New Testament survey (21): 1 Peter

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:1-9)

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9)

Overview

[1] 1 Peter, from Thru The Bible Radio with Dr. J. Vernon McGee ©, with free downloads Notes & Outlines (PDF), Complete 5-Year Study (MP3)

Christian hope in the time of trial: Peter deals with doctrine and handles weighty subjects. This is seen in his treatment of the great words of the gospel, many of which are gathered together at the outset (1 Peter 1:2) — elect, foreknowledge, sanctification, obedience, blood, and the Trinity. He used some of these words several times. Added to these are: salvation (used three times), revelation (with cognate words, used five times), glory (with cognate words, used sixteen times), faith (five times), and hope (four times).

Peter has been called the apostle of hope; Paul, the apostle of faith; John, the apostle of love. The word that conveys the theme, however, is suffering (which, with cognate words, occurs sixteen times). The word hope is tied to it — the Christian hope in the time of trial. (Read the complete article)

[2] Book of 1 Peter, from gotquestions.org (this website is also available in Afrikaans, Arabic, Bengali, Burmese-Myanmar, Cebuano, Chinese - Simplified, Chinese – Traditional, Hausa, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Malaysian, Persian-Farsi, Portuguese, Quechua, Sesotho, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Urdu, Vietnamese, Zulu, and 70 other languages)

Though this time of persecution was desperate, but Peter reveals that it was actually a time to rejoice. He says to count it a privilege to suffer for the sake of Christ, as their Savior suffered for them. This letter makes reference to Peter’s personal experiences with Jesus and his sermons from the book of Acts. Peter confirms Satan as the great enemy of every Christian but the assurance of Christ's future return gives the incentive of hope.

Peter’s familiarity with the Old Testament law and prophets enabled him to explain various OT passages in light of the life and work of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 1:16, he quotes Leviticus 11:44: “Be holy, for I am holy.” But he prefaces it by explaining that holiness is not achieved by keeping the law, but by the grace bestowed upon all who believe in Christ (v. 13). Further, Peter explains the reference to the “cornerstone” in Isaiah 28:16 and Psalm 118:22 as Christ, who was rejected by the Jews through their disobedience and unbelief. Additional Old Testament references include the sinless Christ (1 Peter 2:22 / Isaiah 53:9) and admonitions to holy living through the power of God which yields blessings (1 Peter 3:10:12; Psalm 34:12-16; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34). Read the complete article

[3] 1 Peter, from Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition)

WRITER: The Apostle Peter (1 Peter 1:1)

DATE: Probably A.D. 60. That “Babylon” refers to the former city on the Euphrates, or to Rome, cannot be inferred from 1 Peter 5:13. The text is obscure.

THEME: While Peter undoubtedly has scattered Jewish believers in mind, his Epistles comprehend Gentile believers also (1 Peter 2:10). The present Epistle, written from a church on Gentile ground (1 Peter 5:13), presents all the foundational truths of the Christian faith, with special emphasis on the atonement. The distinctive note of First Peter is preparation for victory over suffering. The last-name word occurs about fifteen times, and is the key-word to the Epistle.

The Epistle is in three parts:

1. Christian suffering and conduct in the light of full salvation, 1 Peter 1:1-2:8
2. The believer’s life in view of his sevenfold position, and of the vicarious suffering of Christ, 1 Peter 2:9-4:19
3. Christian service in the light of the coming of the Chief Shepherd, 1 Peter 5:1-14

Discussion

[1] Key verses: 1 Peter 1:3; 2:9, 24; 5:8-9

[2] Key words:

• Salvation, 1 Peter 1:5, 9-10)
• Glory, 1 Peter 1:7-8, 11, 21, 24; 2:20; 4:13-14; 5:1, 4, 10-11
• Faith, 1 Peter 1:5, 7, 9, 21
• Hope, 1 Peter 1:3, 13, 21; 3:15
• Suffer and suffering, 1 Peter 2:19-20; 3:14, 17; 4:15-16, 19

[3] 1Peter 1:18-19: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers. 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

The word “redemption” occurs 20 times in 20 verses in the KJV (Leviticus 25:24; 25:51-52; Numbers 3:45; Psalm 49:8; 119:9; 130:7; Jeremiah 32:7-8; Luke 2:38; 21:28; Romans 3:24; 8:23; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:7, 14; 4:30; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:12, 15).

Redemption is of God (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23); by Christ (Isaiah 44:21-23; 43:1; Luke 1:68); by the Blood of Christ (Matthew 20:28; Galatians 3:13)

Christ was sent to effect redemption (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:9)

Christ is made redemption to us, Galatians 4:4, 5

Redemption is from:

• The bondage of the law Galatians 4:5
• The curse of the law Galatians 3:13
• The power of sin Romans 6:18, 22
• The power of the grave Psalm 49:15
• All troubles Psalm 25:22
• All iniquity Psalm 130:8; Titus 2:14
• All evil, Genesis 48:16
• The present evil world Galatians 1:4
• Vain conversation, 1 Peter 1:18
• Enemies, Psalm 106:10, 11; Jeremiah 15:21
• Death, Hosea 13:14
• Destruction, Psalm 103:4

Man cannot effect his own redemption, Psalm 49:7

Corruptible things cannot purchase redemption: 1 Peter 1:18

Redemption obtains for us:

• Justification, Romans 3:24
• Forgiveness of sin, Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14
• Adoption, Galatians 4:4, 5
• Purification, Titus 2:14

Redemption is described as precious (Psalm 49:8), plenteous (Psalm 130:7) and eternal (Hebrews 9:12).

