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1 Peter Chapter One

1 Peter 1

The First Epistle of Peter is addressed to believers among the dispersed of Israel found in those provinces of Asia Minor Which are named in the first verse; the Second Epistle declares itself to be a second addressed to the same persons: so that the one and the other were destined for the Jews of Asia Minor (that is to those among them who had the same precious faith as the apostle).

The First Epistle is founded on the doctrine of the heavenly calling (I do not say of the assembly on earth [1] which is not brought before us here) in contrast with the portion of the Jews on the earth. It presents Christians and in particular Christians among the Jews as pilgrims and strangers on earth. The conduct suited to such is more largely developed than the doctrine. The Lord Jesus who was Himself a pilgrim and a stranger here is presented as a pattern in more than one aspect. Both epistles pursue the righteous government of God from the beginning to the consummation of all things in which the elements melt with fervent heat and there are new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. The first gives the government of God in favour of believers the second in the judgment of the wicked.

Nevertheless in presenting the heavenly calling the apostle necessarily presents salvation--the deliverance of the soul in contrast with the temporal deliverance of the Jews.

The following is the description which the Spirit gives of these believers. They are elect and that according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. Israel was a nation elected on the earth by Jehovah. Here it is those who were foreknown of the Father. The means by which their election is carried out is sanctification of the Holy Ghost. They are really set apart by the power of the Spirit. Israel was set apart by ordinances; but these are sanctified unto the obedience of Jesus Christ and for the sprinkling of His blood that is to say on the one hand to obey as He obeyed and on the other to be sprinkled with His blood and thus to be perfectly clear before God. Israel had been set apart for the obedience of the law and for that blood which while it announced death as the sanction of its authority could never cleanse the soul from sin.

Such was the Christian's position. The apostle wishes them grace and peace-the known portion of believers. He reminds them of the blessings with which God had blessed them blessing God who had bestowed them. Believing Israelites knew Him now not in the character of Jehovah but as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

That which the apostle presents as the fruit of His grace is a hope beyond this world; not the inheritance of Canaan appropriate to man living on the earth which was the hope of Israel and is still that of the unbelieving nation. The mercy of God had begotten them again for a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from out of the dead. This resurrection shewed them a portion in another world and the power which brought man into it although he had been subjected to death: he would enter it by resurrection through the glorious triumph of the Saviour to share an inheritance that is incorruptible undefiled and that fadeth not away. The apostle is not speaking of our resurrection with Christ; he views the Christian as a pilgrim here encouraged by the triumph of Christ Himself in resurrection which animated him by the consciousness that there was a world of light and happiness before him and a power which would bring him into this world. Consequently the inheritance is spoken of as "reserved in heaven.'' In the Epistle to the Ephesians we are seated in the heavenlies in Christ and the inheritance is that of all things of which Christ Himself is heir. But the Christian is also in fact a pilgrim and a stranger on the earth; and it is a strong consolation to us in our pilgrimage to see this heavenly inheritance before us as a certain pledge of our own entrance into it.

Another inestimable consolation is added. If the inheritance is preserved in heaven for us we are kept by the power of God all through our pilgrimage that we may enjoy it at the end. Sweet thought!-we are kept here below through all our dangers and difficulties; and on the other hand the inheritance there where there is no defilement or possibility of decay.

But it is by moral means that this power preserves us (and it is in this way that Peter always speaks) by the operation in us of grace which fixes the heart on objects that keep it in connection with God and with His promise. (Compare 2 Peter i. 4.) We are kept by the power of God through faith. It is God be praised the power of God Himself; but it acts by sustaining faith in the heart maintaining it in spite of all temptations above all the defilement of the world and filling the affection with heavenly things. Peter however always occupied with the ways of God respecting this world only looks at the share that believers will have in this salvation this heavenly glory when it shall be manifested; when God will by this glory establish His authority in blessing on the earth. It is indeed the heavenly glory but the heavenly glory manifested as the means of the establishment of the supreme government of God on earth for His own glory and for the blessing of the whole world.

It is salvation ready to be revealed in the last times. This word "ready" is important. Our apostle says also that the judgment is ready to be revealed Christ is glorified personally has conquered all His enemies has accomplished redemption. He only waits for one thing namely that God should make His enemies His footstool. He has taken His seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high because He has accomplished everything as to glorifying God where sin was. It is the actual salvation of souls-the gathering together of His own which is not yet finished (2 Pet. 3:9 & 15); but when once all they who are to share it are brought in there is nothing to wait for as regards the salvation that is to say the glory in which the redeemed will appear; [2] nor consequently as regards the judgment of the wicked on earth which will be consummated by the manifestation of Christ. [3] All is ready. This thought is sweet for us in our days of patience but full of solemnity when we reflect upon the judgment. Yes as the apostle says we rejoice greatly in this salvation which is ready to be revealed in the last times. We are waiting for it. It is a time of rest of the earth's blessing of the full manifestation of His glory who is worthy of it who was humbled and who suffered for us; the time when the light and the glory of God in Christ will illumine the world and first bind and then chase away all its evil.

This is our portion: abundant joy in the salvation about to be revealed and in which we may always rejoice; although if it be needed for our good we may be in sorrow through divers temptations. But it is only for a very little while-only a light affliction which passes away and which only comes upon us if it be needful in order that the precious trial of faith may have its result in praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ for whom we are waiting. That is the end of all our sorrows and trials; transitory and light as they are in comparison with the vast result of the excellent and eternal glory towards which they are leading us according to the wisdom of God and the need ofour souls. The heart attaches itself to Jesus: He will appear.

We love Him although we have never seen Him. In Him though now we see Him not we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. It is this which decides and forms the heart which fixes it and fills it with joy however it may be with us in this life. To our hearts it is He who fills all the glory. By grace I shall be glorified I shall have the glory; but I love Jesus my heart pants for His presence-desires to see Him. Moreover we shall be like Him and He perfectly glorified. The apostle may well say " unspeakable and full of glory." The heart can desire nothing else: and if some light afflictions are needful for us we endure them gladly since they are a means of forming us for the glory. And we can rejoice at the thought of Christ's appearing; for in receiving Him unseen into our heart we receive the salvation of our soul. This is the object and the end of faith; far more precious than the temporal deliverances that Israel enjoyed although the latter were tokens of the favour of God.

The apostle goes on to develop the three successive steps of the revelation of this grace of salvation-the full and entire deliverance from the consequences the fruits and the misery of sin: the prophecies; the testimony of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; the manifestation of Jesus Christ Himself when the deliverance that had been already announced should be fully accomplished.

It is interesting to see here how the rejection of the Messiah according to Jewish hopes already anticipated and announced in the prophets necessarily made way for a salvation which brought with it that of the soul likewise. Jesus was no more seen; the earthly portion was not realised by His first coming; salvation was to be revealed in the last times. But thus a salvation of the soul was unfolded the whole extent of which would be realised in the glory about to be revealed; for it was the spiritual joy of the soul in a heavenly Jesus who was not seen and who in His death had accomplished expiation for sin and in His resurrection according to the power of the life of the Son of God had begotten again to a living hope. By faith then this salvation was received-this true deliverance. It was not yet the (glory and the outward rest; that salvation would indeed take place when Jesus appeared but meantime the soul already enjoyed by faith this perfect rest and in hope even the glory Itself.

Now the prophets had announced the grace of God which was to be accomplished for believers and which even now imparts to the soul the enjoyment of that salvation; and they had searched into their own prophecies which they had received by inspiration from God seeking to understand what time and what manner of time the Spirit indicated when He testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ and the glories that should follow. For the Spirit spoke of them both by the prophets and signified consequently more than a temporal deliverance in Israel; for the Messiah was to suffer. And they discovered that it was not for themselves nor for their own times that the Spirit of Christ announced these truths with regard to the Messiah but for Christians. But Christians while receiving the salvation of the soul by the revelation of a Christ seated in heaven after His sufferings and coming again in glory have not received those glories which were revealed to the prophets. These things have been reported with great and divine plainness by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven after the death of Jesus: but the Spirit does not bestow the glory itself in which the Lord will appear; He has only declared it. Christians have therefore to gird up the loins of their mind to be sober and hope to the end for the grace that (in effect) will be brought to them at the revelation of Jesus Christ; Such are the three successive steps in God's dealings: the prediction of the events relating to Christ which went altogether beyond Jewish blessings; the things reported by the Spirit; the accomplishment of the things promised when Christ is revealed.

That then which the apostle presents is a participation in the glory of Christ when He shall be revealed; that salvation of which the prophets had spoken which was to be revealed in the last days. But meantime God had begotten again the believing Jews to a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from among the dead; and by means of His sufferings had made them comprehend that even now while waiting for the revelation of the glory realising it in the Person of Jesus they enjoyed a salvation of the soul before which the deliverances of Israel faded away and might be forgotten. It was indeed the salvation "ready to be revealed" in all its fullness; but as yet they only possessed it in respect of the soul. But being detached from the manifestation of the earthly glory this salvation had a yet more spiritual character. Therefore they were to gird up their loins while waiting for the revelation of Jesus and to acknowledge with thanksgiving that they were in possession of the end of their faith. They were in relationship with God.

When announcing these things by the ministry of the prophets God had Christians in view and not the prophets themselves. This grace was in due time to be communicated to believers; but meantime for faith and for the soul the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven bore testimony to it. It was to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ which was the guarantee of the accomplishment of all the promises and the power of life for their enjoyment had begotten them again unto a living hope; but the right to enjoy the effect of the promise was founded on another truth. To this the exhortations conduct us. They were to walk as obedient children no longer following the lusts that had led them in the days of their ignorance. Called by Him who is holy they were to be holy in all their conversation as it is written. Moreover if they called on the Father who regardless of man's pretension to respect judged according to every one's work they were to pass the time of their sojourn here in fear.

Observe here that he is not speaking of the final judgment of the soul. In that sense " the Father judgeth no man but has committed all judgment to the Son." The thing spoken of here is the daily judgment of God's government in this world exercised with regard to His children. Accordingly it says "the time of your sojourn here." It is a judgment applied to christian life. The fear spoken of is not an uncertainty as to salvation and redemption. It is a fear founded on the certainty that one is redeemed; and the immense price the infinite value of the means employed for our redemption-namely the blood of the Lamb without blemish and without spot-is the motive for fearing God during our pilgrimage. We have been redeemed at the cost of the blood of Jesus from our vain conversation: can we then still walk according to the principles from which we have been thus delivered? Such a price for our deliverance demands that we should walk with circumspection and gravity before the Father with whom we desire to have intercourse both as privilege and spiritual relationship.

The apostle then applies this truth to the Christians whom he was addressing. The Lamb had been ordained in the counsels of God before the world was made; but He was manifested in the last days for believers: and these are presented in their true character they believe in God by Jesus-by this Lamb. It is not by means of the creation that they believe: although creation is a testimony to His glory it gives no rest to the conscience and does not tell of a place in heaven. It is not by means of providence which even while directing all things yet leaves the government of God in such profound darkness. Nor is it by means of the revelation of God on Mount Sinai under the name of Jehovah and the terror connected with a broken law. It is by means of Jesus the Lamb of God that we believe; observe that it is not said " in Him " but by Him in God. We know God as the One who when we were sinners and dead in our trespasses and sins loved us and gave this precious Saviour to come down even into the death in which we were to take part in our position as lying under this judgment and die as the Lamb of God. We believe in God who by His power when Jesus was there for us-in our stead--raised Him up from the dead and gave Him glory. It is in a Saviour-God therefore a God who exercises His power in our behalf that we believe by Jesus so that our faith and our hope are in God. It does not say in something before God but in God Himself Where then shall any cause for fear or distrust arise as regards God if our faith and hope are in Himself? This changes everything. The aspect in which we view God Himself is entirely changed; and this change is founded on that which establishes the righteousness of God in accepting us as cleansed from all sin the love of God in blessing us perfectly in Jesus whom His power has raised from the dead and glorified-the power according to which He blesses us. Our faith and our hope are in God Himself.

