Showing posts with label 1 Peter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1 Peter. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Thursday, May 23, 2019
We Are Restored To God Because of Christ
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit (1 Peter 3:18).
Here is one of the richest, clearest, and briefest New Testament summaries of the work of Christ. Theologians describe the heart of the gospel as penal substitutionary atonement. Jesus paid the penalty for sins (penal) as a substitute in our place (substitutionary) to undo the effects of our sin and restore us to God (atonement, literally “at-one-ment”). This is precisely what we find in this verse: Christ “suffered once for sins [penal], the righteous for the unrighteous [substitutionary], that he might bring us to God [atonement].”
As beautiful as are these gospel truths, the work of Christ accomplished even more. For example, the Devil and his demons are once and for all disarmed. The caring and righteous work of Christ is also an example for us to follow, as Peter himself asserts (2:21). But penal substitution is the fundamental heart of the gospel. The other benefits of Christ’s work all flow from this.
Because of the work of Christ proclaimed in the gospel of grace, we are restored to God. The wreckage we have introduced into our lives through sin and failure and error is canceled. All is forgiven, and one day we will be with Christ in the new earth, in perfect joy.
Adapted from the ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible
Here is one of the richest, clearest, and briefest New Testament summaries of the work of Christ. Theologians describe the heart of the gospel as penal substitutionary atonement. Jesus paid the penalty for sins (penal) as a substitute in our place (substitutionary) to undo the effects of our sin and restore us to God (atonement, literally “at-one-ment”). This is precisely what we find in this verse: Christ “suffered once for sins [penal], the righteous for the unrighteous [substitutionary], that he might bring us to God [atonement].”
As beautiful as are these gospel truths, the work of Christ accomplished even more. For example, the Devil and his demons are once and for all disarmed. The caring and righteous work of Christ is also an example for us to follow, as Peter himself asserts (2:21). But penal substitution is the fundamental heart of the gospel. The other benefits of Christ’s work all flow from this.
Because of the work of Christ proclaimed in the gospel of grace, we are restored to God. The wreckage we have introduced into our lives through sin and failure and error is canceled. All is forgiven, and one day we will be with Christ in the new earth, in perfect joy.
Adapted from the ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible
Friday, May 10, 2019
The Gospel is Not a Trend
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you (1 Peter 1:22-25).
Peter quotes the prophet Isaiah’s words about the eternally enduring quality of the word of God (Isa. 40:6, 8). Most of us have heard these words quoted with respect to the enduring dependability of all Scripture, and it is certainly true that the entire revelation of God’s written Word will endure forever. But notice that Peter says the word that remains forever is “the good news that was preached to you” (1 Pet. 1:25). It is the gospel itself that, according to Peter, “remains forever” (v. 25).
The gospel of grace is not a passing fad, not trendy, not temporary. It is the abiding hope of the world. Even though “the grass withers, and the flower falls” (v. 24), the gospel never will. The gospel that Christians believe in has no expiration date!
Adapted from the ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you (1 Peter 1:22-25).
Peter quotes the prophet Isaiah’s words about the eternally enduring quality of the word of God (Isa. 40:6, 8). Most of us have heard these words quoted with respect to the enduring dependability of all Scripture, and it is certainly true that the entire revelation of God’s written Word will endure forever. But notice that Peter says the word that remains forever is “the good news that was preached to you” (1 Pet. 1:25). It is the gospel itself that, according to Peter, “remains forever” (v. 25).
The gospel of grace is not a passing fad, not trendy, not temporary. It is the abiding hope of the world. Even though “the grass withers, and the flower falls” (v. 24), the gospel never will. The gospel that Christians believe in has no expiration date!
Adapted from the ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible
Monday, March 11, 2019
The Church is The New Temple
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
and
“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do (1 Peter 2:4-8).
As you come to him indicates a daily personal relationship with Christ, beginning at but not limited to the time of conversion. As believers continue in fellowship with Christ, they “are being built up as a spiritual house” (v. 5). Just as his followers suffer persecution, Jesus also was rejected by men. Still, he is risen from the dead and hence is the living stone—the foundation of God’s new temple. He is God’s elect (chosen) one, and as the exalted Lord he is honored above all.
Believers are living stones in God’s new temple (i.e., spiritual house). Since the components that make up the house are “living,” the house itself is also growing: you yourselves … are being built up. Peter sees that the OT temple anticipated the new temple where God dwells (i.e., in his people). But believers are not only God’s temple but are also a holy priesthood, which offers spiritual sacrifices (cf. Rom. 12:1; Phil. 4:18; Heb. 13:15–16) by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In support of the idea that Jesus is the cornerstone (see note on Eph. 2:20) of God’s temple, Peter cites Isa. 28:16 (cf. Rom. 9:33; 10:11). Jesus is the elect Messiah whom God has honored by raising him from the dead. Those who put their trust in him will enjoy vindication on the last day.
