The “OnFire Cafe” Book Club series “The Study of Scripture”. Come Study with us as we present our new Narration Series “The Seven Letters to Christians” continuing with Part 2 – “The First Letter of Peter”. Join us here. The Video contains the narration of the Chapters with images for your entertainment. The series is being uploaded on all the “OnFire Cafe” Channels for easy access.
The First Letter of Peter
1 Peter 1 , 1 Peter 2 , 1 Peter 3 , 1 Peter 4 & 1 Peter 5
Address & Greetings
Introduction
The Inheritance of Christians through salvation and belief in Jesus Christ. A place for us reserved in heaven for everlasting life.
He talks about the element of Faithfulness to Christ & Love of Christ. That it must sustain you through the heaviness of the season of temptations. And the upcoming trials by fire. He speaks to faith, to those who have not seen him. A people who love him and who believe in him without seeing him. And ultimately receiving the end of faith with the salvation of souls.
Peter writes about the prophecy of salvation and the Grace that should come. The prediction of the suffering of Christ and the Glory that should follow. He points out that now we have seen manifestation of what was previously prophesied.
The Demands of the New Life
The New Priesthood
Holiness of the Newly Baptised is accomplished through the obedience to the teachings of Christ. Leaving behind the old lustful ignorance. Becoming holy as Jesus is holy. Warning that you will not achieve salvation through the ways of the world with wealth, power and material goods. But salvation is only achieved by the price paid with the blood of Jesus. You are saved through your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Regeneration by the Word and purification of your souls through obeying the truth through the Spirit. Loving one another with a pure heart. Being born again by the Word of God. That all manner of things created in the world will some day fall away, but the Word of God will endure forever.
The Obligation of Christians
As an example to the unbelievers It is necessary to abstain from worldly lusts. Keep your conversations honest with the Gentiles. They will speak against you as an evildoer but let your actions which they should see Glorify God.
The obligation of Christians toward civil authority requires that you Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake. And all of authority sent by man to punish the evildoers for the praise of those who do good things. That by your good works you may be put forth to silence the ignorance of the foolish. Acting as free men and servants of God. Honor men, love the brotherhood, fear God and Honor the King.
An obligation Towards Masters is to submit oneself to the kind as well as the cruel authority. For there is glory in those who suffer greif wrongfully before God. Jesus Christ suffered wrongfully leaving us his example. We are tasked with following his steps. He did not threaten nor curse those who persecuted him. For like sheep gone astray we return to the Shepherd.
In Marriage the wife is subjected under her husband. He suggests that she not use her hair, her jewelry or clothes as her adornment. But adorn herself with a quiet loving Spirit which is adornment enough. That if her husband does not believe that he should be influenced by her words and actions and may come to Christ. He also instructs the husbands to honor their wives , being heirs together in the grace of life.
Love one another, have compassion, be pitiful and be courteous. Do not give evil for evil. Let him refrain from speaking curses, avoid evil, do good and seek peace. For the eyes and ears of God are open to the righteous in their prayers. But against those who do evil.
In Persecution
If you are caused to suffer for righteousness sake be happy and do not fear. Sanctify God in your heart and remain ready to answer with the truth of the message. In persecution have a good conscience for it is better in the eyes of God that you suffer for good than to have suffered for evil.
For Christ Jesus suffered unjustly for sins. The just suffered in place of the unjust. That he might bring us to God. But though he suffered in good conscience he was taken unto the right hand of God. And now has power over angels and authorities be subject under him.
The Revelation of Christ is Close
The end of all things is near. Be sober and prayerful, and have fervent charity for one another. Minister to one another as good students of Grace.
As Christ suffered for us in the flesh we must have the same mindset. For the suffering ceases sin. that we no longer live in the lusts of men but in the perfect will of God. Though in times past we may have walked in a long life of exotic sinful excess we do no longer. So we may be persecuted for our change to purity as it is not understood.
They will speak ill of you but be not disheartened. For they will be judged according to men in the flesh and you will be judged according to men in the Spirit.
Instructions
Elders take the oversight and feed the flock of God. Be a good example to them willingly, not for profit but of a ready mind. And when the Shepherd reappears you will be rewarded with a crown of Glory.
To the younger listen to the elders in humility. For God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Cast all your cares on God for he cares for you. Be sober and be vigilant for your adversary the devil is like a roaring lions searching for those he can devour. Hold steadfast and after you have suffered awhile God will stabilize, make you perfect again and settle you.
I found the First Letter of Peter to be very informative about a number of things. What strikes me the most is the instruction on Christian behavior through the section on the Obligations of Christians. Though the interpretation as it applies to the world is a topic for discernment.
With the world in the state that it has been for some time now, the dark Spirit is standing on the world stage openly. It gets confusing as to how we, as Christians, should be acting or reacting.
I think that Peter’s first letter is giving us a framework in which to work. However, there is a lot of room for clarity through prayer…
For the Love of God,
Sparks