This places us in the most intimate of relationships with the rest of the redeemed: objects of the same love washed by the same precious blood redeemed by the same Lamb they become-to those whose hearts are purified by the reception of the truth through the Spirit-the objects of a tender brotherly love a love unfeigned. They are our brethren. Let us then love one another fervently with a pure heart. But this is based on another essentially vital principle. It is a new nature which acts in this affection. If we are redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb without spot we are born of the incorruptible seed of the word of God which lives and abides for ever. For the flesh is but grass the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers its flower falls but the word of the Lord abides for ever. This is the word of the gospel which has been preached unto us. It is an eternal principle of blessing. The believer is not born after the flesh to enjoy temporary rights and blessings as was the case with a Jew but of an incorruptible seed a principle of life as unchangeable as the word of God Himself. The prophet had told them so when comforting the people of God; all flesh the nation itself was but withered grass. God was unchangeable and the word which by its immutable certainty secured divine blessings to the objects of God's favour wrought in the heart to beget a life as immortal and incorruptible as the word which is its source.

Footnotes

[1] I add "on earth" here because the assembly as built by Jesus Himself and not yet finished is spoken of in chapter 2 where the living stones come to Christ.

[2] The doctrine of the gathering together of the saints to Jesus in the air when they go to meet Him forms no part of Peter's teaching any more than does that of the assembly on earth with which it is connected. He speaks of the manifestation of the saints in glory because he is occupied with the ways of God towards the earth although he is so in connection with Christianity.

[3] See 2 Thessalonians 1:9 10.

── John Darby《Synopsis of 1 Peter》

1 Peter 1

Chapter Contents

The apostle blesses God for his special benefits through Christ. (1-9) Salvation by Christ foretold in ancient prophecy. (10-12) All are exhorted to holy conversation. (13-16) Such as is suitable to their principles privileges and obligations. (17-25)

Commentary on 1 Peter 1:1-9

(Read 1 Peter 1:1-9)

This epistle is addressed to believers in general who are strangers in every city or country where they live and are scattered through the nations. These are to ascribe their salvation to the electing love of the Father the redemption of the Son and the sanctification of the Holy Ghost; and so to give glory to one God in three Persons into whose name they had been baptized. Hope in the world's phrase refers only to an uncertain good for all worldly hopes are tottering built upon sand and the worldling's hopes of heaven are blind and groundless conjectures. But the hope of the sons of the living God is a living hope; not only as to its object but as to its effect also. It enlivens and comforts in all distresses enables to meet and get over all difficulties. Mercy is the spring of all this; yea great mercy and manifold mercy. And this well-grounded hope of salvation is an active and living principle of obedience in the soul of the believer. The matter of a Christian's joy is the remembrance of the happiness laid up for him. It is incorruptible it cannot come to nothing it is an estate that cannot be spent. Also undefiled; this signifies its purity and perfection. And it fadeth not; is not sometimes more or less pleasant but ever the same still like itself. All possessions here are stained with defects and failings; still something is wanting: fair houses have sad cares flying about the gilded and ceiled roofs; soft beds and full tables are often with sick bodies and uneasy stomachs. All possessions are stained with sin either in getting or in using them. How ready we are to turn the things we possess into occasions and instruments of sin and to think there is no liberty or delight in their use without abusing them! Worldly possessions are uncertain and soon pass away like the flowers and plants of the field. That must be of the greatest worth which is laid up in the highest and best place in heaven. Happy are those whose hearts the Holy Spirit sets on this inheritance. God not only gives his people grace but preserves them unto glory. Every believer has always something wherein he may greatly rejoice; it should show itself in the countenance and conduct. The Lord does not willingly afflict yet his wise love often appoints sharp trials to show his people their hearts and to do them good at the latter end. Gold does not increase by trial in the fire it becomes less; but faith is made firm and multiplied by troubles and afflictions. Gold must perish at last and can only purchase perishing things while the trial of faith will be found to praise and honour and glory. Let this reconcile us to present afflictions. Seek then to believe Christ's excellence in himself and his love to us; this will kindle such a fire in the heart as will make it rise up in a sacrifice of love to him. And the glory of God and our own happiness are so united that if we sincerely seek the one now we shall attain the other when the soul shall no more be subject to evil. The certainty of this hope is as if believers had already received it.

Commentary on 1 Peter 1:10-12

(Read 1 Peter 1:10-12)

Jesus Christ was the main subject of the prophets' studies. Their inquiry into the sufferings of Christ and the glories that should follow would lead to a view of the whole gospel the sum whereof is That Christ Jesus was delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification. God is pleased to answer our necessities rather than our requests. The doctrine of the prophets and that of the apostles exactly agree as coming from the same Spirit of God. The gospel is the ministration of the Spirit; its success depends upon his operation and blessing. Let us then search diligently those Scriptures which contain the doctrines of salvation.

Commentary on 1 Peter 1:13-16

(Read 1 Peter 1:13-16)

As the traveller the racer the warrior and the labourer gathered in their long and loose garments that they might be ready in their business so let Christians do by their minds and affections. Be sober be watchful against all spiritual dangers and enemies and be temperate in all behaviour. Be sober-minded in opinion as well as in practice and humble in your judgment of yourselves. A strong and perfect trust in the grace of God is agreeable with best endeavours in our duty. Holiness is the desire and duty of every Christian. It must be in all affairs in every condition and towards all people. We must especially watch and pray against the sins to which we are inclined. The written word of God is the surest rule of a Christian's life and by this rule we are commanded to be holy every way. God makes those holy whom he saves.

Commentary on 1 Peter 1:17-25

(Read 1 Peter 1:17-25)

Holy confidence in God as a Father and awful fear of him as a Judge agree together; and to regard God always as a Judge makes him dear to us as a Father. If believers do evil God will visit them with corrections. Then let Christians not doubt God's faithfulness to his promises nor give way to enslaving dread of his wrath but let them reverence his holiness. The fearless professor is defenceless and Satan takes him captive at his will; the desponding professor has no heart to avail himself of his advantages and is easily brought to surrender. The price paid for man's redemption was the precious blood of Christ. Not only openly wicked but unprofitable conversation is highly dangerous though it may plead custom. It is folly to resolve I will live and die in such a way because my forefathers did so. God had purposes of special favour toward his people long before he made manifest such grace unto them. But the clearness of light the supports of faith the power of ordinances are all much greater since Christ came upon earth than they were before. The comfort is that being by faith made one with Christ his present glory is an assurance that where he is we shall be also John 14:3. The soul must be purified before it can give up its own desires and indulgences. And the word of God planted in the heart by the Holy Ghost is a means of spiritual life stirring up to our duty working a total change in the dispositions and affections of the soul till it brings to eternal life. In contrast with the excellence of the renewed spiritual man as born again observe the vanity of the natural man. In his life and in his fall he is like grass the flower of grass which soon withers and dies away. We should hear and thus receive and love the holy living word and rather hazard all than lose it; and we must banish all other things from the place due to it. We should lodge it in our hearts as our only treasures here and the certain pledge of the treasure of glory laid up for believers in heaven.

── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on 1 Peter》

1 Peter 1

Verse 1

[1] Peter an apostle of Jesus Christ to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus Galatia Cappadocia Asia and Bithynia

To the sojourners — Upon earth the Christians chiefly those of Jewish extraction.

Scattered — Long ago driven out of their own land. Those scattered by the persecution mentioned Acts 8:1 were scattered only through Judea and Samaria though afterwards some of them travelled to Phenice Cyprus and Antioch.

Through Pontus Galatia Cappadocia Asia and Bithynia — He names these five provinces in the order wherein they occurred to him writing from the east. All these countries lie in the Lesser Asia. The Asia here distinguished from the other provinces is that which was usually called the Proconsular Asia being a Roman province.

Verse 2

[2] 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.

According to the foreknowledge of God — Speaking after the manner of men. Strictly speaking there is no foreknowledge no more than afterknowledge with God: but all things are known to him as present from eternity to eternity. This is therefore no other than an instance of the divine condescension to our low capacities.

Elect — By the free love and almighty power of God taken out of separated from the world. Election in the scripture sense is God's doing anything that our merit or power have no part in. The true predestination or fore-appointment of God is 1. He that believeth shall be saved from the guilt and power of sin. 2. He that endureth to the end shall be saved eternally. 3. They who receive the precious gift of faith thereby become the sons of God; and being sons they shall receive the Spirit of holiness to walk as Christ also walked. Throughout every part of this appointment of God promise and duty go hand in hand. All is free gift; and yet such is the gift that the final issue depends on our future obedience to the heavenly call. But other predestination than this either to life or death eternal the scripture knows not of. Moreover it is. 1. Cruel respect of persons; an unjust regard of one and an unjust disregard of another. It is mere creature partiality and not infinite justice. 2. It is not plain scripture doctrine if true; but rather inconsistent with the express written word that speaks of God's universal offers of grace; his invitations promises threatenings being all general. 3. We are bid to choose life and reprehended for not doing it. 4. It is inconsistent with a state of probation in those that must be saved or must be lost. 5. It is of fatal consequence; all men being ready on very slight grounds to fancy themselves of the elect number. But the doctrine of predestination is entirely changed from what it formerly was. Now it implies neither faith peace nor purity. It is something that will do without them all. Faith is no longer according to the modern predestinarian scheme a divine "evidence of things not seen " wrought in the soul by the immediate power of the Holy Ghost; not an evidence at all; but a mere notion. Neither is faith made any longer a means of holiness; but something that will do without it. Christ is no more a Saviour from sin; but a defence a countenancer of it. He is no more a fountain of spiritual life in the soul of believers but leaves his elect inwardly dry and outwardly unfruitful; and is made little more than a refuge from the image of the heavenly; even from righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Through sanctification of the Spirit — Through the renewing and purifying influences of his Spirit on their souls.

Unto obedience — To engage and enable them to yield themselves up to all holy obedience the foundation of all which is the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ - The atoning blood of Christ which was typified by the sprinkling of the blood of sacrifices under the law; in allusion to which it is called "the blood of sprinkling."

Verse 3

[3] 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

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ — His Father with respect to his divine nature; his God with respect to his human.

Who hath regenerated us to a living hope — An hope which implies true spiritual life which revives the heart and makes the soul lively and vigorous.

By the resurrection of Christ — Which is not only a pledge of ours but a part of the purchase-price. It has also a close connexion with our rising from spiritual death that as he liveth so shall we live with him. He was acknowledged to be the Christ but usually called Jesus till his resurrection; then he was also called Christ.

Verse 4

[4] To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for you

To an inheritance — For if we are sons then heirs.

Incorruptible — Not like earthly treasures.

Undefiled — Pure and holy incapable of being itself defiled or of being enjoyed by any polluted soul.

And that fadeth not away — That never decays in its value sweetness or beauty like all the enjoyments of this world like the garlands of leaves or flowers with which the ancient conquerors were wont to be crowned.

