in the local church (See the posts on 1 Timothy 5 and Titus 2 for more about elders). He encourages the elders to shepherd voluntarily and humbly with no desire to control the flock or to gain financially. The younger men are to humbly submit to their elders.
He ends the letter with many exhortations for living the Christian life:
1) Humble Yourselves
Pride is the biggest killer in the church, and we must look for it in our own lives. Peter quotes James 4:10 which had been written 13-14 years before this letter. I have already addressed the issue of pride in James 4, but it does not hurt to review:
In this diatribe James gives us a path from proud to lowly by submitting to God, taking a stand against the devil (who exploits the evil desires within by worldly temptations from without), drawing near to God, and confessing, with deep sorrow, your sins (1 John 1:9). This is all part of the process of humbling ourselves before the Lord (Micah 6:8). I had a pastor who used to say, "The way UP is DOWN!" Amen!(Since I wrote this post, I contacted that old pastor and had a lovely email exchange. He had quite a humbling experience when he was "let go" from my old church, but God has certainly given grace to him since this happened back in the 90s and blessed his ministry! Praise God!)Our best example of humility is Jesus. :)
2) Caste Your Anxieties Upon a Caring God - See Matthew 6:25-34; Romans 8:28-32; Philippians 4:6-7, 19.
3) Be watchful for and resist the devil - Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 22:31; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Ephesians 6:10-17 (try to look for parallels between Ephesians 6 and 1 Peter 5).
He is real, but there is more power in one drop of the shed blood of Jesus Christ than all the power the devil can muster (Luke 10:17-20; Ephesians 1:18-23; 1 John 4:4). Notice how Jesus resisted the devil with the word of God in Matthew 4! If you resist (to set oneself against), he WILL flee (James 4:7). You can depend on our faithful God!He ends the letter and mentions Silvanus who probably personally delivered Peter's letter and is the Silas that traveled with Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40). The "she who is in Babylon" is probably the church in Rome. Mark is probably John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, since Paul places him in Rome at that time (Colossians 4:10).
If we suffer at the hands of the enemy, we have the promise that God will perfect (equip, adjust, fit together; Amplified says "complete, make you what you ought to be"), confirm (make stable, set firmly), strengthen, and establish (lay the foundation, make stable) us!
REFLECTION
What a great promise that God will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish us when we have suffered (1 Peter 4:10). I remember quoting that verse over and over as I went down to Southern California to say goodbye to my dad when he was dying and having to face my two older brothers who were loud, outspoken, alcoholics, and doing cocaine! Talk about double suffering! I was so afraid of them, but God was my comfort and strength to where my older brother declared, "Carol, you have been a ROCK through all of this!" With this, I was able to testify of the ROCK inside of me!
APPLICATION
We have learned a lot about suffering through the book of 1 Peter. The Daily Walk calls it "A Survival Manual for Suffering Saints" stating, "Persecution can cause you to grow or grumble in the Christian life. It all depends on your response"(December 2008, p. 22). I would have to wholeheartedly agree.
So how do you respond to fiery ordeals? Do you allow God to grow you through the suffering? Do you run away? Do you freak out and rely on your own strength to resist?
The Daily Walk states this about the book of 1 Peter:
It presents God's time-tested strategy for holding up rather than folding up, during difficult times.
If you want to get in shape physically, there are some helpful steps you can take: Eat properly, get adequate sleep, take a multivitamin every day. But there is no substitute for exercise -- working against resistance. The same is true in the Christian life. Proper nourishment from the Word is essential, but so too is "exercise" -- in God's strength, facing and conquering trials and difficulties. God, the perfect Coach, knows the perfect "workout" you need to turn an area of weakness into an area of Christlikeness.
Before you go to bed tonight, write out the words of 1 Peter 1:7 [I suggest 5:10 too.]. Tomorrow, let that note remind you that God wants to tone up your faith today -- and trials may well be part of the workout.
Getting into hot water occasionally has a way of keeping us clean. (p.22)The way to respond to suffering is to humbly submit to God, resist the enemy with the Word of truth, and just hold on rather than run away! God is on your side coaching you all the way!!!
PRAYER
Lord, help us to rely on Your resources to respond to suffering. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday, September 20, 2013
1 Peter 4 - Living for Him in the Midst of Suffering
LINK: 1 Peter 4
BACKGROUND
The "therefore" here refers back to Christ's suffering in 3:18 (the verse I hope you will memorize). 1 Peter 3 is about suffering, in the flesh, according to the will of God. 1 Peter 4 is about living, in the flesh, according to the will of God. We are to suffer in doing what is right (Romans 6 is a great parallel passage for this).
Can believers truly "cease" from sin? We have died and our life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). We are released, freed, acquitted, and loosed from the power of sin. We are no longer a slave to sin (Romans 6:6). We are freed from the power of sin because we died with Him (Colossians 2:11-12). We have that power, but we do not always make the right choice. Our goal can be to "cease from sin" by striving for a holy life.
The Amplified Bible helps me understand 4:1-2 better:
Peter says that God will judge the living and the dead. Then, he says that the gospel has been preached to those who are dead (1 Peter 4:5-6). This could mean those spiritually dead in sin, those who believed but then died before the Second Coming of Christ, those who died without hearing or believing the gospel, or all the dead.
Did those who missed their opportunity have a second chance after they died? The famous commentator William Barclay interprets the passage this way (The Letters of James and Peter, p.295), but I do not see this view supported by other Scripture (see Hebrews 9:27).
Here is the interpretation from two commentaries:
(By the way, we will learn more about Christ's return when we do 2 Peter but here are some verses to look at if you want to explore this further: Daniel 12:9-13; Hebrews 1:1-2; Acts 2:16-21; 1 Peter 1:5,20; 2 Peter 3:3; 1 John 2:18; 1 Corinthians 15:22-24.)
