Sermons on 1 Peter
The God of All Grace (1 Peter 5:8-11)
Introduction Peter’s final words to suffering Jewish Christians exiled to Asia Minor. He has encouraged them to think rightly about their suffering. Thinking is critical to persevering. He exhorted the elders to shepherd the flock, exercising oversight, eager to serve. He then challenged everyone to walk in humility with one another and before God. Read 1 Peter 5:8-11 As someone who is overly rational, rarely do I seriously consider the possibility of a spiritual attack as the cause of suffering.…
Clothe Yourselves With Humility (1 Peter 5:5-7)
Introduction Final exhortations to Jewish Christians exiled to Asia Minor. They were suffering persecution, mostly verbal chastisement, but Peter has been preparing them for an increasingly violent persecution. He’s encouraged them to maintain a heavenly perspective so that they might persevere knowing the glory that awaits. After addressing the elders, he broadens his scope to include everyone. Read 1 Peter 5:5-7 We often clothe ourselves in arrogance, assuming we know better than everyone else. We may not openly disagree, but…
Shepherd the Flock (1 Peter 5:1-4)
Introduction Same themes continue to emerge as Peter encourages his suffering readers with hopeful reminders of Christ’s return and their eternal inheritance that awaits. Specifically addresses the elders > your future session. Read 1 Peter 5:1-4 What about those of you who aren’t elders (all of you)? Do you get to tune out? You’re overhearing Peter’s instruction to fellow-elders. He’s not speaking to you, but he’s speaking loud enough for you to hear. In fact, he knows you’re there. You…
Judgment Begins at the Household of God (1 Peter 4:17-19)
Introduction One common manifestation of pride is comparing ourselves to others. We are never content with who we are, what we have, where we live. There is always someone in front of us who has it better than us. Rod Stewart Some guys have all the luck. Some guys have all the pain. Some guys get all the breaks. Some guys do nothing but complain. Woo woo woo… However, a fair comparison, takes eternity into account. In that light: No…
Suffering As A Christian (1 Peter 4:12-16)
Introduction Last week we saw the characteristics of the Christian community serve to promote God’s glory and dominion. Peter exhorted his readers to pray soberly, love earnestly, show hospitality, and serve generously. Now he shows them that their obedience will lead to suffering. Read 1 Peter 4:12-16 We automatically assume a defensive/offensive posture when suffering. We fight it or flee it. The point in either response is to end our suffering ASAP. Suffering is bad. But Peter doesn’t see suffering…
To Him Belong Glory (1 Peter 4:7-11)
Introduction This is the final section of the body of the letter (2:11-4:11). This section forms an inclusio with 2:11-12. The resurrection (3:21) has brought into being the final stage of Redemptive History. The end is just as near today. We remain in that same stage which culminates in a future judgment (vv.5-6). Continue to live with eternity in view. Read 1 Peter 4:7-11 Peter is preparing his readers for trial (4:12), not suggesting their escape from it. What makes…
Arm Yourselves (1 Peter 4:1-6)
Introduction Now, I’ll admit I’m a fan of the 2nd Amendment, but this sermon is not about that. Peter has put forward Christ as an example of suffering for doing good. The suffering of Christ brings us to God and the victory of Christ secures us in God. The victory of Christ provides assurance, but it has further implications for how we live now. Read 1 Peter 4:1-6 How do we prepare to suffer? Peter is contrasting the temptation for…
Christ Also Suffered (1 Peter 3:18-22)
Introduction Luther A wonderful text is this, and a more obscure passage perhaps than any other in the New Testament, so that I do not know for a certainty just what Peter means. Audience: Jewish Christians exiled to Asia Minor. Peter has focused upon building fellowship within the covenant community (inward) as well as providing a witness to those outside the covenant community (outward). v.15 summarizes well. We’re prepared to make a defense when Christ is set above everyone and…
Prepared to Make a Defense (1 Peter 3:13-17)
Introduction Peter is concluding his application of the principle that Christians are called to live different, yet exemplary lives. Their goal is to live at peace with everyone. Last week, we considered characteristics and conduct that build fellowship within the covenant community (inward). This week shifts to an outward focus. Read 1 Peter 3:13-17 We will be prepared to make a defense and maintain a good conscience when Christ is set above everyone and everything else. When Christ is preeminent…