Reserved in heaven for you — Who "by patient continuance in welldoing seek for glory and honour and immortality."

Verse 5

[5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Who are kept — The inheritance is reserved; the heirs are kept for it.

By the power of God — Which worketh all in all which guards us against all our enemies.

Through faith — Through which alone salvation is both received and retained.

Ready to be revealed — That revelation is made in the last day. It was more and more ready to be revealed ever since Christ came.

Verse 6

[6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice though now for a season if need be ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

Wherein — That is in being so kept. Ye even now greatly rejoice though now for a little while - Such is our whole life compared to eternity.

If need be — For it is not always needful. If God sees it to be the best means for your spiritual profit.

Ye are in heaviness — Or sorrow; but not in darkness; for they still retained both faith 1 Peter 1:5 hope and love; yea at this very time were rejoicing with joy unspeakable 1 Peter 1:8.

Verse 7

[7] 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:

That the trial of your faith — That is your faith which is tried.

Which is much more precious than gold — For gold though it bear the fire yet will perish with the world.

May be found — Though it doth not yet appear.

Unto praise — From God himself.

And honour — From men and angels.

And glory — Assigned by the great Judge.

Verse 8

[8] 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:

Having not seen — In the flesh.

Verse 9

[9] Receiving the end of your faith even the salvation of your souls.

Receiving — Now already.

Salvation — From all sin into all holiness which is the qualification for the forerunner and pledge of eternal salvation.

Verse 10

[10] Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

Of which salvation — So far beyond all that was experienced under the Jewish dispensation. The very prophets who prophesied long ago of the grace of God toward you - Of his abundant overflowing grace to be bestowed on believers under the Christian dispensation.

Inquired — Were earnestly inquisitive.

And searched diligently — Like miners searching after precious ore after the meaning of the prophecies which they delivered.

Verse 11

[11] Searching what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow.

Searching what time — What particular period.

And what manner of time — By what marks to be distinguished.

The glories that were to follow — His sufferings; namely the glory of his resurrection ascension exaltation and the effusion of his Spirit; the glory of the last judgment and of his eternal kingdom; and also the glories of his grace in the hearts and lives of Christians.

Verse 12

[12] 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.

To whom — So searching.

It was revealed that not for themselves but for us they ministered — They did not so much by those predictions serve themselves or that generation as they did us who now enjoy what they saw afar off.

With the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven — Confirmed by the inward powerful testimony of the Holy Ghost as well as the mighty effusion of his miraculous gifts.

Which things angels desire to look into — A beautiful gradation; prophets righteous men kings desired to see and hear what Christ did and taught. What the Holy Ghost taught concerning Christ the very angels long to know.

Verse 13

[13] Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind be sober and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Wherefore — Having such encouragement.

Gird up the loins of your mind — As persons in the eastern countries were wont in travelling or running to gird up their long garments so gather ye up all your thoughts and affections and keep your mind always disencumbered and prepared to run the race which is set before you.

Be watchful — As servants that wait for their Lord.

And hope to the end — Maintain a full expectation of all the grace - The blessings flowing from the free favour of God. Which shall be brought to you at the final revelation of Jesus Christ - And which are now brought to you by the revelation of Christ in you.

Verse 14

[14] As obedient children not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

Your desires — Which ye had while ye were ignorant of God.

Verse 16

[16] Because it is written Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Leviticus 11:44.

Verse 17

[17] And if ye call on the Father who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

Who judgeth according to every man's work — According to the tenor of his life and conversation.

Pass the time of your sojourning — Your short abode on earth. In humble loving fear - The proper companion and guard of hope.

Verse 18

[18] 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;

Your vain conversation — Your foolish sinful way of life.

Verse 19

[19] But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Without blemish — In himself.

Without spot — From the world.

Verse 21

[21] Who by him do believe in God that raised him up from the dead and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Who through him believe — For all our faith and hope proceed from the power of his resurrection. In God that raised Jesus and gave him glory - At his ascension. Without Christ we should only dread God; whereas through him we believe hope and love.

Verse 22

[22] Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Having purified your souls by obeying the truth through the Spirit who bestows upon you freely both obedience and purity of heart and unfeigned love of the brethren go on to still higher degrees of love.

Love one another fervently — With the most strong and tender affection; and yet with a pure heart - Pure from any spot of unholy desire or inordinate passion.

Verse 23

[23] Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever.

Which liveth — Is full of divine virtue. And abideth the same for ever.

Verse 24

[24] For all flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth and the flower thereof falleth away:

All flesh — Every human creature is transient and withering as grass. And all the glory of it - His wisdom strength wealth righteousness.

As the flower — The most short-lived part of it.

The grass — That is man.

The flower — That is his glory.

Is fallen off — As it were while we are speaking. Isaiah 40:6 etc.

── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on 1 Peter》

Chapter 1. Trials of Faith

Though Having Not Seen Him
Love Him

I. Salvation Revealed in the Last Him

A Living Hope
Rejoice in Suffering
Examining and Preaching

II. Normal Performance of Life

Be Self-controlled
In Reverent Fear
Redeemed with the Precious Blood

III. Born Again by the Word of God

Born of God
The Seed of Life
The Everlasting Word

── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》

Chapter One General Review

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To consider terms used by Peter to describe the people of God:

   "Pilgrims of the Dispersion"
"elect"
"obedient children"

2) To reflect upon the salvation
inheritance
and grace to come at the

   revelation of Jesus Christ

3) To note how we have been served by prophets
apostles
angels
the

   Holy Spirit
and Christ

4) To be reminded of the need to live holy lives
conducted with

   reverence toward God and with fervent and sincere love toward

   brethren

SUMMARY

Peter begins his first epistle to Christians in Asia Minor by

acknowledging their election according to God's foreknowledge
made

possible by the sanctifying work of the Spirit
and for obedience and

sprinkling by the blood of Jesus (1-2).

He then praises God for their living hope
incorruptible inheritance

and glorious salvation to be revealed at the coming of Christ.  Despite

grievous trials
the power of God and their genuine faith protects them

and gives them inexpressible joy.  Their salvation to come was foretold

by the prophets
and preached in the gospel by those inspired by the

Holy Spirit (3-12).

In view of this salvation
Peter prescribes conduct becoming the people

of God.  They are to focus their mind and hope on the grace that will

brought to them at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  As obedient

children
they should conduct themselves in holiness and fear
imitating

their holy Father who judges without partiality
ever mindful they have

been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ through whom their faith

and hope are in God.  They are to love one another fervently with pure

hearts
since they have purified their souls for that very purpose

through their obedience to the truth
and have been born again by the

incorruptible Word of God which lives and abides forever (13-25).

OUTLINE

I. INTRODUCTION (1-2)

   A. THE AUTHOR (1a)

      1. Peter

      2. An apostle of Jesus Christ

   B. THE RECIPIENTS (1b-2b)

      1. Pilgrims of the Dispersion

      2. In Pontus
Galatia
Cappadocia
Asia
and Bithynia

      3. Elect (chosen)...

         a. According to the foreknowledge of God the Father

         b. In sanctification of the Spirit

         c. For obedience and sprinkling of blood of Jesus Christ

   C. GREETINGS (2c)

      1. Grace and peace

      2. Be multiplied

II. OUR SALVATION IN CHRIST (3-12)

   A. BORN AGAIN TO A LIVING HOPE (3-5)

      1. Because of God's abundant mercy

      2. Because Jesus has been raised from the dead

      3. Because of our wonderful inheritance

         a. Incorruptible
undefiled
and that does not fade away

         b. Reserved in heaven

      4. Because of being safely kept

         a. By the power of God through faith

         b. For salvation ready to be revealed in the last time

   B. PRODUCING JOY IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING (6-9)

      1. Great joy
though for a little while grieved by various trials

      2. The genuineness of faith tested by fire

         a. Proving more precious than gold that perishes

         b. May be found to praise
honor
and glory at the revelation

            of Jesus Christ

      3. Rejoicing with joy inexpressible and full of glory

         a. For loving Him whom you have not seen

         b. For believing Him whom you have not seen

      4. Receiving the end of such faith - the salvation of your souls

   C. SERVED BY PROPHETS AND APOSTLES (10-12)

      1. Regarding our salvation the prophets inquired and searched

         diligently

         a. Wondering what and when the Spirit of Christ in them was

            indicating

         b. When He testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ and

            the glories to follow

      2. They were ministering such things not to themselves
but to us

         a. Things now reported by those who preached the gospel by the

            Holy Spirit

         b. Things which angels desire to look into

III. OUR DUTY IN CHRIST (13-25)

   A. HOLY CONDUCT (13-21)

      1. Gird up the loins of your mind

         a. Be sober

         b. Rest your hope fully upon the grace to be brought at the

            revelation of Jesus Christ

      2. Be holy in all your conduct

         a. As obedient children

         b. Not conforming to former lusts done in ignorance

         c. As He who called you is holy
just as it is written

      3. Conduct yourselves during your stay in fear

         a. Since you call on the Father who judges each one without

            partiality

         b. Knowing that you redeemed

            1) Not with corruptible things like silver and gold

            2) From your aimless conduct received by tradition from your

               fathers

            3) With the precious blood of Christ

               a) As of a lamb without blemish and without spot

               b) Foreordained before the foundation of the world

               c) Manifest in these last times for you

               d) Through whom you believe in God

                  1] Who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory

                  2] So that your faith and hope are in God

   B. FERVENT AND PURE LOVE (22-25)

      1. Since you have purified your souls

         a. In obeying the truth through the Spirit

         b. In sincere love of the brethren

      2. Having been born again
not of corruptible seed but

         incorruptible

         a. Through the word of God which lives and abide forever

            1) All flesh is as grass
all the glory of man as the flower

               of the grass

            2) The grass withers
its flower falls away

            3) The word of the Lord endures forever

         b. The word which by the gospel was preached to you

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?

   - Introduction (1-2)

   - Our salvation in Christ (3-12)

   - Our duty in Christ (13-25)

2) To whom does Peter address this epistle? Where were they located? (1)

   - To the pilgrims of the Dispersion; Pontus
Galatia
Cappadocia

     Asia
Bithynia

3) What three things are said concerning their election? (2)

   - According to the foreknowledge of God

   - In sanctification of the Spirit

   - For obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ

4) What has God done for us according to His abundant mercy?  How was

   this done? (3)

   - Begotten us against to a living hope

   - Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

5) What kind of inheritance does the Christian have?  Where is it now?

(4)

   - Incorruptible
undefiled
and that does not fade away; reserved in

     heaven

6) How are Christians kept (guarded) for their salvation? (5)

   - By the power of God

   - Through faith

7) In what do Christians greatly rejoice? (5-6)

   - Their salvation ready to be revealed in the last time

8) What benefits can come out of enduring grievous trials? (6-7)

   - The testing of genuine faith

   - Praise
honor
and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ

9) Though they had not seen Jesus
what is said about Peter's readers?

