Who Cares?
‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.’
Privileges and Responsibilities of Knowing God
‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.’
God in Three Persons
The Three Persons of the Godhead are named in this verse, leading us to marvel at the glory of God and His electing love, secondly to see the work of the Spirit in saving and sanctifying, and thirdly how Christ accomplished redemption.
The Clothing of Humility – Putting on the Garments
‘..be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility..’ What an amazing exhortation this is in these days of assertive self-confidence! As Christian believers we are to be ‘subject one to another’, not assertive, not resistant to advice, but ready to respect the experience and light of others.
God’s Glory in View
The climax of 1 Peter is the prayer that we, having suffered in some measure on earth, will be fully repaired, fixed firmly on the road, providing a sure basis for those who follow us. Here also we explore the definition of God’s glory.
Attacks of the Devil
The apostle Peter asserts the necessity of restraint and abstention concerning self-indulgence, coupled with watchfulness for temptations. Then he warns of Satan’s constant activity, and gives the roaring, devouring lion analogy, showing the believer’s response, and God’s sovereign purpose.
He Careth For You
In a decisive prayer, burdens are to be passed entirely to the Lord. Here we consider what is and what is not to be passed, and the harm and sin of keeping anxiety. Here is how the help comes, and the tremendous promise of God’s care.
The Clothing of Humility
Beginning with humility in preachers and church officers, Peter calls all to place themselves under them. Exactly what is intended? He then speaks of being ‘clothed’ in humility. We explore the helps and hindrances to advancing in this essential grace for all believers.
Partakers Now of Christ’s Glory
While urging pastors to live humbly as patterns to others, and to be forward to preach and to watch, the apostle speaks of being partakers now – in some measure – in the glory of Christ to be revealed at the end. Here are the glories we taste even now.
Testing and Sifting of Believers
We are not to think that bad treatment of believers is abnormal, says the apostle. It is bound to happen if our lives show Christ and salvation. Here is counsel for tried believers and how assurance is strengthened and God’s promises are gloriously fulfilled.
Five Rules For The Church
In the light of the approaching end, the apostle gives duties to churches: (1) safe-mindedness; (2) watchfulness for prayer; (3) fervent love in the fellowship; (4) the exercise of all talents; (5) the earnestness and authority of preaching and teaching.
The Believer’s Mentality
Peter here brings out the new mentality of believers through conversion, and how they have done with sin and the world, to conduct their precious remaining years to God’s glory. Here is the distinction between today’s worldly evangelicalism and a truly godly lifestyle.
The Sanctifying Power of Hostility
When subjected to unreasonable and hostile acts, we pray. If God does not immediately relieve us, or there is no means of redress provided for us, then endurance is our calling. Here is love for enemies, and the example of the Saviour and of Noah.
Representing the Lord
To have a high view of Christ, and His divine attributes, in our heart is the greatest spur and personal preparation for making Christ known. Here is the duty of readiness, the manner of witness, and what is meant by giving ‘a reason’.
Magnifying Christ in the Heart
A very striking and unusual exhortation commands our special attention. How do we ‘sanctify’ God in the heart? Is it Christ who is to be hallowed? What is meant by the ‘heart’? Here is the believer’s essential preparation for securing blessing in trials or witness.
The Call to Longsuffering
Seven verses show how God calls His people to tenderheartedness, meekness under provocation, and the promotion of peace. We are also exhorted to love this present life, and hear things we can only do for God’s glory while here on earth.
Features of Christian Marriage
This challenging and informative passage begins with God-given roles, urging conduct and hope for an unbelieving spouse, extolling the beauty of Christ’s character, and showing how the equality of saved husbands and wives (in spirituality, illumination, sanctification and usefulness to God) is consistent with male headship.
Never Out of His Care
This passage shows that the believer’s duty of respect for civil authorities applies also to employers, even the unjust. Our obedience is rewarded by God. When we were called to Christ we saw His patient endurance. It saved us, and called us to be like Him.
Obeying Civil Rulers
God rules all men through civil authorities whether good or bad, but here are circumstances in which believers obey God rather than men. Here are our biblical duties – for the Lord’s sake and glory – including abstaining from any abusive speech toward authorities.
Attacks On The Soul
With words only meaningful to believers, the apostle warns of the desires of the ‘lower’, fallen nature residual in them. Here are the core fleshly lusts and how they may be launched at believers, the need of vigilance and the remedies for their defeat.
Immeasurable Advantages
In five verses, Peter lists six magnificent blessings given to believers to mark them out, and to adorn them as God’s special treasure. Awareness of these is uniquely uplifting and strengthening through all the rigours of life. Here is the happiness and security of our walk.