The "Ten Commandments"
Those "ten commandments" are very, very convicting. As I have reread and edited some of the old posts for 1 Peter from three years ago, I have been reminded of the "fiery" ordeal of persecution I was going through at the time. I had a person "rake me over the coals" for things I did not say or do and for motives I did not possess. All the time thinking I was ministering and helping that person by listening to heartaches and problems, inviting that person to my home to meet people for ministry, and carrying some of the load so that person could be more effective in ministry. I felt nothing but compassion and love for that person. It was devastating to be so falsely accused!
It took me from June - September to finally work through it going to a prayer retreat for five days where I made the choice to forgive. I thought I had worked through it, but all those old emotions have resurfaced, and I have had to entrust myself to my faithful Creator once again, choosing to forgive, straining to fervently love! It has been painful but good.
This was three years ago, and I have not had this kind of drama since then. This person has a pattern of persecuting and judging others and then pulling away. I have heard what that person has said about me behind my back, but it has not usually bothered me until doing this post. Since that was my last time "suffering for doing good," it was good to remember how painful that can be.
I am not usually around "drama people" like that anymore, but I need to continue to have a soft heart toward them and fervently love from the heart, and "forgive and disregard" offenses.
2015 Update: I am totally free from anything related to the above. It has been five years. I continue to choose not to be around "drama people" anymore. It does not mean that there are not people in my life who are going through very tough things, but they are open to growing, and that makes all the difference in the world.
BACKGROUND
The "therefore" here refers back to Christ's suffering in 3:18 (the verse I hope you will memorize). 1 Peter 3 is about suffering, in the flesh, according to the will of God. 1 Peter 4 is about living, in the flesh, according to the will of God. We are to suffer in doing what is right (Romans 6 is a great parallel passage for this).
Can believers truly "cease" from sin? We have died and our life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). We are released, freed, acquitted, and loosed from the power of sin. We are no longer a slave to sin (Romans 6:6). We are freed from the power of sin because we died with Him (Colossians 2:11-12). We have that power, but we do not always make the right choice. Our goal can be to "cease from sin" by striving for a holy life.
The Amplified Bible helps me understand 4:1-2 better:
The Gentiles might scorn the followers of Jesus for not participating in their desires, but the time will come when they will be judged for their actions here on earth.So, since Christ suffered in the flesh for us, for you, arm yourselves with the same thought and purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God]. For whoever has suffered in the flesh [having the mind of Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God], so that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living by [his] human appetites and desires, but [he lives] for what God wills.
Peter says that God will judge the living and the dead. Then, he says that the gospel has been preached to those who are dead (1 Peter 4:5-6). This could mean those spiritually dead in sin, those who believed but then died before the Second Coming of Christ, those who died without hearing or believing the gospel, or all the dead.
Did those who missed their opportunity have a second chance after they died? The famous commentator William Barclay interprets the passage this way (The Letters of James and Peter, p.295), but I do not see this view supported by other Scripture (see Hebrews 9:27).
Here is the interpretation from two commentaries:
In verse 6 Peter, in contrast with verse 5, encouraged his readers with the fact that rather than facing judgment for their sins, those who had heard and believed the gospel of Jesus Christ faced an altogether different future. The penalty for their sin has been paid by Christ on the cross. The last earthly effect of sin is physical death. Believers still die physically; they are judged . . . in regard to the body (cf. suffering in this life “in his body,” v. 1). But for Christians physical death does not lead to judgment but to eternal life. They live . . . in regard to the Spirit. Those armed with a Christlike attitude will live forever in God’s presence. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Volume 2, p. 853)
We must not interpret 1 Peter 4:6 apart from the context of suffering; otherwise, we will get the idea that there is a second chance for salvation after death. Peter was reminding his readers of the Christians who had been martyred for their faith. They had been falsely judged by men, but now, in the presence of God, they received their true judgment. “Them that are dead” means “them that are now dead” at the time Peter was writing. The Gospel is preached only to the living (1 Peter 1:25) because there is no opportunity for salvation after death (Heb. 9:27). (The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, 1 Pe 4:4, p. 420-421)The remainder of the chapter contains ten exhortations ("ten commandments") to follow before Christ returns.
(By the way, we will learn more about Christ's return when we do 2 Peter but here are some verses to look at if you want to explore this further: Daniel 12:9-13; Hebrews 1:1-2; Acts 2:16-21; 1 Peter 1:5,20; 2 Peter 3:3; 1 John 2:18; 1 Corinthians 15:22-24.)
The "Ten Commandments"
1) Be of sound judgment and sober spirit - Do not give way to frenzy in light of persecution and the return of Jesus.
2) Pray - In your calm and sound state, let prayer be your top priority during persecution.
3) Keep fervent in your love - "Fervent" was "used to describe the taut muscles of an athlete who strains to win a race" (The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Volume 2, 1 Peter 4:8-9, p. 853). The Amplified Bible says:
Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].
4) Be hospitable - "Generous to guests, strangers."
5) Employ your spiritual gifts - 2 Timothy 1:6, 1 Corinthians 12:1. Many distinguish between speaking gifts and serving gifts here.
6) Do not be surprised at "fiery" suffering - Accept it! Suffering is normative for the follower of Christ. You could be a "low-maintenance project" for the enemy, but that is not what God wants! The word used for "fiery" is from the root pyroō, "to burn." This may very well have been related to the fact that Nero accused Christians of burning Rome and burned Christians for their faith, using them "as living torches to light the imperial gardens at night" (The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Volume 2, 4:12, p. 854). Perhaps Peter thought they would do this in Asia Minor also. Remember that the fire burns away the dross and makes us shine forth as gold (1:7).
7) Keep on rejoicing in suffering - We learned about this in James 1? Here is the post if you have forgotten. James 1:2-4 in the Phillips version is an essential passage to memorize!
