1 Peter
The apostle Peter was chosen to be the first to take the Gospel to the Gentiles.
But his ministry was primarily to the Jews.
He wrote these two letters, 1 & 2 Peter to believers scattered in 5 areas of the Roman empire – 2 of which Paul had not been allowed to enter.
And in writing these letters, Peter fulfilled the commission given him in Luke 22 and in John 21.
The theme of the first letter is the grace of God, and Peter tells us how to live as aliens in a hostile world.
The theme of the second letter is spiritual knowledge.
He uses the word knowledge 7 times in the letter, and he warns us about false teachers.
Peter opens his first epistle by reminding his readers of what God's grace had done for them in saving them.
He then points out that God's grace helps them out in various relationships of life, and in the coming time of persecution.
Peter sums up the themes of both letters in his benediction over in 2 Peter 3:18: 'But grow in grace, and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.'.
That is the only way to succeed in these last days.
1 Peter 1
Salvation is a calling.
We're chosen by the Father, who gives us the new birth.
We're set apart by the Spirit, who gave the Word and enables God's servants to declare it.
And gives sinners the faith to believe the Promise.
We've been purchased by the blood of God's Son, who died for us, rose again and is coming for us to give our inheritance.
No wonder Peter opened his letter with a song of praise!
Salvation is a birth.
This is the spiritual birth Jesus tried to explain to Nicodemus.
When you put your faith in Jesus Christ, you are born from above – you receive hope and love for Christ and His people.
Because we're God's children – we want to obey Him.
Salvation is a redemption.
The apostle is referring to the Passover feast.
Jesus is the Lamb slain for us and His blood was sprinkled to shelter us.
The Jews in Egypt had to be ready to depart, and we must have the same attitude.
When Jesus comes again, we will make our exodus from this world.
And all of this was for you.
Are you praising Him for it?
1 Peter 2
Growing.
You know – just as a baby has an appetite for the mother's milk, so the child of God has an appetite for the Father's Word.
If you lose that appetite and stopped growing – check to see if any of the sins listed are infecting your life.
Building.
God is building a temple out of a living stone – as a matter of fact, several living stones.
And we privileged to be a part of it.
We're built on Jesus Christ, so there is no way the temple can be destroyed.
Sacrificing.
Each believer is a priest before God and can bring sacrifices to the Lord Jesus Christ and through Jesus Christ.
As we worship the Lord, we proclaim His virtues to a lost world.
That is what God called Israel to do.
And they failed.
What about us?
Are we willing, or are we also failing?
Submitting.
Peter's counsel is that Christians be good citizens and employees, so that God will be glorified.
The example for us is to follow Jesus Christ who submitted even to the point of death.
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