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 15 - Abiding With the Lord
Cities of refuge are pictures of Christ: (1) Cadesh mean holiness (Psa 89:18), (2) Shechem - power or shoulder - the mighty arm of God Isa 53:1, Psa 44:3); (3) Hebron - united (Mat 1:23); (4) Bezer - fortress (Psa 18:2, Psa 31:1-2); (5) Ramoth - height or exalted (Phi 2:9); (6) Golan - exile or stranger (Heb 13:12-13). Psalm 15 may have been written to go with Psalm 24. David wrote it bringing the Ark of the Covenant (1Ch 16:1-6) - a picture of the Lord coming in to dwell with His people. David asks " LORD,who shall abide in Your tabernacle..." Seraphim shield their eyes and cry "Holy, Holy, Holy" (Isa 6:2). Only Christ fulfills this Psalm perfectly (Joh 8:35). We are strangers in this world and are to live as if we just passing through. By faith in Christ we've become His household; we should abide with Him (Heb 3:6, Eph 3:17). Through the filling of the Holy Spirit we are able to abide -- live lives of fellowship -- with Him (Eph 5:18, 1Jo 1:3). Psalm 15 illustrates the great commandment - love for God and neighbor (Mat 22:37-39). The character needed to abide is stated - walks uprightly, works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart" (Psa 15:2) - inner man is reflected in the outer work. Faith in the soul produces right actions. There is no fellowship with God for hearers and nor doers (Jam 1:22, Jam 2:17). Obedience to this standard is possible through the filling of the Spirit (Rom 8:4). "Out of the treasure of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Mat 12:34). David illustrates conduct of a person in fellowship (Psa 15:3-4, Lev 19:16-18). It's impossible to have fellowship with God and malign other people. "Vile" means "to utterly despise or treat as having little worth" (Gen 25:34). Those who fear the Lord honors Him (1Sa 2:30, Rom 13:7). Use of money is also a test -- you don't try to profit from brothers (Lev 25:36-37, Exo 22:25) . Abiding is the word Jesus uses for fellowship in Him (Joh 15:1-10). In fellowship our works abide forever (1Co 3:14). Psalm 15 illustrates standard (i.e., "the fire") by which works will be judged (1Co 3:13).
Scripture References: Matthew 12:34, Philippians 2:9, Exodus 22:25, Ephesians 5:18, Romans 8:4, Psalms 31:1-2, Leviticus 25:36-37, Ephesians 3:17, James 2:17, Psalms 18:2, Romans 13:7, Hebrews 3:6, James 1:22, Matthew 1:23, Genesis 25:34, John 8:35, Psalms 15:2, Psalms 44:3, Leviticus 19:16-18, Isaiah 6:2, Matthew 22:37-39, Isaiah 53:1, Psalms 15:3-4, Hebrews 13:12-13, John 15:1-10, John 1:3, Psalms 89:18
From Series: "Psalms - 2001"
No Summary for this series yet.