8) Do not be ashamed in suffering - But be ashamed if you suffer because you have broken the law or sinned.
9) Glorify God in suffering - The unbelieving world is watching our witness. Will we react or respond with grace?
10) Entrust your soul to our faithful God in suffering - This is an accounting term, "A technical meaning is 'to deposit,' 'to entrust,' in the legal sense of leaving an object in another’s keeping, with strict penalties for embezzlement. A transferred sense develops out of the technical use" (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, p. 1179). God would not embezzle - He adds interest in our eternal account because He is faithful!
Those "ten commandments" are very, very convicting. As I have reread and edited some of the old posts for 1 Peter from three years ago, I have been reminded of the "fiery" ordeal of persecution I was going through at the time. I had a person "rake me over the coals" for things I did not say or do and for motives I did not possess. All the time thinking I was ministering and helping that person by listening to heartaches and problems, inviting that person to my home to meet people for ministry, and carrying some of the load so that person could be more effective in ministry. I felt nothing but compassion and love for that person. It was devastating to be so falsely accused!
It took me from June - September to finally work through it going to a prayer retreat for five days where I made the choice to forgive. I thought I had worked through it, but all those old emotions have resurfaced, and I have had to entrust myself to my faithful Creator once again, choosing to forgive, straining to fervently love! It has been painful but good.
This was three years ago, and I have not had this kind of drama since then. This person has a pattern of persecuting and judging others and then pulling away. I have heard what that person has said about me behind my back, but it has not usually bothered me until doing this post. Since that was my last time "suffering for doing good," it was good to remember how painful that can be.
I am not usually around "drama people" like that anymore, but I need to continue to have a soft heart toward them and fervently love from the heart, and "forgive and disregard" offenses.
2015 Update: I am totally free from anything related to the above. It has been five years. I continue to choose not to be around "drama people" anymore. It does not mean that there are not people in my life who are going through very tough things, but they are open to growing, and that makes all the difference in the world.
2023 Update: Sadly, I have heard reports of this person doing it to other people since she did it to me 13 years ago. It seems to be a pattern. I must remember to pray. But as far as my issue, I have no hurt or pain from it.
APPLICATION
Go through the "ten commandments" and pray for an "I will" statement to come out of it.
For a study on suffering and persecution see Matthew 5:10-12; John 15:18-22; 2 Timothy 3:12; James 1:2-4, 12; 1 Peter 1:6-7; 5:1, 10.
PRAYER
Lord, we entrust ourselves to You. You know our suffering and pain and are there to give us perspective on all of it. Amen.
APPLICATION
Go through the "ten commandments" and pray for an "I will" statement to come out of it.
For a study on suffering and persecution see Matthew 5:10-12; John 15:18-22; 2 Timothy 3:12; James 1:2-4, 12; 1 Peter 1:6-7; 5:1, 10.
PRAYER
Lord, we entrust ourselves to You. You know our suffering and pain and are there to give us perspective on all of it. Amen.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
1 Peter 3:8-22 - Standing Firm in the Midst of Persecution
LINK: 1 Peter 3 (Memorize 3:18)
BACKGROUND
Peter has been exhorting the persecuted believers of Asia Minor to stand firm in doing what is right. In 3:8-12, he gives a list of specific things a believer should do to show he is walking in love with others. He maintains a positive mindset by telling them that if they do these things, they will have life and see good days (3:10).
He concludes the chapter by giving instructions for those who suffer for the sake of righteousness. We are to not fear or be troubled but are to sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts. The Amplified Bible says, "But in your hearts, set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord." This indicates a focus and trust in Christ in the midst of unjust punishment and persecution. He is in control of our circumstances, and we do not need to fear.
1 Peter 3:18 is a key verse to memorize. Christ is just. We are unjust (sinners). In order to bring us to God, He died for our sins and rose again so that we might be justified (declared righteous) and have newness of life! This is a very important verse! Read the post on Romans 3 to review the important concept of justification.
1 Peter 3:19-22 is a tough passage and has many interpretations. I think the best interpretation is one that stays in the context of good behavior amid unjust persecution. Noah is put forth as an example of one who proclaimed God's message to mankind and bore the ridicule of the people. His reward was the salvation of himself and his family who were saved through the waters of the flood. Peter connects this with baptism. Baptism does not remove one's sin (3:21), but like Noah, it symbolizes a break from one's past to a new life. Public baptism would symbolize that clean break and help them resist the temptation to renounce their faith amid persecution.
REFLECTION
APPLICATION
How do you respond to those who treat you unjustly or challenge your beliefs?
PRAYER
Lord, help us to "be Jesus" in situations of persecution and unjust treatment. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
BACKGROUND
Peter has been exhorting the persecuted believers of Asia Minor to stand firm in doing what is right. In 3:8-12, he gives a list of specific things a believer should do to show he is walking in love with others. He maintains a positive mindset by telling them that if they do these things, they will have life and see good days (3:10).
He concludes the chapter by giving instructions for those who suffer for the sake of righteousness. We are to not fear or be troubled but are to sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts. The Amplified Bible says, "But in your hearts, set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord." This indicates a focus and trust in Christ in the midst of unjust punishment and persecution. He is in control of our circumstances, and we do not need to fear.
1 Peter 3:18 is a key verse to memorize. Christ is just. We are unjust (sinners). In order to bring us to God, He died for our sins and rose again so that we might be justified (declared righteous) and have newness of life! This is a very important verse! Read the post on Romans 3 to review the important concept of justification.
