HENRY MAHAN MATERIAL:

 HOME   PULPIT SERMONS   TV SERMONS  [WRITINGS]

 ARTICLES  [BCC]  BULK   SERMONS   TGATI   WNTE 

Bible Class Commentaries:

1 Peter

A

Bible Class Commentary

by

Henry T. Mahan

1

The elect — redeemed and preserved

1 Peter 1:1-5

The writer of this epistle is Simon Peter. It is called his General Epistle because it is not addressed to any particular person or church but to Christians in several places. It is thought by some to be the oldest of all the epistles. 1 Peter 5:12-13 gives us the place from which it was written (Babylon) and the brother by whom it was sent (Silas, the friend and companion of Paul). Also found here is the design of the epistle, 'to declare to you that this is the true account of the grace of God.'

v. 1. Peter does not call himself the vicar or successor of Christ nor the head of the church, but only an apostle of Christ. He writes to the people of God who were driven from their homes and lands by persecution and for the sake of the gospel (Acts 8:1-4; Acts 11:19).

v. 2. 'Elect.' — Believers are called the elect of God because God has chosen them to salvation (2 Thess. 2:13; Mark 13:20; 1 Cor. 1:27-30; 1 Thess. 1:4; Rom. 11:5-7; Rom. 9:11; Acts 13:48).

The cause of election is 'according to the foreknowledge of God.' The reasons for our election are not found in us but in God (Eph. 2:4-5; Matt. 11:25-26; 1 John 4:10). God knows because God foreordains (Rom. 8:29-30).

The means God uses to carry out the design of election are 'sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth' (2 Thess. 2:13). The Holy Spirit quickens, convicts of sin, reveals Christ to the heart, and works true repentance and faith in the sinner (Eph. 1:12-14; Rom. 10:13-17).

The end or goal of election is obedience to Christ and to be cleansed and justified through his blood. Election is not salvation; it is unto salvation. Those who are elect will hear his voice and will believe on Christ and will be saved (John 10:24-28; Rom. 8:28-30). The sprinkling of the blood of Christ alludes to the sprinkling of the blood of the lamb in the Old Testament.

v. 3-4. Here we have an example of the sacrifice of praise Paul mentioned in Hebrews. Every time Paul talks about God's electing, regenerating, and redeeming grace, he blesses or praises God (Eph. 1:3-4; 2 Thess. 2:13).

The cause is again according to his abundant mercy.

The means is the resurrection of our Lord from the dead. Christ died for our sins and arose for our Justification. 'Because I live, ye shall live.'

The end or goal is a living hope and a certain inheritance. This hope is called a living hope because it is based not on dead works but on the Person and work of a living Christ! Our inheritance is incorruptible -- neither moth, nor rust, nor decay, nor years have any effect on it. It is undefiled -- pure and holy and untouched by sin. It fadeth not away as the world and its fashion. It is reserved in heaven for you -- it awaits your coming (John 14:13).

v. 5. Our Lord Jesus Christ has assumed full responsibility for his people -- to redeem them, to keep them, to intercede for them, and to finally present them all before the Father (Rom. 8:34; Jude 24; John 6:37-40; Phil. 1:6). We are kept through faith (not in rebellion and disobedience), looking to Christ, living by Christ, and leaning on Christ. We have been saved, we are being saved, and our final salvation (or deliverance) is ready to be revealed. There is the preservation of the believer by the power of God and the perseverance of the believer in faith. He will not leave us, and we will not leave him. It is impossible to have one without the other (Jer. 32:40; Psalm 74:24, 28; Heb. 3:6, 14).

2

The trial of your faith

1 Peter 1:6-16

v. 6. This verse is a part of what has been written before. Believers are a happy people. They rejoice that they are the elect of God, that they have been regenerated by the Spirit of God; they rejoice in the redemption of Christ, for their sins are forgiven; they rejoice in the resurrection of Christ; and they rejoice in their inheritance, which is reserved in heaven.

