Exiles - 1 Peter

Exiles - 1 Peter

When the going gets tough …

1 Peter 5:5-11 When was the last time you felt some level of ‘persecution’ for your faith? Have you ever? For the recipients of this letter, it was a way of life. So these words from Peter were particularly relevant, challenging and encouraging. As Australia becomes less tolerant of Christians and a Christian viewpoint, we have to learn how to respond in a way that is humble, brave and uncompromising, but thoroughly true to who we are as God’s faithful…

The Christian Leaders we really need

1 Peter 5:1-4 There are all sorts of spiritual gifts, skills and attributes that Christian leaders bring to the task of shepherding God’s flock, but as the church faces increasing opposition, Peter tells us what kind of leaders we really need to help us stand firm in the faith.

20220306PM

1 Peter 4:12-19 As we begin the book of 1 Peter, the apostle writes to persecuted Christians, instructing them how to live lives as “Elect Exiles” in a world that is not their home, encouraging them to live lives that glorify Christ, and that despite their circumstances, the joy and peace of Christ are available.

A characteristically Christian response to suffering

1 Peter 3:13-4:6 Suffering as Christians is inevitable, but how we respond, in both word and action, is crucial. Our response should not be characterised by fear of the world, but shaped by Christ – the one who suffered for us to pay for our sins, and the one who reigns and rules and Lord over all.

Glorifying God at work

1 Peter 2:18-25 There are, of course, vast differences between the situation of a slave in the first century and our own, but as we consider these words from the Apostle Peter to Christian slaves, we can learn much about living godly lives in the workplace. In Christ’s death, we have both an example and the transforming power to live such lives.

Living as Free Slaves

1 Peter 2:11-17 As we deal with the relationship between the Christian and human authorities, we see three ways being a follower of Jesus requires us to live differently in amongst a world that doesn’t share our values.

A glorious new purpose

1 Peter 2:4-10 In these verses Peter reminds us that we are part of God’s glorious new temple built on Christ, the Cornerstone. We have a glorious new identity and glorious new purpose.

An imperishable seed

1 Peter 1:22-2:3 Here, Peter outlines three key characteristics that those who have new life in Christ possess.

The Sojourner’s Life

1 Peter 1:13-21 Having already outlined who we are in Christ and where we’re going, Peter describes what ought to characterise our Christian lives as sojourners in this world. We are to live lives marked by hope, holiness and reverent fear.

A Living Hope

1 Peter 1:3-12 As Peter begins the first main section of his letter, it is as though he “drops anchor” and reminds his readers of some of the incredible privileges they have as believers. We have a glorious future. There is purpose in our trials. We are in a privileged position as those for whom God’;s revelation was given. May we always hold fast to these incredible truths.
  • 1
  • 2