1 Peter 3:19-22 is a tough passage and has many interpretations. I think the best interpretation is one that stays in the context of good behavior amid unjust persecution. Noah is put forth as an example of one who proclaimed God's message to mankind and bore the ridicule of the people. His reward was the salvation of himself and his family who were saved through the waters of the flood. Peter connects this with baptism. Baptism does not remove one's sin (3:21), but like Noah, it symbolizes a break from one's past to a new life. Public baptism would symbolize that clean break and help them resist the temptation to renounce their faith amid persecution.
REFLECTION
"The right response to undeserved suffering results in blessing."
Warren Wiersbe
I can honestly say I do not mind being challenged for my beliefs by non-believers. I enjoy the dialogue. I grew up in a non-believing family and lived with non-believers all through college. I am really accustomed to it. I have even been discriminated against because of my beliefs (did not get a job because the person before me, who was a believer, did some things that made them say they never wanted a believer in that position again). I have experienced persecution for my faith, and I have experienced the blessings of standing firm in the midst of persecution.
But I can really whine like a martyr when I am treated unjustly. I hate to be misunderstood and falsely accused! The last time I had this happen to me was in June of 2010. I was accused of saying something I did not say. When I attempted to clear up the misunderstanding, I was condemned for how I tried to clear it up and make peace! (Then I was slandered by the person to multiple people.) I did not know how to respond. It was so hard, but I am still growing in how to respond to undeserved condemnation rightly. We are all in process.
But this kind of persecution is nothing compared to what followers of Jesus go through in countries closed to the gospel!
APPLICATION
How do you respond to those who treat you unjustly or challenge your beliefs?
Pray for the persecuted
church by praying through the iCommit Prayer Update.
Lord, help us to "be Jesus" in situations of persecution and unjust treatment. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
1 Peter 3:1-7 -- Husbands and Wives
LINK: 1 Peter 3
BACKGROUND
If a man became a follower of Jesus, his whole family would come into the church (Acts 16:29-33), but if a woman became a believer, she came into the church alone. Roman law gave a husband and father absolute control over their wife and daughter. Peter encouraged women in this situation to let their gentle and quiet spirit and godly behavior win over their non-believing husbands (1 Timothy 2:9-11).
Here are some Greek word definitions that might help you understand what submission with a "gentle and quiet" disposition looks like:
Peter spent more time exhorting the wives in this section because he was dealing with the problems unique to a believing wife with an unbelieving husband. Believing men have many more responsibilities toward their wives (see Ephesians 5:25-33)! Peter exhorted the believing men to live compassionately with their wives and honor them as fellow heirs of grace. Anyone would submit to a man who did that!
REFLECTION
I did a Bible study on 1 Peter (Precept Upon Precept: 1 Peter) ten years ago, and here were some of the questions, and my answers:
APPLICATION
If you are married, here are two things to ask yourself when being asked to submit to something your husband might want you to do:
BACKGROUND
If a man became a follower of Jesus, his whole family would come into the church (Acts 16:29-33), but if a woman became a believer, she came into the church alone. Roman law gave a husband and father absolute control over their wife and daughter. Peter encouraged women in this situation to let their gentle and quiet spirit and godly behavior win over their non-believing husbands (1 Timothy 2:9-11).
Here are some Greek word definitions that might help you understand what submission with a "gentle and quiet" disposition looks like:
Submissive (HUPOTASSŌ) - A Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader”. In non-military use, it was “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden” (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, G5293).
Gentle (PRAÜS) - Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend them against injustice. Thus, meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time. (Is. 41:17, Lu. 18:1-8) Gentleness or meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God’s goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not occupied with self at all. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, not of the human will. (Gal. 5:23). (Strong's, (G4239)
Quiet (HĒSUCHIOS) - Tranquility arising from within, causing no disturbance to others (1 Tim. 2:2) (Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: With Topical IndexSarah is used as an example of submission. Here are the verses related to her relationship with Abraham: Genesis 12:5, 10-20; 16:1-6; 17:15-21; 18:1-15; 20:1-13; 21:8-12.).
Peter spent more time exhorting the wives in this section because he was dealing with the problems unique to a believing wife with an unbelieving husband. Believing men have many more responsibilities toward their wives (see Ephesians 5:25-33)! Peter exhorted the believing men to live compassionately with their wives and honor them as fellow heirs of grace. Anyone would submit to a man who did that!
REFLECTION
I did a Bible study on 1 Peter (Precept Upon Precept: 1 Peter) ten years ago, and here were some of the questions, and my answers:
Question: When God tells women to be submissive to husbands even if the husband is disobedient to God's Word, does this mean that a woman is to obey her husband if he tells her to do something that is definitely contrary to God's clear teaching?
My answer: Absolutely not! We are to submit to God first. We must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:7-42). After this, we are to submit to human institutions if a husband asks his wife to do something illegal, and that law is not against Scripture.
Question for 1 Peter 3:7: If you were explaining to a man what it means to live with his wife in an understanding way, what specific suggestions would you give him regarding how this verse could be applied in a practical way?
Answer: Listen to her . . . Understand her emotional ups and downs . . . Help relieve her emotional stress by giving her nights and weekends off. (I wrote this when my kids were 8 and 5 years old! LOL! And my husband did this regularly!)How would you answer these questions?
APPLICATION
If you are married, here are two things to ask yourself when being asked to submit to something your husband might want you to do:
Does the husband's request conflict with the Word of God?
Is the stronger command of God to obey the husband or to do what the wife feels Scripture says she should do?Here is another excellent Bible study on marriage: Marriage without Regrets.
2023 Update: Sometimes the "submission" issue can be used as a weapon in a marriage. If you feel like you are being abused, please contact Called to Peace Ministries.
