1 Peter 4-5; 2 Peter 1

1 Peter 4

Because Christ suffered we should live for God instead of our own sinful desires.

Peter lists the sinful desires

• Sensuality
• Passions
• Drunkenness
• Orgies
• Drinking parties
• Lawless idolatry

Unbelievers are surprised when Christians do not join them in sin, and they speak ill of us. 

God will judge both the living and the dead.

Because Christ is returning [soon] we should

• Be self-controlled
• Be sober-minded
• Pray faithfully
• Love one another
  • Love”covers a multitude of sins.”
  • Quoted from Proverbs 10:12

Use your spiritual gifts to serve one another and do everything for God’s glory through Christ.

Trials and Suffering

Do not be surprised when trials happen. They are part of following Christ.

Believers should rejoice because:

• They participate in Christ’s sufferings.
• They will also share His glory.

Do not suffer because of:

• Murder
• Theft
• Evil
• Meddling

But if you suffer as a Christian:

• Do not be ashamed.
• Glorify God.

Quotes Proverbs 11:31

“Let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

1 Peter 5

Peter (an elder) tells elders to:

• Shepherd God’s flock
• Serve willingly
• Avoid greed/ shameful gain
• Lead by example

When Christ, the Chief Shepherd, returns believing shepherds receive:

• The unfading crown of glory

Younger Believers: Submit to church leadership.

Everyone: “Clothe yourselves…with humility.”

• Proverbs 3:34 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

• Humility includes trusting God with our anxieties!

The devil “prowls around like a roaring lion.” Believers should:

• Be sober-minded
• Be watchful
• Resist him
• Stand firm in faith

Christians throughout the world face similar suffering, but God Himself will:

• Restore
• Confirm
• Strengthen
• Establish

Peter summarizes “This is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.”

Peter mentions:

• Silvanus
• Mark

He sends greetings from “Babylon” (likely Rome)

“Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”

2 Peter 1

Author: Peter

Date AD 64-68.

Writing to probably the same churches in 1 Peter

Peter reminds believers that:

• Their faith of equal standing
• Righteousness comes through Jesus Christ.
• Grace and peace increase through knowing Christ.

God has given believers:

• Everything needed for life and godliness.
• Precious and very great promises.

Through Christ, believers become “Partakers of the divine nature.”

• We are sons and daughters of God

Peter tells believers to intentionally grow by adding:

1. Faith
2. Virtue (moral excellence)
3. Knowledge
4. Self-control
5. Steadfastness
6. Godliness
7. Brotherly affection
8. Love

Each quality builds on the previous one!

Growing believers become:

• Effective
• Fruitful

Those who neglect these qualities become:

• Spiritually nearsighted
• Forgetful of God’s cleansing

Peter encourages believers to “Make your calling and election sure.”

• Live your life through Jesus 

Peter knows his death is approaching. He desires believers to remember these things.

• Jesus talks about Peter’s death in John 21

Peter says “We did not follow cleverly devised myths.”

• He personally witnessed the Transfiguration.
• Peter recalls hearing the Father’s voice
  • “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Peter says Scripture is “A lamp shining in a dark place.”

• “No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.”
• “Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
  • The Greek phrase φερόμενοι (pheromenoi, “carried along”) is sometimes used in nautical imagery like a ship being carried by the wind.

Application

We are called to live for God’s will instead of our own sinful desires. We are given gifts and we should use them to serve others. God has already given us what we need to grow spiritually, so we must continue to grow in our character. God gave us reliable Scripture written by the Holy Spirit through man.