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 - July 23, 2000
In, but not of #4
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Upper room discourse has bookends: Joh 13:1 Jesus loved the disciples to the "uttermost"; Joh 17:24-26 "that the love which You have love Me may be in them". Criteria for fellowship is cleansing (Joh 13:10, Joh 15:2-3, 1Jo 1:7-9, 1Jo 2:1-2). Power for fellowship rests in the Holy Spirit (Joh 14:17, Joh 14:26, Joh 15:26). Promise: if you take advantage of moment-by-moment fellowship with Jesus Christ, He will disclose Himself to you (Joh 14:21, Joh 14:23, 1Jo 3:16). Jesus lived His life from the basis of who He was (Joh 13:1-3, Joh 13:31-32, Joh 17:4). Position is not practice; we are clean, but we need to be cleansed; we are His friends, but if we obey Him (Joh 13:10-1, Joh 15:1-3, Joh 13:17, Joh 15:14-15). The world can know because it sees the evidence in us (Joh 17:14-19, Joh 17:21-23). Experiencing our position is the goal. Our birth in Christ we forget (Jam 1:18). Scripture shows us who we are. We need to reflect Christ (Jam 1:21-25). Because are "beloved" we should love on another (1Jo 3:16-23, 1Jo 4:7-21). "If you know these things you are blessed if you do them".
Scripture References: John 2:1-2, John 4:7-21, John 3:16, John 13:17, John 1:7-9, John 3:16-23, John 14:23, John 15:1-3, John 15:2-3, James 1:21-25, John 14:21, John 13:10-1, John 13:10, James 1:18, John 15:26, John 17:4, John 17:24-26, John 17:21-23, John 14:26, John 13:31-32, John 13:1, John 17:14-19, John 14:17, John 13:1-3, John 15:14-15
From Series: "In but not of"
This series is a follow-up on the theme of the Arizona camp -- 'In. but not of...'.