Lesson 452 - Senior
Memory Verse
"As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (I Peter 1:15, 16).
Cross References
I Peter's Comforting Messages
1. We have a lively hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [1PE:1:1-3]; [1CO:15:20].
2. An undefiled inheritance is reserved in Heaven for us, [1PE:1:4];[1PE:1:5]; [COL:1:5]; [2TM:4:8].
3. Our faith, though being tried, is more precious than gold, [1PE:1:6-9]; [JOB:23:10]; [PS:66:10]; [JAM:1:3].
4. This salvation was of deepest interest to prophets and angels, [1PE:1:10-14]; [EXO:25:18-20]; [EPH:3:9-10].
5. God is holy. We as His children must bear His likeness, [1PE:1:15-17]; [LEV:11:44]; [LUK:1:74-75]; [HEB:12:14].
6. We were not redeemed with corruptible things, [1PE:1:18-21]; [ACT:20:28]; [EPH:1:7]; [HEB:9:12-14]; [REV:5:9].
II Peter's Advice
1. Love one another with a pure heart fervently, [1PE:1:22-25] [ROM:12:9-10]; [1TM:1:5]; [1JN:3:18].
2. Lay aside all evil tendencies and desire the sincere milk of the Word, [1PE:2:1-3], [1PE:2:11-12]; [MAT:18:3]; [1CO:3:2]; [EPH:4:22-25]; [COL:3:8]; [HEB:12:1]; [JAM:1:21].
3. Christ, "a living stone," is precious to believers, but "a stone of stumbling" to the disobedient, [1PE:2:4-12]; [EPH:2:19-22]
4. Christians should be obedient to civil authorities, according to the will of God, [1PE:2:13-17]; [MAT:22:21]; [ROM:13:1].
5. Servants should be subject to their masters, [1PE:2:18-23]; [EPH:6:5-8]; [COL:3:22-25]; [1TM:6:1]; [TIT:2:9-10].
6. They had gone astray like sheep but were now returned to their Shepherd, [1PE:2:24-25]; [ISA:53:6]; [EZE:34:6]; [JHN:10:11-16].
Notes
Peter's Introduction
It is supposed that this Epistle was written shortly after Paul's martyrdom. The churches Paul had established were passing through "fiery trials." It was about 35 years after Pentecost and the church was suffering hard persecution. Nero, the Roman Emperor, possibly to cover up his own guilt, was accusing the Christians of burning Rome.
Peter was writing this Epistle to encourage and bolster the faith of the saints. He possibly had visited the churches mentioned at the opening of the Epistle, and knew many of the saints personally; and we can imagine how happy they were to receive this letter from Peter. He was sending it by Silas, one of Paul's helpers in the Gospel. Silas may have been visiting these churches to carry to them the news of Paul's death.
The Magnitude of the Gospel
Peter wanted the saints to grasp the magnitude of this great salvation. He points out how earnestly the prophets had desired to look into these things when they prophesied of the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow. "Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into" [1PE:1:12]). There is possibly an allusion here to the Cherubims who stood at the ends of the Ark of the Covenant. They were in a bending posture, as if intently desiring to look into that which the Ark contained.
If the incarnation of Christ and His great plan of redemption is of great concern to the angels of God, how much more should it be to us for whom Christ came, suffered and died that we might be redeemed.
"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind," take courage and continue to expect all that God has promised at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Holiness
Holiness is the very essence of God. If God is our Father, then we, his children, should bear the resemblance of our Father. The whole trend of a Christian life is holiness. Our walk, our conversation, our daily living must be holy. In the last few verses of the first chapter of I Peter, the new birth, the plan of redemption and holiness are all brought out so beautifully.
Redemption
Silver and gold are two precious metals that are used as a medium of exchange, but silver and gold could not purchase our redemption. It took something of infinitely more value than precious metals.
Under the Law, if a man through misfortune or otherwise could not pay his debts, he and his possessions were sold to pay the debt. But the Law provided a plan of redemption whereby he could be bought back. The nearest kin could pay the debt and set him free.
Jesus took on Him the form of human flesh, became our elder brother, that He might have the right to redeem us back to God. Our first parents sold us to Satan. Jesus, with His own precious Blood, bought us back. What a price He paid to redeem us back to God! That shows the value God places on a human soul.
Many people treat their soul as if it were worthless. They fling it out, as it were, on the restless sea of time, not caring where they are drifting, until they reach that great precipice, beyond which there is no hope. Satan has blinded their eyes and he strives to keep them blinded. The Gospel brings light. That is why we labour to get the Gospel to a lost world.
Malice
The vices mentioned are wholly inconsistent with the brotherly love about which Peter had been writing. Malice is mentioned first, and each succeeding vice springs out of that which immediately precedes. Out of malice springs guile, out of guile springs hypocrisy, out of hypocrisy springs envy, out of envy springs evil speaking. All are eradicated from the heart when brotherly love reigns within.
The Pure Word
Newborn babies grow naturally when fed on the mother's milk. New converts grow naturally when fed on the sincere milk of the Word. It builds faith, and faith establishes the heart on a solid foundation.
Possibly there never was a time in church history when the foundation of the Gospel was being so undermined as in these days. False doctrine, compromise, loose living, disregard for God's Word, greed for money and power are sending this world on the broad road to destruction.
Jesus Christ is the Foundation on which the Church rests. He is called "A Living Stone," and is the source of life to all who believe.
Obedience to the Law
"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake" [1PE:2:13]). Paul says the powers that be are ordained of God. It is the duty of a Christian to obey the laws of the land when they do not conflict with the laws of God. We are to be peaceful, law-abiding citizens. The law is for the punishment of evil-doers.
Subjection to Authority
"Servants, be subject to your masters" [1PE:2:18]). In those days - slavery was prevalent; but though we do not have slavery today in our land, we do have trouble between employers and employees. These instructions apply to them.
We are to follow in the footsteps of Jesus who, when He was reviled, reviled not again. There are no thanks to be given to one who suffers for his faults, but when he does well and suffers for it, that is thankworthy.
Wandering Sheep
"Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls" [1PE:2:25]). Sinners are as stray sheep in the wilderness of sin until Christ, the merciful Shepherd, calls them from their wanderings by sending them the Gospel. He leads them to the best pastures and defends them when they are in trouble.
Peter
We think of Peter in his young days as a large, brawny, impetuous fisherman living on the coarser side of life. We look on him after Pentecost as a strong, brave, courageous soldier of Jesus Christ, daring to face the enemy and denounce those who crucified the Lord of Glory.
In his old days we view him through his Epistles as a tender, loving father, mellowed by the love of Jesus for lost souls until his Epistles take on an almost heavenly aspect as he encourages the saints to think it not strange concerning the fiery trials that are to try them as though some strange thing had happened to them: These things were just stepping-stones in their faith that would bring them more glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
His encouragement and advice, if followed, will make every saint "more than conqueror" through Jesus Christ who loved them.
Questions
1. What do you think prompted Peter to write this Epistle?
2. Tell some of the characteristics of Peter?
3. Explain how we can be holy in this life.
4. Upon what foundation is the Gospel built?
5. Why is Jesus called "a living stone"?
6. What was the price of our redemption?
7. How were they to think of their trials?
8. Under the Law, how could a man who had been sold for his debts be set free?