1 Peter 1–5
Common Theme
Peter calls believers to live as a holy and hopeful people in a hostile world, grounded in their new identity through Christ and sustained by future glory. Suffering is not meaningless but is shaped by God to refine faith and display His grace and faithfulness.
Questions
- How does your identity as someone chosen and born again shape the way you respond to suffering or opposition?
- What does it look like to entrust yourself to God while living faithfully under pressure?
God Shot
God is a faithful and sovereign shepherd who guards His people and preserves their inheritance through every trial. He graciously calls, restores, confirms, strengthens, and establishes His people according to His eternal purpose in Christ.
Deeper
1 Peter 1
The text is a letter from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, addressing the elect exiles in various regions. He emphasizes the grace and peace from God and highlights the believers’ rebirth to a living hope through Jesus’ resurrection. This hope leads to an imperishable inheritance, safeguarded by God’s power. Peter encourages rejoicing despite trials, as they test faith, which is more valuable than gold. He notes that prophets foretold this salvation, which is now revealed through the Holy Spirit. Peter urges the recipients to prepare their minds, remain sober, and pursue holiness, reflecting God’s nature. He reminds them of their redemption through Christ’s blood and encourages sincere love among one another, emphasizing the enduring nature of God’s word compared to the fleeting nature of earthly life. The message concludes with the affirmation of the good news preached to them.
1 Peter 2
The text emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and moral conduct among believers. It encourages individuals to discard negative traits such as malice and deceit, and to crave spiritual nourishment for salvation. Believers are likened to living stones, forming a spiritual house and a holy priesthood, with Christ as the cornerstone. It highlights the distinction between those who believe and those who do not, noting that believers are a chosen people who have received mercy. The text also urges submission to authority for the Lord’s sake, promoting honorable conduct to silence ignorance. It calls for respect towards all, including unjust masters, and encourages enduring suffering for doing good, following Christ’s example of righteousness and trust in God.
1 Peter 3
The text discusses the roles of wives and husbands, emphasizing that wives should be submissive to their husbands, demonstrating their faith through respectful conduct. It advises against focusing on external adornments, promoting inner beauty characterized by a gentle spirit. Husbands are instructed to honor their wives, recognizing their equal status as heirs of grace. The passage encourages unity, sympathy, and love among all, urging individuals to respond to evil with blessings and to seek peace. It reassures that suffering for righteousness is a blessing and emphasizes the importance of honoring Christ and being prepared to defend one’s faith with gentleness. The text concludes with a reference to Christ’s suffering and the significance of baptism.
1 Peter 4
The text discusses the importance of suffering as a Christian and living according to God’s will. It encourages believers to adopt a mindset similar to Christ’s, ceasing from sin and living for God’s purpose rather than human desires. The passage highlights the need for self-control, love, and hospitality among believers, emphasizing the use of spiritual gifts to serve one another. It reassures Christians not to be surprised by trials but to rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings. The text concludes by urging those who suffer for their faith to trust in God while doing good, reminding them of the judgment that begins with the household of God.
1 Peter 5
The text encourages elders to shepherd the flock of God willingly and eagerly, setting a positive example rather than dominating. It emphasizes humility, urging younger members to respect elders and reminding all to cast their anxieties on God. Believers are warned to be vigilant against the devil and to resist him with faith, knowing others share in their suffering. After enduring hardships, God will restore and strengthen them. The letter concludes with greetings and a wish for peace among those in Christ.