'Though now for a little while we are distressed by trials and temptations' (John 16:33; Luke 6:21-24). The word 'temptation' refers not to temptation to sin but refers to the trials which God in his wisdom decrees and permits for our good. These trials come in different ways -- the trial of difficult service, the trial of reproach from unbelievers, the trial of riches or poverty, the trial of sickness or sorrow, the trial of success or failure, the trial of disappointment (Rom. 8:28). Sometimes trials of faith are unpleasant to the flesh, but not always. God may permit a man to prosper in order to try his faith.

v. 7. God has a reason for every trial and affliction that he brings into our lives. Faith is tried to reveal the genuineness of it. Your faith is more precious than gold (which will finally perish), and gold must be tested by fire. When gold comes through the fire, it is purged of its dross and shines the brighter. So faith that comes through real trial is purged of pride, hypocrisy, and self-righteousness; only that which rests in Christ is left.

Faith is tried in order to strengthen it and increase it. The more my faith is used, the stronger it becomes. Trials do not produce faith; they reveal faith!

Faith is tried to reveal the value of it to me (1 Cor. 15:19). Nothing is better for us than to find out how frail we are and how fragile are the things of this world. Our trials enable us to comfort others who are tried (2 Cor. 1:3-4). Faith which survives trial will be honored and praised at the appearing of Christ. It will bring glory to Christ and to us.

v. 8. We have never seen Christ with our natural eyes, yet we believe him (John 20:29). We believe not with a notional, historical, or temporary faith but actually looking to him as our Lord and Saviour with confidence, unspeakable joy, and full expectation, being confident that what he has promised, he is able to perform (Rom. 4:20-21).

v. 9. The chief design of this verse is to distinguish this great salvation from a temporary deliverance. The end of faith (or the results of faith) is not Just to make life here bearable or only to give us moral principles by which to live; but the outcome of faith is the complete salvation of our souls from sin, from the law, from hell, from eternal death, and to eternal glory with our Lord. This is the salvation we now have by faith in our risen Lord!

v. 10. The prophets of the Old Testament who wrote of Christ's coming and of the redemption which he would accomplish (Isa. 53:4-6; Acts 10:43; John 5: 46) searched and enquired earnestly about this salvation (Luke 2:25-32).

v. 11. The spirit of Christ was in these prophets of old. They wrote as they were taught and moved by the Spirit. They prophesied as they were inspired by the Spirit. The Spirit of God prophesied through them concerning the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow, and they sought to find out when this would take place and to whom this great grace should come (Luke 24:27, 45-47).

v. 12. It was revealed to these Old Testament prophets that the services they rendered and the coming of the Messiah of which they spoke would not be fulfilled in their day but in a later day. Therefore, those who lived in the days of his coming would recognize the Messiah from the fulfillment of their prophecies and all Old Testament types and pictures. They were ministering to us. The fulfillment of these things is reported to you by the same Holy Spirit who inspired them to prophesy of him. We proclaim the gospel by the same spirit by which they prophesied and promised the gospel. Into the very things which we preach and you believe, the angels desire to look!

vv. 13-16. Therefore (since you are so highly favored as to be a witness and a recipient of all that these great prophets only talked about, hoped for, and enquired into; and since you have had revealed to your heart mysteries that the angels desire to look into), consider the following:

1. Apply your mind and heart diligently to these things that we have in Christ. Be sober, take them seriously and conscientiously, setting your full hope on the grace that is yours in Christ.

2. Live as obedient children of God. Do not conform your lives to the world with its vanities and lusts which governed you before you knew the gospel.

3. As the one who called you out of sin to himself is holy, you, yourselves, also be holy in your conduct, your conversation, and your manner of living. For it is written in Lev. 11:44-45, 'Be ye holy for I am holy,' saith the Lord!

3

The price of redemption

1 Peter 1:17-25

v. 17. Believers in this world are pilgrims and sojourners. Though we are in this world, we are not of it. We are natives here by our first birth, but our second birth makes us citizens of a heavenly country. We are here for a little while only. So if we call God our Father and if we call on God for his mercy and grace in Christ through this life and for life to come, let us do so in true reverence and fear of God and with sincerity of heart. For God, without respect of persons, is a true judge of the works of men. He looks on the heart, not on the outward flesh (John 6:28-29; Luke 16:15).

v. 18. You know that God did not redeem you from the useless way of life filled with tradition, ceremonialism, ritualism, and vain and useless things (received from your forefathers) with silver and gold. The price of redemption is higher than this. Peter is not talking about the corruption of human nature (from which we have certainly been redeemed) but about Judaism, with all of its vain religious show of outward self-righteousness.