In stumbling, unbelievers fulfill the prophecy in Isa. 8:14, where the stone God has established becomes the means of their falling. Their stumbling, however, is their own fault, for they are tripped up because of their refusal to obey the “word” of the gospel. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. Some understand this to teach that God has predestined not who will disobey but only what the result of disobedience will be for those who disobey (i.e., that those who disobey will stumble). It is more likely that Peter teaches that God appoints all that will occur (cf. note on Eph. 1:11). In teaching this, Peter does not deny human responsibility, for he emphasizes that people are guilty if they fail to believe (they “stumble because they disobey”).
Adapted from the ESV Study Bible
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
and
“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do (1 Peter 2:4-8).
As you come to him indicates a daily personal relationship with Christ, beginning at but not limited to the time of conversion. As believers continue in fellowship with Christ, they “are being built up as a spiritual house” (v. 5). Just as his followers suffer persecution, Jesus also was rejected by men. Still, he is risen from the dead and hence is the living stone—the foundation of God’s new temple. He is God’s elect (chosen) one, and as the exalted Lord he is honored above all.
Believers are living stones in God’s new temple (i.e., spiritual house). Since the components that make up the house are “living,” the house itself is also growing: you yourselves … are being built up. Peter sees that the OT temple anticipated the new temple where God dwells (i.e., in his people). But believers are not only God’s temple but are also a holy priesthood, which offers spiritual sacrifices (cf. Rom. 12:1; Phil. 4:18; Heb. 13:15–16) by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In support of the idea that Jesus is the cornerstone (see note on Eph. 2:20) of God’s temple, Peter cites Isa. 28:16 (cf. Rom. 9:33; 10:11). Jesus is the elect Messiah whom God has honored by raising him from the dead. Those who put their trust in him will enjoy vindication on the last day.
In stumbling, unbelievers fulfill the prophecy in Isa. 8:14, where the stone God has established becomes the means of their falling. Their stumbling, however, is their own fault, for they are tripped up because of their refusal to obey the “word” of the gospel. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. Some understand this to teach that God has predestined not who will disobey but only what the result of disobedience will be for those who disobey (i.e., that those who disobey will stumble). It is more likely that Peter teaches that God appoints all that will occur (cf. note on Eph. 1:11). In teaching this, Peter does not deny human responsibility, for he emphasizes that people are guilty if they fail to believe (they “stumble because they disobey”).
Adapted from the ESV Study Bible
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Elders Are Not To Be Domineering
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory (1 Peter 5:1-4).
In this chapter of the book of 1 Peter, we see the Apostle Peter addressing the leaders of the churches in Asia Minor. He instructs them to shepherd the flock of God is among them. The elders are to care for the members of the church. They are to watch over them as one who cares about their walk with Jesus and may not even get something in return for it.
Elders are charged with the care of God's people. When elders ask about how are things, they want to know what is going on. Elders should care about the spiritual and physical well-being of their congregation. It is not "Big Brother is watching over you," it is caring leaders looking out for you. They may speak about things in your life that could lead to sin and wants to prevent that from happening. They are to speak the truth in love and it may hurt at times.
Notice that this passage also says that elders are not to be "domineering over those in your charge" (1 Peter 5:3). Other translations may say, not being lords or lording over them. What does this mean? A study note in the Reformation Study Bible says, "Peter warns against haughty abuse of power and exhorts his audience to be like Jesus."
Elders are not to be men who are abusive in their power. They are not to be men who should be intimidating you to do something that could actually lead you into sin or become very legalistic in your walk with Christ. Lets take the issue of attendance for example. You're faithful on Sunday mornings, you attend every Bible study possible, and you even serve in an area of ministry at church. Then one day an elder comes and asks why are you not attending prayer meeting on Wednesday evenings, which is a common practice in most churches. You give a valid reason why you are not there. Its not because you don't want to pray with the church, but you might have a work schedule that prevents you from coming. You might have to help an aging family member to make sure they are taken care of. You have good reasons for not being there, however, the elder starts attacking your character and your commitment to the church because you are not there every Wednesday night and even questions if you are a true believer.
That is an example of being domineering. An elder who wants to lead Christ-like would be considerate about the situation this particular person was in. Was this person faithful to worship on the Lord's day? Yes, but the elder, in this particular situation, judged this church member unfairly because of a lack of attendance for one service.
I know there are other examples like this or maybe some completely different, but God's word says that elders are not be "lording over us." They are not be the "God police." Yes, they are suppose to care for us and shepherd us, but not in way where you feel you must do something in order for them to get off your back.