Subjects of redemption:

• The soul, Psalm 49:8
• The body, Rom 8:23
• The life, Psalm 103:4; Lamentations 3:58
• The inheritance, Ephesians 1:14

Redemption manifests:

• power of God, Isaiah 50:2
• grace of God, Isaiah 52:3
• love and pity of God, Isaiah 63:9; John 3:16; Romans 6:8; 1 john 4:10

They who partake of redemption:

• are the property of God, Isaiah 43:1; 1 Corinthians 6:20
• are first-fruits to God, Revelations 14:4
• are a peculiar people2Sa 7:23; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9
• are assured of redemption, Job 19:25; Psalm 31:5
• are sealed to the day of redemption, Ephesians 4:30
• are zealous of good works, Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9
• shall walk safely in holiness, Isaiah 35:8,9
• shall return to Zion with joy, Isaiah 35:10
• alone can learn the songs of heaven, Revelation 14:3,4
• shall commit themselves to God, Psalm 31:5
• have an earnest of the completion of Ephesians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 1:22
• wait for the completion of Rom 8:23; Philippians 3:20, 21; Titus 2:11-13
• pray for the completion of redemption, Psalm 26:11; 44:26
• praise God for redemption, Psalm 71:23; 103:4; Revelation 5:9
• should glorify God for redemption, 1 Corinthians 6:20
• should be without fear Isaiah 43:1

[4] Baptist Distinctive: Autonomy of the Local Church (Download PDF)

The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church. All human authority for governing the local church resides within the local church itself. Thus the church is autonomous, or self-governing. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church's beliefs or practices. Autonomy does not mean isolation. A Baptist church may fellowship with other churches around mutual interests and in an associational tie, but a Baptist church cannot be a "member" of any other body. (Colossians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 8:1 - 5, 19, 23)

[5] Baptist Distinctive: Priesthood of the Believer (Download PDF)

"Priest" is defined as "one authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God." Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence in prayer directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No other mediator is needed between God and people. As priests, we can study God's Word, pray for others and offer spiritual worship to God. We all have equal access to God - whether we are a preacher or not. (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 5:9-10)

[6] Baptist Distinctive: Two Ordinances (Download PDF)

The local church should practice two ordinances: (1) baptism of believers by immersion in water, identifying the individual with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection, and (2) the Lord's Supper, or communion, commemorating His death for our sins. (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32

[7] Baptist Distinctive: Individual Soul Liberty (Download PDF)

Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, has the liberty to choose what he believes is right in the religious realm. No one should be forced to assent to any belief against his will. Baptists have always opposed religious persecution. However, this liberty does not exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself. (Romans 14:5, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9)

[8] Baptist Distinctive: Saved, Baptized Church Membership (Download PDF)

Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified themselves with Him in believer's baptism. When the members of a local church are believers, a oneness in Christ exists, and the members can endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 4:3)

Further study (Be like the Bereans! Acts 17:11)

[1] The Glory of Suffering--Studies in 1 Peter (23 articles in series), by Bob Deffinbaugh, Th.M.

[2] First Peter: Introduction, Argument, and Outline, by Daniel B. Wallace, Th.M., Ph.D

[3] Studies in 1 Peter, various authors, from bible.org

[4] 1 Peter: The Life That Lasts, by Dwight Edwards

[5] Sanctified Suffering, Commentary on Book of 1 Peter, by Paul Apple

Sermons on 1 Peter 2:9 (Be like the Bereans! Acts 17:11)

[1] Baptist Foundations - A Royal Priesthood, by Michael Stark, New Beginnings Baptist Church

[2] Baptist Distinctives Oct 28 2007: The priesthood of the believer, by Wm. Ashley Butler

[3] Live Up to Your Calling, by Rev. Kayre Stanley, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church

[4] Dealing with a Spiritual Identity Crisis, by Paul Burwash, Fairlanes Baptist Church

[5] Living in 3D, by Jon Good, Covenant Baptist Church

[6] Living Stones and a Chosen People, by Matthew Starin, Baptist World Mission

[7] The Lord Jesus Christ, by Larry Jennings Jr, Warren Center Baptist Church

[8] 09-11-05-Who We Are-God's Special Treasure, by Ronald Wyncoop

[9] Living Stones, by David Patterson

[10] Sermon on the Priests of God, by Keith Coleman

[11] Am I Holy, by Adam Nickell

[12] What is the Church? 2 - The People of God, by Richard DeRuiter

[13] Who We Are, by Edward P. Gray

[14] Our Call To The Priesthood, by Waldean Wall

[15] Am I Called to Ministry, by Jacob Vanhorn

[16] A people of God’s own possession, by Chad DeJong

[17] We are a Living House, by Aaron Bublitz

For other available sermons, please surf to Sermon / Preaching resources. Sermons are also available from South McGehee Baptist Church, McGehee, Arizona; Central Baptist Church, Lowesville; First Baptist Church, Mountain View, Missouri; Swift Creek Baptist Church; Word of Life Baptist Church, Pottsville, Philadelphia; Palm Springs Baptist Church, California; South Woods Baptist Church; Grove Baptist Church, Ulster; Dudley Baptist Church, United Kingdom; Independent Fundamental Baptist Sermons, Fundamental Christian Radio Broadcasts, Off-Site Audio Page and The Christian Radio Tuner

Notes: (1) This ministry does not necessarily endorse or share all the views and opinions expressed in the materials, resources or links mentioned in these posts. Please always refer to the Articles of Faith and Biblical distinctives of Baptists when you study these materials. (2) This lesson is part of the projected 300 plus lessons. From time to time, the lessons will be updated, revised, combined, formatted, and edited to comply with the VOA Simplified English word list. Later on, these lessons will be categorized, numbered sequentially, and made available as PDF downloads.