v. 19. But you were purchased with the precious blood of Christ the Messiah, like that of a sacrificial lamb without spot or blemish. Christ's blood is human blood, only not tainted with sin. Christ's blood is the blood of one who is God as well as man and was freely shed in the stead of his people. Christ's blood is a sufficient price for our redemption because of who he is. It is precious blood (precious to the Father and to the believer) for a priceless purchase! (Matt. 26:28; Acts 20:28; Rom. 5:9; Eph. 2:13; Col. 1:20; Heb. 9:12; Rev. 1:5.)

v. 20. Christ was chosen and ordained to be our Surety and Saviour before the foundation of the world. Redemption of sinners by the blood of Christ was no after-thought of God when Adam fell. There was a Saviour provided before Adam fell (Rev. 13:8; Heb. 13:20; Acts 2:23). But he was brought out to public view and to public rejection and crucifixion in these last days.

v. 21. It was all for you, who by him do believe in God. Christ came to redeem all who believe (Matt. 1:21). He fulfilled all righteousness for us. He bore our sins in his body and rose for our justification. He ascended to the Father, where he ever liveth to make intercession for you.

1. It is by him that we believe, for faith is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8-9).

2. It is by him that we can approach God (John 14:6).

3. It is by him that we are accepted by God (Eph. 1:6).

4. It is by him that we can know God (1 Cor. 1:30). Our faith and hope have this sure foundation -- Christ has both risen and entered into glory. My Lord and Representative has won the battle and has already occupied heaven for me (John 14:2-3).

v. 22. The apostle now passes to another exhortation; namely, to brotherly love, seeing that you have been enabled by the Holy Spirit to lay hold of Christ by faith and by the blood of Christ. Your souls and hearts have been purified and cleansed and sanctified. See that you love one another fervently and sincerely with a pure heart, for the end of sanctification and the evidence of sanctification is love (1 John 3:14; John 13:35; 1 Cor. 13:1-3).

v. 23. We have been born again and belong to the same family, being born of the same Father; therefore, we ought to love as brethren. This glorious birth is not of natural seed, which serves only to corrupt us and impart an evil nature, but of holy seed, the Word of God, which lives and abides in us forever. Our first conception leads only back to the dust; our spiritual conception is eternal life! (James 1:18.)

v. 24. All flesh (all that is natural and of man) is like the grass of the field, which withers and dies. All of the honor and glory of the flesh is like the flower, which fades and finally drops off in death and decay (Isa. 40:6-8).

v. 25. But the word of God (by which he created the world and all things and by which he created us anew in Christ Jesus) abides forever (2 Cor. 4:6). This word is the gospel, which was preached to you!

4

Christ — the chief cornerstone

1 Peter 2:1-8

There is no subject more important than the nature and extent of the inward change that takes place when a man is savingly joined to Christ. Some think that this sanctification is God's work and that man has nothing to do with it. They say that God saves us, sanctifies us, and works his will in us; and we need give no concern to the matter of holiness. Others think that the work of sanctification and personal holiness is man's work entirely -- that God gives us the means and waits to see what we will make of ourselves.

Peter cuts both of these errors out by the roots. On the one hand he teaches that we are the elect of God, born of the Spirit, given a new nature, a new heart, a new direction, and indwelt by the Spirit of God. But on the other hand, this dramatic change is accomplished through knowledge and belief of the truth (2 Thess. 2:13; Mark 16:15-16). We are born again, but we are babes who must mature and grow. God has appointed means of growth -- the word, prayer, worship, fellowship, trials, personal determination and effort (2 Peter 1:5-8). 'God worketh in you both to will and to do his good pleasure' (Phil. 2:12-13).

v. 1. Peter exhorts us to lay aside (to be done with) these things that are disagreeable and contrary to spiritual life. Unfortunately, it is not a 'once for all' accomplishment but a continual effort of 'laying aside' the following:

1. Malice -- ill-will and ill-feeling toward others. Malice is born of self-love.

2. Guile or deceit. The word is used for all dishonest ways of gaining our goals. We must be men and women who speak the truth and who deal honestly with all men.

3. Hypocrisy. This is the opposite of sincerity. It is pretending to be what we aren't and speaking with our lips what is not in our hearts.

