Chapter 2

1  Peter

Part 2

Introduction: Living As Sojourners

1 Peter 1:2[1]

[Slide 37] We have just begun a series taken from 1 Peter. We’re going through this letter verse-by-verse so that we can pickup on God’s instruction on how to gain an eternal perspective on life pressures.  We are in 1 Peter 1.

! I.   [Slide 38] Review in Brief

A.     Getting the Most from our study

To help us to gain the most from this study I want to encourage you to read thru this letter a number of times.  If you do that, you’ll get a basic grasp of the message that will help you as we journey through the book together. 

Do the Bible Study in the back of your Sermon notes entitled ‘digging deeper’.

B.    Authorship:

We learned that the author was Peter . . . a man, that when we first meet him, seems to go in whatever direction the wind was blowing.  But as you read this letter, you quickly learn that things have changed.  He has matured greatly and is now challenging believers everywhere . . . if we’re to survive the shifting sands around us, we need to have an eternal perspective.

C.    | I. Review A. Getting the Most out of our studyB. AuthorshipC. DateD. Recipents II. More Intro Matters [Part 2] A. Why did Peter write this letterB. What kind of things does he talk aboutC. What is the purposeD. What things are precious to Peter? 1.  The trials of faith2.  The Blood of Christ3.  Living Stones4.  The Chief Cornerstone5.  Faith itself §   A Faith of the Apostles/Peter§   Jewish faith vs. Gentiles 6.  The promises of God. §   What kind of promise?§   Promises in context§   Other promises III. Point of action |

Date:

This letter was written around 64AD. Nero was in power . . . An emperor who is described as being driven “by a craze for popularity and was jealous of all who in any way stirred the feeling of the mob."[2]

History tells us that in his mid to late 20s he had an affair with his mother, and then had her killed.  In 64AD he set Rome on fire . . . burning it to the ground so to speak.  People began to turn on him . . . to unite the people he blamed Christians for the fires . . . it is believed that both Peter and Paul were in Rome at the time and became ideal scapegoats.  One Historian writes:

The destruction of Christians was planned with the utmost precision and cruelty, for the entertainment of the populace. The venue was Nero's circus near the Mons Vaticanus. Christians were exposed to wild animals, smeared with pitch and set ablaze to illuminate the night. Executions were so grisly that even the populace displayed sympathy for the victims. In the mayhem Peter was crucified upside down on Vatican hill, Paul was beheaded along the Via Ostiensis.[3]

D.    Recipients:

Peter addresses the recipients as sojourners, Christ Followers scattered throughout the Roman Empire.

This morning we’re going to focus on four more introductory matters:

• Why did Peter write this letter?
• What kinds of things does he talk about?
• What is Peter’s theme?
• Look briefly at things that Peter describes as most precious?

II.   More Introductory Matters [Part 2]

A.     [Slide 39] Why did Peter write this letter?

It was a tough to be a Christian. Christians were misunderstood, feared, opposed and ultimately attacked.  The Holy Spirit has Peter to write to these suffering believers, to remind them that painful times are not an end in themselves, that there is hope in spite of the suffering.

§         | I. Review II. More Intro Matters [Part 2] A. Why did Peter write this letterB. What kind of things does he talk aboutC. What is the purposeD. What things are precious to Peter? a.  The trials of faithb.  The Blood of Christc.  Living Stonesd.  The Chief Cornerstonee.  Faith itself                             i.      A Faith of the Apostles/Peter                           ii.      Jewish faith vs. Gentiles f.   The promises of God.                             i.      What kind of promise?                           ii.      Promises in context                          iii.      Other promises III. Point of action |

Notice chapter 1:6, "In this you greatly rejoice even though now for a little while if necessary you have been distressed by various trials." 

§         Look at chapter 2:21, "For you have been called for this purpose since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps who committed no sin nor was any deceit found in His mouth and while being reviled He did not revile in return, while suffering He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously." In your suffering follow the example given to us by our Master. Going back to verse 20, "When you do what is right and suffer for it, and you patiently endure, this finds favor with God," and your example is Christ. 

§         Chapter 3:13, "And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?  But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed and do not fear their intimidation and do not be troubled but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence."

§         Chapter 4:12, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you which comes upon you for your testing."  V13, "To the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing."  V19, "Therefore let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful creator in doing what is right." 

§         Chapter 5:10 he says, "And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to His eternal glory in Christ will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you."

Peter is telling us that how we endure suffering has a great deal to do with our faith. Suffering helps us to keep our eyes on things of eternal value, to have compassion on others, to develop patience, to prove our love and loyalty towards God, and to prove to men the genuineness of our convictions and our love.[4]

B.    [Slide 40] What kind of things does Peter talk about.

Besides suffering, there are other topics, heavy stuff.  As the writer of Hebrews says: “Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about Christ, let us press on to maturity . . . for solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trainted to discern good and evil” [Hebrews 6:1; 5:14].

