The People of God (D2)

Discussion Two: The People of God – A Saved People

1. This salvation was prophesied (1.10-12).

Take a look at 1.3-5. What different aspects of Salvation do you find?

1. This salvation was prophesied (1.10-12).

a. Prophets wondered about the time. b. Angels wondered about the meaning.

a. Prophets wondered about the time.

2. This salvation was provided (3.18-22).

b. Angels wondered about the meaning.

What is a passage of the Old Testament that reminds you most of the crucifixion of Christ? .

a. Christ has paid the price for our salvation through His own suffering (3.18). (His spirit of suffering is illustrated in 2.21-25). b. Christ, through the Spirit, has preached salvation to people of every age. Noah’s is illustrated (3.19-20).c. Christ’s resurrection guarantees victory. It is beautifully illustrated in baptism (3.21-22; 1.3).d. Christ reveals salvation through His Word (1.23-25).

Why, do you think, does Peter include this parenthetical section about the Old Testament? How does it influence your own attitude toward the Old Testament?

2. This salvation was provided (3.18-22).

3. This salvation is being proven (1.6-7).

a. Christ has paid the price for our salvation through His own suffering (3.18). (His spirit of suffering is illustrated in 2.21-25).

a. We are tested by trials (“fire”).b. We are refined to God’s glory (“more precious than gold”).

b. Christ, through the Spirit, has preached salvation to people of every age. Noah’s is illustrated (3.19-20).

4. This salvation is being protected (1.5).

c. Christ’s resurrection guarantees victory. It is beautifully illustrated in baptism (3.21-22; 1.3).

d. Christ reveals salvation through His Word (1.23-25).

a. We are kept by God’s power.b. We are kept through faith.c. We are kept until the last time.

3. This salvation is being proven (1.6-7).

5. This salvation is being perfected (1.6-8).

6. This salvation brings praise to God (1.7).

a. We are tested by trials (“fire”).

a. God is glorified in our lives now.b. God is glorified at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

b. We are refined to God’s glory (“more precious than gold”).

4. This salvation is being protected (1.5).

Theme: The people of God are a sanctified (holy) people.(1.13) “Gird up the loins of your mind” – See as an illustration of pilgrimage. Pilgrims had to be ready to move.

a. We are kept by God’s power .

1. A Christian’s Holiness is modeled after that of God. (1.13-21).

b. We are kept through faith .

a. God, Himself, is holy (1.15, 16).b. We are to be holy (1.15, 16).c. Our holiness will be judged (1.17).d. Our holiness should reflect our redemption in Christ (1.18-21).

c. We are kept until the last time .

2. A Christian’s holiness is motivated by the love of the brethren (1.22).

5. This salvation is being perfected (1.6-8).

a. We love with a sincere love (1.22a). φιλαδελφίαν - philadelphia - love by the pleasure you find in another;b. We love with a fervency and purity (1.22b).ἀγαπήσατε - agape love because of preciousness of one loved.

6. This salvation brings praise to God (1.7).

a. God is glorified in our lives now.

3. A Christian’s holiness is matured in union with Christ (1.23-2.10).

a. We are instructed and nourished by God’s Word (1.23-2.2)***Study things to “put off”b. We are a body in union with Christ Himself (2.3-10).

b. God is glorified at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Take a Deep Dive

4. Some questions to consider:

1. Read all of First Peter chapter one.

a. Christians are to be holy. Who is the model for this holiness? b. How would you define holiness? c. Read . The word “sanctification” means “holiness.” There is a word that describes our conduct if we are sanctified: c e o d b I n e e (unscramble the letters) = obedience. Also see vs. 1.22). d. What is the Christian to remember as he/she measures the standard of holiness? (Read ). e. List what changes you should make to meet God’s standard of holiness.

2. List from this chapter all the things that are temporary and the things that are lasting.

Discussion Four: The People of God – A Submissive People (; )

3. Trace the element of hope in this chapter. What reasons for hope would a Christian have? What commands does Peter give which will produce an attitude of hope in those who practice them?