I pray that our churches are filled with elders who care for the flock, speak in grace and truth into their flock's lives, and not be domineering.
In this chapter of the book of 1 Peter, we see the Apostle Peter addressing the leaders of the churches in Asia Minor. He instructs them to shepherd the flock of God is among them. The elders are to care for the members of the church. They are to watch over them as one who cares about their walk with Jesus and may not even get something in return for it.
Elders are charged with the care of God's people. When elders ask about how are things, they want to know what is going on. Elders should care about the spiritual and physical well-being of their congregation. It is not "Big Brother is watching over you," it is caring leaders looking out for you. They may speak about things in your life that could lead to sin and wants to prevent that from happening. They are to speak the truth in love and it may hurt at times.
Notice that this passage also says that elders are not to be "domineering over those in your charge" (1 Peter 5:3). Other translations may say, not being lords or lording over them. What does this mean? A study note in the Reformation Study Bible says, "Peter warns against haughty abuse of power and exhorts his audience to be like Jesus."
Elders are not to be men who are abusive in their power. They are not to be men who should be intimidating you to do something that could actually lead you into sin or become very legalistic in your walk with Christ. Lets take the issue of attendance for example. You're faithful on Sunday mornings, you attend every Bible study possible, and you even serve in an area of ministry at church. Then one day an elder comes and asks why are you not attending prayer meeting on Wednesday evenings, which is a common practice in most churches. You give a valid reason why you are not there. Its not because you don't want to pray with the church, but you might have a work schedule that prevents you from coming. You might have to help an aging family member to make sure they are taken care of. You have good reasons for not being there, however, the elder starts attacking your character and your commitment to the church because you are not there every Wednesday night and even questions if you are a true believer.
That is an example of being domineering. An elder who wants to lead Christ-like would be considerate about the situation this particular person was in. Was this person faithful to worship on the Lord's day? Yes, but the elder, in this particular situation, judged this church member unfairly because of a lack of attendance for one service.
I know there are other examples like this or maybe some completely different, but God's word says that elders are not be "lording over us." They are not be the "God police." Yes, they are suppose to care for us and shepherd us, but not in way where you feel you must do something in order for them to get off your back.
I pray that our churches are filled with elders who care for the flock, speak in grace and truth into their flock's lives, and not be domineering.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Podcast Wednesday: Total Depravity, Luther, 1 Peter, and more
Unbuckling the Bible Belt: Cultural engagement in the capital of cultural Christianity with Matt Chandler
Mark Dever interviews Rosaria Butterfield about her conversion
Doctrine and Devotion on Total Depravity
Equipping You In Grace talks with Dave Furman on Being There: How to Love Those Who Are Hurting
Popcorn Theology talk about the 2003 film, Luther
John Piper answers the question, Isn’t Unlimited Atonement More Glorious Than Limited Atonement?
Gabe Hughes, the man behind When We Understand The Text, has begun a study in 1 Peter:
An Introduction to 1 Peter
The Election That Really Matters
Mark Dever interviews Rosaria Butterfield about her conversion
Doctrine and Devotion on Total Depravity
Equipping You In Grace talks with Dave Furman on Being There: How to Love Those Who Are Hurting
Popcorn Theology talk about the 2003 film, Luther
John Piper answers the question, Isn’t Unlimited Atonement More Glorious Than Limited Atonement?
Gabe Hughes, the man behind When We Understand The Text, has begun a study in 1 Peter:
An Introduction to 1 Peter
The Election That Really Matters
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Podcast Wednesday: Reformed Baptist, 1 Peter, Jonathan Edwards, and more
Tim Challies On Trump And Amercian Politics from These Go To 11
Can Baptists Be Reformed? for Doctrine and Devotion
My Prayers Are In That Bowl from Calvinist Batman
John Piper on 1 Peter
Singing a New Song: The Gospel and Racial Reconciliation
The Life and Ministry of Jonathan Edwards with Jason K Allen and Owen Strachan
On the 129th episode of the Reformed Pubcast: Les complains about his blessings, Tanner celebrates his 7th anniversary, divorcing unbelievers, napping during worship, and is it sinful to play Pokemon Go?
Can Baptists Be Reformed? for Doctrine and Devotion
My Prayers Are In That Bowl from Calvinist Batman
John Piper on 1 Peter
Singing a New Song: The Gospel and Racial Reconciliation
The Life and Ministry of Jonathan Edwards with Jason K Allen and Owen Strachan
On the 129th episode of the Reformed Pubcast: Les complains about his blessings, Tanner celebrates his 7th anniversary, divorcing unbelievers, napping during worship, and is it sinful to play Pokemon Go?
Monday, April 4, 2016
Sin Deceives You to Destroy You
Desiring God:
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:11-12).
