1 Peter

Date Written: 62-65 AD

Author: Peter

Setting: Peter was probably in Rome when the great persecution under Emperor Nero began. Eventually Peter was executed during this persecution. Throughout the Roman empire, Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith and the church in Jerusalem was being scattered throughout the Mediterranean world.

Key People: Peter, Silas, and Mark

Purpose: To give encouragement to suffering Christians and to call them to holiness

Key Verses: These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1:7

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 4:7

Chapter Outline:

1-2 Holiness and Submission

3-4 Suffering

5 Advice for Old and Young

Importance of reading 1 Peter:

What we read: Peter wrote to comfort the Jewish Christians who were being persecuted for their faith. He wrote to comfort them with the hope of eternal life and to challenge them to continue living holy lives. What we can learn: Those who suffer for being Christians become partners with Christ in His suffering. As we suffer, we need to remember that Jesus is both our hope in the midst of suffering and also our example of how to endure suffering faithfully.

What we read: Our salvation is a gracious gift from God. God chose us out of His love for us and Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin. Eternal life is a wonderful privilege for those who trust in Jesus. What we can learn: If we experience joy in relationship with Jesus now, how much greater will our joy be when He returns and we see Him face to face. Such a hope should motivate us to serve Him with greater commitment. 

What we read: Peter gave these faithful believers comfort and hope in the midst of ridicule, rejection, and suffering that they were going through just because they were Christians. He told them they could face persecution victoriously as Jesus did if they relied on Him. What we can learn: Christians still suffer persecution in some parts of the world. There may come a time when all Christians will regardless of where we live. But we don’t have to be terrified by it. Knowing that we will live eternally with Christ should give us the confidence and hope to stand firm even when we are persecuted. 

What we read: God will judge everyone with perfect justice. What we can learn: We all will face God. We will all stand before Him and give an account for our lives.

What we read: Chapter 1:16 “Be holy because I am holy.” Peter tells us to be like our heavenly Father, holy in everything we do. What we can learn:  Our holy God expects us to imitate Him. Holiness means being totally devoted and dedicated to God, set aside for His special use, and set apart from sin and its influence. We’re to be set apart and different, not blending in with the crowd. What makes us different are God’s qualities in our lives. Our focus and priorities must be His. We can’t become holy on our own, but God gives us His Holy Spirit to help us obey and to give us power to overcome sin.

Things to think about as you read 1 Peter:

• What have you learned about the way you are to live? How are you to respond to others, even when they are not living right or treating you right? What is Jesus’ example in 2:21-25? Will you follow it?
• As you think about what those believers were suffering, should you be surprised if you face the same thing? What will suffering accomplish in your life?
• Is the devil prowling around you like a lion, seeking a way to devour you? What are you to do?
• When Jesus returns, will you be found standing firm in your faith? Do you need to change anything in your life before you are prepared to see Him face to face?

2 Peter

Date Written: 67 AD

Author: Peter

Setting: Peter knew that his time on earth was limited, so he wrote about what was on his heart, warning believers of what would happen when he was gone – especially about the presence of false teachers. He reminded his readers of the unchanging truth of the gospel.

Key People: Peter and Paul

Purpose: To warn Christians about false teachers and to encourage them to grow in their faith in and knowledge of Christ

Key Verses: His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. 1:3

Chapter Outline:

1 Guidance for Growing Christians

2 Danger to Growing Christians

3 Hope for Growing Christians

Importance of reading 2 Peter:

What we read: This is a letter of warning to the Christians about false teachers. What we can learn: This letter could have been written to us. Our world is filled with false prophets and teachers who claim to have the truth. We must grow in our knowledge of Jesus and reject all those who preach anything inconsistent with God’s Word. And we cannot know if they are inconsistent with His Word if we are not reading our Bibles faithfully and studying the Word of God for ourselves. The Spirit-inspired Scriptures are our authority.

What we read: One day Jesus will create a new heaven and earth where we will live forever. Our hope is in this promise. But with His return comes His judgment on all who have rejected Him. What we can learn: Because Jesus return is certain, we can live godly lives without fear of the future. We know that justice will prevail.

What we read: Chapter 1:5-8, Peter lists 8 qualities that all Christians should have: 1) faith, 2) moral excellence, 3) knowledge, 4) self-control, 5) perseverance, 6) Godliness, 7) brotherly kindness, and 8) love. What we can learn: We need to examine our lives with this list and work on the weak areas. To possess these qualities, we have to study the Bible and then apply what we have learned.

Things to think about as you read 2 Peter:

• What would it take to live your life so that you may be found spotless and blameless at Jesus’ coming? Are you willing?
• Do you feel there is a danger today that false teachers will arise in the church? What do you need to know to be able to detect them? What is your protection?
• Are you growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ? If not, what do you need to do?

Link to Video: https://youtu.be/MD1IRIyEdtc?si=2_ea5V7PnS-rWwFf

Blessings,

Nichole Henson

Fullness of Joy Ministry