(8)

   - They loved Jesus

   - They believed Jesus

   - They rejoiced with joy inexpressible and full of glory

10) What would they receive as the end of their faith? (9)

   - The salvation of their souls

11) What did the prophets of old testify about? (10-11)

   - Of the salvation and grace that would come

   - Of the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow

12) When these prophets wondered about they were prophesying
what were

    they told? (12)

   - They were not serving themselves
but us (Christians)

   - They were ministering things that have now been reported by those

     who preached the gospel

13) Upon what are Christians to rest their hope? (13)

   - The grace to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ

14) As obedient children
what three admonitions are given to

    Christians? ( 14-17)

   - Do not conform to the former lusts

   - Be holy in all your conduct

   - Conduct yourselves during your sojourn in fear

15) What three reasons are given to obey these admonitions (14-19)

   - God is holy

   - The Father judges each one's work without partiality

   - We were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ

16) What four things are said about Christ? (20-21)

   - He was foreordained before the foundation of the world

   - He was manifest in these last times for us

   - He was raised from the dead and given glory

   - Through Him we believe and have hope in God

17) What did God do to Jesus so that our faith and hope are in God? (21)

   - Raised Him from the dead (resurrection) and gave Him glory

     (ascension)

18) What two reasons are given for us to love one another fervently with

    a pure heart? (22-23)

   - We have purified our souls in obeying the truth

   - We have been born again of the Word of God

19) What is said of the Word of God? (23-25)

   - Incorruptible seed

   - Lives and abides forever

   - Endures forever

   - By the gospel was preached to them

20) What is said about flesh and the glory of man? (24)

   - Flesh is as grass which withers; the glory of man as the flower

     which falls away

Pilgrims Of The Dispersion (1:1)

INTRODUCTION

1. Throughout the New Testament
various phrases are used to describe

   those people of God who make up the Lord's church

   a. Individually
they are referred to as disciples
saints

      believers
priests
Christians
etc.

   b. Collectively
they are called the church
the church of God

      churches of Christ
the body of Christ
the temple of God
the

      family of God
etc.

   -- Each of these terms describe various relationships maintained by

      those who are Christians

2. An interesting phrase not commonly used in reference to the people of

   God is found in 1 Pe 1:1
where Peter addresses "the pilgrims of

   the Dispersion"

3. A proper understanding of this phrase can be very beneficial
and

   give us insight into:

   a. What the Christian life is

   b. An important responsibility expected of Christians

   c. Our true home
and goal in this life

[Let's start by...]

I. DEFINING "PILGRIMS OF THE DISPERSION"

   A. THE WORD TRANSLATED "PILGRIM" IS INTERESTING...

      1. Transliterated from Grk.
it is parepidemos {par-ep-id'-ay-mos}

         which is a combination of three words:

         a. para - "alongside of"

         b. epi - "upon"

         c. demos - "used in Biblical Greek of the people of a heathen

            city" (Wuest)

      2. Here
then
is how Thayer defines the word...

         a. "one who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to

            reside there by the side of the natives"

         b. "a stranger"

         c. "sojourning in a strange place
a foreigner"

         d. "in the NT metaph. in reference to heaven as the native

            country
one who sojourns on earth:  so of Christians (1 Pe

            1:1)...of the patriarchs (He 11:13)."

      3. Another definition:  "One who stays in a place as a stranger or

         visitor; to describe Christians whose final citizenship is in

         heaven and who are regarded as temporary dwellers on earth."

         (Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia Of The Bible)

   B. THE MEANING OF THE WORD "DISPERSION"...

      1. The Greek word is diaspora {dee-as-por-ah'}

         a. It is noun form of the verb diaspeiro

         b. Which means "to sow
to scatter seed"

      2. The term is found in Jn 7:35
and there it refers to the Jews

         who were scattered among the Greeks

         a. As a result of the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities

         b. This has caused some to conclude that Peter was writing to

            Jewish Christians

         c. Who were living in the regions of Asia Minor (modern day

            Turkey) - cf. 1 Pe 1:1

      3. But there is good reason to believe that Peter was writing to

         ALL the Christians
both Jewish and Gentile
who were scattered

         throughout Asia Minor

         a. Comments are made in this epistle that cannot be understood

            in reference to the original recipients being Jews - cf.

            1 Pe 1:14
18
20-21

         b. More likely
Peter employs terms once limited to the Jews

            but now applicable to all who are in Christ

            1) For example
terms like "elect" (1:2)
"holy nation"

               (2:9)
"people of God" (2:10)

            2) Even as Paul did:  "circumcision" (Ph 3:3)
"Israel of

               God" (Ga 6:16)

      4. If this be so
then Peter implies by using the term "pilgrims

         of the dispersion" that all Christians are:

         a. Pilgrims living in a world not their own

         b. Like scattered seed
spread out among those in the world

[With this understanding of the phrase
"pilgrims of the dispersion
" we

can now draw insights that are implied by it...]

II. INSIGHTS FROM BEING CALLED "PILGRIMS OF THE DISPERSION"

   A. THIS PHRASE REVEALS WHAT THE CHRISTIAN LIFE REALLY IS...

      1. It is but a JOURNEY
begun when we first became Christians

         ending only when we reach our true destination

         a. This ought to affect our entire perspective on life

            1) It is not an end in itself

            2) Only a temporary trip toward our final destination

            3) Our homes
our jobs
take on a different meaning when

               viewed in this light

         b. This ought to affect our perspective on death

            1) Not the end of life
but the end of our journey!

            2) Not the end of life
but the beginning of eternity in our

               true home!

      2. Embarked on this JOURNEY
we become like our spiritual father

         Abraham

         a. Notice He 11:8-10
13-16

         b. If this be our attitude towards this life...

            1) Then God is not ashamed to be called our God

            2) And we can honestly sing songs like "This World Is Not My

               Home"

   B. THIS PHRASE REMINDS US OF AN IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITY...

      1. Our responsibility as "pilgrims" is to be SEPARATE - cf. 1 Pe

         2:11-12

         a. We may be "in the world
" but we are not to be "of the

            world" - Jn 17:15-16; 2 Co 6:14-7:1

         b. Remaining separate may cause some in the world to think we

            are strange - cf. 1 Pe 4:3-4

         c. But Jesus said this would happen
even as it did to Him -

            Jn 15:18-19

      2. Figuratively speaking
we should be like those foreign refugees

         now in our country:

         a. Who resist giving up their heritage
their language

         b. Who resist attempts to "Americanize" them and destroy their

            cultural traditions

      3. Can it be said of us who are Christians
that we are keeping

         ourselves SEPARATE from the world?

         a. Are we allowing the world to influence our...

            1) Speech?

            2) Dress?

            3) Conduct?

         b. If we so
then we are no longer "pilgrims
" but "naturalized

            citizens" of this world!

         c. Remember John's warning in 1 Jn 2:15-17

   C. THIS PHRASE OUGHT TO REMIND US OF OUR TRUE HOME...

      1. Our citizenship is in heaven
from which we eagerly await our

         Savior - Ph 3:20-21

      2. We are to be looking for "a new heavens and a new earth" -

         2 Pe 3:13-14

      3. That is where we will find our true home
the CITY...

         a. "which has foundations
whose builder and maker is God."

            - He 11:10
16

         b. That is "the one to come" - He 13:14

         c. That "comes down out of heaven from God" - Re 21:1-22:5

         -- That is where we
who are now simply strangers and

            foreigners scattered like seed in this world
will one day

            be gathered together!

      4. Those who are truly "pilgrims" will think often of their true

         home

         a. When my family lived in Taiwan
we thought often of our home

            in the states

         b. And so we will think often of our heavenly home
if we are

            truly "pilgrims of the Dispersion"!

CONCLUSION

1. Are we "pilgrims of the Dispersion"?  We are
if as Christians we...

   a. View our life here on earth as a journey in a foreign land!

   b. Keep ourselves separate from things in the world that would lead

      us away from God!

   c. View as our true home
the heavenly city God has prepared from

      those who confess they are strangers and pilgrims on the earth!

2. But you are NOT a "pilgrim of the Dispersion" if...

   a. You have not yet begun your spiritual sojourn by obeying the

      gospel of Christ!

   b. Having done so
you allow the attractions of the world to

      discontinue your journey and "settle down" in things which would

      separate you from God!

Are YOU a "pilgrim of the Dispersion"?

The "Elect" Of God (1:2)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous study
we noticed that Peter referred to Christians

   as "pilgrims of the Dispersion"

   a. This description implies that Christians are but strangers

      foreigners
sojourning in a land not their own
and scattered

      about like seed

   b. With their citizenship in heaven
they may be "in" this world
but

      they are not to be "of" this world

   c. Therefore
one of their important duties is to be "separate" - cf.

      1 Pe 2:11

2. One might think that since Christians are "scattered strangers" in

   this world
they are to be pitied

3. Not so
for though they are strangers in the world
they are the

   "ELECT" of God - 1 Pe 1:2

   a. The word "elect" simply means "chosen" and is thus translated in

      1 Pe 2:9-10

   b. There we learn that Christians are "a chosen generation"; i.e.

      they are truly God's chosen people!

4. In this lesson
we shall consider what it means for Christians to be

   "The ELECT Of God"

[Using the comments of Peter in 1 Pe 1:2 as an outline for this study

we see first that as the ELECT of God...]

I. WE ARE A PART OF GOD'S PREDETERMINED PLAN

   A. PETER SAYS "ELECT ACCORDING TO THE FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD"

      1. The word "foreknowledge" comes from "prognosis" {prog'-no-sis}

      2. It means "forethought
pre-arrangement"

      3. I.e.
being the "elect" (chosen) of God is in keeping with

         God's plan which He designed beforehand

      4. As B. W. Johnson says in his "People's New Testament"

         commentary:  "Their election and salvation was in accordance

         with God's predetermined purpose to save men through the

         gospel
and hence
according to foreknowledge."

   B. PAUL EXPOUNDS UPON THIS "PRE-ARRANGEMENT" IN EPHESIANS...

      1. God planned it before the world began - Ep 1:4

      2. It anticipated the "chosen" being holy and without blame -

         Ep 1:4

      3. It looked forward to the "elect" being adopted as sons - Ep

1:5

      4. This plan is according to God's good pleasure - Ep 1:5

      5. This plan has a goal that the "elect" walk in good works - Ep

         2:10

   C. WAS THIS "ELECTION" INDIVIDUAL OR CORPORATE?

      1. I understand election by God to have been general
not

         particular; corporate
not individual

      2. That it would be "the body of Christ
the church as a whole"...

         a. Which God chose to be the recipients of His divine and

            gracious purposes

         b. And which He planned beforehand (foreknowledge) to carry out

            in Christ Jesus

      3. While in the "corporate" sense this choice is unconditional and

         final
as "individuals" we must be "diligent to make your

         calling and election sure" - 2 Pe 1:10

         1) Just as Israel (as a nation) had been chosen by God to

            receive His blessings during the Old Testament period

         2) But individually
the Israelites also had to make "their

            calling and election sure"

[So by being in Christ
we are God's "elect"
and involved in a plan

which was in the mind of God before time began and which is still in the

process of being worked out!  The implication of this is that those who

are God's "elect" are very special to God.

As we return to 1 Pe 1:2
we learn also that...]