1. Christ is the example of submissiveness (2.21-25). We are to “follow His steps” (2.21).

a. Jesus committed no sin (v. 22).b. Jesus did not strike back (v. 23).c. Jesus did not revile (v. 23).d. Jesus did not threaten (v. 23).e. Jesus did not shrink from responsibility, but:i. Committed Himself to the Father (v. 23).ii. Carried our sins to the cross (v. 24).f. Jesus did not fail. He brought us to the Great Shepherd (v. 25).

4. According to this chapter, what is the gospel?

2. Humility is the key to submissiveness (5.5, 6).

5. How can we share this hope and gospel with the next generation?

a. We are to humble ourselves before God (5.6).b. We are to be humble in the presence of others (“clothed with humility”) (v. 5).

3. Completeness is the scope of submissiveness (2.13-3.12) (5.5-7).

a. We are to be submissive to government (2 .11-17).***v. 15-“Silence” =”Muzzle” see (Ox from Deut. Septuagint version) and (Jesus silencing the Pharisees) and (Jesus silencing the Sea of Galilee.) b. We are to be submissive to Family Members (2.18-3.7).i. Servants are to be submissive (2.18-20).ii. Wives are to be submissive (3.1-6).(1) In order to win their husbands to Christ (3.1-2).(2) In order to please God (3.3-6).iii. Husbands are to be submissive (3.7).(1) “Giving honor” – “to assign to, to portion off.” Special place of honor. From root of precious.”(2) Prayer will be “cut off”, “interrupted” by wrong attitude toward wife. c. We are to be submissive to one another (3.8-12).i. To Christians in particular. ii. To society in general. Notes: 3.8-“Tenderhearted” –KJV –full of pity-1st century was cold and hard hearted.3.9-“not reviling” or “evil for evil” –returning or giving back. On the contrary-bless! (See ).3.10-12-are a quote from . We are to be submissive to God (5.6-11).i. We must humble ourselves (5.6).***Passive voice-allow yourself to be humbled. God’s action. Sometimes the process of persecution.(1) God resists those who do not.(2) God gives grace to those who do.(3) God exalts those who humble themselves. (He knows the proper time).Notes: 5.6- “Mighty” –powerful, familiar term in OT.5.8- “Adversary” –word comes from an opponent in a lawsuit.“Devil” –slanderer“lion” devil roars at Christians. Or rather he prowls and sneaks up then tear limb from limb.“walks about” – περιπατέω –prowls about) as in - Devil wants to sift us all.5.9- “resist him” – withstand (KJV) oppose“firm” στερεός- steadfast“Same kinds of suffering”- experience of suffering.ii. We must cast all our cares upon Him (5.7).iii. We must resist the devil (5.8-9).***See -resist***v8-“sobor”- vigilant, watchful, awake, alert.iv. We must trust God for grace and strength (5.10). ***”awhile” ὀλίγος-“a little”- See 1.6. “Himself” he will make the adjustments. Wait on Him.

Discussion Five: The People of God – A Suffering People.(1.6-7; 2.19-21; 3.13-18; 4.1-4; 4.12-19; 5.6-11)

Note: Three most often used large words in 1 Peter. 6x-ὑποτάσσω-subject, subordinate.6x-ἀναστροφή-behavior, conduct, way of life11x-πάσχω-suffer, etc.

1. Reality of Christian suffering (entire passage).

The constant reference to suffering reminds us of its reality.Let us note some special points about its reality:a. There are various kinds of trials (4.12; 1.6) ***”trial” – test to determine worthiness. Illus-medical exam. b. There is suffering among all God’s people-a common bond (5.9). c. There should not be surprise at this suffering. “Not strange” (4.12).***fiery trial- “ordeal” – proverbs 27.21 used for smelting gold and silver.

