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 #30
606 BC Nebuchadnezzar sieged Jerusalem and took Daniel; 597 BC Ezekiel is taken captive. 586 BC Jerusalem was turned into a wasteland. False prophets foretold God delivering Israel. Signs of destruction: Ezekiel ate scroll (Eze 2:9-10, Eze 3:1-14); Ezekiel was made mute (Eze 3:14-27) Ezekiel ate unclean food (Eze 4:1-17). Ezekiel shaved his head and beard (Eze 5:1-17); Peletiah, the false prophet dies (Eze 11:1-25); He was commanded to weep and cry (Eze 21:1-31); A day and a parable of siege referring to God's judgment (Eze 24:1-14, Jer 52:4, 2Ki 25:1-3). Justice of God (Isa 45:18-22). Righteousness is principle of Holiness; Justice is the function (Psa 89:14, Psa 97:3, 1Jo 1:5). What Righteousness demands, Justice provides. God is both Judge and Justifier (Rom 3:20-26) Righteousness demanded the price of sin be paid, and He paid with His Son. He was Just and gave His Righteousness to us; we're now accepted as His own Son (Eph 1:6). When a nation rebels against God, judgment is inevitable (Isa 59:4-15). All judgment has been given to Jesus Christ (Joh 5:22). The seventh sign of Ezekiel; his wife died (Eze 24:15-18). God's purpose is to show that what He says is true (Eze 24:19-27)
Scripture References: Ezekiel 11:1-25, Psalms 97:3, Ezekiel 24:15-18, Ezekiel 5:1-17, Psalms 89:14, John 5:22, Ezekiel 4:1-17, Isaiah 45:18-22, Isaiah 59:4-15, Ezekiel 3:14-27, Jeremiah 52:4, Ephesians 1:6, Ezekiel 3:1-14, Ezekiel 24:1-14, Romans 3:20-26, Ezekiel 2:9-10, Ezekiel 21:1-31, John 1:5, Ezekiel 24:19-27
From Series: "Ezekiel - 2002"
Ezekiel's vision of God's glory effected his life.