| References: King James Bible Life Application Bible Compiled and Written By Shy 11/21/05 *~*~* 1st PETER - THE BOOK OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINE *~*~* Peter, the writer of this Epistle, has a long history. His proper name was Simon, his surname Peter.... John 1:42; Matthew 16:17; John 21:15), a resident of Capernaum, married (Mark 1:21, 29, 30), a brother of Andrew (John 1:40, 41), and was a fisherman by trade with James and John (Matthew 4:18 with Luke 5:10). He was naturally impulsive and impetuous: (a) asks to walk on water (Matthew 14:28,), (b)sought to bring Christ down to man's level (Matthew 17:4), (c) defended Christ with a sword (John 18:10, (d) asked Christ to wash his hands and head (John 13:9), and (c) ignored the seriousness of the moment by going fishing and jumping into the sea (John 21: 3, 7). He was presumptuous: (a); in rebuking Christ (Matthew 16:22), and (b) in his refusal (at first) to let Christ wash his feet (John 13:8). He was fainthearted and cowardly: (a) when he started sinking in the water (Matthew 14:30), (b) when he went to sleep in the garden (Matthew 26: 40, 41), and (c) when he vehemently denied Christ ... (Matthew 15: 15-20), and was highly self-seeking (Matthew 19:27). Yet he was self-sacrificing (Mark 1:18), tenderhearted and affectionate (Matthew 26: 75; John 21: 15-17), quick to confess Christ (Matthew 16:15, 16), gifted with spirtual insight (Matthew: 16:17, John 6: 68, 69), and after Pentecost was courageuous and immoveable (Acts 4:19,20;5:28, 29, 40,42). He was one of the three of Christ's; "inner circle";........(a) at the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1); (b) in the house where Jarius' daughter was raised from the dead (Mark 5:35-42; and (c) in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26: 36, 37). He heads the list of apostles in all four gospel accounts, was the first to confess that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God; the first disciple to enter Christ's empty tomb, even though John out ran him; and was the first disciple called by name by Christ after His resurrection (John 20:2-6; Luke 24:12; Mark 16:7). He is referred to 210 times in the New Testament. Paul is referred to 162 times and the combined number of the rest of the apostles is 142. After Pentecost he is seen as the "dean" of the apostles....the preacher at Pentecost (Acts 2: 14-41), the most prominent figure in the first half of the book of Acts, the one who opened the way for Gentiles into the church (Acts 10:1----11:18), and the one who took a strong stand in defense of salvation by grace through faith in the council at Jerusalem (Acts 15: 1 - 13). He sort of drops out of sight as Paul "took over", and except for his two Epistles, he is only mentioned by Paul in a visit to Antioch----and as the apostle of circumcision because of his interest in his own people (Galatians 2:7-14). Tradition has it that Peter was martyred in Rome by Nero in A. D. 67, that he was crucified upside down, feeling he was unworthy to die as his Savior had. Christ had foretold of his dying as a martyr (John 21: 18, 19). There is no historical proof that he met his martyrdom in Rome, however. Key Verse: (1:17) ~And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons, judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear..... The places: that are key in this book are Jerusalem, Rome, and the regions of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia Minor, and Bithynia. The people: Peter, Silas, Mark. Peter used several images that were very special to him because Jesus had used them when he revealed certain truths to Peter. Peter's name (which means "rock") had been given to him by Jesus. Peter's conception of the ....a spiritual house composed of living stones built upon Christ as the foundation....came from Christ. Jesus encouraged Peter to care for the church as a shepherd tending the flock. Thus, it is not surprising to see Peter using living stones (2:5-9) and shepherds and sheep(2:25; 5:2, 4) to describe the church. CRUSHED, overwhelmed, devastated, torn.....these waves of feelings wash over those who suffer, obliterating hope and threatening to destroy them. Suffering has many forms....physical abuse, debilitating diesase, social ostracism, persecution. The pain and anquish tempt a person to turn back, surrender, to give in. Many first-century followers of Christ were suffering and being abused and persecuted for believing in and obeying Jesus. Beginning in Jerusalem at the hands of their Jewish brothers, the persecution spread to the rest of the world....wherever Christians gathered. It climaxed when Rome determined to rid the empire of the "Christ-ones"...those who would not bow to Caesar. Peter knew persecution firsthand. Beaten and jailed, Peter had been threatened often. He had seen fellow Christians die and the church scattered. But he knew Christ, and nothing could shake his confidence in his risen Lord. So Peter wrote to the church scattered and suffering for the faith, giving comfort and hope, and urging continued loyalty to Christ. Peter begins by thanking God for salvation. He explains to his readers that trials will refine their faith. They should believe in spite of their circumstances; for many in past ages believed in God's plan of salvation, even the prophets of old who wrote about it but didn't understand it. But now salvation has been revealed in Christ. In response to such a great salvation, Peter commands them to live holy lives, to reverently fear and trust God, to be honest and loving, and to become like Christ. Jesus Christ, as "the living cornerstone" upon whom the church is to be built, is also the stone that was rejected, causing those who are disobedient to stumble and fall. But the church, built upon this stone, is to be God's holy priesthood. Next, Peter explains how believers should live during difficult times. Christians should be above reproach, imitating Christ in all their social roles....masters and servants, husbands and wives, church members and neighbors. Christ should be our model for obedience to God in the midst of great suffering. Peter then outlines the right attitude to have about persecution: Expect it (4:12), be thankful for the privilege of suffering for Christ (4: 13-18), and trust God for deliverance (4:19). Next Peter gives some special instructions: Elders should care for God's flock, younger men should be submissive to those who are older, and everyone should trust God and resist satan (5:7-11). As you read I Peter, remember that trials will