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 - November 28, 2003
Joshua # 08 -- Jos 5:13-16
Brotherly love leads to a bond of unity (Eph 4:1-6) and unconditional love for all men (Heb 13:1-6, 2Pe 1:5-7). You can't have a team with a member trying to promote himself. Personal promotion requires stepping on someone else. Envy is murderous — the original sin of Satan. Covetousness breeds slander, and maligning (Heb 13:5). God knows the niche where we fit. The Lord will never leave us, though we may be far from Him — "The Lord is my Helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me" (Heb 13:5-6). "Foresake" means to leave someone in a desperate situation. Jesus appears as a man; Joshua challenges Him, but gets challenged himself (Jos 5:13-16). God's will always challenge ours. We must then be committed to God's will (e.g., "command me"). The Will of God leads us to the Word of God, leads us to the worship of God which leads us to missions. How can we expect to escape neglecting our salvation (Heb 2:1-4)? Jesus, the "Captain of our Salvation" was made perfect by suffering (Heb 2:10).
Scripture References: Hebrews 13:5, Hebrews 13:1-6, Ephesians 4:1-6, Hebrews 2:10, Hebrews 2:1-4, Joshua 5:13-16, Hebrews 13:5-6
From Series: "Joshua - 2005"
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