Grace to Carry On: 1 Peter

A Summer Series

How to read an epistle…

…a letter - an author and an audience (we’ll leave the audience for Eric next week, but let’s think about the author of this letter)

Peter - Who is Peter again?

The letter begins with these words… “Peter, an apostle”

But we shouldn’t forget who Peter was… don’t just let that title of “apostle” sweep his whole biography out of the picture.

“more stories about Simon Peter than any other disciple”

“Bold and blundering, Simon Peter asks the questions others only think of asking, and steps out to test the waters (quite literally) that others never think of testing. Not one to mince words, Simon Peter speaks his mind, and not one to cower, Simon Peter acts on his impulses.

You might remember the time when:

Lk 5:1-11 Peter the fisherman is called to catch people

Mk 8:27–33 Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others,…

Mt 14:28–31 Jesus saves Peter (on the water) “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus

Mt 16:13–19 Peter’s confession (like in Mark) and Jesus’ Promise (on this “rock” I will build my church) When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of…

Lk 22:55–61 (Peter’s denial) And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.…

Jn 6:66–69 (Peter’s outburst - to whom shall we go?) From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you…

Jn 13 (Jesus washes Peter’s feet)

Jn 18 (Peter cuts off the soldier’s ear)

Jn 21:15–19 (Jesus reinstates Peter after the denials) When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered,…

Ac 4:8–21 “salvation is found in no one else but Jesus”

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name…

But what about what Paul had to say against Peter in Galatians? What happened there?

How to read 1 Peter in particular…

…a circular letter

… written by a “shepherd” to other shepherds 1 Peter 5:1-4

The New International Version Chapter 5

the Elders and the Flock

5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elderb and a witnessc of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:d 2 Be shepherds of God’s flocke that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;f not pursuing dishonest gain,g but eager to serve; 3 not lording it overh those entrusted to you, but being examplesi to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherdj appears, you will receive the crown of gloryk that will never fade away.l

… for what Peter tells us he wrote it for: “1 Peter 5:12” encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

And so, this book if for you if you sometimes wonder whether you’re too flawed to be of any use in the kingdom of God.

Perhaps you’ve been mistaken or publicly misunderstood. Well, please meet Peter.

Perhaps you’re a little impulsive, or you speak your mind a little to easily… again, please meet Peter.

Perhaps you are facing something that causes you to wonder whether God’s grace is true…whether you can stand fast in it.

Whether there really is “Grace to Carry On”

If that describes you in any sort of way… well, this is for you.

Closing prayer “wonder” in the book?

??Today! Bring your lunch to McGowan Park after church. Spray park is there if things get too warm. :)