1 Peter

“To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion (the dispersion generally refers to Jews, but it could equally apply to the dispersion of Christians due to persecution) according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood.” (1 Peter 1:1)

Obedience to Christ “He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)

Comment: One who died to sin, was buried into Christ's blood, raised by God from the water grave of immersion (baptism) and given a new life (born) is put into the Kingdom (Body of Christ) by God.

“If necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, to test the genuineness of your faith.” (1 Peter 1:6- 7)

“Though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9)

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action. Do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)

“Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.” (1 Peter 1:17)

“You have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.” (1 Peter 1:22-23)

“You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23-24)

“Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” (1 Peter 2:1)

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2)

Reminder to the Chosen “As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4-5)

Comment: Spiritual sacrifices are offering to God what He desires. Under the Old Covenant, it was an animal sacrifice offered by a priest. Under the New Covenant Christians are priests. They are to offer their life by doing what He desires.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” (1 Peter 2:9)

“You are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:10)

“Abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12)

“Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men.” (1 Peter 2:13)

“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” (1 Peter

2:16

“Have proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:17)

“Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.” (1 Peter 2:18-19)

“If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.” (1 Peter 2:20)

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24)

“By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls (guardian of souls -Thayer Greek Lexicon).” (1 Peter 2:24-25)

Living the Christian Life Husbands and wives “Wives, in the same way be submissive (Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs (The Message Bible)) so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.” (1 Peter 3:1-5)

“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. All of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing.” (1 Peter 3:7-9)

Comment: Weaker partner – weaker may mean lacking in power or strength while partner probably means equal in Christ.

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:13-16)

“Christ was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also — not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:18-21)

“Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1-3)

“Don’t live as pagans choose to do — living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” (1 Peter 4:3-5)

“Be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:7-9)

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10-11)

“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.” (1 Peter 4:11)

“If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides.” (1 Peter 4:11)

“If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (1 Peter 4:14)

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. (1 Peter 4:15)

“Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-4)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Key Points from 1 Peter ➢ Your faith will be tested – not maybe or if but will be. ➢ As God’s servant, you will be judged by His work that you do.

Question – Why should a Christian prepare his mind for action?