1 Peter: A Living Hope

Introduction:

A.     The tenor of the book of I Peter is persecution.  The Christians in Rome, where Peter is writing from (5:13) are facing dire persecution by Nero.  The book is believed to be written sometime around A. D. 63-65.  It is important to note that during this time Christians were being persecuted for not honored Caesar and for burning Rome.

B.     The theme of the book of I Peter is to encourage, comfort and demand that Christians live faithful to God no matter what happens in life.

C.     This epistle is much like the second in which Peter wants to remind his brethren of certain truths and encourage them to faithfulness.

D.     The book of I Peter can be divided up into four major categories: (1) The appeal to faithfulness and its reasons 1:1-2:12.  (2). Submission to those who may be causing suffering 2:13-3:22.  (3). be ready to Suffer 4:1-19 (4).  Practical application for those suffering 5:1-14.

I.                  The Appeal and Its Reasons 1:1-2:12.

A.     In this context Peter makes several appeals to his brethren to be faithful to the Lord (1:13-14, 22; 2:1-2, 11).

B.     Integrated within these appeals are reasons to remain faithful to the Lord.  It is as if Peter is saying “I want you to remain faithful, and here are some reasons why you should”.  Following are 8 reason Peter gives to remain faithful to God:

1.      Because we have a living hope (1:3; Heb 6:19, Col 1:27, I Tim 1:1, Titus 1:2).

a.       Through the Resurrection (1:3b, I Cor 15:19, Acts 23:6).

2.      Because of our Heavenly inheritance (1:4; Phil 3:20-21; Col 1:5, Matt 25:46, 2 Cor 5:1-2, Rev. 21:1ff).

3.      Because of Salvation (1:9-10; I Jn. 2:25, Rom 3:23, 6:23, Isa 59:1-2, I Pet 2:24, 2 Cor 5:21).

4.      Because you must be holy like God (1:15-16; Heb 12:14; Rom 12:1).

5.      Because of God’s Eternal Plan for you (1:19-20; 2 Tim 1:9-10, Eph 3:3ff, Titus 1:2).Based on Jesus blood (Heb 9:22, Matt 26:28, Acts 20:28, Col 1:14, Rev. 1:5).

6.      Because you are a new creature (1:23-25, Rom 6:1-4, Jn. 3:5, 2 Cor 5:17, Matt 24:35).

7.      Because we are God’s temple (2:5, I Tim 3:15, I Cor 12:27, I Cor 3:16, Acts 7:48-50, I Cor 6:19).

8.      Because we are God’s Israel of Priests (2:9—2:5—Spiritual sacrifices-Rom 12:1ff, 2 Cor 5:14-15, Gal 2:20).

II.               Submit to the one’s causing suffering (2:13-3:22).

A.     In the following verses Peter is now going to tell the Christians to submit to those who may be causing you to suffer.  Christianity is the religion that blesses those who curse you (Lk. 6:28).

1.      Submit to an evil government (2:13-17).

2.      To Masters who aren’t Christians (2:18-25).

3.      To unfaithful spouses (3:1-6).

4.      To one another (3-7-12). *unlike the rest

5.      To suffering itself (3:13-17).

B.     Lastly, Peter gives us the example of Christ submission during suffering (3:18ff).

III.           Be Ready to suffer (Chapter 4).

A.     In these verses Peter now tells this Christians to be ready to suffer.  Suffering is not a might or maybe, therefore, be ready to deal with.

1.      Be ready and cease from sin (4:1ff; 2 Tim 3:12).

2.      Rejoice in Suffering (4:12-13; Acts 5:41-42).

3.      Blessed for suffering (4:14-19).

IV.            Practical Application for those Suffering (Chapter 5).

A.     Humble Yourselves (Vs. 5-6)

B.     Give you anxieties to God (Vs. 7).

C.     Be awake and alert (Vs. 8).

D.     Resist the Devil (Vs. 9).