I Peter Chapter 2
Peter continues to preach to the people, telling then to say aside malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and all evil speaking. And to desire the pure mild of the word as newborns do that you may grow, if you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. We are to come to Good as a living stone; rejected by men and chosen by God. You are living stones being built up to build a spiritual house, a royal priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God only through Christ Jesus.
Peter refers back to Old Testament scripture Isaiah 28:16”…A chief cornerstone elect precious and who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” But to the disobedient he refers to Psalm 118:22 “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone” and Isaiah 8:14 “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.”
Peter goes on to explain the meaning, they stumble being disobedient to the word to which they were appointed to abstain from fleshly lusts to conduct themselves honorable among the Gentiles (unbelievers) even when they speak against them that they may by their good works, which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. ( 2:1-12)
We are then told to submit to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake whether to king as supreme or governors, As to those who are sent by Him for punishment of evil doers and praise for those that by doing good may silence the ignorance of foolish men. We are not to use our liberty as a vice, but as bondservant to Chirst.
We should Honor all people
Love the brotherhood
Fear God
Honor the king (2:13-17)
Peter continues teaching servants be submissive to your masters not only to kind and gentle ones, but also the harsh ones as well. He explains this is commendable because of conscience toward God one endures grief and suffering wrongfully. For if you are beaten because of your own wrong doings and accept it patiently to what credit is it? But if you take it patiently it is commendable before God.
We are called to be like Christ who suffered for us. He left us an example and we should follow His steps:
Instead He
(2:18-25)
SO what does this say to me???
Peter is telling us to be the best we can be to put aside all the stuff that gets in the way and desire to know God’s word fully, that we can be obedient to God. Setting an example of Christ to unbelievers, that He may be seen in us. We need to submit to man’s ordinances by doing so we are being bondservants to God, not the person. We are not to use our liberty for self-serving reasons, but to glorify God.
Servants be submissive to your master. I don’t believe this makes allowances for owning slaves, but speaks to people that whatever situation you find yourself in be the best you can be. Showing God’s love and being an example of Him that He might be glorified. Refer back to the steps of Christ above.
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I Peter Chapter 3
Peter goes on preaching, telling wives to be submissive to their own husbands, that even if some don’t obey the Word they might be won without word by the conduct of their wives, when the observe their modes pure conduct accompanied by fear/respect.
He continues telling women not to let their adornments be merely outward, giving the examples of arranging the hair, wearing gold, dressing up, instead, let it be within you as well as an incorruptible beauty of a gentle quiet spirit, for this is very precious in the site of God. He then refers back to the holy women in past times that trusted God and still adorned themselves and were submissive to their husbands. He uses Sarah as an example as she obeyed Abraham and called him lord (3:1-6).
Peter move on speaking to husbands telling them to deal with their wives with understanding and giving them honor as the weaker vessel, being heirs together of the grace of life so that their prayer are not hindered (3:7)
Next he addresses the entire body explaining that all should be of one mind or having the same goal being compassionate and caring to one another. Not trying to get even with those that do wrong, instead return blessings knowing that God called you to this that you may inherit a blessing. We are then warned … For the Lord’s eyes are on the righteous and His ears open to their prayers. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil (3:8-12).
Peter tells his listeners that if you should suffer for righteousness sake you are blessed. Not to be afraid of threats or be troubled by those who would want to harm you. Instead, sanctify the Lord God in your heart and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and respect, having a good conscience. So that when they come against you and call you names and revile your conduct in Christ they will be ashamed. “it is better if it is the will of God to suffer for doing good than for doing evil (3:13-17).
Peter then points out that Christ once suffered for sins the just (Christ) for the unjust (sinners you and I). That He might bring all sinners to God, by being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the Spirits in prison, that were disobedient during the times of Noah. He tells that the eight (Noah, his wife, and their sons and their wives) were saved through water. He tells that there is now an antitype, which saves us, baptism. Peter explains he is not referring to the physical removal of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Christ, who has gone to heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels, and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him (3:18-22). So, what does this say to me???