I also heartily recommend watching this very important video called The Emotionally Destructive Marriage:
PRAYER
Lord, give us gentle and quiet spirits so that we might be a witness to all around us of Your ability to allow us to live with peace and without fear. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Lord, give us gentle and quiet spirits so that we might be a witness to all around us of Your ability to allow us to live with peace and without fear. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
1 Peter 2:11-25 -- Living Lives that Demand an Explanation
LINK: 1 Peter 2
BACKGROUND
From 2:11-3:7, Peter issued several "command verbs" to suggest ways believers could "declare His praises/proclaim His excellencies" before the world (2:9). He challenged believers to live a life that is different from the world around them by standing against sin, keeping excellent behavior, submitting to governmental authority, and submitting to masters who treated them harshly.
REFLECTION
When my kids turned sixteen, I put them under the authority of a school district that paid for all their college tuition for two years. They never went to that high school but went full-time to the local community college. We had to submit to the state rules for public school kids by taking their standardized achievement tests. It did not conflict with my beliefs, so I had no problem submitting to the state statutes! (Although the tests were pretty ridiculous, but that is another story.)
Many Christian kids have done really well in this state-run program, and it has been a testimony to the administrators of the program!
I wish believers would get MORE involved with things run by non-believers and even work alongside them! We need to not cloister but get out and be a light to the world!
APPLICATION
Do you rebel against authority?
Why should you submit to governing authorities?
Can you make a commitment to submit to authorities? (And only if you do not compromise your beliefs in the process.)
Who are you going to tell about this commitment?
Can you get involved with the community? Sometimes there are regulations involved with federal, state, or locally run programs, but they are a great opportunity to work alongside non-believers!
Here is a great book that addresses this subject called The Externally Focused Church:
Maybe you can spearhead a discussion for your church to get involved with your community!
PRAYER
Lord, work through us so that we might live to honor You and proclaim You to a watching world. Help us to live lives that demand an explanation. We pray this so that the name of Jesus may be lifted high. Amen.
BACKGROUND
From 2:11-3:7, Peter issued several "command verbs" to suggest ways believers could "declare His praises/proclaim His excellencies" before the world (2:9). He challenged believers to live a life that is different from the world around them by standing against sin, keeping excellent behavior, submitting to governmental authority, and submitting to masters who treated them harshly.
REFLECTION
Peter's audience lived under harsh authority. This created a natural question: Should Christians obey these authorities? For Peter's original audience that question is even more understandable since the Roman authorities clashed with Christians over the issue of loyalty. Peter's answer was simple: All authority is from God, so we must obey the authorities that are over us. The Lord Jesus himself gave us the perfect example of how to submit to authority. When we reject those over us, we are ultimately rejecting God's hand on our life. When we obey, we affirm the fact that God oversees our life. Your life too is being overseen by authorities that God has put in place. (1 & 2 Peter and Jude Life Application Bible Studies (NIV), p.42)I homeschooled my kids, and there are many people in the homeschool movement that believe that they do not need to comply with the laws of their state when it comes to schooling their children. I always go back to what the Bible says in 1 Peter 2:13 and Romans 13. Of course, we should not submit to a government that is asking us to compromise our faith (Acts 5:29), but many laws do not; and when we obey these laws, we are "living good lives among the pagans" who will "see our good deeds and glorify God' (1 Peter 2:12).
When my kids turned sixteen, I put them under the authority of a school district that paid for all their college tuition for two years. They never went to that high school but went full-time to the local community college. We had to submit to the state rules for public school kids by taking their standardized achievement tests. It did not conflict with my beliefs, so I had no problem submitting to the state statutes! (Although the tests were pretty ridiculous, but that is another story.)
Many Christian kids have done really well in this state-run program, and it has been a testimony to the administrators of the program!
I wish believers would get MORE involved with things run by non-believers and even work alongside them! We need to not cloister but get out and be a light to the world!
APPLICATION
Do you rebel against authority?
Why should you submit to governing authorities?
Can you make a commitment to submit to authorities? (And only if you do not compromise your beliefs in the process.)
Who are you going to tell about this commitment?
Can you get involved with the community? Sometimes there are regulations involved with federal, state, or locally run programs, but they are a great opportunity to work alongside non-believers!
Here is a great book that addresses this subject called The Externally Focused Church:
2023 Update: Since I wrote this post, my church has gotten involved with the Foster Kid program. It has been a wonderful partnership with the community!
PRAYER
Lord, work through us so that we might live to honor You and proclaim You to a watching world. Help us to live lives that demand an explanation. We pray this so that the name of Jesus may be lifted high. Amen.
Monday, September 16, 2013
1 Peter 2:1-10 -- Milk, Living Stones, and Priests
LINK: 1 Peter 2
BACKGROUND
The keywords in this book are suffering and glory. Mark them as you read.
Peter lists five sins of attitude and speech (Greek words are in parenthesis):
In verse four, Peter uses a new metaphor as he describes Jesus as a "living stone rejected by men" that became the "choice . . .cornerstone foundation" (Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22) of the spiritual house in which the persecuted Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor (modern Turkey), were also living stones. Peter here identified Jesus as the "rock" in which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18). The Jews stumbled over this stone because Jesus was not the Messiah they imagined Him to be (Matthew 21:42ff; 1 Corinthians 1:18ff), and they were simply disobedient to the Word.
Finally, Peter describes the church as a holy and royal priesthood. Jesus is both a King and a Priest (Hebrews 7). Each individual believer can come into the presence of God (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19-25) through the Mediator, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:1-8). We are chosen by God to declare His praises and bear witness of Him throughout the whole earth (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)!
REFLECTIONS from Great Saints (click on links for their biographies)
When I wrote this blog in 2010, Wiersbe was still alive, and I always wanted to go and see him and thank him for his commentaries! He died in 2019.
APPLICATION
Pray through 1 Peter 2 sentence-by-sentence allowing God to speak to You so that it goes from Biblical knowledge in your head to your heart and to your actions. Each sentence may cause you to examine your heart, lead you to confession and repentance, worship, petition, or action! Let God's Word transform You today!
