A Study of 1 Peter
Chapter 1: Lesson One
Rejoicing in the Power of God and Salvation
INTRODUCTION. (1:1-2)
A. When a person becomes a Christian, he becomes a member of the elect.
B. This elect group is composed of those who have been sanctified (purified) by the Spirit.
C. This sanctification or purification by the Spirit takes place when one obeys the words of Christ, thereby being sprinkled by the blood of Jesus Christ. This purification is the removing of all past sins; reconciling one unto God.
D. Those to whom Peter was writing (vs 1) were just as Christians are today; members of the elect. If Christians live faithfully, then those things that Peter wrote will directly apply to Christians living today. If, however, Christians are living unfaithfully, then they should strive to change their lives, becoming again one of those to whom Peter addressed this letter.
I. CHRISTIANS ARE KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD. (1:3-5)
A. One who is a Christian is one who has been begotten again or born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (vs 3)
1. Before a person becomes a Christian, he is without hope. When he obeys the gospel's call, he is born again, being begotten of God. (John 3:3; 1 John 5:18,19)
2. Once a person is born again, he has a hope that cannot be taken away by anyone else. This hope should be a thriving, living hope. (Acts 24:14,15, Romans 8:20-25)
B. Christians are begotten to an inheritance. This inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, unable to fade away and is reserved in heaven. (vs 4)
1. Paul desired this inheritance. (I Corinthians 9:24-27)
2. Christ has gone to prepare this place of inheritance. (John 14:1-3)
3. Christians are to lay up their treasures in this inheritance. (Matthew 6:19-21)
C. Christians are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation. (vs 5)
1. Christians are kept by the power of God. (I Corinthians 1:17-18; 2:1-5)
2. Christians are kept through faith for salvation. (II Timothy 3:15)
II. IN THIS YOU GREATLY REJOICE. (1:6-9)
A. Faithful children of God have many reasons to rejoice; one of which will be discussed in a moment. Although Christians have reasons to rejoice, there will be times when they will be grieved or made sorrowful by various or manifold temptations and trials. Peter acknowledged that the brethren to whom he was writing, would and did experience grievous trials. (vs 6)
B. Christians must look beyond the sorrow brought on by trials and temptations. Christians, instead of feeling pity for themselves, should rejoice. Why should Christians rejoice? Consider what Peter said in verse 7 regarding the faith of those to whom he was writing.
1. The trial of their faith had proven their faith to be genuine. Christians living today can also have their faith proven to be genuine through trials and temptations. (Romans 5:1-5; James 1:12)
2. A Christian's faith, like those to whom Peter wrote, can be found to be more precious than gold. Gold will perish, although it is tested by fire. A Christian's faith, however, can be found acceptable unto God.
3. The praise, honor, and glory at the revelation or appearing of Jesus Christ is referring to the faithful Christian entering into heaven because he was found acceptable unto God. Remember, without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
4. The faith of those to whom Peter was writing was based on their love for Jesus Christ whom they had not seen. Their belief in Jesus Christ was their source of inexpressible joy. Their rejoicing was valid because the end of their faith was the salvation of their souls. (vs 8-9)
III. THIS JOYOUS SALVATION WAS FORETOLD. (1:10-12)
A. Read Isaiah 53.
B. The prophets had foretold or prophesied of the grace or salvation that would come. The prophecies of these prophets dealt with the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. (vs 10, 11)
C. The words of the prophets are taught so that those hearing will understand the fulfillment of the prophecy. The fulfillment of these prophecies brought grace and salvation, the reason for inexpressible hope. (vs 12)
D. Consider some examples of New Testament teachers using prophecies to establish the truth.
1. Acts 3:18-26 - Peter did the teaching. (cf. Deuteronomy 18-15,18,19)
2. Acts 28:23-29 - Paul did the teaching. (cf. Deuteronomy 6:9,10)
CONCLUSION.
A. In the next lesson, we will continue our study of 1 Peter 1 by considering how we, as obedient children of God, should live.
B. Let us not forget what we have learned from this lesson.
1. As Christians, we are members of the elect. (1:1-2)
2. As Christians, we are kept by the power of God through faith. (1:3-5)
3. As Christians, we have reasons to rejoice. (1:6-9)
a. One reason is that they we are kept by the power of God.
b. Another reason is because of our belief in Jesus Christ. The end of our belief (faith) is going to be the salvation of our souls.
c. This joyous salvation, our reason for rejoicing, was foretold by the prophets. (1:10-12)
A. If you are not a Christian, please make the decision to become one today. In so doing, you will have all of the benefits that we have considered in this lesson; as taught in the word of God.
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1 Peter 1:Lesson 1 -- September 7, 2003 -- File # 718
by John M. Duvall – Lawton, OK