4. Envy is the natural effect of malice and reveals the absence of love. Envy is the uneasiness a person feels in the happiness, prosperity, or success of another.

5. Evil speaking. When we think of evil speaking, we usually think of blasphemy or dirty words; but perhaps the worst and most damaging form of evil speaking is gossip, slander, and criticism of others. Whispering and fault-finding do not reveal a work of grace in the heart. The exhortation is to lay these sins aside.

v. 2-3. 'As new born babes.' He takes for granted that we are born again and are little children in the family of God. Therefore, as a baby desires the breast, we should have the same hunger and thirst for the word of God that we may grow in grace, in love, in knowledge, in patience, in humility, and in faith. 'Sincere' milk is the pure, unmixed word of God. This is our real food -- not tradition nor man's ideas and thoughts about the word, but the word of God itself.

Verse 3 is in reference to Psalm 34:8. If we have indeed tasted and know by our own experience that the Lord has been good and gracious to us in Christ, we will seek to lay aside these fleshly deeds that are dishonoring to him and uncharacteristic of his children; and we will feed on his word, which is our bread and meat. The new man lives on spiritual food. 'The ear is the mouth of the mind.'

v. 4. 'To whom coming.' Believing on Christ and living in Christ are not isolated acts of faith but a continuous coming to Christ, a continual exercise of faith in his love, his grace, his blood, and his intercession. We came to Christ and we continue to come to Christ, 'looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.'

'As unto a living stone.' Peter is not the rock upon which the church is built, but Christ is that foundation stone (that stone that has life and gives life to the whole building). He was rejected and refused by religious leaders but chosen of the Father as Surety, Head of the church, Saviour of the body, and heir of all things.

v. 5-6. Believers are stones found in the same quarry as all men, dug out by God's grace, separated by God's spirit, and given life by Christ. We are made a spiritual building and become the house of God (Heb. 3:6). This is in distinction from the material tabernacle of old in which the presence of God dwelt in type. We are the tabernacle of God. We are a holy priesthood (like the priests of old) who offer sacrifices of faith, love, and praise, acceptable to God in Christ Jesus.

Verse 6 is a quotation from Isaiah 28:14-16. These false religionists sought acceptance, deliverance, and protection from judgment and condemnation in form, ceremony, and works. They were not afraid, for they felt secure in their false refuges. But their refuge of lies shall be destroyed. However, we can have assurance and confidence if our refuge is Christ; for he is the stone (precious and sure) that God laid and tried. He who rests in Christ shall never be put to shame.

v. 7-8. Unto you who have seen your guilt, who have seen your inability, who have seen your need of the Saviour, who have seen his grace and power to save, and who have received him as Prophet, Priest, and King, he is precious! He is precious in his person, in his sacrifice, in his offices, and in every way!

But to the unpersuaded and the unbelieving, the very stone which they rejected and refused has become the main cornerstone by the decree and act of God. Therefore, instead of being to them their foundation and refuge, he is a stone which causes them to stumble and is an offense to them (1 Cor. 1:23; Rom. 9:32-33; Matt. 26:31-33). They stumble at his birth and parentage, at his outward poverty, at his friends, at his doctrine, at his death. 'Whereunto they were appointed.' The Scripture says that Pharaoh hardened his heart, but it also says that God hardened Pharaoh's heart! The Scripture says that wicked men crucified Christ, but it says they did what God determined before to be done. We can say that stumbling and destruction is the appointed end of all who reject Christ, the cornerstone (Matt. 21:44); or we can say that those who willingly refuse Christ and stumble at his gospel of grace and substitution were vessels of wrath from the beginning (Rom. 9:22-23); and we would be right on both counts.

5

Free men — servants of God

1 Peter 2:9-16

v. 9. 'Ye are a chosen generation.' The Father chose us out of every nation of his own sovereign will and pleasure (not because of our faith, holiness, or works) to grace here and glory hereafter (Eph, 1:3-5; 2 Thess. 2:13.)

'A royal priesthood' (a kingdom of priests-'Rev. 5:9-10). We are kings to wear royal apparel (the robe of Christ's righteousness) and to reign with Christ forever. We are priests anointed by the Holy Spirit and allowed to draw nigh to God and offer up by Christ our spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise.