The "rudimentary spiritual teachings" for a young believer (and any believer needing a "back to the basics" spiritual shape-up) are contained in Discipleship Essentials. I am going through it right now with a new believer, and it has been so fantastic! The lessons are very simple, but they are foundational and should be returned to again and again. We did it with our kids in 2010-2011, and it was wonderful.
BACKGROUND
The keywords in this book are suffering and glory. Mark them as you read.
Peter lists five sins of attitude and speech (Greek words are in parenthesis):
1) Malice (kakian)- desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another (the New Testament views kakian as destructive of fellowship)They were "newborn" believers, and they were to put aside these old ways of life and "have a yearning desire for" the Word of God like a newborn baby longs for milk at his feeding time! Just as pure milk helps a baby grow, the Word, helps a new believer grow. The Greek word for "pure milk of the Word" refers to the "rudimentary spiritual teachings."
2) Deceit (dolon)- deliberate dishonesty
3) Hypocrisy (hypokriseis) - pretended piety and love
4) Envy (phthonous) - a feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others
5) Slander (katalalias) - literally "to speak (laleo) against (kata)," defamation
In verse four, Peter uses a new metaphor as he describes Jesus as a "living stone rejected by men" that became the "choice . . .cornerstone foundation" (Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22) of the spiritual house in which the persecuted Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor (modern Turkey), were also living stones. Peter here identified Jesus as the "rock" in which He would build His church (Matthew 16:18). The Jews stumbled over this stone because Jesus was not the Messiah they imagined Him to be (Matthew 21:42ff; 1 Corinthians 1:18ff), and they were simply disobedient to the Word.
Finally, Peter describes the church as a holy and royal priesthood. Jesus is both a King and a Priest (Hebrews 7). Each individual believer can come into the presence of God (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19-25) through the Mediator, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:1-8). We are chosen by God to declare His praises and bear witness of Him throughout the whole earth (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)!
REFLECTIONS from Great Saints (click on links for their biographies)
"The word is to be desired with appetite as the cause of life,
to be swallowed in the hearing,
to be chewed as cud in by rumination with the understanding,
and to be digested by faith."
"The Word of God, rightly used, does not leave a man as it finds him,
but improves and makes him better . . . [It] is the great instrument whereby [God] discloses and communicates His grace to men. Those who feed upon the sincere milk of the word taste and experience most of His grace."
(this site also has an online version of his book A Method for Prayer)
"When Christians are growing in the Word, they are peacemakers,
not troublemakers, and they promote the unity of the church."
APPLICATION
Pray through 1 Peter 2 sentence-by-sentence allowing God to speak to You so that it goes from Biblical knowledge in your head to your heart and to your actions. Each sentence may cause you to examine your heart, lead you to confession and repentance, worship, petition, or action! Let God's Word transform You today!
The "rudimentary spiritual teachings" for a young believer (and any believer needing a "back to the basics" spiritual shape-up) are contained in Discipleship Essentials. I am going through it right now with a new believer, and it has been so fantastic! The lessons are very simple, but they are foundational and should be returned to again and again. We did it with our kids in 2010-2011, and it was wonderful.
2023 Update: I also like a newer resource, The Reservoir, by Renovare. It is a longer-term commitment, but one of the women I discipled is using it with a younger woman she is discipling, and they are enjoying it. You can download the introduction and the first month to try it out! (If the link is ever broken, here is the PDF in my Dropbox.)
Find two other people and covenant together to grow in your spiritual walk this year by going through one of these books! For the Discipleship Essentials book, I find it takes about 1 1/2 hours to complete the lessons and 1 1/2 hours to discuss the lessons with one to three other people. That is a three-hour investment that will reap eternal dividends! I had one woman from the last cycle of the BBC do it, and she thought it was "too basic," but I encourage you to do it anyway and "beef it up" by springboarding off of it into deeper things. If you think it is "too basic" you might try The Reservoir. I have never led a group through this before. So, I am not sure how long it takes to go through it with others. Individually, each day is about 30 minutes of prayer and meditation.
Another alternative is a simple Discovery Bible Study through the "Discovering Obedienced-Based Discipleship" or the "Commands of Christ" studies. Jesus said to "make disciples of all nations teaching them to observe ALL that I commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20), and these are great studies for that. Obedience, trusted relationships, love, and accountability are the keys to transformative growth as disciples.
Here is a downloadable handout explaining a simple way to facilitate a Discovery Bible Study (and you want all the participants to take turns facilitating it) and the four Scripture lists associated with each study:
DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY WITH LISTS
Find two other people and covenant together to grow in your spiritual walk this year by going through one of these books! For the Discipleship Essentials book, I find it takes about 1 1/2 hours to complete the lessons and 1 1/2 hours to discuss the lessons with one to three other people. That is a three-hour investment that will reap eternal dividends! I had one woman from the last cycle of the BBC do it, and she thought it was "too basic," but I encourage you to do it anyway and "beef it up" by springboarding off of it into deeper things. If you think it is "too basic" you might try The Reservoir. I have never led a group through this before. So, I am not sure how long it takes to go through it with others. Individually, each day is about 30 minutes of prayer and meditation.
Another alternative is a simple Discovery Bible Study through the "Discovering Obedienced-Based Discipleship" or the "Commands of Christ" studies. Jesus said to "make disciples of all nations teaching them to observe ALL that I commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20), and these are great studies for that. Obedience, trusted relationships, love, and accountability are the keys to transformative growth as disciples.