Peter tells me that wives are to be submissive to their husbands. He does not define submissive as a door mat though, rather that a wives actions should be representative of the God she serves. That through her behavior, reflecting God’s love would win over husbands not following the Word of God. He also says there is nothing wrong with fixing your hair, wearing jewelry, making yourself look nice, but don’t let this be merely outward . Make sure what is on the inside is just as nice looking. Your spirit should present the proper attitude.
Husbands treat your wife with understanding and honor, as she is the weaker vessel, not the inferior vessel, but as something you would take special care of and treat delicately.
People in general should treat others the way you want to be treated. Don’t return evil for evil or set out for revenge, but, treat all with kindness.
Peter addresses suffering. He tells us that we should consider it a blessing when we suffer for righteousness. That we should not fear what others want to do to you or call you. We are to set apart God in our heart and be ready to tell everyone that asks (which means there is a difference that others must notice if they are asking about it) why you have this hope. That when they talk about you trying to discredit you they will be ashamed not you.
Christ suffered for all sins. He even went and preached to those Spirits in prison from Noah’s time. None are left out or forgotten. He provided a way for all to come to God and He is now in heaven at the right hand of God.
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I Peter Chapter 4
Peter continues in his line of thinking/preaching, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh arm yourselves also with the same mind. For He who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. That He should no longer live for Himself, but for the will of God. Because we have wasted enough time in the past living in the will of the “world” in lewdness, lusts, drunkeness, abominable idolatries. And those that do these things will think it strange that you do not continue in these things, and will speak evil of you (4:1-6).
We are told the end times are near so we should be serious and watchful in our prayers. And above all things love one another and be hospitable to one another without grumbling and complaining. We each have received a gift it should be used to minister one to another as good stewards as the grace of God. When one speaks speak as an oracle of God and minister with what God has given you that through all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (4:7-11).
Peter returns to explaining that when we need to rejoice when we partake in Christ’s sufferings. Not to think that the trials we come upon are strange. If we are insulted for the name of Christ we are actually blessed, because the Spirit of glory and the of God rests on us. They, that ridicule you, blasphemy Him, but through you, your response, He is glorified.
Don’t suffer as a murderer, thief, evil doer or a busybody in other peoples matters, but if you suffer as a Christian don’t be ashamed. Let His name be glorified. Through this it is the time judgment has began at the house of God, it begins first with us and those that do not obey the gospel of God what will be the end? “…if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and sinner appear?” So let those who suffer according to God’s will commit their souls to Him in doing good as to a faithful Creator (4:11-19). So What does this say to Me????
When we come to Christ we need to get rid of the old self and all the junk of the world.. aka sin. Then we begin to live for God, do His will and have a mind like Christ. He suffered as a Man for our sins, ours and mine. We need to be willing to suffer for His names sake, if necessary, and count it as a blessing.
When we give up the old way of life some people from our past and even those we meet will make fun of us and think we are strange. But with the end near we need to be serious about our relationship with Christ and the teachings of Christ, as He is. Treating others with respect and love them without grumbling and complaining. Be an EXAMPLE OF CHRIST AT ALL TIMES.
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I Peter Chapter 5
Peter speaks to the body about the Elders, which he, Peter, also is. He tells that they are the Shepherds of the flock of God, serving as overseers. They do not come by the position by compulsion, but willingly, not for dishonest gain, but eagerly, nor for being lords over those entrusted to them, but being examples to the flock. Then when the Chief Shepherd, Christ, appears they will receive the crown of glory, which does not fade away (5:1-4).
He continues addressing the younger people, the flock, telling them to submit to the elders. All be submissive to each other and be humble. He reminds them of Proverb 3:34 “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourself under God and in due time He will exalt you, cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you (5:5-7).
Peter warns to be sober, vigilant because the devil walks about like a roaring lion ready to devour those that he can. So resist him, remain strong in faith knowing hat all the flock suffer in the world.
But may the God of all grace who called you into eternal glory by Christ, after you have suffered awhile. He will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. To God be the glory. Amen is Peter’s prayer (5:8-11).