Let me give you a splattering of meaty stuff that we will explore.  We're going to learn about:

§         | I. Review II. More Intro Matters [Part 2] E.  Why did Peter write this letterF.  What kind of things does he talk aboutG. What is the purposeH. What things are precious to Peter? a.  The trials of faithb.  The Blood of Christc.  Living Stonesd.  The Chief Cornerstonee.  Faith itself                             i.      A Faith of the Apostles/Peter                           ii.      Jewish faith vs. Gentiles f.   The promises of God.                             i.      What kind of promise?                           ii.      Promises in context                          iii.      Other promises III. Point of action |

Foreknowledge and election. 

§         What does it the blood of Christ mean and why is it precious? 

§         We'll discuss our eternal inheritance, the proof of true faith, and salvation, and the Second Coming of Christ

§         We’ll talk about what it means to be holy, even as God is holy. 

§         We will look at the new birth. 

§         We'll study the milk of the Word and how it makes us grow. 

§         We'll talk about what it means to be a holy priest, and the role of excellent behavior,  marriage relationships, and what is our relationship to government

§         We’ll talk about suffering for righteousness sake, and the need to be able to defend our faith. 

§         We’ll look at such things as baptism, humility, casting our anxieties and cares on Him. 

C.    [Slide 41] What is the purpose?

The purpose of the letter is to instruct believers how to live victoriously in the midst of hostile world and not lose heart, without wavering in faith, without becoming bitter, realizing where your hope is, realizing who your Savior is, and keeping your spiritual eye on the glorious coming of Christ when all suffering will cease.  

§         In chapter 1:7 he talks about the glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  1:9 the ultimate outcome, even the salvation of your souls, that final salvation, when we see the Lord. 

§         1:13 he talks about the revelation of Jesus Christ, meaning the Second Coming. 

§         2:12 he talks about the day of visitation, that's the Second Coming of Christ. 

§         | I. Review II. More Intro Matters [Part 2] I.    Why did Peter write this letterJ.  What kind of things does he talk aboutK. What is the purposeL.  What things are precious to Peter? a.  The trials of faithb.  The Blood of Christc.  Living Stonesd.  The Chief Cornerstonee.  Faith itself                             i.      A Faith of the Apostles/Peter                           ii.      Jewish faith vs. Gentiles f.   The promises of God.                             i.      What kind of promise?                           ii.      Promises in context                          iii.      Other promises III. Point of action |

4:13 he talks about the revelation of His glory, again referring to the Second Coming. 

§         5:1, he talks about the glory that is to be revealed. 

§         5:4, he talks about when the chief Shepherd appears you'll receive the unfading crown of glory.

What we have here is Christians who were ‘under the gun,’ being tested as though by fire . . . and Peter tells them that you’ll make it if you keep your heart and mind set on the return of Jesus Christ.  No matter what comes in this life we have that promise. 

Thus, what we have here is a precious letter written to  persecuted believers, telling them how to be victorious in the midst of it, and keep their focus on Christ who will return.  His coming for them will bring an end their suffering.  So our over all theme is:

How to live victoriously in the face of persecution, suffering and difficulty.

D.      What Things That Are Precious to Peter

Before we begin the mining process of the spiritual truths in 1 Peter, I want to call your attention to one of Peter’s loves . . . it is the word ‘precious’.  He uses the word 7 times, five in this letter and two in his second letter.  What does Peter define as ‘precious’?

1.      [Slide 42] The TRIAL OF FAITH is precious

1 Peter 1:7 (ESV) that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Even though gold will pass the test of fire, gold is perishable, proven faith is far more precious.  What a thought. Why is it more precious than gold? 

Because proven faith is eternal, it's eternal.  Even though gold is refined and it passes the test of fire, it doesn't pass the test of eternity.  Proven faith is more precious. 

Why does Peter use gold as his analogy? 

Because gold was the standard commodity.  We used to be on a gold standard, we aren't anymore.  In ancient times gold was the most precious of metals, the most highly prized and the standard of all monetary transactions.  So Peter is saying: gold, which is so precious, stands the test of fire but does not stand the test of eternity, therefore proven faith is more precious than pure gold. 

Just as fire separated true gold from the counterfeit, so God uses suffering to separate true faith from superficial profession.  It's more precious than gold. [5] 

2.      [Slide 43] The BLOOD OF CHRIST is precious.

1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV) 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

During the Crusades a story was told of Sir Grimwald who was captured by the  Sarasins and held for ransom.  In the negotiations for his release, they said they would only set him free from death if his wife’s right hand was cut off and delivered to them.  Historians tell us, she eagerly granted her own right hand to buy back her husband.