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:11-12).
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Destined to Obey, or Disobey
Desiring God:
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
and
“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do (1 Peter 2:1-8).
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
and
“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do (1 Peter 2:1-8).
Monday, December 28, 2015
Born Again by the Book
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you (1 Peter 1:22-25).
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
My Journey Through 1 Peter
Earlier this summer, I decided to tackle the book of 1 Peter not for the purpose of sermon preparation or leading in a Bible study, but for my own edification and personal growth. After the Supreme Court's decision to legalize Gay Marriage, I felt 1 Peter became a very important book because it is addressed to those who are "elect exiles" (1 Peter 1:1). A couple of weeks ago, Tim Brister issued a challenge to memorize the entire book of 1 Peter in the same manner that a challenge was made to memorize Philippians, which I failed miserably, but by God's grace will strive for again.
Why should a Christian memorize scripture? First, God's word tell us not to let his word depart from our mouths and meditate on it (Joshua 1:8). Second, those who have been blessed by God, let His word be their delight (Psalm 1:1-2). Third, Jesus memorized scripture and used it quite a bit in His earthly ministry. For example, when tempted by the devil, he counteracted the temptation with scripture. Fourth, there will be a time when you won't have a Bible handy. You may have an app on your phone, but there could be no service. You could be on an airplane where cell phones are not allowed to used. You never know when or where you will not access to a Bible, so memorization is important. Finally, having scripture memorized will be good as you meditate on the goodness of God and remind yourself of the gospel.
This past Sunday, I started my journey to memorize 1 Peter which I know will be a challenge but at the same time will be rewarding. I will continue to study through 1 Peter even as I am memorizing it. I will also be revisiting places that I have already to remind myself of the things that I learned in my previous studies. I just found out that the ladies in our church are reading 1 Peter along with Jen Wilkin's book, Women of the Word, which my wife will be involved in. What a great opportunity for my wife and I to grow together as we read God's Word together.
If you wish to join me on this journey or if already have been, praise God. Let me give you a few resources which Tim has already given a couple, but I would like to share what I have been using in my study of 1 Peter.
Wayne Grudem's commentary on 1 Peter
R.C. Sproul's commentary on 1 Peter which also contains 2 Peter
Everyday Church by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis, which a study of 1 Peter in the context of being a gospel community.
Greg Gilbert over at Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, recently began a sermon series on 1 Peter. Here are the sermons in the series thus far:
Salvation 101
Be Who You Are
You Belong To God
Fear God, Honor the Emperor
John Piper released a couple teaching videos that covered 1 Peter 1:1-2, which says,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:
May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
The first one is about the letter to the exiles followed by being known by God before we were born.
Why should a Christian memorize scripture? First, God's word tell us not to let his word depart from our mouths and meditate on it (Joshua 1:8). Second, those who have been blessed by God, let His word be their delight (Psalm 1:1-2). Third, Jesus memorized scripture and used it quite a bit in His earthly ministry. For example, when tempted by the devil, he counteracted the temptation with scripture. Fourth, there will be a time when you won't have a Bible handy. You may have an app on your phone, but there could be no service. You could be on an airplane where cell phones are not allowed to used. You never know when or where you will not access to a Bible, so memorization is important. Finally, having scripture memorized will be good as you meditate on the goodness of God and remind yourself of the gospel.
This past Sunday, I started my journey to memorize 1 Peter which I know will be a challenge but at the same time will be rewarding. I will continue to study through 1 Peter even as I am memorizing it. I will also be revisiting places that I have already to remind myself of the things that I learned in my previous studies. I just found out that the ladies in our church are reading 1 Peter along with Jen Wilkin's book, Women of the Word, which my wife will be involved in. What a great opportunity for my wife and I to grow together as we read God's Word together.
If you wish to join me on this journey or if already have been, praise God. Let me give you a few resources which Tim has already given a couple, but I would like to share what I have been using in my study of 1 Peter.
Wayne Grudem's commentary on 1 Peter
R.C. Sproul's commentary on 1 Peter which also contains 2 Peter
Everyday Church by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis, which a study of 1 Peter in the context of being a gospel community.
Greg Gilbert over at Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, recently began a sermon series on 1 Peter. Here are the sermons in the series thus far:
Salvation 101
Be Who You Are
You Belong To God
Fear God, Honor the Emperor
John Piper released a couple teaching videos that covered 1 Peter 1:1-2, which says,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:
May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
The first one is about the letter to the exiles followed by being known by God before we were born.
1 Peter 1:1–2, Part 1 // A Letter to Exiles from Desiring God on Vimeo.
1 Peter 1:1–2, Part 2 // Known by God Before You Were Born from Desiring God on Vimeo.
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