Sunday, November 1, 2020 pm –
online lesson
STUDIES FROM PETER’S
EPISTLES (2)
Peter’s greeting - I
1 Peter 1:1-2
Last month, we began a study
of the book of the letters of Peter. This
will be an ongoing expository study typically presented the first Sunday evening
of each month. In our
previous lesson, we introduced this book, noting it was written by Peter, likely
in the early 60s, to Christians who had been scattered (dispersed) into the
region mentioned in vs. 1 – Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.
Based on the letter, he writing to Christians who are facing persecutions
in a hostile region. He encourages
subjection throughout this letter and to endure with a living hope, holy living
in very practical ways.
In this lesson, we will begin
examining the text by noting Peter’s greeting.
I.
1 Peter 1:1-2 – Greetings
a.
As already noted, Peter
identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
We addressed a little about his character in our last lesson.
He was outspoken and one willing to take the lead.
His lesson is the one recorded in Acts 2.
He was the one sent to Cornelius, the first Gentile convert.
He was one whose failed from time to time, even as an apostle.
In this, we can relate to him.
b.
To the pilgrims
– this is one of many words that remind us of how we are out of place in this
world. That actually is one of the
points Peter seeks to remind his readers of – 1 Peter 4:3-5 notes how we should
not be surprised if the worldly no longer accept us (even old friends) because
we have changed.
In 1 Peter 4:12-13 – do not think it strange concerning the fiery trials you are
enduring.
1 Peter 2:11 – Peter begged them “as sojourners and pilgrims”
This same word is found in Hebrews 11:13, where we read that many of the
patriarchs died in faith not having received the promises and confessed that
they were strangers and pilgrims.
This also accords with Ephesians 2:19 which reminds us that we are citizens of
God’s kingdom, as does Philippians 3:20
c.
The Dispersion
- The idea of the dispersion is that they were scattered (dispersed), which most
likely means as a result of persecutions.
Remember how in Acts 8:4 after persecutions began in Jerusalem they were
scattered and went everywhere preaching the word.
The dispersion (lit – diaspora)
The word is only found 3 times in the NT – John 7:35 where Jews questioned
teachings of Jesus about His going to a place where they could not find Him.
They asked themselves, “Does He intend to go the Dispersion among the
Greeks and teach the Greeks?” This
was a reference to Jews who had been scattered throughout the world centuries
earlier.
James 1:1 – he also writes “to the twelve tribes scattered abroad.”
Many believe that was one of the earlier letters and was addressed
primarily to Jewish brethren after they had been scattered due to persecutions
in Rome. But this could have
reference to spiritual Israel – (those belonging to Christ)
More than likely the meaning of OUR text is that it is addressed to Gentiles and
Jews alike, ALL believers.
There are hints to this throughout the book of 1 Peter.
d.
Peter proceeds to mention a
specific region consisting of several provinces as we noted earlier in the
introduction.
e.
Elect, according to the
foreknowledge of God
the Father– or chosen by God.
i.
The point Peter is making
here – he is writing to the saved.
Those who have been washed in the blood of Jesus and are now Christians.
ii.
Election is a doctrine that
has been misinterpreted to teach that God randomly selected certain individuals
to be saved and all others will be lost.
Calvinistic election teaches that man has no choice in this.
And while the word “elect” does mean to choose some over others, how that
“election” takes place needs to be understood.
Calvinistic election takes away freewill, makes God a respecter of
persons, limits the sacrifice of Jesus (He only died for those randomly
selected), and quite honestly is unjust for those not elected, should they be
condemned to an eternal hell.
iii.
BUT election can also mean a
certain plan which if followed causes one to be part of that chosen group – like
joining a club that has requirements.
You meet the requirements, you join.
The Bible teaches this description. Consider:
1.
Salvation is available to all
-
- John 3:16 tells us that whoever believes in Him might be saved.
- 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 tells us that Jesus died for all – that is, His death is
available to everyone.