II. WE BECOME GOD'S "ELECT" THROUGH THE SANCTIFYING WORK OF THE SPIRIT

   A. SANCTIFICATION AND THE HOLY SPIRIT...

      1. Sanctification
the process by which we are "set apart" for

         God's purpose
is accomplished by the Holy Spirit

      2. There are several passages that describe the connection between

         the Holy Spirit and our sanctification - Ro 15:16; 1 Co 6:11;

         2 Th 2:13

   B. HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT ACCOMPLISHES THIS "SANCTIFICATION"...

      1. It is through the Word of God

         a. It was God's will that the Holy Spirit would reveal the Word

            to the apostles - cf. Jn 16:12-13

         b. Through this revealed Word
we are "sanctified" (set apart)

            - cf. Jn 17:17

      2. Therefore
when people obey the Word of God which has been

         revealed by the Holy Spirit
they become "chosen...to

         salvation" through:

         a. "sanctification of the Spirit" (the Divine side of

            conversion
as the Spirit has revealed the Word and convicts

            men of sin through it)

         b. "and belief of the truth" (the human side of conversion
as

            they believe it) - cf. 2 Th 2:13-14

[Having been "sanctified" (set apart) by belief in the truth
and as

God's "elect" now a part of His eternal plan
you might expect such

privileges would call for certain responsibilities.

Indeed it does
for as God's "elect"...]

III. WE HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OBEDIENCE!

   A. GOD'S CHOSEN ARE EXPECTED TO BE OBEDIENT...

      1. We saw earlier in Ep 2:10 that it was part of God's plan

         before time began that the people of God would "walk in good

         works"

      2. This is all part of God's wonderful grace as defined by Paul in

         Ti 2:11-14

      3. We do not earn salvation by such good works (cf. Ti 3:5)
but

         nonetheless we are to be diligent in doing them - Ti 3:1
8
14

   B. PETER WILL LATER EXPOUND UPON THE NEED FOR OBEDIENCE...

      1. As obedient children of God
we are to be holy - 1 Pe 1:14-16

      2. We are even to submit to civil authorities
that we might

         silence the ignorance of foolish men - 1 Pe 2:13-16

      3. Peter implies grave consequences to those "who obey not the

         gospel of God" - 1 Pe 4:17

[Peter also tells servants and wives to be obedient
but this should

suffice to impress upon us that the privilege of being God's "elect"

involves the responsibility of being obedient to the will of the Lord.

Finally
being the "elect" of God also means...]

IV. WE HAVE THE BLESSING OF FORGIVENESS!

   A. WE ENJOY THE "SPRINKLING OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST"

      1. A clear reference to the blessing of forgiveness of sins made

         possible by the death of Christ

      2. The blessing of forgiveness is one enjoyed...

         a. When we first become Christians upon our baptism into Christ

            - Ac 2:38; 22:16

         b. As we confess sins throughout our daily walk with God -

            1 Jn 1:7-9

   B. THIS BLESSING IS ONLY ONE OF SEVERAL MENTIONED IN PETER'S EPISTLE

      1. He later speaks of "an inheritance" - 1 Pe 1:4

      2. And the "salvation of souls" - 1 Pe 1:9

      3. He describes Jesus as the "Shepherd and Overseer of your souls"

         - 1 Pe 2:25

      4. He also refers to the care of God - 1 Pe 5:7

CONCLUSION

1. We hope to examine some of these blessings for God's "elect" in

   greater detail in future lessons

2. But what we have seen from 1 Pe 1:2 is that while Christians may

   indeed be "pilgrims"
strangers living in a world not their own
they

   are not to be pitied!

3. For by the grace of God and their obedience to the gospel of Jesus

   Christ
they are God's "elect"
His "chosen ones"
and as such they

   are:

   a. Part of God's predetermined plan

   b. Chosen through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit

   c. Given responsibilities in keeping with the fact they are the

      children of God

   d. Recipients of the richest blessings God has to offer (such as

      forgiveness of sins)

4. It is surprising
then
that Peter would address such people with:

                 "Grace to you and peace be multiplied"?

5. Certainly those who are God's "elect" receive in multiple measure the

   saving grace of God and the peace which accompanies such unmerited

   favor!

How about you?  Are you one of the "elect" of God?  You are if you have

answered the call of the gospel through the obedience of faith (cf. Mk

16:15-16; Ac 2:38-41)!

If you have not yet rendered obedience to the gospel
then please do so

today
especially in view of the following statements by Peter and Paul:

"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if

it begins with us first
what will be the end of those who do not obey

the gospel of God?" - 1 Pe 4:17

"and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is

revealed from heaven with His mighty angels
in flaming fire taking

vengeance on those who do not know God
and on those who do not obey

the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  These shall be punished with

everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory

of His power
when He comes
in that Day
to be glorified in His saints

and to be admired among all those who believe
because our testimony

among you was believed." - 2 Th 1:7-10

A "Living" Hope (1:3-5)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our study of Peter's epistle so far
we have noticed...

   a. That as far as the world is concerned
Christians are but

      "pilgrims"

   b. But as far as God is concerned
we are His "elect"

2. As the "elect" (chosen) of God
we are the recipients of many

   blessings that God offers to all who will obey and follow Christ

   a. One of these blessings is described in 1 Pe 1:3-5

   b. There we learn that God has caused us to be born again unto "a

      living hope"

3. An understanding of this "living" hope can help Christians who are

   "pilgrims" be more joyful during their sojourn in this life

4. Therefore
in this lesson we shall examine what Peter says about the

   Christian hope that makes it a "living" hope

[Verse 3 begins with Peter praising God
and this leads us to the

first reason our hope is a "living" hope...]

I. BECAUSE GOD IS MERCIFUL!

   A. THE BASIS FOR OUR HOPE LIES NOT IN OUR OWN PERFECTION OR

      RIGHTEOUSNESS...

      1. It is a good thing that it does not
for all are sinners in

         God's sight - cf. Ro 3:23

      2. Even as Christians we find ourselves guilty before God - cf.

         1 Jn 1:8
10

   B. THE BASIS FOR OUR HOPE LIES IN THE ABUNDANCE OF GOD'S MERCY...

      1. Mercy bestowed while we were yet sinners - cf. Ro 5:6
8

      2. Mercy bestowed upon the conditions of faith
repentance
and

         baptism - cf. Ac 2:36-38

      3. Mercy bestowed continually upon Christians as they repent of

         and confess their sins - cf. 1 Jn 1:9

[Because of God's "abundant mercy"
then
we who are sinners can have a

"living" hope!

But according to verse 3 there is another reason to have hope...]

II. BECAUSE JESUS IS ALIVE!

   A. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS IS CRUCIAL TO OUR HOPE...

      1. If Christ is not risen
then the apostles were liars
and our

         faith is vain! - 1 Co 15:14-15

      2. If Christ is not risen
we are still held guilty for our sins

         no forgiveness has occurred! - 1 Co 15:17

      3. If Christ is not risen
those who have died as Christians have

         perished
they are lost! - 1 Co 15:18

      4. If Christ has not risen
then we do not have a "living" hope

         instead we are to be pitied by others! - 1 Co 15:19

   B. BUT THROUGH JESUS' RESURRECTION
WE HAVE BEEN "BORN AGAIN" TO A

      LIVING HOPE!

      1. Peter may have reference not to the process of conversion

         (though he does in 1 Pe 1:23)
but to the renewed hope

         produced by the resurrection of Jesus

         a. E.g.
after Jesus' death and prior to His resurrection
the

            disciples were despondent

         b. But after the resurrection of Jesus
His disciples were

            "born again" in regards to their hope

         c. As Guy N. Woods says in his commentary:  "The reference here

            is...to the re-establishment of the faith of the disciples

            by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead."

      2. Surely the fact that Jesus did rise gives us reason for a

         "living" hope

         a. God would not raise a liar
so anything Jesus said about our

            hope is true - e.g.
Jn 11:25

         b. Since Jesus rose from the dead
we have a firm hope that we

            too will one day rise from the dead - cf. 1 Co 15:20-23

[By the abundant mercy of God
and upon the basis of Jesus' own

resurrection
then
we have "born again" to a living hope!

But there are two more reasons discussed in verses 4-5 as to why our

hope can be described as "living".  One is...]

III. BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF OUR INHERITANCE!

   A. THE DEGREE OF HOPE WE HAVE IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE INHERITANCE

      WE HAVE...

      1. If our inheritance is a good one
our hope is strong
or

         "living"

      2. If our inheritance is a poor one
then our hope is weak
or

         "dead"

   B. AS DESCRIBED BY PETER
OUR INHERITANCE...

      1. IS INCORRUPTIBLE

         a. The Greek word is aphthartos {af'-thar-tos}
meaning "not

            liable to corruption or decay
imperishable"

         b. Unlike this present heavens and earth in which now live
and

            which will one day be destroyed - 2 Pe 3:10-13

      2. IS UNDEFILED

         a. The Greek word is amiantos {am-ee'-an-tos}
meaning "not

            defiled
unsoiled"

         b. It is unlike the earthly Canaan
which could be and was

            defiled by its inhabitants

         c. Our hope pertains to that where the defiled are not allowed

            to enter - cf. Re 21:27

      3. DOES NOT FADE AWAY

         a. The Greek word is amarantos {am-ar'-an-tos}
meaning

            "unfading
perennial"

         b. The word is a variation of "amaranth" which was the name of

            a mythical flower whose bloom was perpetual and whose

            loveliness never faded

         c. Such is our heavenly reward:  it will not rust
fade
or

            wither like so many things do here on earth

      4. IT IS RESERVED IN HEAVEN

         a. The word "reserved" comes from tereo {tay-reh'-o}
meaning

            "to watch
to observe
to guard
protect
to reserve
set

            aside"

         b. Therefore
our inheritance is safely guarded in heaven

            itself!

         c. No one
not even Satan himself
can steal it from you!

[Since this is the nature of our "inheritance" upon which our hope

rests
we can see why our hope is described as a "living" hope.

There is one more reason to call our hope a "living" hope:  not only is

our inheritance safely guarded in heaven
but also...]

IV. BECAUSE WE ARE SAFELY GUARDED!

   A. CHRISTIANS ARE "KEPT" FOR THE SALVATION READY TO BE REVEALED IN

      THE LAST TIME

      1. The word "kept" is from phroureo {froo-reh'-o}
and is a

         military term

      2. It means "to guard
protect by a military guard
either to

         prevent hostile invasion
or to keep the inhabitants of a

         besieged city from flight"

      3. "While our inheritance is being kept guarded in heaven under

         the watchful eye of God
we are being garrisoned about by God's

         protecting care for it." (WUEST)

   B. NOTE THAT BEING "KEPT" INVOLVES TWO THINGS...

      1. First
THE POWER OF GOD!

         a. We have the help of God Himself
who knows how to help those

            in temptation

         b. He knows how to deliver them out of temptation - cf. 2 Pe

2:9

         c. He knows how to enable them to bear with the temptation -

            cf. 1 Co 10:13

         d. He supplies the armor necessary to withstand in the evil day

            - cf. Ep 6:10-13

      2. Also
OUR FAITH!

         a. To be safely guarded by God's protective care requires faith

            on our part

         b. The only way we can ever lose our inheritance reserved in

            heaven is to become unfaithful to the Lord! - cf. Re 2:10

         c. While the Bible teaches the security of the "believer"...

            1) It also teaches that a "believer" can become an

               "unbeliever" - cf. He 3:12-13

            2) And it teaches that "unbelievers" have no hope - cf. He

               3:14-4:3

         d. As long as we remain "faithful"
then
we have the assurance

            of God's protective care to guide us until we receive that

            inheritance reserved in heaven for us!

CONCLUSION

1. In this passage (1 Pe 1:3-5)
then
are four reasons why the hope

   of the Christian is called a "living" hope:

   a. Because God is merciful!

   b. Because Jesus is alive!

   c. Because of the nature of our inheritance!

   d. Because we are safely guarded!