A high price for redemption.  But Peter speaks here of an even higher price, an infinitely higher price.  Peter tells us that we were redeemed with precious blood, the blood of Christ. 

V19 says that the price was blood, not just any blood, but precious blood.  Precious because it belonged to a lamb that was unblemished and spotless. 

When that farmer gave up his lamb in the sacrifices of the Old Testament economy, he was to give the most spotless and unblemished lamb he had which was precious to him, more precious than any other lamb because it was the one that would breed the best generation of sheep.

The blood was precious because the lamb was precious.  But the most precious lamb of all is the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ.  His blood is most precious because He is most precious.  He the most valuable person who ever walked on the face of this earth, He of whom it is said in Hebrews 4:15, "We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses but one who has been tempted in all things as we are yet without sin."  The spotless one, the unblemished one, the most precious because He was the most perfect.[6]

3.      [Slide 44] | The first step in practicing holiness is fellowship with Jesus Christ, the living Stone. Here Peter used a unique figure of speech. In 1:3 he referred to a “living hope” and in 1:23 to the “living . . . Word”; then in 2:4 he referred to Christ as “the living Stone.” Peter developed and explained the metaphor of the stone in the following verses. Here he said this Stone is living. It has life in itself and gives life to others. People may enter into personal, vital relationships with this “living Stone.” Whereas Christ was rejected by men . . . God had chosen Him (cf. 1:20) and held Him precious (cf. 1:19; 2:4, 7). Christians rejected by the world may take heart in the knowledge that they are the elect (1:1), valued (1:18) by God.   |

 The LIVING STONE is precious.

1Peter 2:4[NetBible] So as you come to him, a living stone rejected by men, but chosen and precious in God’s sight . . .  

This is interesting. In the original it reads "but He was elect and He was precious by the side of God."  That is, God examined Jesus.  And God took out the measurements of His own perfection and God measured Jesus Christ and God said, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am...what?...well pleased."

This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.  He was elect.  That's what choice means.  He was chosen, ordained by God, precious--it means costly, it means highly prized, it means rare.  And so God looked at Jesus Christ and said He was perfect for the cornerstone.  Every angle is perfect. 

He is a living stone in the sense that He is a risen‑from‑the‑ dead, and thus is alive. 

4.      [Slide 45] The CHIEF CORNERSTONE is precious.

1 Peter 2:6-7 (ESV)6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

Peter is quoting[7]. The stone is Christ, and not just a living stone, but also the cornerstone.  Now we’re told He is the cornerstone. 

We are therefore "no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." (Ephesians 2:19-20)

He is a precious cornerstone, meaning without equal, meaning irreplaceable.  "And he who believed in Him, he who trusts in the perfection of that cornerstone shall not be...what?...ashamed or disappointed." 

This precious value then is for you who believe, but for those who disbelieve the stone which the builders rejected, this became the very cornerstone and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense for they stumble because they are disappointed...rather because they are disobedient to the Word and to this doom they were also appointed."

The preciousness of Christ is felt only by believers.  That's what he says, this preciousness is for you who believe, for those who disbelieve they don't see Him as precious, they don't have any affection for Him.  They reject.  For them He's a stone of stumbling, He's a rock of offense.  There's nothing precious about Christ.  But to us He is beloved, to us He is honored, to us He is esteemed, to us He is precious, priceless, prized above everything.  And if you say there is anything in your life more precious than Jesus Christ, you can't be a Christian.  He is the most precious. A true Christian will be marked by an affection for Jesus Christ.  He loves Christ. 

5.      [Slide 46] Precious faith

2 Peter 1:1 (KJV)1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

What does he mean here? 

a)     Some say he means the same faith as the Apostles. 

Though the Apostles are uniquely called by God, having seen the resurrected Christ and, of course, had those unique experiences with the Lord Jesus, and while they are blessed as eyewitnesses of that resurrection and while they were given the gifts of signs and wonders, miraculous powers, while they were privileged recipients of divine revelation, they have no greater faith, no more precious a saving faith than simple common every day ordinary Christians.  They each have the same precious saving faith.

b)     | The word for “promises” (epangelmata, from epangellō; used only in 2 Peter 1:4 and 3:13) implies an emphatic public announcement. The promises are appropriately described as “very great and precious” (timia, from timē, “value”). Peter used “precious” to describe a Christian’s faith (1 Peter 2:7; 2 Peter 1:1), Christ’s blood (1 Peter 1:19), and here, Christ’s promises. The promises Peter had previously written about related to a believer’s inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5) and the return of Christ (1 Peter 1:9, 13).  |

On the other hand he may not be referring to ‘us Apostles,’ but more ‘us Jews’. 

