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.

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.

' 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,…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.