Peter, the disciple of Jesus, wrote the book of 1 Peter to Christians living in the area of modern day Turkey. (See Map) Though he was a rough fisherman when he first met Jesus, the Lord changed him into a fearless preacher.

This first letter by Peter is full of doctrine to guide Christians spiritually. J. Vernon McGee states, “In the first few verses he deals with the great doctrines of election, foreknowledge, sanctification, obedience, the blood of Christ, the Trinity, the grace of God, salvation, revelation, glory, faith, and hope.” Thru the Bible Commentary Peter also includes an excellent section on the roles of wives and husbands.

It is widely believed that Peter wrote this letter sometime about 60-65 AD. At that time, Nero, the Roman Emperor ruthlessly condemned Christianity. Tertullian quoted by Everett Peter frequently mentions suffering. He also gives words of encouragement to readers regarding persecution and instruction on how to suffer properly for Christ.

Transition

In the first verse of this epistle, I find four reminders that ought to help us live more godly lives if we will take them to heart.

“Peter” Reminds us to Persevere

  1. Peter’s problem
    1. Peter, a former fisherman, was one of the Lord’s first disciples. His name was originally Simon. Jesus called him Cephas (Aramaic for “stone” like Peter in Greek). He had a close walk with the Lord Jesus and Jesus often invited him to be part of special events with James and John. He was the only disciple to walk on water with Jesus. He was bold, self-confident, and a leader. Despite his qualities, he often acted and spoke without thinking carefully.
    2. Before Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter said he would never deny the Lord, but just hours later, three times he denied that he even knew Jesus. When he remembered Jesus’ words, he wept bitterly over his denial. After Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus challenged Peter to show Him his love by feeding His spiritual sheep. Peter was far from perfect.
  2. Peter’s perseverance
    1. When Peter denied the Lord, he did not quit. He confessed his sin and pressed on. He persevered.
    2. At Pentecost, Peter became a powerful preacher. Thousands came to faith in Christ through his preaching.
    3. In Acts 12, Peter was in prison for preaching, and God sent an angel to lead him out of prison through three locked doors and past 16 Roman soldiers. God did this because He had work for Peter to do.
      ☆ Peter’s perseverance is a reminder to us that when we fail the Lord, we must not quit. We must confess our sins, get right with God, and press on.

“Apostle” Reminds us to Evangelize

  1. The definition
    1. The word “apostle” refers to a messenger or one sent forth with orders.
    2. Peter was an apostle chosen by the Lord. To be an apostle one must personally know the Lord during His earthly ministry and be sent out by Him. The office of apostle ceased when those who lived with Jesus died.
  2. The duty
    1. Though apostles no longer exist, every Christian has a duty to evangelize. NT Christians knew this.
      ☆ (1 Thessalonians 1:8) For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
      ☆ (2 Corinthians 4:3) But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
    2. One of Jesus last commands before returning to heaven was to evangelize.
      ☆ (Mark 16:15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
    3. Our world is desperately in need of the Gospel. It is true that many reject God, but they still need to hear. Paul believed in the power of the Gospel.
      ☆ (Romans 1:16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
      ☆ The word “apostle” reminds us that we are sent as witnesses and must not hide the message that can save others from hell.

“Strangers” Reminds us this World is not Home

  1. The change
    1. A change takes place when a person becomes a Christian.
      1. He becomes a new creature (2Co 5:17).
      2. He has a new citizenship (Php 3:20).
      3. He gets a new home in heaven (1Pe 1:4).
      4. He receives a new love for the things of God instead of the things of the world (1Jn 2:15).
    2. This change makes Christians spiritual strangers in this world. The word translated “stranger” is also translated “pilgrim”. It is a foreigner living in a land with the natives.
    3. Peter’s readers were probably strangers in two senses.
      1. First, they were spiritual strangers because they knew Christ as their Saviour and he changed them.
      2. Second, they were social strangers because they were not natives to the country where they lived.
  2. The challenge
    1. It is a challenge for true Christians to live in this sinful world.
      ² We used to have a child’s toy that had blocks of various shapes that fit in holes of the shame shape. The star would not fit in the rectangle hole and the square would not fit in the round hole. That is the way true Christians are in this world. They no longer fit in with the world.
    2. Jesus said,
      ☆ (John 15:18) If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
    3. John added these words of encouragement.
      ☆ (1 John 3:13) Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
      ☆ If you are a true Christian, you ought to be a stranger in this world. You ought not to do the things you used to do. If you fit in well in this world, something is wrong with your faith.

“Scattered” Reminds us of Persecution

  1. Life is unsettled
    1. One of the reasons Christians in Peter’s day were not living in their homeland is because of persecution. They had fled for their lives leaving nearly everything behind.
    2. Life for early Christians was not easy, but they could not keep the Gospel to themselves.
      ☆ (Acts 8:3-4) As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
    3. The writer of Hebrews praised Christians for being willing to endure the loss of material goods for the sake of Christ.
      ☆ (Hebrews 10:34) For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
  2. Future is uncertain
    1. Peter’s readers did not know what their future held. The Emperor was killing Christians. Many had already fled to protect their lives and families.
    2. Our country has enjoyed religious freedom for many years, but today our freedoms being threatened. It may be in our lifetime we will face serious persecution.
      ☆ (2 Timothy 3:12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
      ☆ The word “scattered” reminds us that we must remain true to the Lord and ready for persecution.

Conclusion

If you are a true Christian, 1Peter 1:1 gives you four reminders: 1) You must persevere. Confess sin and press on for the Lord. 2) You must to evangelize; tell others about Christ. 3) This world is not your home. Live like heaven is your home. 4) You must remain true to the Lord and prepare for persecution. Stay close to the Lord.

If you are not positive you are a true Christian, repent of your sin and trust Jesus today to save your soul from hell.

Song: Have Thine Own Way – 388
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Reminders
12 April 2015 am – 1Peter 1:1 – 1Pe15 – Scott Childs