2. A "living" hope can be a source of great joy in the lives of

   Christians; it certainly was to the original recipients of Peter's

   epistle:

      "In this (the living hope that pertains to the salvation

      ready to be revealed in the last time) you greatly rejoice

      though now for a little while
if need be
you have been

      grieved by various trials." - 1 Pe 1:6

3. Do you have this "living" hope?

   a. You do if you have received God's mercy offered in Christ
and are

      remaining faithful to the Lord

   b. If you have not received this mercy
or have neglected it through

      unfaithfulness
why not come to the Lord according to His

      conditions found in His Holy Word? - cf. Ac 2:38; 1 Jn 1:9

Joy Inexpressible And Full Of Glory (1:6-9)

INTRODUCTION

1. One of the many blessings available to the "elect" (chosen) of God is

   a very special kind of joy...

   a. For reasons we shall notice in our lesson
Christians are able to

      "greatly rejoice" (lit.
"leap for joy") - 1 Pe 1:6

   b. They have access to joy that is "inexpressible and full of glory"

      - 1 Pe 1:8

   c. A joy so great
so glorious
that it is impossible to truly

      express with words!

2. In this lesson
we shall focus our attention on Peter's remarks in

   1 Pe 1:6-9 concerning this "inexpressible joy" that Christians are

   blessed to have

[Notice first that in verse 6 Peter begins by saying "IN THIS you

greatly rejoice..."  He is referring to those things which serve as...]

I. THE BASIS FOR INEXPRESSIBLE JOY

   A. THERE ARE "PAST" GROUNDS FOR REJOICING...

      1. We have been "set apart" by the sanctifying work of the Holy

         Spirit - 1:2

      2. We have been "sprinkled" with the blood of Jesus Christ - 1:2

      3. We have been "born again" to a living hope - 1:3

   B. THERE ARE "PRESENT" GROUNDS FOR REJOICING AS WELL...

      1. We are God's "elect" - 1:2

      2. We are "kept" by the power of God through faith - 1:5

   C. AND THERE ARE "FUTURE" GROUNDS FOR REJOICING...

      1. We have an "inheritance" reserved for us in heaven - 1:4

      2. We look forward to the "salvation" which will be revealed in

         the last time - 1:5
 cf. 1:9

[All these blessings (past
present
future) serve as the basis for

inexpressible joy.  Because of them
we can "greatly rejoice!"

Exactly how great is this joy?  In verses 6-7
Peter explains...]

II. THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF THIS JOY

   A. IT ENABLES ONE TO REJOICE EVEN IN TRIAL (1:6)

      1. No matter what degree of suffering one may experience
in

         Christ there is joy to match it

         a. As Peter explains in 1 Pe 4:12-13

         b. As he and the rest of the apostles exemplified in Ac 5:

            40-41

      2. How can Christians find joy in such trials?

         a. Informed Christians understand the purifying nature of such

            trials - 1 Pe 1:7; cf. 2 Co 4:17-18

         b. Knowing what trials can produce
it is possible to be joyful

            in trials - cf. Ja 1:2-4
12; Ro 5:1-4

   B. WHAT KIND OF TRIALS?

      1. The word "various" includes all kinds

      2. Primarily
it includes those which come as a result of living

         for Christ - e.g.
Mt 5:10-12

      3. But we can also rejoice in the everyday afflictions of life

         a. E.g.
sickness
heartbreak
frustration
approaching death

         b. For these things also provide an opportunity to test our

            faith
hope
love
longsuffering and patience

[If one is able to rejoice even in the midst of such trials
surely they

have a joy "inexpressible and full of glory"!

But how can Christians be sure to possess this joy?  For it must be

admitted that all do not
and there are times when even the best of us

do not.

In verse 8
Peter alludes to two things which I suggest are necessary

to...]

III. POSSESSING THIS INEXPRESSIBLE JOY

   A. WE MUST LOVE JESUS...

      1. "whom having not seen you love"

      2. Jesus is the ultimate source for being able to rejoice in all

         things - cf. Ph 4:4

         a. He has promised that if we truly love Him
He and His Father

            will be with us - Jn 14:23

         b. If Jesus is with us
we can receive that joy which is

            inexpressible! - Jn 15:11; 16:33

      3. But can we who have never seen Jesus
love Him?  Yes!  - cf.

         1 Pe 1:8

      4. How can we come to love Him we have not seen?  Through a

         devotional study of:

         a. The Old Testament
with its prophecies of the Messiah

         b. The Gospels
with their description of His life
teachings

            compassion
suffering
death
and glorious resurrection

         c. The Acts
with its action-packed portrayal of the Lord

            working together with His church

         d. The Epistles
where we learn of many blessings found in

            Christ
and of His ministry as High Priest interceding in

            our behalf

         e. The Revelation
in which we learn of the glorious victory to

            be won by the Lamb and His followers

   B. WE MUST ALSO BELIEVE IN JESUS...

      1. "Though now you do not see Him
yet believing..."

      2. Through believing in Jesus we can "rejoice with joy

         inexpressible and full of glory"

      3. But such faith is more than a mental assent
or academic

         knowledge of Jesus

      4. It involves the key element of faith itself
which is "trust"

         a. Trusting in His commands to be for our ultimate good

         b. Trusting is His promises to fulfilled

         c. The kind of trust that prompts us to obey Jesus

            wholeheartedly

         d. This kind of faith comes from the Word of God - Ro 10:17

CONCLUSION

1. When we have this kind of faith in Jesus
and when we truly love Him

   with our whole being...

   a. A blessing we receive is that "joy inexpressible and full of

      glory"!

   b. A blessing that can sustain us till we reach the end (goal) of our

      faith:  salvation! - 1 Pe 1:9

2. And that is because this "inexpressible joy"...

   a. Is based upon many other blessings:  past
present
and future

   b. Enables us to joyfully persevere through all kinds of trials in

      this life

3. But again
this blessing is only for those who truly love Jesus and

   believe in Him...

   a. Do you love Jesus?  If you do
you will keep His commandments

      - Jn 14:15
23

   b. Do you believe in Jesus?  If you do
you will do what He says

      - cf. Lk 6:46

Are there commandments of Jesus you have not yet obeyed?  If so
why not

obey them today so that this "inexpressible joy" can be yours as well!

Ministering Not To Themselves
But To Us (1:10-12)

INTRODUCTION

1. Already in Peter's epistle we have seen several blessings enjoyed by

   the "elect" of God...

   a. E.g.
born again to a "living" hope - 1 Pe 1:3

   b. E.g.
having a joy "inexpressible and full of glory" - 1 Pe 1:8

2. As one continues in verses 10-12
he finds that Peter expands upon

   the topic of the "salvation" Christians enjoy as a result of their

   faith (please read)

3. If one takes the time to contemplate upon what is found in this

   passage
he should not fail to be impressed with how privileged we

   are in God's sight

   a. For there we learn that we are the recipients of a gospel that

      was prophesied and has come to us only through the efforts of a

      very distinguished company of individuals!

   b. And in their efforts
they were ministering not to themselves

      but to us who are now Christians!

[To illustrate just how privileged we are
let's begin identifying

those who have ministered to us...]

I. WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY "THE PROPHETS"!

   A. WHICH IS THE MAIN THOUGHT OF THIS PASSAGE...

      1. When the prophets prophesied
they were often intrigued by

         what they revealed - 1 Pe 1:10-11

         a. This is because they were inspired or moved by the Holy

            Spirit
and not by their own will - cf. 2 Pe 1:21

         b. Therefore
they often expressed perplexity concerning those

            things they prophesied - e.g.
Dan 7:28; 8:26-27

      2. But as pointed out in our text
it was revealed to them that

         they were not serving themselves
but us! - e.g.
Dan 12:8-9

   B. CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS POINT...

      1. We who are Christians have been served by such people as:

         a. Moses
Samuel
and David

         b. Isaiah
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
and Daniel

      2. These men (and many others) spent their lives
and in many

         cases even gave their lives
in service to you and me!

      3. Yes
these great "heroes of faith" suffered much in their

         service to God and to us who are now in Christ - cf. He 11:

         36-38

[Does this not indicate that we must be very special in God's sight?

We who have been ministered unto by the prophets of Almighty God
and

who endured all these things for our sake?

And yet
there is even more...]

II. WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY "THE HOLY SPIRIT"!

   A. THIS THOUGHT IS ALSO EXPRESSED IN OUR TEXT...

      1. For it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the prophets to

         proclaim things to come - 1 Pe 1:11

         a. It was He who inspired David and Isaiah to foretell the

            sufferings of Christ - e.g.
Ps 22; Isa 53

         b. It was He who likewise moved the prophets to proclaim the

            glories to follow

            1) E.g.
the resurrection of Jesus - Ps 16: 9-11

            2) E.g.
His ascension and coronation - Dan 7:13-14

      2. And it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the apostles to reveal

         the gospel - 1 Pe 1:12

         a. As Jesus promised He would
in His discourse to His

            apostles - Jn 16:13

         b. As Paul said He did
in writing to the Ephesians - Ep 3:5

   B. AGAIN
CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS TRUTH...

      1. Through His ministry of inspiration and revelation in the

         lives of the prophets and apostles
we have been served by the

         Holy Spirit

      2. Because of His work
we have today the completed revelation of

         God's Word in our hands!

      3. This is in addition to the "sanctifying work" of the Holy

         Spirit to which Peter referred in 1 Pe 1:2

[Do we appreciate the service that the Holy Spirit has rendered for us

throughout the ages?  Is this not an indication of the great value God

must place upon His people?

But there is even another group of distinguished individuals who served

their lives in our behalf...]

III. WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY "THE APOSTLES"!

   A. THIS WE CAN GLEAN FROM VERSE 12...

      1. "...those who preached the gospel to you"

         a. This is a likely reference to the apostles of Jesus Christ

         b. Who were commissioned to preach the gospel
as recorded in

            Mk 16:15-16

      2. As they carried out this "Great Commission"
they considered

         themselves but servants for those to whom they preached

         a. As Paul said
they were but "seed-throwers" and

            "water-boys" - cf. 1 Co 3:5-7

         b. They were serving as servants of Christ - 1 Co 3:21-4:1;

            2 Co 4:5

   B. THEREFORE
WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY MEN...

      1. Such as Peter
James
John
and Paul

      2. Who gave their lives for our sake
to convince the world that

         our faith in their testimony is not unfounded
but that Jesus

         did indeed rise from the dead! - cf. 2 Co 11:24-29

[When we take the time to think about those who spent their lives

ministering to us
we can't help but conclude that Christians hold a

very high place in God's scheme of redemption as it has unfolded

throughout the ages!

But before we conclude this lesson
let me point out another noble

group that has served those who are God's "elect"...]

IV. WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY "ANGELS"!

   A. VERSE 12 TELLS US THAT ANGELS HAD A KEEN INTEREST...

      1. In things prophesied by the prophets

      2. In things proclaimed by the apostles through the gospel

   B. WHY SUCH A KEEN INTEREST?

      1. They too were involved in the process of foretelling and

         revealing the salvation in Christ!

         a. E.g.
Gabriel's appearances to Daniel - cf. Dan 8
9

         b. E.g.
Gabriel's appearances to Zacharias and Mary - cf.

            Lk 1:11-19
26-38

      2. But like the prophets
angels were also in the dark concerning

         the details of coming salvation

      3. And so
the angels were serving not themselves but us! - cf.

         He 1:13-14

CONCLUSION

1. Our Father in heaven must hold His "elect" (the church) in high

   regard to have them served by such a distinguished company!