In Acts 15 we have what we call the Jerusalem counsel.  The locals came together to solve a problem.  There was a lot of debate.  Then Peter stood up and said,

"Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the Word of the gospel and believe.  And God who knows the heart bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit just as He did to us. And He made no distinction...watch this ...between us and them, cleansing their hearts by...what?...by faith."  Same faith.  "Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples the yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?  But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they also are." 

Peter has a ‘thing’ about faith . . . and bridging cultural distinctives.  Thus, as a Jew, he is reaching out and saying, very strongly, no distinctions . . . you gentiles and us Jews have the same precious faith.  Faith is faith, whether Jew or Gentile.

6.      [Slide 47] THE PROMISES OF GOD are precious.[8]

2 Peter 1:4 (ESV) For by these He has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

a)     And what did He give us? 

"His precious and magnificent promises." 

• "precious"—meaning valuable, costly, honorable;
• "great" referring to, very great, as in the greatest. 

b)     In context, the precious promises refer to

• the promise of the new birth, 1 Peter 1:3 (NET) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
• | I. Review II. More Intro Matters [Part 2] U. Why did Peter write this letterV. What kind of things does he talk aboutW.            What is the purposeX. What things are precious to Peter? a.  The trials of faithb.  The Blood of Christc.  Living Stonesd.  The Chief Cornerstonee.  Faith itself                             i.      A Faith of the Apostles/Peter                           ii.      Jewish faith vs. Gentiles f.   The promises of God.                             i.      What kind of promise?                           ii.      Promises in context                          iii.      Other promises III. Point of action |

the promise of God’s protecting power, 1 Peter 1:5 (NET) 5 who by God’s power are protected through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

• the promise of God’s enabling power (2 Peter 1:3), believers can “participate in the divine nature,” that is, become more like Christ

c)     Other promises:

• [Slide 48] John 11:25-26 (NASB95) 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
• Hebrews 13:5 (NASB95)5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,”
• [Slide 49] Psalm 34:15-17 (ESV) 15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. 16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
• 1 John 1:9 (NASB95) 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
• [Slide 50] Psalm 27:1 (NASB95) The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
• | The word for “promises” (epangelmata, from epangellō; used only in 2 Peter 1:4 and 3:13) implies an emphatic public announcement. The promises are appropriately described as “very great and precious” (timia, from timē, “value”). Peter used “precious” to describe a Christian’s faith (1 Peter 2:7; 2 Peter 1:1), Christ’s blood (1 Peter 1:19), and here, Christ’s promises. The promises Peter had previously written about related to a believer’s inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5) and the return of Christ (1 Peter 1:9, 13).  |

1 Corinthians 10:13(ESV) 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to [1]man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

• [Slide 51] Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB95)5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
• Lamentations 3:22-23 (NASB95)22 The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

III. Point of Action

[Slide 52] 1 Corinthians 3:21-23, “For all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.”

Did you grab that?  He means all things.  God knows which word to use.  All things are ours. 

• The Bible teaches that God becomes 100% irrevocably for us at the moment of our justification, that is, the moment we see Christ as Savior and receive Him as our substitute punishment and perfection in Christ.   1 Corinthians 1:8-9, “God sustains us to the end . . .”  Exult in that truth.

You can’t get any better than that.

----

[1] Chuck Swindoll, Hope in Hurtful Times (Fullerton, CA: Insight for Living, 1989); Drew Worthen, 1 Peter http://www.cyberstreet.com/calvary/1Peter.htm  William D. Mounce, Greek For The Rest of Us, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing) pp. 63-71, 74-77; Ray Pritchard, “Strangers in a Strange Land,” 1 Peter 1:1-2, http://www.keepbelieving.com/sermon_series/Strangers-in-a-Strange-Land--I-Peter-46; John MacArthur, “The Man Who Was a Rock”; PreceptAustin, 1 Peter, http://www.preceptaustin.org/ 

[2] Herbert W. Benario, Nero, http://www.roman-emperors.org/nero.htm#N_8_

[3] Ibid.

[4] Michael, “Suffering As A Believer,” http://www.christian-faith.com/forjesus/suffering-believer

[5]John MacArthur, “The Joy Of Salvation” (Part 1), http://www.gty.org/ Resources/transcripts/60-7; Cf., Jobes, K. H. (2005). 1 Peter. Baker exegetical commentary on the New Testament (95). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

[6] John MacArthur, The Wonder of Our Redemption, Part 2 & 3 1 Peter 1:19‑21; http://www.gty. org/ Resources/Transcripts/scripture/60

[7] Isaiah 28:16(ESV) 16 therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’

[8] Lori Smith, “Real Promises”   Discipleship Journal   November/December   p.40.