come to refine your faith. When they come, remain faithful to God. *~*~*~* II PETER ~ THE BOOK OF CHRISTIAN DILIGENCE WARNINGS......have many forms, lights, signs, sights, sounds, smells, feelings, and written words. With varied focus, their purpose is the same.........to advise alertness and give notice of imminent danger. Responses to these warning will also vary...from disregard and neglect to evasive or corrective action. How a person reacts to a warning is usually determined by the situation and the source. One reacts differently to an impending storm than to an onrushing automobile, and the counsel of a trusted friend is heeded more than advice from a stranger or the fearful imaginings of a child. Second Peter is a letter of warning...........from an authority none other than the courageous, experienced, and faithful apostle. And it is the last communication from this great warrior of Christ. Soon thereafter he would die, martyred for his faith. Previously Peter had written to comfort and encourage believers in the midst of suffering and persecution..an external onslaught. But three years later, in this letter containing his last words, he wrote to warn them of an internal attack....complancency and heresy. He spoke of holding fast to the non-negotiable facts of the faith, of growing and maturing in the faith, and of rejecting all who would distort the truth. To follow this advice would ensure Christ-honoring individuals and Christ-centered churches. After a brief greeting (1:1), Peter gives the antidote for stagnancy and shortsightedness in the Christian life (1:2-11). Then he explains that his days are numbered (1:12-15) and that the believers should listen to his messages and words of Scripture (1:16-21). Next, Peter gives a blunt warning about false teachers (2:1-22). They will become prevalent in the last days (2:1,2), they will be proud and boastful (2:18,19), and they will be judged and punished by God (2:3-10, 20-22). Peter concludes his brief letter by explaining why he was writing it (3: 1-18); to remind them of the words of the prophets and apostles that predicted the coming of false teachers, to give the reasons for the delay in Christ's return(3:1-13), and to encourage them to beware of heresies and to grow in their faith (3:14-18). Addressed to those who "share the same precious faith," 2nd Peter could have been written to us. Our world is filled with false prophets, and teachers, who claim to have the truth and who clamor for attention and allegiance. Listen carefully to Peter's message and heed his warning. Determine to grow in your knowledge of Christ and to reject all those who preach anything inconsistent with God's Word. *~*~*~* II Peter was written approximately A. D. 67, three years after I Peter was written, possibly from Rome Peter knew that his time on earth was limited (1:13, 14 ~ Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me.), 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. 1:3 ~Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,.........the KEY verse in this Book...... The main themes in this book are: Diligence -- If our faith is real, it will be evident in our godly behavior. If people are diligent in Christian growth, they won't backslide or be deceived by false teachers. Growth is essential. It begins with faith and culminates in love for others. To keep growing we need to know God, keep on following Him, and remember that He taught us. We must remain diligent in faithful obedience and Christian growth. False Teachers: -- Peter warns the church to beware of false teachers. These teachers were proud of their position, promoted sexual sin, and advised against keeping the Ten Commandments. Peter countered them by pointing to the Spirit inspired Scriptures as our authority. Christians need discernment to be able to resist false teachers. God can rescue us from their lies if we stay true to his Word, the Bible, and reject those who distort the truth. Christ's Return: -- One day Christ will create a new heaven and earth, where we will live forever. As Christians, our hope is in this promise. But with Christ's return comes his judgment on all who refuse to believe. The cure for complacency, lawlessness, and heresy is found in the confident assurance that Christ will return. God is still giving unbelievers time to repent. To be ready, Christians must keep on trusting and resist the pressure to give in until waiting for Christ' return. Our faith must go beyond what we believe; it must become a dynamic part of all we do, resulting in good fruit and spiritual maturity. Salvation does not depend on good deed, but it results in good deeds. A person who claims to be saved while remains unchanged does not understand faith or what God has done for him or her. Peter affirms that the Old Testament prophets wrote God's messages. He puts himself and the other apostles in the same category because they also proclaim God's truth. The Bible is not a collection of tables or human ideas about God. It is God's very words given through people to people. Peter emphasized his authority as an eyewitness as well as the God inspired authority of Scripture to prepare the way for his harsh words against the false teachers. If these wicked men were contradicting the apostles and the Bible, their message could not be from God. Christ is a "brilliant light", and when he returns, he will shine in His full glory. Until that day we have Scripture and the Holy Spirit to illuminate it for us and guide us as we seek the truth. *~*~*~* THEN AND NOW The word of God will never change So you better get your life rearranged. As Peter warned his peers back then There are still warnings you can send. Christ Our Lord is coming back It pays to keep your life on track. Instead of worrying about tomorrow Get things right to avoid sorrow. There are those who will deny That the Last days are drawing nigh. Twelve months to a year for us Could be a thousand for Christ *~*~*~* Temptations are on every hand, Violence reigns throughout the land. There are those who prophecy Don't be confused by a lie. The false prophets are everywhere Tempting you to choose or dare. The truth you'll find between the pages, Of the BOOK that has lasted for ages. The Best Seller of all literature Will help you to cleanup, that's for sure. No other God shall we proclaim, Than The Holy Father, in Jesus Name. Written by Shirley Barr November 21, 2005 |
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| MUSIC: 'SEEK YE FIRST' Sequenced by Karen Lafferty |
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