Introduction

LESSONS FROM 1st PETER

Thoughts come from a wide variety of sources. Some from messages I have heard from individuals, some from assemblies' Bible studies, some from home life, and some from books I have read. The Holy Spirit is the Teacher who makes them real to me.

INTRODUCTION TO 1 ST PETER Persecution can lead to growth or bitterness in a Christian’s life. Our response to persecution is what makes the difference. In times of persecution, both character and conduct must be above reproach to receive a positive response from onlookers. When we are born again to a living hope, it is natural that we will imitate the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, who has saved us by His grace, and who has given us His divine nature.

It seems to me that 1 Peter 5:10 summarizes the point of the whole epistle. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle you.”

Peter addresses some important issues that bring this point home. Character and conduct are reflected in our submission: first, to our Lord Jesus Christ; then, as citizens to legal government, servants to masters, wives to husbands, and Christians to one another. Peter discusses these before tackling the difficult subject of suffering and the reason God allows His children to endure it. “Fiery trials” will happen. We cannot avoid them, but how we accept, deal with, and respond to them is a significant part of our testimony of faith in God. To those around us, when a Christian not only endures sufferings but rejoices as a “partaker of the sufferings of Christ,” it is far beyond their ability to understand, even as our faith and testimony are strengthened.

The sufferings of Christ are an example of what those who follow Him may face. Doing what is right because God’s word tells us what is right will often bring open opposition, anger, rejection, and accusations of being a bigoted and prejudiced person. However, to continue in faithfulness to our Lord—obeying His word and remaining committed to His commission despite what others say and do—pleases God.

Peter personally understood what he was writing about. He had been imprisoned, beaten, and despised, but he knew that trials refine faith and do not necessarily diminish confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ. He had seen, spoken with, eaten with, and learned lessons from the Lord after His resurrection. He taught that believers must persevere despite circumstances, live holy lives, reverently trust and fear God, be honest and loving to others, and become like Christ even in difficult times. Truly, believers in Christ are strangers and pilgrims in a hostile world.

We learn from the Gospels that Peter was a man who loved the Lord. In the book of Acts, he is depicted as a man who loved sinners, and in the epistles, he is shown as a man who loved God's people. His personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ began with his conversion [John 1:40- 42] and words of assurance and dedication from the Lord: "Thou art Simon the son of Jonas: thou shalt be called Cephas." Then Peter was called by the Lord Jesus to [Mat. 4:18-20] "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." When asked by Jesus who he believed Jesus was, Peter confessed, [Mat. 16:13-17] "Thou art the Christ." Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave Peter a final command, [John 21:15-17] "Feed My lambs…sheep." He fulfilled this calling when he wrote these two epistles.

He seemed to have a sensitive nature as he matured, and when he was older, he wrote of seven “precious” things in these letters: Precious suffering [1:7], Precious blood [1:19], Precious Lord [2:4], Precious Corner Stone [2:6], Precious Savior [2:7], Precious Faith [2:1], Precious Promises [1:4]. A major theme of 1st Peter is the subject of “grace,” which is written of in every chapter. Grace is the provision of joy and delight when there is no reason for it. It is often referred to as “unmerited favor.”

There are many forms of suffering that God's people are called to endure as pilgrims and strangers passing through the world on our way to heaven. Physical abuse often receives the most attention because it is not only experienced by the sufferer but is also observed by others, as those opposed to the Gospel of God vent their hostility on those who represent God in a godless world. The suffering of saints caused by disease is often difficult to explain or understand by those who look on with sympathy. Being ostracized by peers or co-workers places someone in a position of loneliness and scorn, creating a suffering that is unseen by others but very real and often misunderstood. Persecution that occurs when one refuses to participate in the activities of the majority or is active in ways that demonstrate holiness—especially when those activities are unpopular—is to be expected by those who live godly lives.

Suffering often leads to temptation because the pressures of our flesh and emotions appeal to our sinful nature as a way to find relief. Early Christians endured suffering and abuse because they were saved by grace, acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord, and followed Him. They were dedicated to sharing the Gospel and gathered as a church to obey the Lord's commands. As the Gospel flourished and spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, persecution emerged, bringing suffering to many.

Today, believers in many parts of the world are suffering for their faith in Christ when they turn to the Lord from man-made religions, and even when they turn from "Christian religions" that teach the works of mankind for salvation, the doctrine of salvation by grace alone because of the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf.

Peter had experienced this himself. He had seen others saved through his preaching of the Gospel. He had been threatened and imprisoned. Many whom the Lord saved through his efforts not only suffered because of their faith in Christ, but they were also killed. This can be harder on those who have preached the Gospel than on those who experience the difficulties themselves. In fulfilling the commission the Lord gave, we not only present the need for repentance to God for sin and the truth of salvation given to us by God when we trust the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior, but we also interfere enough in other people's lives that they are turned from "darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." Evidence of the new birth is seen in changed lives.

When we personally know Christ and listen to His word through reading the scriptures, our confidence stays strong even when suffering persists. In the world we live in today, these same pressures continue, but faith, loyalty to our Lord, love for others, the comfort of the Spirit, and hope remain steady. The pressures of opposition and suffering because of our faith do not have the power to take away our joy and patience when they occur. The outcomes of trials are actually approved by God, though the process may not be.