'A holy nation.' As Israel was separated from other nations and called the people of God, so we are true Israel, a special and holy nation (Phil. 3:3; Rom. 2:28-29).

'A peculiar people, 'or better, a special people to whom God bears a special love, favors with special blessings, and takes special care of (Deut. 7:6-8).

'That you should show the praise of him who called you.' Two important things are implied here.

1. We are saved to the praise of his glory and forever will be trophies of his grace so that all the universe might praise God for his mercy and grace (Eph. 1:6, 12, 14; Eph. 2:4-7).

2. We are responsible to show by our lives, our words, and our deeds the praises of our merciful God (Psalm 150:6). Let others see our godliness and glorify your Father.

v. 10. From eternity past we have always been the people of God, given to Christ, represented by Christ as our Surety, and in his covenant of grace. But before Christ was revealed to our hearts and we were born of his spirit, we were not his willing people, not his servants or sons, but children of wrath, even as others (Eph. 2:1-4). We knew nothing of his mercy, but now we have obtained or received mercy!

v. 11. Peter called them 'dearly beloved' to express his great love for them and to show that what he is about to teach comes from a sincere affection for them and a desire for their good. He calls them 'strangers and pilgrims' because they are strangers in an unfriendly world, they are different from the people about them, and they are bound for a better country.

'Abstain from fleshly lusts.' Every believer is still a human living in a natural body and subject to desires of the flesh and the body. Peter did not expect us to be totally free from these motions of sin; but he tells us to abstain from them, to suppress them, and refuse to give in to them; for they are enemies to spiritual peace, comfort, and growth. These cannot destroy the soul but can cause us much discomfort and unrest. Some of these fleshly lusts are pride, anger, jealousy, covetousness, envy, gossip, murmuring, and intemperance in all things.

v. 12. 'Conduct yourselves before your family, your fellow-workers, your neighbors, and your friends in an honest, righteous, and loving manner so that even though they speak of you as fanatics, radicals, hypocrites, etc., yet when real trial and examination is put upon you, when God visits you and them with affliction and trouble, they must admit that you are different, that you have something they do not have. Sometimes God visits us in prosperity, sometimes in disappointment, sometimes in joy, sometimes in sorrow. How you conduct yourselves under different tests will determine whether those who observe you glorify God or laugh at your profession.' (2 Sam. 12:14.)

vv. 13-14. The Christian is to obey all of the laws of the land. We are to live in our community, state, and nation as good and obedient citizens; for civil government and rulers are ordained of God for our good and for our peace. We are to submit to high authority and to inferior men of authority (Rom. 13:1-8).

v. 15. By doing good works, by living honest lives, by a right attitude toward leaders and those in authority, we will take away from the enemies of God one of their chief weapons -- a critical tongue! Your godly lives will silence the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish people.

v. 16. We are free men and women -- free from the curse and penalty of the law. We have freedom of access to God, but we are not free to sin; we are not free to live in contempt of laws that are binding on all men (God's laws and man's laws that are in accord with God's law). We are not free to despise government and authority. We show ourselves to be the true servants of God by a holy and honest life.

6

Honor to whom honor is due

1 Peter 2:17-25

v. 17. 'Honor all men' to whom honor is due, according to office, position, rank, authority, or circumstance, whether believers or unbelievers.

Husbands and wives are to honor and respect one another. Children are to honor, respect, and obey parents. Teachers and school officials are to be honored and held in great esteem. Pastors and elders are worthy of honor and respect. Government officials and all who are vested with civil authority are to be honored (Rom. 13:1-8).

'Love the brotherhood.' This is special, family love for all believers who are of the same body, spirit, and faith. We are taught of our Lord to hate no one, but to love all people and especially those of the faith of Christ. (1 Thess. 4:9.)

'Fear God.' This is not a slavish fear of wrath, judgment, and punishment, but a reverent and holy respect and awe before the living God. God is greatly to be feared, worshipped, and praised (Prov. 9:10; Eph. 5:21; 1 Peter 1:17).