2. Reasons for Christian Suffering

We may not always know why we are suffering, but Peter gives us some reasons.a. Christians should not suffer:i. Because of our faults (2.18-20).ii. Because of our evils (3.17; 4.15). b. Christians should be willing to suffer because of the example of Christ (2.21-25; 3.18; 4.1). c. Christians may suffer:i. To be tried and purified (1.6, 7).ii. To be able to testify for Christ (3.15-17).iii. To be made stronger (5.10). “May strengthen you”***Illus-Anything worth it that draws us closer to God.iv. To glorify God (3.13-14; 5.11).

Whether or not we understand, there is relief.

3. Relief from Christian Suffering.

a. Remember:i. The sufferings of Jesus. ii. The reasons for suffering. b. Rejoice in:i. The priviledge of sharing in the sufferings of Christ (4.13) and for “righteousness sake” (3.13-14). ii. The temporary nature of suffering. “awhile” (5.10, 1.6).iii. The beneficial results of suffering.(1) God is glorified (5.11; 4.13; 4.16).(2) We can testify (3.15-17).(3) We are purified (1.6,7).(4) We are strengthened (5.10).The eternal rewards of suffering “called to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus” (5.10) “Forever and ever” (5.11). c. Remain:i. Committed to God (4.19).ii. In fellowship with GodIllus: .2Illus: How? Prayer-Bible-Appetite-Put off those things that destroy spiritual appetite. Conclusion: Do not SEEK suffering. Accept it when it comes. Search your heart (4.16). Is God judging you? (4.17) If not, seek to know why suffering has come. If there is no evidence, praise God for being able to share in the sufferings of Christ. Ask Him to be glorified in your life.

Lesson Six: The People of God – A Serving People (5.1-5; 4.7-11).

We all are to be servants of God – all of us who have been saved by grace. It is interesting how the theme of service runs throughout First Peter. We could outline the book under this theme. The saved are called to serve. We serve as we are sanctified. We serve because God has selected us. We serve as we are submissive, and we serve through suffering.For the purpose of this study we will concentrate on the teachings if and 5.1-5. We will also note related verses.NOTE: (4.10): This is our stewardship: “minister to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” or “God’s varied grace.” “Stewards” come from the Greek οἰκονόμος (oikonomoi) which originally meant house manager.(1) Each is responsible according to the gift he has received (4.10).(2) Each is responsible for the ability God has given (4.11).

We can serve God...

1. …as We recognize The Serious Nature of Christian Service (4.7).

Note: “Self controlled” and “Sober-minded” in Greek means “Sound judgement” and “sober spirit”.a. We are to be sober because the end of the age is drawing near.b. We are to be sober through watchful prayer.

2. …as We Recognize We are all Gifted for Christian Service.

a. Every Christian is gifted to serve God (4.10). “each one has received a gift”i. All of us serve as witnesses (5.1). (See and 10.39).ii. All of us serve through love (4.8).iii. All of us serve through cheerful hospitality (4.9). b. Every Christian is gifted differently. i. 4.10-We are all gifted variously “varied (esv) or “Manifold grace”ii. 5.1-2 illus. that some are shepherds. c. Every Christian represents Christ as he/she Serves.Note: 4.11-“Speak as the oracles of God.

3. …as We Recognize the Right Motive for Christian Service...Glorifying God!

Our service is to be for the glory of God. “that God may be glorified through Christ Jesus (4.11). Also see 1.7; 2.11; 4.14; 4.16; 5.11.God is glorified as we:a. Speak for Him (4.11). (And we will!)b. Minister for Him (4.11). (And we will!).c. Live for Him (4.8-9).d. Worship Him (4.7)e. We serve with the right attitude.i. We are to serve willingly (5.2). “not under compulsion, but”ii. We are to serve honestly (5.2). “not for shameful gain”iii. We are to serve eagerly (5.2). “of a ready mind”iv. We are to serve humbly (5.3). “not domineering over”v. We are to serve by example (5.3) “examples to the flock”f. We serve is his strength (4.11).KJV-“ability”, (Greek iskuos)