1 Peter
BACKGROUND:
In the closing days of his earthly ministry, Jesus predicted that Peter would one day “strengthen” his fellow believers (Luke 22:32; see John 21:15–17). In this first of his two letters Peter did just that, encouraging Christians who were experiencing persecution (2:12; 3:16; 4:4) and who would soon experience far greater persecution as Nero, falsely blaming Christians for the fire that destroyed Rome in a.d. 64, took vengeance on believers throughout the empire.
Purpose:
• To encourage and instruct Christians concerning persecution (3:13–5:11)
• To instruct concerning salvation (1:1–2:10)
• To instruct concerning subjection (2:11–3:12)
• To confirm Peter’s agreement with Paul (see exposition on 2 Pet. 3:14–18)[1]
1:1-12: A Living Hope
Ø Who are “God’s elect”?
Ø Who did the electing and how were they elected? What does this say about individual effort needed in order to be one of the elected?
Ø What is the “hope” believers have?
Ø What does Peter teach about whether or not the believer’s salvation is secure?
Ø Will believers suffer trials here on earth? If so, for what purpose?
1:13-2:3: Holiness
Ø Why does Peter begin verse 13 with the word “therefore”?
Ø Even though we can do nothing to earn or gain salvation, what does Peter say our response should be to God’s amazing grace?
Ø What does it mean that we should live our lives “as strangers in reverent fear”?
Ø What is the only thing that brings redemption?
Ø After accepting Christ’s love and returning our love to him, where should we direct our love?
Ø Of what should we rid ourselves and what should we now crave?
2:4-2:12: Living Stones
Ø Who is the Living Stone and what is He building here on earth?
Ø As chosen people, what is the ultimate purpose/ministry of believers?
Ø Why is it so important that our lives/testimonies are pure before the world?
2:13-3:22: Submission
Ø Ultimately when we submit, to whom are we submitting?
Ø Why is submission within society so important?
Ø What is the ultimate purpose of submission?
Ø Who is our example in learning to submit?
Ø Why is submission within the family so important?
Ø What happens to a husband’s prayer life if his does not treat his wife in a godly manner?
Ø What does it mean to “live in harmony” with one another? Is this submission?
Ø Should we submit to those who treat us badly? Who is our example?
Ø How should we respond to those who ask us about our hope in Christ?
4:1-11: Godly Living
Ø What does it mean to “arm yourself with the same attitude” that Jesus had?
Ø If we are so “armed” how does that change us?
Ø Why is it important to be “clear minded and self-controlled”?
Ø Why did Christ give each one of us gifts?
Ø Who is the one who should get the accolades for our gifts?
4:12-19: Suffering for Christ
Ø According to Peter are Christians exempt from suffering?
Ø When suffering comes our way, how should we respond?
Ø If we suffer for Christ we are blessed. However, we need to differentiate between suffering for Christ and suffering because of our own stupidity!
Ø While in the storms of suffering what should our attitude be?
5:1-14: Specific Appeals
Ø Appeals to those who lead:
ü Shepherd the flock
ü Serve the flock willingly and eagerly
ü Don’t “fleece” the flock
ü Don’t “lord it over” the flock
ü Be an example to the flock
Ø Appeals to others:
ü Younger submit to the older
ü Be humble
ü Don’t be anxious
ü Be self-controlled
ü Resist the Devil by standing firm in the faith
[1] Willmington, H. L. (1997). Willmington's Bible handbook (767–768). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.
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