THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER Chapter One 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 Gods 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).
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 13:47:50 +0000
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