Sermons on 1 Peter (Page 2)
1 Peter
The Sojourner’s Life
1 Peter 1:13-21 Having already outlined who we are in Christ and where we’re going, Peter describes what ought to characterise our Christian lives as sojourners in this world. We are to live lives marked by hope, holiness and reverent fear.
A Living Hope
1 Peter 1:3-12 As Peter begins the first main section of his letter, it is as though he “drops anchor” and reminds his readers of some of the incredible privileges they have as believers. We have a glorious future. There is purpose in our trials. We are in a privileged position as those for whom God’;s revelation was given. May we always hold fast to these incredible truths.
Elect exiles
1 Peter 1:1-2 As we begin the book of 1 Peter, the apostle writes to persecuted Christians, instructing them how to live lives as “Elect Exiles” in a world that is not their home, encouraging them to live lives that glorify Christ, and that despite their circumstances, the joy and peace of Christ are available.
The Worthy Pastor
1 Peter 5:1-4 Churches need godly leaders, especially when times are tough. But what makes a good pastor or elder? What should we look for when choosing our leaders? The words of the old apostle Peter in today’s passage are urgently necessary for us today … men who understand their calling to spiritually shepherd God’s people, men whose character and motives are pure, and men who are not seeking earthly recognition or reward. May God in His kindness raise up…
Transformed through Christ
1 Peter 1:13 – 2:3 If you are a Christian, are you a growing Christian? No matter how old we may be, God wants us to be continually growing in holiness. But spiritual change requires spiritual means. Firstly it begins as we are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. Only God can do this for us. But secondly, we need to keep feeding our souls on the living word of God. The Bible is our spiritual food like milk…
Standing firm in the faith
Peter closes out his letter reminding his readers of the things that will help them stand firm in the faith when facing opposition. For Christians under pressure, godly leaders in the church, personal resistance to the devil and God’s strength, grace and care will be essential. As our society continues to raise more opposition to the gospel, these things will be more and more relevant to us also. 1 Peter 5:1-14
Facing up to suffering
Peter reminds the suffering church of several truths to help them to stand firm in the midst of their suffering. 1 Peter 4:12-19
Living in light of the end
Peter continues to address Christians who are suffering for their faith. As always, the basis of their faith and their model of obedience is Christ’s death on the cross. And the thing which gives perspective to their suffering is the immanence of eternity and the inheritance waiting there for them. As individual Christians in the world and as the church together our lives now are shaped by these great truths. The good life for Christians looks surprisingly different to the…
No compromise
Living as a Christian requires that we engage in a Christlike way with people who may or may not appreciate our faith. But that’s nearly always harder than we would like. What do your unbelieving friends and colleagues really think of you? How credible and consistent is your witness? Do you make compromises to avoid trouble? In today’s message we are challenged to remain faithful to Christ in the heat of opposition, being willing to suffer if necessary. Suffering was…
Radical marriage
The Bible is often viewed as politically incorrect when measured by modern cultural norms. And one of the most extreme instances of this is the teaching Peter gives in these verses. Sadly some men, including some pastors, have caused Christian women unnecessary suffering by using them to justify chauvinism and turn a blind eye to abuse. But what does it really mean for a Christian woman to submit to her husband, even an unbelieving husband? And how should a Christian…
Staying faithful in a pagan world
As Australia drifts further away from God, the contrast between the Christian and non-Christian ways of life gets greater. But let’s not kid ourselves. There has always been a difference and there always will be. In the days of the early church Christians were definitely a despised minority, and were losing heart. They needed encouragement. In today’s message we see some of the practical ways we can maintain our distinctiveness, without becoming obnoxious, and hopefully commending the gospel and bringing…
A Church with Purpose
Like us, the readers of Peter’s letter were living in a society that was unbelieving and antagonistic to the gospel. These Christians needed encouraging to persevere. As God’s church, they exist together not just to survive until Jesus’ return, but God has given them a specific identity and purpose. We share this purpose as God’s church today – to grow, to worship and to witness. 1 Peter 2:1-10