Here is a downloadable handout explaining a simple way to facilitate a Discovery Bible Study (and you want all the participants to take turns facilitating it) and the four Scripture lists associated with each study:
DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY WITH LISTS
Here is an app with the first list and in multiple languages both audio and written:
Discover App
PRAYER
Lord, give us a longing for the pure milk of Your Word. Help us to live up to our holy, royal calling as believer-priests. Give us hearts to declare your praises to a lost world. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
PRAYER
Lord, give us a longing for the pure milk of Your Word. Help us to live up to our holy, royal calling as believer-priests. Give us hearts to declare your praises to a lost world. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
1 Peter 1 - Trial Turned to Gold
LINK: 1 Peter 1
BACKGROUND
1 Peter
Peter was one of the twelve disciples who was the first to identify Jesus as the Lord Christ who had "words of eternal life" (Matthew 16:16; John 6:66-69; 18:10). Peter was one of the more zealous disciples boldly saying that he would "die for Jesus" (Matthew 26:35).
Yet we know that less than 24 hours after this bold statement, Peter denied Jesus three times just as Jesus predicted (Matthew 26:70-75; John 13:37-38; 18:25-27). For other examples of Peter's unbelief, see Matthew 14:29-30; 16:23; 17:4, and Galatians 2:11-13.
Yet, Jesus did not look at the immediate reality and give up on Peter. He saw what Peter could become. He saw that potential from the first moment he saw Peter when he changed his name from Simon to Peter because Peter means "stone/rock" in Greek (John 1:42; Matthew 16:17-19). Jesus did not freeze Peter in time but saw his potential in the future.
1 & 2 Peter indicates what Peter had become. He followed Jesus' parting admonition by tending and shepherding the sheep (Acts; John 21:15-25). He definitely lived out his identity name of "rock"! He was even willing to die for His faith. Tradition has it that Peter was crucified upside down. You can read more discussion on that topic HERE.
Peter wrote this letter about A.D. 62-63. He did it to encourage the suffering Jewish Christians driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout northern Asia Minor (modern Turkey) to stand fast to witness to a watching world (5:12). The persecutions were probably those under Emperor Nero. This letter was also written to Gentile believers who were probably in these local churches.
It is believed he wrote it from Rome (referred to as "Babylon" in 1 Peter 5:13. Rome is called Babylon in Revelation 17:5 and 18:10). He encouraged them to stand fast in the grace of God amidst suffering which is referred to fifteen times in this letter.
BACKGROUND
1 Peter 1
Peter called the recipients of this letter "strangers" (1:1; 2:11) because they were citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 11:8-16). He also called them "scattered" (diaspora). This referred to Jews who lived outside of Palestine, but this letter is for both Jew and Gentile believers (1:14, 18; 2:9-10; 4:1-4). These believers had been chosen according to God's predetermined plan. "To foreknow means 'to set one's love on a person or persons in a personal way" (The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, 1 Peter 1:2-4, p. 391).
After his introduction, Peter goes on to encourage them amid their trials, encouraging them to rejoice in them because they have been born again to a living hope that includes the eternal glory of God. The glory of God is "the sum total of all that God is and does" (The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, 1 Peter 1:2-4, 391).
This living hope includes an inheritance in glory because we are children of the King (1:4; Romans 8:17-18; Ephesians 1:9-12; John 17:22-24). This inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, reserved, guaranteed, and eternal. Isn't that exciting???? WOOHOO!
Because of this, we are constantly being "shielded by God's power" (1:5). Shielded is a military term. He is our military guard from the enemy through every persecution! I love being a "kept" woman if that is what "kept" means! It is not by my strength but His faithfulness that I am constantly kept. We are kept until Jesus returns where this great salvation will be fully revealed.
Therefore, we can rejoice! The trials of this life will refine us like gold is refined -- making us come forth with a more genuine faith that is prepared for this glory. Regarding the refining process:
What a privilege to be part of this mystery made known. The prophets could only guess, but we do not have to. The gospel is made clear to us. Peter exhorts his recipients to live holy lives in light of Christ's return. He exhorted them to be mentally alert, disciplined, and focused.
He also exhorted them to be holy (1:16; Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7, 26), as God is holy since we have been given His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). We are to walk away from our old life of disobedience and darkness into new lives of light (1 John 1:5)! This means "fearing" (reverencing) God and being serious about saying no to sin and living holy lives (1:17). When the Lord returns, there will be a judgment for our works when we are called to the "Judgment Seat of Christ" (Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10). He will judge us to find something good and not condemn us.
Then he reminded them that they had been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ. God's love and forgiveness should give us love for one another. 1 Peter 2 will deal with the specifics of what that love means.
He closed the chapter by quoting Isaiah 40:6-8. We have been born again through the living and enduring Word of God! We are alive and given the power to change.
REFLECTION
I am writing this post on Memorial Day Weekend Sunday; and for some strange reason, I decided to listen to Handel's Messiah this morning! Most of it is Old Testament prophecy. I was typing this New Testament post and got to 1:10-12, and my heart began to sing. It all lines up so well. Jesus is the "king of glory" who came to save us all (Psalm 24:7-10). Isaiah 53 just played and predicted the suffering of Christ (1:11). Perfect timing from a perfect God.
This is a good time to plug Handel's Messiah. In December, we will go through all the Scripture in the movements of Handel's Messiah. This is a great review of all that we have learned over the last three years and is also a great Christmas devotional! I have it as a separate book if you want it for Christmas.
BACKGROUND
1 Peter
Peter was one of the twelve disciples who was the first to identify Jesus as the Lord Christ who had "words of eternal life" (Matthew 16:16; John 6:66-69; 18:10). Peter was one of the more zealous disciples boldly saying that he would "die for Jesus" (Matthew 26:35).
Yet we know that less than 24 hours after this bold statement, Peter denied Jesus three times just as Jesus predicted (Matthew 26:70-75; John 13:37-38; 18:25-27). For other examples of Peter's unbelief, see Matthew 14:29-30; 16:23; 17:4, and Galatians 2:11-13.
