Todd Konkel June 26, 2016
July 64 AD: Great Fire of Rome Nero was accused of being responsible Responded by blaming the Christians Persecution spread throughout empire, including Asia Minor Peter wrote epistle to strengthen and encourage Christians suffering persecution 1:1 Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Bithynia
Greek word for suffer (paschó) occurs 42 times in NT 12 times in 1 Peter more than any other book undergo evils, be afflicted, feel intense emotion origin of word passion Peter s main emphasis in this letter is on Christian conduct amid persecution
I. Be sober (7) II. Watch unto prayer (7) III. Have fervent love (8) IV. Use hospitality (9) V. Minister your spiritual gifts (10-11) VI. Think it not strange (12) VII. Rejoice (13) VIII.Be not ashamed (15-16) IX. Glorify God (16-18) X. Commit yourself to God (19)
Be of sound judgment (sóphroneó): sober-minded, temperate, self-controlled Be of sober spirit (néphó): watchful, vigilant Hard to be watchful if we are drunk (4:3) We are to maintain an attitude of prayerful watchfulness as we await Christ s return This admonition would have had special meaning to Peter, who fell asleep when he should have been praying (Mark 14:37-41)
fervent (ektenés): stretched (lit.); strenuous, intense, zealous, earnest; repeats command from 1:22 Our love for our fellow Christians is an act of dedicated will and should include forgiveness Colossians 3:14: Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Proverbs 10:12: Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.
hospitable (philoxenos): love of strangers Hebrews 13:2: Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. We are to be hospitable to strangers whether they are believers or not but this verse seems to relate specifically to how we treat other Christians
Every believer has been given at least one spiritual gift (charisma: grace-endowment), which we are to use in building up the Church Romans 12:6-8: Since we have gifts given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly (6) 1 Corinthians 12: But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (7) Ephesians 4:7-16: But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ s gift. (7)
Speaking Gifts Prophecy (R, 1C, E) Teaching (R, 1C, E) Exhortation (R) Wisdom (1C) Knowledge (1C) Evangelist (E) Pastor (E) R: Rom 12:6-8; 1C: 1 Cor 12:8-10, 28; E: Eph 4:11 Serving Gifts Giving (R) Leadership (R) Mercy (R) Faith (1C) Discernment (1C) Helps (1C) Administration (1C)
surprised (xenizó): think it strange (4:3) Jesus told his disciples to expect opposition and persecution from the world (John 15:18-16:4) fiery ordeal (peirazó): trial, adversity, affliction, trouble official persecution vs. normal persecution sent by God and serving to test or prove one s faith, rigtheousness, character part of our refining process (1:6-7)
share (koinóneó): fellowship with Christ in suffering keep on rejoicing: be constantly rejoicing Suffering amplifies our hope in Christ (Romans 5:3-5) Joy was on Christ s mind on the cross (Hebrews 12:1-3) God protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego amid a literal fiery ordeal (Daniel 3:23-25)
blessed: see 3:14; James 1:12 15: see 3:17 troublesome meddler: prier into other men s affairs Christian: 1 of 3 occurrences in NT (Acts 11:26, 26:28) do not be ashamed: Peter may have had in mind his denial of Christ (Luke 22:54-62) The ultimate purpose of our suffering is to glorify God
18: Quotation from Proverbs 11:31 Our fiery ordeal is nothing compared to the judgment that awaits the unsaved (2 Thess 1:5-10) God delivers punishment; not our role (3:9) entrust our souls to God: commit, deposit for safekeeping (banking term) faithful Creator: only time in NT God is called Creator God knows and will meet our needs
elders (presbyteros): leaders of local congregations synonymous with bishops, overseers (Titus 1:5,7) shepherd (poimainó): Christ s command to Peter (John 21:16), Paul s charge to Ephesian elders (Acts 20:28) Elders are to serve: voluntarily, without compulsion not to gain wealth with eagerness without intimidating or manipulating church members Reward for faithful service is an unfading crown of glory
clothe yourselves: refers to a slave putting on an apron 5: Quotation from Proverbs 3:34 (see also James 4:6) Humility is the fundamental servant characteristic Jesus is the perfect example of humility Philippians 2:3-11 God s mighty hand symbolizes both discipline (Job 30:21; Ps 32:4) and deliverance (Deut 9:26; Ezek 20:34) anxiety: worries, cares (Matt 13:22)
proper time (kairos): due time, hour, season vs. physical time (chronos; see 1:17, 4:3) Jesus entire life revolved around the precise timing of His sacrifice and glorification My time has not yet fully come (John 7:8) His hour had not yet come (John 8:20) My time is near (Matt 26:18) The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified for this purpose I came to this hour (John 12:23,27) Father, the hour has come (John 17:1-5) God will lift up suffering believers at His appointed time
1998-2001: QB at University of Texas 1999, 2000: Suffered two knee injuries 2001: Lost starting job to junior Chris Simms UT lost Big 12 championship game to Colorado Applewhite came in as sub; comeback fell short 12/28/2001: Holiday Bowl vs. Washington Threw 3 INTs in 2Q; trailed 17-36 at 3:51 in 3Q Led largest comeback in UT history, 47-43
Be of sober spirit: repeats command from 4:7 Be on the alert: be awake, keep watch devil (diabolos): slanderer, accuser Greek translation of Hebrew Satan resist (anthistémi): oppose, withstand (James 4:7) Put on the full armor of God (Eph 6:11-17) Satan is always looking to overwhelm believers with temptation, persecution, and discouragement But we can take comfort knowing we are not alone
Our present suffering is temporary but the glory that results is eternal God uses our suffering to refine our character perfect: fit together, complete, prepare for use confirm: fix firmly, make steadfast strengthen: only occurrence of Greek word in NT establish: settle, put on a firm foundation
Silvanus: Silas; prophet (Acts 15:32), companion of Paul and Timothy (Acts 15:40-18:5) Wrote down Peter s words; likely served as messenger Final exhortation: Stand firm in the grace of God Babylon: Peter probably wrote letter from Rome 1 Peter is bookended by greetings of peace (1:2, 5:14) These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Where does it come from? Nonbelievers, who find our righteous living strange (4:4) Satan, who seeks to neutralize our witness for Christ (5:8) God, who allows it and designs it (4:19) How are we to deal with it? Expect it (4:12); without surprise, shame, or retaliation Rejoice in it (4:13-14); with joy, humility, and watchfulness Evaluate its cause (4:15-18); just or unjust? Entrust it to God (4:19); He is faithful Why does it happen? for our testing and refinement of character (1:6-7; 5:10) So we can encourage (and be encouraged by) one another (5:9) The ultimate purpose of our suffering is God s glory (4:16)