Peter gives a sweeping statement that covers the range of our relationships: "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." In this lesson we explore his call for Christians to fear God. Why not call us to love God, instead? Isn’t loving God a much better motivation than fearing Him? Is the
Peter calls us to "honor the king," to submit respectfully to whatever governing authorities we are under. Paul also spoke about this principle in Romans 13, where he said that these authorities have been established by God. In this lesson we consider the implications of this challenging teaching, in light of Scriptural examples and early
In the last stanza of the famous hymn, "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" is the line, “Hail, the Sun of Righteousness! ...Risen with healing in his wings." Charles Wesley took this prophecy about Jesus from the end of Malachi. In this message we explore this and other prophecies that speak of Christ as being like the
Peter reminds Christians that we have been called out of darkness into God's marvelous light. This theme of light and darkness is found throughout Scriptures. With the benefit of other insights from the New Testament, as well as unforgettable quotes from an early Christian writer, we can better appreciate the significance of Peter’s statement. This
Peter refers to Christians are "living stones" who are being built into a spiritual house for God. He then discusses three Old Testament prophecies about Jesus that refer to Him as a stone. In this lesson, we look at prophecies referencing stones that reveal different aspects of Jesus’ life and mission. These build our faith
Peter calls us to live holy lives, following Jesus, who suffered before entering His glory. One important reason to do this, according to Peter, is because we will be judged by our works. How do we reconcile that with the idea that we are saved by God’s grace? Peter also speaks of the word of
The Word that Endures Forever (1 Peter 1:14-2:3) View Lesson
The Word that Endures Forever (1 Peter 1:14-2:3) View Lesson
The ‘Spirit of Christ’ was in the prophets, who testified of Jesus' sufferings and the glories to follow. This includes things so remarkable that even angels desire to look into them! Peter’s masterful use of the Old Testament, whether addressing Jews or Gentiles, demonstrates the practicality and usefulness of the Old Testament to us today.
Peter’s letter begins with a demolition of the modern so-called "prosperity gospel." He reminds us that our goal is heaven, not a comfortable life here on earth. We can rejoice in the face of suffering, which serves to refine our faith as gold is refined by fire. Peter’s challenges are especially compelling in view of
The tabernacle is constructed in accordance with all the detailed instructions the Lord had given Moses. Since the tabernacle was a physical model of spiritual things to come, the details were purposeful and necessary to follow even if the artisans did not understand the reason why. We examine the importance of following God’s commands even
The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple (Exodus 36:8-40:32) View Lesson
The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple (Exodus 36:8-40:32) View Lesson
Thus far it seems we have seen in the Israelite nation nothing but faithlessness and sins, including disobedience, idolatry, revelry, ingratitude and complaining. Happily, in the current passage we finally see the people doing something praiseworthy! When Moses issues a request, the people contribute freely and generously toward the construction of the tabernacle. We use