2. To be so privileged should motivate us to praise God for His grace

   and to devote our lives in grateful service to Him and His people

3. But the grace God bestowed toward us reached its peak when addition

   to all these (prophets
the Holy Spirit
apostles
angels) He sent

   His only Son to serve us as well!

   "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served
but to serve

   and to give His life a ransom for many." - Mt 20:28

Shall we not respond with grateful service through faithful obedience

to His Will?

Fortifying The Focus Of Our Hope (1:13)

INTRODUCTION

1. Up to this point in his epistle
Peter has summarized some of the

   blessings enjoyed by God's "pilgrims"...

   a. Their election
sanctification
and sprinkling of the blood of

      Jesus - 1 Pe 1:2

   b. Their rebirth to a living hope - 1 Pe 1:3

   c. Their incorruptible inheritance
reserved in heaven - 1 Pe 1:4

   d. Their being kept by the power of God through faith for the

      salvation to come - 1 Pe 1:5

   e. Their great joy
which is inexpressible and full of glory - 1 Pe

      1:6-9

   f. The honor of having been served by a distinguished group of

      individuals - 1 Pe 1:10-12

2. Starting with verse 13
we find a series of exhortations...

   a. These exhortations are based upon the wonderful blessings listed

      previously (note the connecting word "therefore")

   b. These exhortations are found throughout much of the rest of the

      epistle

3. The first exhortation relates to the "hope" that we have as

   Christians - 1 Pe 1:13

   a. In which we are charged to "rest your hope fully upon the grace

      that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ"

   b. Put another way
we are being charged to "fortify the focus of

      our hope"

   c. What this means
and how we are to accomplish it
will be the

      focus of this lesson

[Let's start by first noticing...]

I. OUR DUTY TO FORTIFY THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE

   A. THAT IS THE PRIMARY EXHORTATION IN THIS PASSAGE...

      1. I.e.
the words "rest your hope fully upon the grace that is

         to be brought to you" is the main point of this verse

      2. The other exhortations which precede it are subsidiary

      3. And will be considered later

   B. WHAT IT MEANS TO "REST YOUR HOPE FULLY"

      1. It means to "set your hope perfectly
unchangeably
without

         doubt and despondency"

      2. As the NASV puts it:  "fix your hope completely on the

         grace..."

      3. Therefore Peter is exhorting us to make our hope one that is

         complete
strong
and not wavering

   C. THE CULTIVATION OF A STRONG HOPE IS THEREFORE A CHRISTIAN DUTY...

      1. We have a duty to develop and fortify our hope

      2. Just as we need to cultivate patience
self-control
etc.
so

         we need to cultivate our hope!

      3. For without a hope that is strong...

         a. Our faith may waver

         b. We are subject to fear
doubt
and depression

      4. Yes
the cultivation (or fortification) of our hope is

         essential to living joyful and victorious lives as Christians!

[This is the main point of verse 13
an exhortation to fortify our

hope
to make it stronger.  Just as we are to grow in faith and love

so we are to grow in hope!

To do this effectively
it is important to give thought to...]

II. IDENTIFYING THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE

   A. AS DEFINED IN VERSE 13
OUR HOPE IS...

      1. The "grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of

         Jesus Christ"

      2. I.e.
the unmerited favor that we will receive when Jesus

         comes again!

   B. AS ALLUDED TO IN THE PRECEDING TWELVE VERSES
OUR HOPE IS...

      1. The "inheritance...reserved in heaven for you" - 1 Pe 1:4

      2. The "salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" - 1 Pe

1:5

      3. The "praise
honor
and glory" we shall receive "at the

         revelation of Jesus Christ" - 1 Pe 1:7

      4. The "end of your faith--the salvation of your souls" - 1 Pe

1:9

   C. IN VIEW OF ALL THESE VERSES
THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE IS TO BE...

      1. The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
and the wonderful grace

         He will bring!

      2. The wonderful praise
honor
and glory we shall receive when

         He comes!

      3. The complete and final salvation of our souls from sin and its

          effects!

      4. The receiving of our wonderful inheritance
the heavenly city

         which is incorruptible
undefiled
and that does not fade

         away!

[Such is to be the focus of our hope.  And as stated previously
the

main charge in this passage to "rest our hope fully upon the grace that

is to be brought to you" (to fortify the focus of your hope).

How we accomplish this is now considered as we examine...]

III. WHAT IS NECESSARY TO FORTIFY THE FOCUS OUR HOPE

   A. "GIRD UP THE LOINS OF YOUR MIND"

      1. "gird up" is an oriental expression...

         a. It refers to the act of gathering up around the waist the

            long
loose robes warn by those in the east

         b. Such "gathering up" was necessary or one's progress in

            running or some other act of exertion would be impeded

      2. With the use of this metaphor
Peter is saying...

         a. We must put out of the mind all things that would impede

            the free action of the mind in connection with developing

            our hope

         b. We must put out of the mind such things like worry
fear

            or obsession with material possessions

      3. I.e.
remove anything and everything that is not conducive to

         having a strong hope in the coming of our Lord

         a. Such as carousing
drunkenness
and cares of this life -

            cf. Lk 21:34-35

         b. Such things as these "choke" us and hinder our ability to

            bear fruit (such as the fruit of a strong hope) - cf. Lk

            8:14

   B. "BE SOBER"

      1. The word "sober" means "to be calm and collected in spirit
to

         be temperate
dispassionate
circumspect"

      2. It is that state of mind in which the individual is self-

         controlled
able to see things without the distortion caused

         by worry or fear

      3. I.e.
to fortify the focus of our hope requires a CALM and

         SERIOUS attention to the task at hand - cf. Lk 21:36 ("Watch

         therefore
and pray always...")

      4. We cannot cultivate and fortify a strong hope if we are so

         "weak-minded" that we allow things to divert us away from our

         true calling!

CONCLUSION

1. And what is our calling?  To sojourn through this life as pilgrims

   but with a hope that is resting fully upon the grace we will receive

   when Christ comes again!

2. The problem with many Christians today is NOT that they have no

   hope...

   a. But that their hope is weak and shallow

   b. And that is because they are preoccupied with the affairs of this

      temporary life

3. To remain faithful to the Lord
we need to heed Peter's exhortation

   to fortify the focus of our hope by...

   a. Freeing our minds of those things which would hinder us

   b. Being more serious about the kind of lives our Heavenly Father

      would have us live - cf. Lk 12:35-40

Our next lesson will elaborate upon how God would have us live; but for

now
are we living for God at all...?

Proper Conduct As Obedient Children (1:14-21)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous study
we saw from verse 13 that we have the

   responsibility to fortify the focus of our hope and set it fully

   upon the grace that we are to receive when Jesus comes again

2. Another responsibility we have as Christians is to conduct ourselves

   as "obedient children" - 1 Pe 1:14

3. While the need to be obedient is often misconstrued by some as

   sounding legalistic
it is stressed in the New Testament nonetheless

   - cf. He 5:9; 2 Th 1:8

4. In what way are we to be obedient?  There is much the Bible has to

   say on the subject...

   a. But in this lesson we shall focus our attention to 1 Pe 1:14-21

   b. Where we learn that "Proper Conduct As Obedient Children" has

      both negative and positive connotations (i.e.
both "thou shalt

      nots" and "thou shalt")

[For example
we learn from verse 14 that as "obedient children"...]

I. WE ARE NOT TO CONFORM TO FORMER LUSTS

   A. UNDERSTANDING WHAT PETER IS SAYING...

      1. The word "conform" ("fashion" in the KJV) means "to conform

         one's self (i.e. one's mind and character) to another's

         pattern"

      2. The "former lusts" refer to the evil desires and behavior in

         which we once engaged
and in which the world continues to

         engage

      3. In essence
then
Peter is saying:

         a. "Don't act like you once did
or like those still in the

            world."

         b. "Do not adopt their sinful habits
mannerisms
dress
and

            speech
which you did before you became Christians."

   B. APPLYING WHAT PETER IS SAYING...

      1. We will not seek to act like those who are not Christians

      2. For Christians are not to be "conformists"
but true

         "non-conformists"
or "transformists" - cf. Ro 12:1-2

         a. "Conformists" simply imitate others
sometimes claiming to

            do so only outwardly

         b. But "transformists" are those who:

            1) Have undergone a true change on the "inside"

            2) And who manifest the difference on the "outside"

      3. To behave properly as "obedient children"
then
we need to be

         sure we are not adopting the sinful habits or mannerisms of

         those in the world

         a. Like accepting the popular fashions of our society which

            appeal to fleshly desires

            1) E.g.
short dresses
tight "designer jeans"
and other

               immodest apparel

            2) Christians
rather than conforming
are to adorn

               themselves in modest apparel - cf. 1 Ti 2:9-10

         b. Like filling our speech with suggestive language or jokes

            - cf. Ep 4:29; 5:3-4

         c. Or delighting in various forms of entertainment which cater

            to fleshly desires - cf. Ph 4:8

      4. But too many Christians DO conform to the world and its

         lusts...

         a. Therefore it is not surprising to hear many becoming

            entrapped by the world

         b. As is indicated by the rise of marital unfaithfulness and

            divorce

      5. So Christians need to heed what Peter is saying (as well as

         what was said by John - 1 Jn 2:15-17)

[In a more "positive" vein
we learn from verses 15-16 that as

"obedient children"...]

II. WE ARE TO BE HOLY IN ALL OUR CONDUCT

   A. CONCERNING THE WORD "HOLY"...

      1. It is closely related to the words "sanctify" and

         "sanctification"

      2. All of which stress the idea of being "set apart"

      3. To be "holy"
then
means that we are "set apart" or dedicated

         to God

   B. WE ARE TO BE "HOLY" FOR AT LEAST TWO REASONS...

      1. The first reason is that given in our text:  "For I (God) am

         holy."

         a. The God who has called us through His gospel is a holy God

         b. He Himself is "set apart" from sin and wickedness

         c. His very nature demands a similar holiness on our part -

            cf. He 12:14

      2. It is also Jesus' desire that we be holy (He died for this

         very purpose!) - cf. Ep 5:25-27

   C. NOTE ALSO THAT WE ARE TO BE HOLY IN "ALL" OUR CONDUCT!

      1. Holiness is not something we put on when convenient
like on

         Sundays

      2. Instead
our daily life
our entire conduct is to be "set

         apart" in service to the Lord - cf. Ro 12:1

      3. For this to be true
every aspect of our life must be in

         harmony with God's demand for holiness!

         a. This means our work
our speech
our dress
our

            recreation...

         b. ...ALL should be in harmony with the principles of God's

            Word

      4. Even the most mundane things
when done in keeping with God's

         Will
become a part of our holy service to God!

      5. Can it be said of our lives
that we are holy in all our

         conduct?

         a. Do we go about our business
our play
with the thought of

            being "set apart" to the Will of God
so that it is evident

            in our business or play?

         b. I sure that all of us can improve in this area of our

            service as "obedient children"!

[There is one more point that can be made in reference to our conduct

as "obedient children"
taken from verses 17-21...]