- 1 Timothy 2:3-4 tells us that God desires all men to be saved and to come to
the knowledge of truth.
- Finally, in Acts 10:34 as Peter is sent to Cornelius, the first Gentile
convert, He begins teaching by saying, “In truth I perceive that God shows no
partiality.”
2.
Man has a choice
– from the very beginning, man has had a choice to obey or not.
Joshua 24:15, Matthew 6:24, 7:24-27; Acts 13:46 – they judged themselves
unworthy by rejecting the word of God.
3.
Those chosen for salvation
are called by the gospel.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 – “to which He called you by our gospel, for the
obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Consider, what is the real purpose of the “Great commission” if God randomly
selects the saved? (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:46-47.
4.
What about passages that call
for a response from us?
Mark 16:16, Philippians 2:12, Acts 3:19, Galatians 3:27, etc.
5.
These thoughts and passages
make it clear that you can be part of the elect, if you will accept it!
iv.
According to the
foreknowledge of God.
The word in Greek here is (πρόγνωσις, prognōsis).
It points to the fact that God knows all things, which COULD include who
WILL obey, but also WHAT HIS PLAN would be so that all man CAN obey.
His foreknowledge is a product of His omniscience and omnipotence.
He has the power to make happen whatever needs to occur.
That is why prophecies in the Old Testament point to Christ, the church
and redemption.
Understand that this does NOT nullify election as we have discussed it.
f.
Sanctification in the spirit
–
Sanctification – means to set apart, consecrate, to dedicate to the service of
and loyalty to God. It is a word
associated with both saints and holiness.
- Here we are simply reminded that through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are
set apart to God. His word convicts
us (Hebrews 4:12, Romans 1:16). 2
Thessalonians 2:13-14 says, But we are bound to give thanks to God always for
you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you
for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in
the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of
the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- There will be substantial
reference to holiness as we go through this book and will be address that when
we get there.
- It is through the gospel (and possibly by other means) that the Holy Spirit
does His work. But it is an
invitation available to all.
g.
For obedience and sprinkling
of the blood of Jesus Christ
– this is what it is about.
- Whatever work the Holy Spirit does in sanctifying us (in this text), is
related to our obeying the gospel.
- We are called upon to obey the gospel – Acts 22:16, 2:38 (in such, we receive
the gift of the Holy Spirit), etc.
It is in the act of baptism that we come into contact with the death, burial and
resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:3-4) which is where He blood was shed.
- Hebrews 5:9 – He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.
- “the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus” is an important
concept in scripture. It is related
to how His blood purifies us. In
the wilderness, the book of the law, the altar, the tabernacle, as well as the
people of Israel were sprinkled with blood to purify them (Exodus 24:3-8).
It was a ceremony to set them apart for God.
Hebrews 9:18-26 elaborates on this and ties it to the blood Jesus shed
for our sins.
- It is through His blood that we obtain our forgiveness – Matthew 26:27-28, as
Jesus instituted the Lord’s supper, He noted His blood was shed “for the
remission of sins.”
1 Peter 1:18-19 will revisit this, knowing that you were not redeemed with
corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by
tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb
without blemish and without spot.
Jesus obeyed (Philippians
2:8) and died for us. He shed His
blood which God accepted, and now we need to obey Him and His gospel. Romans
5:6-9.
h.
Grace and peace be multiplied
– Peter begins with common greetings – to both Gentiles and Jews alike.
The words are obviously significant to Christians as we desperately need both
the grace of God and peace with Him and one another.
2 Peter 1:2 adds to this, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the
knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord.”
It is THROUGHT His word that we find this grace and peace.
Peter is writing to those who
were Christians scattered abroad.
This letter is written to them to encourage them to stay that way, even in the
face of hostilities. As I read this
letter, I see just how equally relevant it is for us today.
We are living in ungodly and evil times.
But we must endure and we cannot quit.
Peter will help us to see that and give us some understanding as to HOW
we should live and WHY. I commend
this lesson AND letter to you.