1 Peter 1:1-12

  Read 1Peter 1:1-12

Points:

Written by: Peter who was chosen to be an apostle of Jesus.

Written to: believers in various house churches that are scattered.

They are scattered because of the religious persecution that they are experiencing. In 64 A.D. a fire broke out in Rome, destroying much of the city. Many people suspected that Emperor Nero had ordered the city burned so that he could re-build a more modern Rome. The Romans were devastated. Their culture had been burned, many of the temples and shrines and even household idols had been destroyed. Nero was in trouble so he came up with a scapegoat. Christians were already hated because they were associated with Jews and because they were hostile to Roman Culture (ie. their gods and the temples, idol worship). But because of the blame, persecution began and spread.

Purpose of the Letter: Peter touches on many things in the letter but the primary reason is to teach how to live victoriously in the midst of hostility without losing hope, without becoming bitter, while trusting in the Lord and while recognizing that this is not their home. He wants them to realize that by living an obedient, victorious life under stress and trouble, a Christian can evangelize the people around them.

Where he wrote the letter: Peter wrote that he was in Babylon (5:13) when he wrote the letter, not because he actually was but as a protection. He couldn’t really say where he was as that would be too dangerous. Babylon became a code word for Rome.

 What happened to Peter after the letter was written?

Rome was burned in 64 A.D., persecution heated up and it is believed that both Peter and Paul were executed within a few years of Rome’s fire. One source I read said that Peter was forced to watch as his wife was martyred and that he was crucified upside down because he didn’t feel worthy of the same death as the Lord.

So let’s get started on the text.
We have been chosen:
All Christians have been chosen by God for obedience to Jesus Christ. We have been chosen to be conformed to begin to look like Jesus. We have been chosen for holiness which is something we will discuss more next time.

We are God’s elect, not because we deserve to be, but because of His grace.

We are called to live here as foreigners/strangers.

Question: What is it like to live as a foreigner?
Has anyone traveled to another country or lived elsewhere for any length of time?

What are some characteristics of being foreign?

~don’t know customs (food, clothing, traditions)

~don’t know $

~don’t know the language

~don’t know your way around

~don’t know the people

What makes us foreigners here?

Because we have been “born again,” we have a new identity. We no longer belong to this world. We belong to heaven and we are on planet earth as visitors.
There is a different mind-set when you know your stay somewhere is temporary. You live your life differently. You choose to spend your time differently. If you knew you were going to move somewhere in 2 years wouldn’t you live differently than if you think you are staying somewhere for 50 years?
Think of some ways you would live differently.

For the early Christians, this was a great comfort. The idea that this was not their home was a great thought. It was not hard to convince them that heaven was a better deal. If they are running from persecution, meeting in the catacombs, afraid to share their faith with someone that isn’t one of them for fear they will be arrested, persecuted, perhaps fed to the lions, wouldn’t it be good news to recognize something better? It would for me.

As Americans, we busy ourselves trying to make heaven here on earth. We think that by satisfying our desire for love, possessions, money, security and even significance we will be happy. But that is a lie. Just look at the people that have all those things. They are still empty.

There is a great quote by John D. Rockefeller, one of the wealthiest Americans of the industrial revolution. When asked once, "How much money is enough money?" He replied, "Just a little bit more."

The things of this world don’t satisfy. We need to adopt an eternal perspective. This is not our home.

As C.S.Lewis puts it so eloquently:
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”
― C.S. Lewis

Our hope is in heaven and yet what is it that we are hoping for?
To spend eternity there and because of that our inheritance is secure; Unlike our inheritance here which can be gone tomorrow at the whim of the stock market or the housing market or the government (social security) or natural disaster (Irene, fire, flood)

Practice generosity: recognize that what you have doesn’t really belong to you.

Explore simplicity: simplify your lifestyle so that you have more time for what is really important.

Prioritize People in your schedule: become a people person. Think about how much time Jesus spent with people.

Pray for the lost.

Share your faith.
Recognize that those around you really aren’t satisfied with life. They need something more. Build relationships with others so that when the timing is right you have an opportunity to share the hope that is in you.

1 Peter 3:15: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

It is because of the hope we have for heaven that we are able to rejoice in the midst of “all kinds of trials.”
According to the text what are some of the results of trials?
These various trials—which seem to refer to persecution rather than life’s normal problems—have two results:

(a) they refine or purify one’s faith—much as gold is refined by fire when its dross is removed, and

(b) trials prove the reality of one’s faith.

Stress deepens and strengthens a Christian’s faith and lets its reality be displayed.

If you could spend the day with someone that you have never met, who would it be and why? (Can’t answer Jesus)

Even though we have not seen Jesus, we love Him. How is this possible? Do you have anyone else in your life that you have never met/seen that you love?
Couldn’t you have a pen pal that you have never met but that you know so well because of the letters you have exchanged that you love them.
Our relationship with Jesus should fill us with joy. We are receiving the goal of our faith, the salvation of our souls. Even though we have received salvation we are working out our salvation (sanctification). Not that we have been saved because of works but once we are saved we do the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit continues to perfect us.

The purpose of sound theology is not head knowledge. It needs to be translated into faith-filled action. If it isn’t translated into action it is of no use. Faith turns sound doctrine into sound practice.