The
theme of 1 Peter is salvation. This salvation is
B1 Past (when they believed), present, and future
B2 Doctrinal
B3 Practical
Chapter
1
We
are to rejoice in our salvation.
B1 It was given to us because of our believing the Gospel and placing
our trust into Jesus Christ.
B2 It is guaranteed through the resurrection of Jesus.
B3 It is a protection of our souls through God’s grace and desire.
B4 It is the goal, or the end result, of our faith.
B5 It was prophesied by the prophets in the Old Testament.
We
are to be holy in our salvation.
B1 Our body, souls, and spirit are to be holy according to God’s
standard.
B2 Our minds must be ready for action to live, clear headed (as
opposed to be under the influence of anything), and fix our hope on
Christ and His grace.
B3 Our bodies must not be given to actions contrary to God’s rules
for us in the New Testament. There are sensual pleasures that are
proper in God’s view, but outside what He has allowed, we must
avoid.
B4 The standard of holiness is God Himself. We must not think
ourselves to be holy in ourselves but only by God’s grace applied
to our daily lives. How we use this grace determines failure or
success.
B5 Our hope and faith is in God alone, not in ourselves.
B6 Our standards fail and fade away. We must not think that we are
good except from God’s grace, the Son’s atonement, and the
Spirit’s sanctification
Chapter
2
We
are to grow in our salvation.
B1 The source of growth is God.
B2 The foundation has already been laid and is being built on. The
foundation is Christ’s Apostles and prophets from His time on
earth. The foundation is not built again.
B3 We grow spiritually by food and this food has been provided us in
the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit has inspired them for our growth. He
in wisdom, love, and holiness has perfectly chosen the words. We must
believe Him. The plain, normal sense uncorrupted by human effects of
false interpretive methods.
We
are to live out our salvation
B1 Our salvation (what has been accomplished in the new birth) is to
be lived in our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.
B2 The standard is God Himself as recorded in the New Testament.
B3 We are to live it publicly towards government, our employers, our
family and friends, our employees, and our enemies.
B4 When we suffer, we are suffer for living and speaking to honor
God.
B5 How precious these words: 1 Peter 2:23-25 WEL When he was
verbally abused, he did not verbally abuse in return. When he
suffered, he did not threaten but committed it to him who judges
righteously. 24 Who by himself carried our sins in his own body on
the cross that we, now [being] dead to sins, might live for
righteousness. By his wound, you were healed. 25 For you were like
sheep wandering away but now have come back to the Shepherd and
Overseer of your souls.
Chapter
3
We
are to live our Christian life with our family in the way we act
among them and treat them. There can be no abuse or control
(micromanaging).
We
are to live our Christian life when we suffer for Christ or any other
suffering.
Chapter
4
We
are to live a Christian lifestyle. It has never changed. Its
principles have been given to us in Scriptures. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 LEB
All scripture [is] inspired by God and profitable for teaching,
for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, 17 in
order that the person of God may be competent, equipped for every
good work.
Chapter
5
We
are to live our Christian life in our church family, not only our
local brothers and sisters but also those worldwide. Those gifted by
God to teach and/or lead must do so God’s way.
B1 1 Peter 5:3-4 WEL Do not lord it over God’s heritage, but be
examples to the flock. 4 When the Chief Shepherd does appear,
you will receive a crown of glory that does not fade away.
B2 We are to be aware at all times. It is not a time for passivity or
bypassing our minds. There is an enemy who wants to destroy us
deceptively even coming as an angel of light. 1 Peter 5:8-10 WEL Be
clear headed. Be alert, because your enemy, the Devil, like a roaring
lion, walks around seeking whom he can devour. 9 Resist him,
[be] immovable in the faith, realizing that the same kind of
afflictions are being faced by your brothers who are in the world. 10
But the God of all grace, who has called us into his eternal glory by
Christ Jesus, will mend you, make you resolute, give you strength,
and support you.
2
Peter
Chapter
1
We
can be successful in the Christian faith and life.
B1 God has given us great and precious promises.
B2 We are to avoid following evil desires. Our Book tells us how.
We
can grow in our faith.
B1 How to grow spiritually. Here is right before us: 2 Peter 1:5-7
WEL Beside this, be diligent to add to your faith moral
excellence; to moral excellence add knowledge. 6 To knowledge add
self-control; to self-control add perseverance; to perseverance add
godliness. 7 To godliness add brotherly love; to brotherly love add
unselfish, unconditional love.
B2 If we have this, we are strong. If we lack these, we are weak: 2
Peter 1:8-11 WEL For if these qualities are in you and are
plentiful, they will make you not to be barren or unfruitful in the
thorough knowledge concerning our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he who
lacks these qualities is blind, short sighted, and become forgetful
that he was totally cleansed from his past sins. 10 So now, be even
more diligent to make your calling and election sure, because if you
do these things, you will never fall. 11 For in this way the entrance
will be abundantly supplied to you into the everlasting kingdom of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Chapter
2
We
must know that false teachers exist.
B1 We must know truth from error. Most pastors do not teach the
Scriptures anymore, and many of those who do teach, teach the
Scriptures through the lens of their theology.
B2 We must be a little skeptical and test what they say.
B3 2 Peter 2:1-3 WEL But false prophets were among the people,
even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly
and deceptively bring in destructive heresies,
even disowning the Lord that redeemed them. They
will bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 Many will follow their
destructive ways. Because of them, others will
curse the way of truth. 3 Through selfish desires,
they will use you to get rich with [their]
deceptive words. For a long time now their judgment is anticipated,
and their destruction is not asleep. [Emphasis is mine]
C1 Beware of false teachers.
C2 They love control and money, yes, and often sex. Look how many
headlines reveal their grooming and unfaithfulness.
C3 Please read the whole chapter when you get home.
Chapter
3
We
must remember that Jesus Christ WILL return.
B1 In the last days, many will question if He will return.
B2 Let us not be willingly ignorant.
B3 Judgment will come on the ungodly just as it did in the past.
B4 We need to make greater effort to live as Jesus told us to live.
He will supply the grace that we need.
We
must remember and apply this: 2 Peter 3:13-14 WEL Nevertheless,
according to his promise, we look forward to the coming of the new
heavens and a new earth where righteousness makes its home. 14 As a
result, beloved, seeing that you look forward to such things, be
diligent to be found by him in peace, spotless, and blameless.
We
must remember Peter’s last written words: 2 Peter 3:17-18 WEL
Therefore, beloved, seeing that you know this ahead of time, be on
guard lest you also get led away with the error of the wicked and
fall from your own steadfastness, 18 Instead grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory and
honor both now and forever. Amen.