III. WE MUST CONDUCT OURSELVES IN FEAR

   A. AS PILGRIMS
"FEAR" HAS A PROPER PLACE DURING OUR SOJOURN...

      1. Even as Jesus taught His disciples - Mt 10:28

      2. And as Paul wrote the Philippians - Ph 2:12

   B. PETER GIVES TWO REASONS FOR SUCH "FEAR"...

      1. In view of the judgment by our Father - 1 Pe 1:17

         a. He will not be partial - "without partiality"

         b. He will be personal - "judges according to each one's work"

         -- No one will receive special favors
no one will escape His

            discerning eye!

      2. In view of the high cost of redemption - 1 Pe 1:18-21

         a. We were not redeemed from our sins with silver or gold

         b. But only by the precious blood of Christ!

            1) Who was without blemish and without spot

            2) Who was foreordained to die for our sins before the

               world began

            3) Who came to this earth for our sakes

            4) By whom our faith and hope are in God!

         c. Any Christian who does not conduct himself in a manner

            appreciative of the price paid for his sins
can expect a

            fate worse than death if he does not repent! - cf. He 10:

            26-31

CONCLUSION

1. From verses 14-21
then
we learn that "Proper Conduct As Obedient

   Children" means that...

   a. We are not to conform ourselves to former lusts

   b. We are to be holy in all our conduct

   c. We are to conduct ourselves in fear

2. Paul said much the same thing in writing to the church at Corinth:

   "Therefore
having these promises
beloved
let us cleanse

      ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit

         perfecting holiness in the fear of God."  (2 Co 7:1)

3. This we cannot do on our own
but by the redeeming grace of God...

   a. We can be forgiven by the precious blood of Christ

   b. We can be strengthened by the power of His Spirit to live the

      sort of lives pleasing to our Heavenly Father

Have you responded to the grace of God in order to receive such

wonderful blessings? - cf. Ac 2:38

Loving One Another Fervently (1:22)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our last study
we saw that "Proper Conduct As Obedient Children"

   means:

   a. Not to conform ourselves to the former lusts - 1 Pe 1:14

   b. To be holy in all our conduct - 1 Pe 1:15-16

   c. To conduct ourselves in fear - 1 Pe 1:17-21

2. Another responsibility we have as obedient children is found in

   verse 22...

   a. Simply stated
we are to "love one another fervently".

   b. A closer look at verse 22 reveals:

      1) What "fervent love" is

      2) And how it is possible for Christians to "love one another

         fervently"

[But before we take that closer look
consider this question...]

I. WHY IS "FERVENT LOVE" IMPORTANT?

   A. IT IS A DEMONSTRATION OF DISCIPLESHIP...

      1. While Judas had gone to betray Him
Jesus gave a new

         commandment - Jn 13:33-35

      2. It is a commandment to love one another
even as Jesus loved

us

      3. The reason for such a commandment:  to convince the world that

         we are truly His disciples!

      4. Where there is no "Christ-like love"
our actions betray our

         words

         a. We may profess to be Christ's disciples...

         b. But failure to have a fervent love like Christ had for us

            will cause the world to doubt our discipleship!

   B. IT IS A DEMONSTRATION OF SPIRITUAL LIFE...

      1. "Love of the brethren" is an indication that we have passed

         from spiritual death to spiritual life - 1 Jn 3:14

      2. Failure to love the brethren is an indication that we are

         still spiritually dead!

   C. THIRDLY
IT DEMONSTRATES OUR RELATIONSHIP TO GOD...

      1. God is love
and those who truly love have been born of God

         - 1 Jn 4:7

      2. Failure to love leaves the impression that we have not been

         born again and that we do not truly know God! - 1 Jn 4:8

[Certainly these three reasons should convince us that "loving one

another fervently" is important.

But what qualifies as a "fervent love"?  What kind of love will

demonstrate our discipleship
our spiritual life
our relationship with

God?]

II. WHAT IS "FERVENT LOVE"?

   A. CLEARLY
IT IS "FERVENT"...

      1. The same word is used in reference to prayer in Ac 12:5

         a. There it is translated "constant" or "earnest"

         b. Just as the disciples were constantly praying for the

            release of Peter
so our love for one another is to be

            "unceasing"

      2. Therefore
only that love which is constant and earnest can

         qualify as "fervent love"

   B. IT MUST ALSO BE "SINCERE"...

      1. Translated "unfeigned" in some versions

      2. The Greek word literally means "not hypocritical"

      3. This makes it clear that "fervent love" is not to be some kind

         of show
but coming from the heart - cf. Ro 12:9

   C. FINALLY
IT MUST ALSO BE "PURE"...

      1. Love of the brethren must always be kept in the context of

         moral purity

      2. Under no circumstances is our love to be a cover for sexual

         immorality - Ep 5:2-3

      3. Pure
sincere
fervent love
then
is one that emulates

         Christ's love
i.e.
a sacrificial love!

[How do we measure up to this type of love?  Do we have a pure and

sincere love for one another?  Does the word "fervently" accurately

describe our feelings and actions towards each other?

If our only contact with one another is a weekly assembly
and if we

are not opening our hearts and our homes to one another
can it be said

that we love one another fervently?  Brethren
think upon these things!

Finally...]

III. HOW IS "FERVENT LOVE" POSSIBLE?

   A. IT IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OUR SOULS HAVE BEEN PURIFIED...

      1. By obeying the truth we have been forgiven - 1 Pe 1:22;

         cf. Ac 2:38

      2. By continuing to heed the truth
we are taught to be pure

         - cf. Ep 4:20-24

      3. Therefore we can be fervent in our love for it will be a pure

         love

   B. IT IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN "BORN AGAIN"

      1. Born again by the incorruptible word of God! - cf. 1 Pe 1:23

      2. How does being born again by the Word of God prepare us to

         love one another fervently?

         a. By the Word of God we come to know what true love really is

         b. For the Word of God tells us of:

            1) The love of Jesus - 1 Jn 3:16-18

            2) The love of God - 1 Jn 4:9-10

   C. IN OTHER WORDS...

      1. We CAN have this fervent love because we have been purified

         and understand the need for a sincere
pure love of the

         brethren

      2. We WILL have this fervent love
because the love of Jesus and

         God motivates us!

CONCLUSION

1. If we fail to "love one another fervently" with sincerity and

   purity
it is an indication that we either:

   a. Have never been purified
born again

   b. Or are not allowing the love of God and Jesus to motivate us

2. Furthermore
failure to love one another fervently presents a

   picture to the world which belies our claim to:

   a. Be true disciples of Christ

   b. Possess spiritual life

   c. Have a relationship with God as our heavenly Father

3. Perhaps this is the reason Peter exhorts us to love one another

   fervently
not only here in verse 22
but also in 1 Pe 4:8!

4. In view of these truths found in God's Word
how are we doing in our

   gave for one another?

   a. Even if we excel in this department
there is room for

      improvement - cf. 1 Th 4:9-10

   b. In the days ahead
think of how you can be more fervent in your

      love of the brethren

   c. But just don't think
ACT!  Open your hearts and homes to each

      other!

If you are not a Christian
we want you to enjoy the blessings of God's

love and the love of His children.  But these blessings are only for

those who have purified themselves by obeying the truth!

Why not do so today?

－－《Executable Outlines》

Trials of faith

Though having not seen Him

Love Him

I. Salvation revealed in the last time

1.A living hope

2.Rejoice in suffering

3.Examining and preaching

II. Normal performance of life

1.Be self-controlled

2.In reverent fear

3.Redeemed with the precious blood

III. Born again by the word of God

1.Born of God

2.The seed of life

3.The everlasting word

－－ Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》

Strangers Scattered Abroad (1.1)

I. Displaced Persons—strangers (v.1)

II. Dispersed People—Scattered (v.1)

III. Disinherited Reople—homes destroyed (v.1)

IV. Dependent People—on the Triune God (v.2)

V. Distressed People—through manifold trials (v.6)

── Archibald Naismith《Outlines for Sermons》

How to be secure through suffering: Know that you are saved (v.1~12)

I. Know that you are the chosen of God (v.1~2)

1. They are believers who are only strangers or pilgrims scattered over the earth (v.1)

2. They are people elected by god (v.2)

3. They are people set apart to God and covered by the blood of Christ (v.2)

4. They are people who obey God (v.2)

5. They are people who experience grace and peace (v.2)

II. Know the believer’s living hope (v.3~5)

1. The source of the hope (v.3):

(1) By the mercy of God

(2) By the new birth

(3) By the resurrection of Christ

2. The inheritance of the hope (v.4)

(1) Incorruptible undefiled

(2) Does not fade away

(3) Reserved in heaven

3. The assurance of the hope (v.5)

(1) Kept by God’s power

(2) Guarded by faith

III. Know the truth about trials and temptations (v.6~9)

1. Know the fact: Life is full of trials and temptations (v.6)

(1) They are only for a season

(2) They bring heaviness

2. Know the purpose of for trials and temptations (v.7)

(1) To test and prove our faith

(2) To bring praise honor glory to both Christ and us

3. Know how to conquer trials and temptations (v.8~9)

(1) By your love for Christ

(2) By your lelief in Christ

(3) By your joy and glory

(4) By your salvation

──《The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible》

The Doctrine Enunciated by Peter

I. Foreordination according to God’s foreknowledge (v.2)

II. Sanctification set apart by the Spirit of God (v.2)

III. Regeneration ‘unto a living hope’ (v.3)

IV. Expectation of an inheritance in Heaven—through disinherited on earth (v.4)

V. Preservation by the power of God (v.4)

VI. Jubilation because of what is to be revealed (v.5)

VII. Temptation—in heaviness because of various trials (v.6)

VIII. Valuation—faith—more precious than gold (v.7)

IX. Salvation—the end of their faith (v.9)

X. Revelation—Prophecies of the grace to come (v.10)

── Archibald Naismith《Outlines for Sermons》

Faith and its Actings

I. The Operation of Faith—through faith unto salvation (v.5)

II. The Probation of Faith—that the trial of your faith (v.7)

III. The Exultation of Faith—believing ye rejoice with joy unspeakable (v.8)

IV. The Consummation of Faith—receiving the end of your faith (v.9)

── W.E.V.

Exhotations based on Doctrine

The ‘Wherefore’ of 1 Pet.1.13 links what follows with the doctrine that precedes it.

I. The Mind of the Christian—Sobriety enjoined because of the Revelation (v.13~14)

II. The Morality of the Christian—Holiness enjoined because of our Relationship (v.15~17)

III. The Motive of the Christian—Reverential Fear enjoined because of our Redemption (v.18~21)

IV. The Mainstay of the Christian—Fervent love enjoined because of our Regeneration (v.22~25)

── Archibald Naismith《Outlines for Sermons》

Redemption—Men’s Price and God’s Purchase (v.19~20)

The Most Man Can Offer The Price God Requires

I. Silver and gold Precious blood

II. Comes from the earth the Lamb of God from Heaven

III. Inanimate the living Lord

IV. Human currency Divine currency

V. Only temporary in value Eternal in efficacy

VI. Corruptible Incorruptible

VII. Defiled ‘Without blemish and without spot’

── Archibald Naismith《Outlines for Sermons》

The Word of the the Lord Endureth for Ever (v.25)

Because of—

I The Uniqueness of its Production and Preservation (Preserved from Corruption and Extirpation)

II The Unity of its Structure and Spirit—Contents of the O.T. and N.T. are Historic Didactic and Prophetic—in that order

III The Uniformity of its Teaching and Testimony concerning God and man with Jesus Christ the central Figure

IV The Universality of its Application and Appeal

── Archibald Naismith《Outlines for Sermons》