Gene Cunningham - February 2, 2003
1st Peter #8
"Obedience to the faith" makes possible our reaching of more people (notes from Romans ). Paul was being hindered in reaching other people because to Corinthian disobedience (2Co 10:4-6, 2Co 10:14-16). We are living in the last days (1Pe 4:7, 1Pe 4:17). We are commanded to "extend ourselves" to others (1Pe 4:8-9, Pro 10:12, Jam 5:20). Exercise of our spiritual gift: Upward to God; leftward to unbelievers; rightward to believers (1Pe 4:10-11). Summary (1) Pray, (2) Love, and (3) Serve. "Fiery trials" (like Daniel's — 1Pe 4:12): (1) liberate — the bonds removed, (2) increase fellowship with the Son, (3) have evangelist impact. Partaking with suffering has redemptive purpose; we are sharing Christ's suffering (1Pe 4:13, 1Pe 3:18). Christ is there with us. Our suffering has a witness and brings others to Christ; we should rejoice (Mat 5:10-12). Christ is glorified in our persecution (1Pe 4:14). Don't be a "busybody" (1Pe 4:15). God refines His own house through judgment (1Pe 4:17, Heb 12:5-11). We are delivered in the nick of time (1Pe 4:18); we need to keep entrusting ourselves to Him (1Pe 4:19, 1Pe 2:23). Elder, shepherd, and overseer refers to the same person (1Pe 5:1-3, Act 20:28-30). Submitting to one another is a mutual responsibility (1Pe 5:5). Humility is like a cloak we're commanded to put on; no one ever humbled themselves "under God's mighty hand" without being exalted (1Pe 5:6, Rom 13:14). Batach is body slam; that's the way we are to cast our cares (1Pe 5:7, Psa 3:5). Resist the devil who roars like a lion(1Pe 5:8-9, Jam 4:7, Pro 28:1).
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: James 4:7, Proverbs 10:12, Psalms 3:5, Romans 13:14, Acts 20:28-30, Hebrews 12:5-11, Matthew 5:10-12, Proverbs 28:1, James 5:20
From Series: "1st Peter - Fellowship of Fire - Denver Colorado - 2009"
These lessons were taught at the first annual Rocky Mountain Bible Conference in Spring 2009. 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 64-65A.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 1:51Pe 1:71Pe 1:13; 1Pe 2:12; 1Pe 4:1317; 1Pe 5:14.