The Ongoing Faith of a Believer
The inspired apostle shows the way believers should approach God, and how they should think in corporate and individual prayer, to secure a true sense of Him. Our approach should include a full commitment to our role as a ‘holy priesthood’.
The Stages of Sanctification
The apostle’s call for brotherly love depends on sanctification – being made holy. Beginning with the new birth (with treatment of the doctrine of perseverance), this involves our putting off the soiled clothes of named sinful traits, as challenged and moved by the Word of God.
Brotherly Love
Beginning with the work of the Spirit at conversion, the apostle shows the plan of the resurrection in saving faith, then describes purifying of the soul and obedience to the truth, as he builds up to the great exhortation to brotherly love, here explained.
Greatest Motives for Holiness
The first motive is the goal and purpose of our calling- obedience to God and His Word in all aspects of life and behaviour. The second is the purity of God. The third is the eminence of the Redeemer who shed His blood for us.
Joy Should Never Fail
Inexpressible joy is the privileged possession of every believer, a joy distinct from the short-lived pleasure of, say, amazement or humour, or of unexpected kindness, or a gift. Spiritual joy endures alongside trial and grief, but it must be held tightly. Here is how.
The Life of Anticipation
We are, with Peter, born again into an ever-active anticipation (expectation) of a heavenly inheritance. Our duty is to reflect on this, resulting in security and loyalty to Christ. Here also is the testing and refining of faith.
Actively Anticipating Christ the Lord
Introducing 1 Peter with the opening themes, including – why we should love and worship the whole Godhead, the significance of the ‘sprinkling’ of the blood of Jesus Christ, and the fruit of constantly keeping active and alive our anticipation of eternal glory.
A Dressing-Down on Dressing Down
According to Scripture we are to stand out as lights in the world and to be different, and this must surely be reflected in our dressing. If the clothing of the world is contrary to biblical guidelines, then we need to consider whether we are dressing like the world. But when the Christian develops inward beauty, their maturity and love for Christ will manifest itself outwardly.
Peter’s Closing Remarks
‘By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 5 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, … Continued
The God of All Grace
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 5 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but … Continued
Stopping The Mouth of The Lion
The Essentials to Instrumentality
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 5 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but … Continued
Exhortations to Pastors and Elders
‘The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 5 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of … Continued
The Seven Pillars of Christian Suffering
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 4 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, … Continued
The Deaconship of All Believers
‘As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 4 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the … Continued
Life in the Light of the End
‘But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 4 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he … Continued
Armed for the Battle
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 4 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, … Continued
As in the Days of Noah
‘By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 3 Likewise, ye wives, be in … Continued
The Reason of the Hope
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 3 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning … Continued
Followers of That Which is Good
‘And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 3 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While … Continued
Standing in a Fallen World
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 4 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning … Continued
Husbands Hindered Prayers
‘Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 3 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey … Continued
Sarah’s Christ-Like Beauty
‘Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 3 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; … Continued
Back To The Shepherd
You May Be Also Interested in… Hymn: The Lord my Shepherd is (Psalm 23) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; … Continued
Witnessing To The World
‘Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 2 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that … Continued
Christian Liberty
‘Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 2 Wherefore laying aside all malice, … Continued
Strangers and Pilgrims En Route
‘Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 2 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: … Continued
The Church: Its Identity and Purpose
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 2 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living … Continued
What Do You Think Of Christ?
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 2 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living … Continued
Love: Its Friends and Foes
‘Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 2 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all … Continued
The All Sufficient Word of God
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed … Continued
The Redemptive Price
‘Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest … Continued
The Essence Of Genuine Faith
‘As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, … Continued
The Battle of the Mind
‘Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect … Continued
The Uniqueness of Christ
‘Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings … Continued
Our Unshakeable Inheritance
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed … Continued
Privilege with Purpose
‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, … Continued
Precious Faith
‘Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:’ … Continued
The Trials of Faith
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed … Continued
Not Of The World
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed … Continued
An Audience With God
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. (1 Peter 3:18) The deeper things of life are so easily crowded out today. Here at the Metropolitan Tabernacle we cater for the … Continued
New Babes and a Rejected Cornerstone
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 2 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a … Continued
Satan Our Adversary
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 5 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, … Continued
Refining our Faith
‘ That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout … Continued
Redeemed with the Precious Blood of Christ
‘Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge … Continued
The Precious Word of God
‘Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through … Continued
The Price of Our Redemption
‘Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to … Continued
Training for the Christian Life
Girding up the loins of the mind is vital protection from the unprecedented self-indulgence and self-seeking of today’s culture, in which what we want, like and enjoy determines everything. Here is Peter’s exhortation to manage our thoughts and emotions, with inspired encouragements.
Give Us an Answer
Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 3 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward … Continued
God, A Faithful Creator
‘Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Peter 4 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that … Continued