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 - September 25, 2003
Ezekiel #28
God was disgusted with unfaithfulness of Samaria and Jerusalem and uses marraige analogy to shame them (Eze 23:1-4). God reviews the sins of the northern kingdom for the southern kingdom (Eze 23:5-10). Northern kingdom had allied with Assyrian and accepted their Gods. Behind every idol is a demon (1Co 10:20). Lust brings sin and death (Jam 1:13-15). 721 BC Assyria destroyed the northern kingdom. God recounts the sins of the Jerusalem (Eze 23:11-21). Articles of the tabernacle instruct about Jesus Christ: (1) alter is sacrifice (Joh 1:29); (2) laver of cleansing (Eph 5:26); (3) lamp stand were perfect provision of light (Heb 1:3); (4) table of show bread is provision of life (Psa 23:5, Joh 6:35); (5) alter of incense is a sweet aroma and perfect satisfaction to God (2Co 2:14, Eph 5:2, 1Jo 2:2); (6) veil is Christ's flesh torn in our place (7) ark of the covenant gold symbolic Deity and three kinds of sins inside (Heb 9:4); (8) mercy seat signifying the meeting place with God (Heb 4:14-16). Israel wanted to be like the rest of the nations and longed for what they saw in depictions of Babylon (Eze 23:11-16). Any illicit relationship or sin contains its own judgment. Israel desired Babylonian idols (Eze 23:17-21).
Scripture References: John 6:35, Ezekiel 23:17-21, Ezekiel 23:5-10, Psalms 23:5, Ezekiel 23:11-16, Ezekiel 23:1-4, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 4:14-16, Ephesians 5:26, Hebrews 9:4, John 1:29, John 2:2, Ezekiel 23:11-21, Ephesians 5:2, James 1:13-15
From Series: "Ezekiel - 2002"
Ezekiel's vision of God's glory effected his life.