Peter opens his first letter with an overview of some glorious facts
concerning salvation.
THE SOURCE OF OUR SALVATION (1:1-2)
We have been chosen by the Father (1:1-2a).
We have been made holy by the Spirit (1:2b).
We are cleansed by the blood of the Son (1:2c).
THE GUARANTEE OF OUR SALVATION (1:3-5)
It is guaranteed by the resurrection of Christ.
It is kept in heaven for us.
God's mighty power assures us that we will safely arrive in heaven.
THE JOY OF OUR SALVATION (1:6-9)
This joy can be ours even in the midst of trials.
Our trials produce a twofold fruit.
They increase our faith in God (1:7).
They increase our love for God (1:8-9).
THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS AND OUR SALVATION (1:10-12a)
What they did not understand (1:10-11):
They could not fully comprehend all their prophecies concerning the
future work of the Messiah.
In regard to his grief (1:10-11a)
In regard to his glory (1:11b)
What they did understand (1:12a):
They knew that their prophecies would not be fulfilled until after their
deaths.
THE ANGELS AND OUR SALVATION (1:12b):
They long to know more about this wonderful subject.
THE RESPONSE TO OUR SALVATION (1:13-17)
In regard to ourselves (1:13):
We are to be self-controlled.
In regard to our Saviour (1:14-17)
We are to be holy before God (1:14-16).
We are to be respectful toward God (1:17).
THE COST OF OUR SALVATION (1:18-21)
It was not purchased with silver or gold.
It was bought by the precious blood of Jesus.
Christ was chosen before the foundation of the world to do this.
THE VEHICLE OF OUR SALVATION (1:22-25)
The new birth (1:22-23a):
One must experience regeneration to be saved.
It is God's Word that brings this about.
Peter speaks of renouncing, relationships, respect, and a role model.
THE RENOUNCING (2:1-3, 11)
What we are to renounce (2:1, 11b):
We are to rid ourselves of deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander, and
worldliness.
What we are to receive (2:2-3):
We are to crave pure spiritual milk.
THE RELATIONSHIPS (2:4-12)
What Christians are (2:5, 9a, 10-11a)
We are living stones (2:5a).
We are royal priests (2:5b).
We are a chosen people (2:9a, 10).
We are strangers on earth (2:11a).
What Christ is (2:4, 6-8, 9b, 12)
He is the living foundation (2:4a).
He is a precious foundation for believers (2:4b, 7a).
He is a stumbling block for unbelievers (2:8).
He is the cornerstone (2:6, 7b).
He is the chosen one (2:4c).
For the Lord's sake, we are to show respect (and submission) to the
following parties:
Civil authorities (2:13-16)
He is our sinless Saviour, Jesus Christ.
He died on Calvary's cross.
That his wounds might heal ours (2:24b)
That we might turn to the Shepherd (2:25)
Peter talks about appropriate conduct for believers in light of what
Christ has done for us.
THE CONDUCT OF BELIEVERS (3:1-17)
Responsibilities of wives (3:1-6)
Peter's exhortation (3:1-5)
Concerning their behaviour (3:1-2):
Wives should depend upon their lives more than their lips in witnessing
to unsaved husbands.
Concerning their beauty (3:3-5):
Inner beauty is far more important than outer beauty.
He uses Sarah of the Old Testament as a role model.
Responsibilities of husbands (3:7)
What they are to do (3:7a):
Husbands must be considerate of their wives and respect them.
Why they are to do it (3:7b):
If they fail here, their prayers will not be answered.
Responsibilities of all (3:8-17)
Live in loving harmony (3:8).
Reward both good and evil with good (3:9-14).
Worship Christ as Lord, and always be ready to explain your faith (3:15).
Be ready to defend your faith (3:16-17).
THE CHRIST OF BELIEVERS (3:18-22):
Peter describes a fourfold ministry accomplished by the Saviour.
He died for our sins once and for all.
He died to reconcile sinners to God.
His journey to the spirit world (3:19-20)
The transgression (3:19):
Jesus preached against the sins of these evil spirits.
They committed their wickedness in the days of Noah.
Jesus' resurrection guarantees our redemption.
Water baptism.
His ascension and exaltation (3:22)
Peter writes, about suffering.
THE PURPOSE OF SUFFERING (4:1-11, 15, 17-18)
To cleanse and purify the spiritual believer (4:1-11)
Suffering causes sin to lose its power.
The unsaved friends of a new Christian marvel that he does not desire to
share their wicked lifestyle as he once did.
Suffering should develop our love for other believers.
We should faithfully employ all of our God-given spiritual gifts.
To chasten and punish the carnal believer (4:15, 17-18):
God will judge his people.
THE PRIVILEGE OF SUFFERING (4:12-14, 16)
It is to be expected (4:12):
All believers will be allowed to suffer.
It is to be esteemed (4:13-14, 16)
To suffer for Christ means to share his past grief (4:13a, 14a, 16a).
To suffer for Christ means to share his future glory (4:13b, 14b, 16b).
THE PATIENCE IN SUFFERING (4:19): W
e are to do two things in the hour of pain.
We are to commit ourselves to God (4:19b).
We are to continue to do good (4:19a).
Peter gives advice for elders and other church members and sends his
final greetings.
THE APPEAL BY PETER (5:1-11)
He writes to the elders in the church (5:1-4).
Peter himself is an elder in his church.
The responsibilities (5:2-3)
Feed the flock of God (5:2).
Lead the flock of God (5:3).
To receive a crown of glory from the head Shepherd himself.
He writes to the other members of the church (5:5-11).
Live as a servant (5:5-7).
Be in subjection to your superiors (5:5).
Be in subjection to your Savior (5:6-7).
Live as a soldier (5:8-9).
Recognize the enemy (5:8).
Live as a sufferer (5:10-11).
It only lasts for a short time.
It makes one strong, firm, and steadfast.
THE ASSISTANCE TO PETER (5:12-14):
Silas, whom Peter considers a faithful brother, has helped Peter write
this letter.