And Peter closes his letter explaining he wrote just briefly to exhort and testify theat it is the true grace of God in which they stand (5:12-14). SO... what does that say to me????
The Elders are put in place to help God’s people, by guiding us. We should pay attention to them.
He also tells us that God cares about everything we do and we can tell Him about all our hopes, dreams, fears, anxieties. He is always there to listen.
And we also receive a warning, of Satan, who is always there wanting to steal the joy, love and peace from your life. We must keep our lives in check so we are not easy prey to him.
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II Peter Chapter 2
Peter begins to focus on false teachers. He warns that they will bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord. And many will follow their destructive ways. Through covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words. Their judgment has not been idle and their destruction will not slumber (2:1-3).
God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness reserved for judgment. He did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of righteousness, and his family. Bringing the flood on the ungodly. He didn’t spare Sodom and Gomorrah turning them into ashes condemned to destruction as an example to the ungodly and delivered Lot who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked. For he was righteous. The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.
Especially, those who walk according to the flesh, in the lust of uncleaniness and despise authority. These that aren’t afraid to speak evil of dignitaries for they are presumptuous and self-willed. However the angels who are greater in power and might do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord (2:4-11).
He goes on to explain the depravity of false teachers, that they will perish in their own corruption, receiving the wages of unrighteousness. He continues that they can not cease from sin. They have hearts that are trained in covetous practices and are accursed children. They’ve forsaken the right way and gone astray following other man created gods. They allure you through the lusts of the flesh. They promise liberty while they themselves are slaves to corruption for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.
Now if once they have escaped the entrapments of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And then are again entangled in them and overcome by them the end is worse for them then in the beginning. It would have been better for them to never had known the way of righteousness than to have known it and turned from the holy commandments delivered to them. But this has happened to them as the true proverb says “a dog returns to his own vomit” and “a sow having washed to her wallowing in the mire”. So… What does this say to me???
Well basically that false teachers are among us. They always have been. They come with lies and destruction. God will not allow them to escape judgment. They will be caught in their own corruptions. But unfortunately many will follow these false teachers and their lies, being enticed by ones own desires, lust of the flesh. Having appeared as ones that have escaped from those living in error. But things are not as they appear for these liars and deceivers themselves live in bondage.
Now should one of these escape through the saving knowledge of Christ having believed and then return to the old way of life it will be worse for them in the end than if they had never known the way of righteousness.
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II Peter Chapter 3
Peter tells his readers that his reason for writing is to "stir up your pure minds by way of reminder". That they would remember the words of holy prophets and commandments of the apostles of the Lord and Savior. Knowing that scoffers will come and walk according to thir own lusts. Doubting the promise of His coming and forgetting that we do not know the mind of God. He is not slack concerning His promise, but is longsuffering or patient toward us not willing that any should perish, but all should come to repentance (3:1-9).
He tells them that the Lord will come as a thief in the night and goes on to describe part of it. All the time reminding his readers to act in the manner that they should, in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming day of God. Because then will the heavens be dissolved and according to His promise we look forward to new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells (3:10-13).
Peter closes with a warning to be diligent to be found blameless before the Lord and to hear not only what he says but what Paul has written as well. And cautions them that since they know before hand they should beware not to fall from their steadfastness being led away with error of the wicked, but to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (3:14-18). So… what does this say to me????
We need to keep fresh in our minds that which we’ve been taught and learned from God’s word. Be continuously reminded of it.
We must be aware when scoffers and false teachers come and try to create doubt in our minds by distorting scripture with their deceit and lies. They forget or chose to ignore what God has done and says He will do. We do not know His mind nor His timing. He will keep His promise of return. He is not slack, but patient giving every opportunity for all to be saved, coming to Him. He doesn’t desire any should perish. We should look forward to His return being careful to keep ourselves from sin.
Those that come with lies and try to entice us to go with them will get caught in their own traps and lead to their own destruction, Be careful not to get caught with them. Instead focus on God and grow in grace and knowledge. Get to know God better by spending more time with Him in prayer and in His word.
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