First and Second Peter are grouped in what are called the General Epistles, written to the Church at large. The theme of First Peter is the refining and growth potential in our sufferings, 1Pe 1:3, 1Pe 1:6; 1Pe 2:2. This epistle was written to believers scattered by persecution throughout Asia Minor (1 Pe 1:1). The date was circa 64-65 A.D.—the beginning of Nero’s persecutions. First Peter is the best known and loved of these epistles, called by E.J. Goodspeed, “One of the most moving pieces of persecution literature.” This epistle is written to suffering believers, and is styled by Isaac Walton as, “affectionate, loving, lowly, and humble.” This epistle conveys an intense expectation of the Lord’s return as seen in 1Pe 1:5, 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 1:13, 1Pe 2:12, 1Pe 4:13, 1Pe 4:17, 1Pe 5:1, 1Pe 5:4.
Gene Cunningham - October 26, 2003
Psalm 14 - Pragmatic Atheism
The greatest foolishness is unbelief (Pro 1:7, Pro 9:10, Ecc 2:13-14). "fear of the Lord" refers to belief and trust in the Lord. Practical atheism is living like an unbeliever (1Jo 1:6, Eph 4:17) -- not so much denying God exists. Parallel Psalm is 53 (Psa 53:1-6). "A fool says in his heart there is no God." is an attitude that denies God's involvement in the affairs of men. The sin nature deceives us (Jer 17:9). Attitude motivates action; despicable action results from decisions made over time (Psa 14:1). We know what is right but act as practical atheists (Jam 1:8). The piercing gaze of God (Psa 14:2-3). Omniscience watches what we say and do (Jer 17:10, Pro 15:3). Unregenerate man is indited (Rom 3:9-18, Isa 53:6). The first thing God first looks at is our understanding, our "seeking" (Psa 14:2, Isa 55:6, Psa 27:8). "You shall seek me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jer 29:13). Solution is that God is the Protector of the humble (Psa 14:4-6). Wrath refers to God's judgment to man according to his deeds in life. God talks to the wicked who mock Him and His righteous children (Psa 14:5-6, Heb 6:18-19). David was looking for the appearance of the Messiah (Psa 14:7) and predicts their captivity centuries later. The 1948 establishment of Israel is in view (Isa 11:11). Cities of refuge (Psa 14:6)are pictures of Christ: (1) Cadesh mean holiness, (2) Shechem - power or shoulder; (3) Hebron - united; (4) Bezer - fortress (Psa 18:2); (5) Ramoth - height (Phi 2:9); (6) Golan (Heb 12:12-13). He is the refuge - we shouldn't step outside (Num 35:25-28).
Scripture References: Psalms 14:4-6, Psalms 53:1-6, Psalms 18:2, Proverbs 15:3, Jeremiah 29:13, Ephesians 4:17, Psalms 14:6, Jeremiah 17:10, Psalms 27:8, John 1:6, Isaiah 11:11, Psalms 14:2-3, Isaiah 55:6, Ecclesiastes 2:13-14, Psalms 14:7, James 1:8, Numbers 35:25-28, Psalms 14:2, Proverbs 9:10, Hebrews 6:18-19, Psalms 14:1, Hebrews 12:12-13, Isaiah 53:6, Proverbs 1:7, Psalms 14:5-6, Jeremiah 17:9, Philippians 2:9, Romans 3:9-18
From Series: "Psalms - 2001"
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