Yet, Jesus did not look at the immediate reality and give up on Peter. He saw what Peter could become. He saw that potential from the first moment he saw Peter when he changed his name from Simon to Peter because Peter means "stone/rock" in Greek (John 1:42; Matthew 16:17-19). Jesus did not freeze Peter in time but saw his potential in the future.
1 & 2 Peter indicates what Peter had become. He followed Jesus' parting admonition by tending and shepherding the sheep (Acts; John 21:15-25). He definitely lived out his identity name of "rock"! He was even willing to die for His faith. Tradition has it that Peter was crucified upside down. You can read more discussion on that topic HERE.
Peter wrote this letter about A.D. 62-63. He did it to encourage the suffering Jewish Christians driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout northern Asia Minor (modern Turkey) to stand fast to witness to a watching world (5:12). The persecutions were probably those under Emperor Nero. This letter was also written to Gentile believers who were probably in these local churches.
It is believed he wrote it from Rome (referred to as "Babylon" in 1 Peter 5:13. Rome is called Babylon in Revelation 17:5 and 18:10). He encouraged them to stand fast in the grace of God amidst suffering which is referred to fifteen times in this letter.
BACKGROUND
1 Peter 1
Peter called the recipients of this letter "strangers" (1:1; 2:11) because they were citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 11:8-16). He also called them "scattered" (diaspora). This referred to Jews who lived outside of Palestine, but this letter is for both Jew and Gentile believers (1:14, 18; 2:9-10; 4:1-4). These believers had been chosen according to God's predetermined plan. "To foreknow means 'to set one's love on a person or persons in a personal way" (The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, 1 Peter 1:2-4, p. 391).
After his introduction, Peter goes on to encourage them amid their trials, encouraging them to rejoice in them because they have been born again to a living hope that includes the eternal glory of God. The glory of God is "the sum total of all that God is and does" (The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, 1 Peter 1:2-4, 391).
This living hope includes an inheritance in glory because we are children of the King (1:4; Romans 8:17-18; Ephesians 1:9-12; John 17:22-24). This inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, reserved, guaranteed, and eternal. Isn't that exciting???? WOOHOO!
Because of this, we are constantly being "shielded by God's power" (1:5). Shielded is a military term. He is our military guard from the enemy through every persecution! I love being a "kept" woman if that is what "kept" means! It is not by my strength but His faithfulness that I am constantly kept. We are kept until Jesus returns where this great salvation will be fully revealed.
Therefore, we can rejoice! The trials of this life will refine us like gold is refined -- making us come forth with a more genuine faith that is prepared for this glory. Regarding the refining process:
No goldsmith would deliberately waste the precious ore. He would put it into the smelting furnace long enough to remove the cheap impurities; then he would pour it out and make from it a beautiful article of, value. It has been said that the Eastern goldsmith kept the metal in the furnace until he could see his face reflected in it. So our Lord keeps us in the furnace of suffering until we reflect the glory and beauty of Jesus Christ. (The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, 1 Pe 1:6-7, p. 393)I LOVE that Peter gives a shout-out to the prophets in 1:10-12. It is a Scarlet Thread of Redemption kind of verse and what the Bible Book Club is all about: seeing that thread of Christ from the Old Testament to the New Testament. The plan of salvation was still a mystery to the Old Testament prophets, but they understood that their Spirit-authored prophecies of Jesus' suffering and glory were for those in a future time who would hear the gospel proclaimed through the Holy Spirit and believe.
What a privilege to be part of this mystery made known. The prophets could only guess, but we do not have to. The gospel is made clear to us. Peter exhorts his recipients to live holy lives in light of Christ's return. He exhorted them to be mentally alert, disciplined, and focused.
He also exhorted them to be holy (1:16; Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7, 26), as God is holy since we have been given His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). We are to walk away from our old life of disobedience and darkness into new lives of light (1 John 1:5)! This means "fearing" (reverencing) God and being serious about saying no to sin and living holy lives (1:17). When the Lord returns, there will be a judgment for our works when we are called to the "Judgment Seat of Christ" (Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10). He will judge us to find something good and not condemn us.
Then he reminded them that they had been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ. God's love and forgiveness should give us love for one another. 1 Peter 2 will deal with the specifics of what that love means.
He closed the chapter by quoting Isaiah 40:6-8. We have been born again through the living and enduring Word of God! We are alive and given the power to change.
REFLECTION
I am writing this post on Memorial Day Weekend Sunday; and for some strange reason, I decided to listen to Handel's Messiah this morning! Most of it is Old Testament prophecy. I was typing this New Testament post and got to 1:10-12, and my heart began to sing. It all lines up so well. Jesus is the "king of glory" who came to save us all (Psalm 24:7-10). Isaiah 53 just played and predicted the suffering of Christ (1:11). Perfect timing from a perfect God.
This is a good time to plug Handel's Messiah. In December, we will go through all the Scripture in the movements of Handel's Messiah. This is a great review of all that we have learned over the last three years and is also a great Christmas devotional! I have it as a separate book if you want it for Christmas.
Here it is for download: Messiah
Meditations.
Here it is in blog form: Messiah Meditations Online.
We will spend November doing a review of everything you learned by going through the Jesse Tree which is a great way to teach your children about the Scarlet Thread of Redemption.
APPLICATION
When trials come, do you rejoice or react? What is your theology of suffering? Look up James 1:2-4,12 and Romans 5:1-5. Talk to God about this.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for trials that purify us. We want them to make us like pure and genuine gold. Amen.
We will spend November doing a review of everything you learned by going through the Jesse Tree which is a great way to teach your children about the Scarlet Thread of Redemption.
APPLICATION
When trials come, do you rejoice or react? What is your theology of suffering? Look up James 1:2-4,12 and Romans 5:1-5. Talk to God about this.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for trials that purify us. We want them to make us like pure and genuine gold. Amen.
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