Last night we continued our study of 1 Peter. Here are the notes:
Intro:
1:1-2:13 – We have a new identity which has now made us strangers. But we have a new status
2:14-3:12 – Our purpose is 2:9, and we have direction about how to live it out in our ordinary relationships.
Tonight: When Our New Identity Leads to Suffering.
3:8-18 The will of God may/will include suffering.
Peter instructs us to be ready to talk about who you are and why you do what you do.
What you need to be able to “give an answer” for what you believe:
1. Awareness of God’s blessing, and the “opposite” nature of spiritual things. (v.14)
2. Lack of fear from keeping God in the center (v.14-15)
3. Readiness (Preparation + Eagerness). (v.15)
4. Meekness and respect. (v.15)
5. Good conscience – a life that doesn’t make you feel guilty. (v.16)
6. A life of good works. (v.16)
3:18-4:1 Christ suffered, arm yourselves with His kind of thinking.
Christ accepted suffering as part of God’s will. He saw Himself as God’s instrument for accomplishing His purposes—bringing us to God.
Through His suffering, He found ultimate victory, over spirits, & for our salvation
The new identity is identification with Christ.
“This same mind” = Submitting yourself to play whatever part God has for you in His plan.
He suffered because of His identity as Messiah. We suffer because of our identification with Him and our part in carrying on His work.
4:1-6 Be prepared to be thought strange.
This mind will produce: positively: good works and willingness to suffer for others; and negatively: avoiding activities others think are normal (sin). The new normal finds you strange. Lack of participation in what everyone assumes to be the only way to live will set you apart. But an eternal perspective here is essential: there is a Judge and a final accounting
4:7-11 Let the church be all about love. – Live out Christ’s victory! (1 John 4:4,7)
If things are bad, remember that it won’t last forever. Peter says, in effect, “be totally clearheaded for the purpose of praying.” He instructs us first to take care of each other (using physical resources)–Share your stuff! Then to take care of each other spiritually (with God’s grace)–Share your gifts!
To Sum it all Up:
- We must take everything about who we are from Jesus Christ. He is both our savior from sin and our model for how to be in the world.
- So…Let’s not run from the world, but instead let’s live out our lives in the midst of non-believers. Let’s be open and engaging.
- And…Let’s not be shocked when we’re misunderstood. (As “strangers,” we will find much of our culture we will abstain from. This will be misunderstood and lead to persecution.)
- We remember the coming future of hope and light, and live out our lives now to reflect what the eternal future will be.