Introduction:

A. 1 Peter was written to help Christians in a time of severe suffering and abuse (4:12-19).

B. 1 Peter reminds us of the transient nature of life on earth.

1. "Sojourning here" (1:17).

2. "Sojourners and pilgrims" (2:11).

3. "All flesh is as grass. . . " (1:24).

C. 1 Peter outlines three basic ways that Christians are to spend their time on earth.

Discussion:

I. In Hopefulness.

A. Good reason to hope (3:15).

1. The resurrection of Jesus (1:3-9).

2. The testimony of the prophets (1:10-12).

3. The incorruptible and eternal word (1:18-25).

B. Hope of inheritance in heaven (1:3,4).

1. Sojourning here.

2. Citizens of heaven, going home (cf. Phil. 3:20).

II. In Humbleness.

A. Humble obedience to God (1:13,14; 5:6).

B. Humble submission to all legitimate authority.

1. Citizens to government (3:13-17).

2. Servants to masters (3:18).

3. Wives to husbands (3:1-7).

4. Flock to elders (5:1-5).

C. Humble submission to abuse (2:18-25).

1. By unjust critics (2:12).

2. By harsh masters (2:18-25).

3. By persecutors (4:14-16).

4. Will do more good in long run than returning in kind.

D. Even Christians with authority must be humble (5:5-7).

1. Masters are subject to higher authority.

2. Governing officials are subject to higher power.

3. Husbands are subject to higher authority.

4. Elders are subject to higher authority (5:3-5).

5. Christians in these positions of authority are careful not to abuse it, because they are also under authority (cf. 1 Pet. 3:7; 5:3,4).

E. Even Christ submitted to unjust treatment. Look what it accomplished (3:17-22).

III. In Holiness.

A. In order to be obedient children (1:13-15).

B. In order to grow (2:1-3).

C. In order to proclaim His praises (2:1-10).

D. In order to silence the enemies of the Lord (2:11,12).

E. In order to put our critics to shame (3:15,16).

Conclusion:

A. "This world is not my home, I am just passing through."

B. A temptation to demand our dues in this life.

1. Human nature says, "I don't have to take anything off anybody."

2. Human nature says, "You are stepping on my rights, I don't intend to allow it."

C. Christian realizes that what we suffer here will not hinder his hope.

D. Christian realizes that a proper reaction to mistreatment can be a testimony to his faith and may even have a positive effect on those who mistreat him.

E. Christian realizes that a submissive, holy and hopeful life will bring him more lasting protection from real harm.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 16, p. 495
August 21, 1986