PETER'S FIRST LETTER

Introduction:

A. Introduction

1. Written by the Apostle Peter.

2. Probably written around A.D. 62 - 64.

3. Probably written from Rome (5: 13 speaks of Babylon).

4. Sent to several regions of Asia Minor

B. Main Ideas

1. Expect suffering as Christians.

2. Live holy and righteous lives.

3. God will punish the wrong and reward the right.

4. Submit to authority for the sake of the Gospel and Christ.

5. Jesus endured much for us.

Body: 1 Peter 1: 1 - 3

I. The Author.

A. Peter.

B. The apostle of Jesus.

II. To Whom Written.

A. The Pilgrims.

1. They are experiencing a form of exile.

2. They have not yet arrived home (heaven).

B. Unrecorded regions

1. Most of these areas are uncharted, church-wise.

2. Paul stayed fairly close to the area of the Mediterranean Sea.

III. The Elect (picked out, chosen, selected).

A. According to the Foreknowledge of God.

1. God knew what man's state would be before creation.

2. God had determined Jesus would come at this time.

3. God had planned for redemption.

B. In Sanctification of the Spirit.

1. We have been consecrated (made holy).

2. We have been purified to "house" the Holy Spirit.

C. For Obedience and Sprinkling of the Blood of Jesus Christ.

1. We have been prepared to obey God's commands (unlike Israelites).

2. We have been "ordained to serve" as priests. (2: 9)

Conclusion:

A. Peter is Singing the Praises of Following Christ.

B. Do We have the Same Viewpoint as Peter?