'Honor the king.' The king or president of a nation holds a high office and represents authority. That office and authority are to be respected and honored regardless of who the man may be. We salute and speak respectfully not so much of the man as the office or authority he represents. It is a sad commentary on our times when people speak disrespectfully and joke carelessly about leaders and officials, especially of the highest office of the land.

v. 18. The unbelieving Jews had a notion that because they were the seed of Abraham, they ought not to be the servants of any. Some of the believers in Christ thought that they should not have to be subject to unbelieving masters since Christ was their master. They also had the idea that they should not have to serve and be obedient to believing masters since they were equally brothers in the Lord. Peter says that a workman, servant, or hired man is to be subject to, obey, and serve the person in authority with fear, respect, and loyalty whether he is a brother or an unbeliever. Faith does not do away with authority, a chain of command, and dedicated service (Eph. 6:5-7).

vv. 19-20. If a believer is a good and obedient wife, child, servant, or subject and suffers persecution, endures grief, and is mistreated, his conduct and attitude are well-pleasing to God. However, if one is rebellious, lazy, and disloyal and suffers the consequences, there is no glory nor honor if he endures it patiently. We must not call it bearing our cross and suffering for Christ when our difficulties are brought upon us because of our own evil attitude and behavior (Matt. 5:11-12).

v. 21. You were called to obedience, godliness, good works, and to bear whatever affliction, trial, and suffering that may result from a godly conversation (John 16:33; Phil. 1:29). If we must bear reproach and suffering in the pursuit of a true Christian conduct, then this is all part of our calling (2 Tim. 3:10-12).

vv. 22-23. Christ is our example! He committed no sin. He was in the world and did no sin. There was no guile, deceit, lies, or exaggeration in his mouth; yet he suffered. When men reviled him (calling him a devil, a winebibber, a friend of sinners), he did not revile them in return. When he suffered, he did not make them suffer in return nor did he threaten them with vengeance, but rather prayed for them. He committed his cause to the Father; he left his case with the Judge of all men, who will do right. This is our example! We may be misunderstood, ridiculed, and persecuted; but we are not to employ these same methods in our treatment of our enemies, but are to love and pray for them, leaving our cause in the hands of our Father! (Deut. 32:35; 1 Thess. 5:15.)

vv. 24-25. Christ bore our sins in his body on the cross that we might be Justified, pardoned, and redeemed before God and that we, being dead to this world, should live righteously and godly. We were as sheep going astray, walking our own way; but by his grace and mercy, we have come back to our Shepherd and Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. We live not to please ourselves but to please him who redeemed us! (Rom.6:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:14-17.)

7

Husbands and wives

1 Peter 3:1-7

v. 1. In the preceding chapter the apostle speaks of giving honor, obedience, and respect to kings, magistrates, and people who hold an office or a position of leadership and authority. This chapter begins with 'likewise' (in the same manner) as the husband is the leader and ruling authority in the home, the wife is to be in subjection. Other Scriptures dealing with this subject are Gen. 3:16; 1 Cor. 11:3, and Eph. 5:22-24. A woman who desires to be in God's will shall love her husband, speak respectfully of him and to him, and seek to carry out his wishes in family affairs.

Peter explains that one reason for this is that, if the husband is not a believer, he will be impressed by the behavior and spiritual attitude of his wife and will seek the mercy of the Lord. Peter is not teaching that a man is saved without hearing the gospel; but it is not the arguments, nagging, and talking of religion by the wife that impress him, but her godly attitude and conduct.

v. 2. When the unbelieving partner observes the modest and holy conduct of his wife, along with her love for and faith in Christ, together with a reverence for his authority, he will be impressed and may be led to seek the Lord. A rebellious, contentious, and bossy wife can never impress an unbelieving husband. Her religion is vain (James 2:18-20).

v. 3. 'Whose adorning.' Let it not be only outward such as the hair, jewelry, and clothing of the body. The apostle is not condemning the proper care and beauty of the hair. There were women among the Jews whose business it was to plait and care for women's hair. He is not forbidding the moderate use of jewelry. (The daughters of Abraham were supplied with such things—Gen. 24:22, 30, 47, 53.) He is not forbidding neat, attractive, modest clothing which is suitable to age, character, and station in life; but he is saying that believing women should not so much regard and be so intent on the adorning of their bodies and the outward signs of beauty as they should be concerned with the beauty of a godly character, attitude, and personality. The beauty of the heart and mind and soul is real beauty (1 Tim. 2:9-10).

v. 4. Women (and men), let your care and concern be toward making beautiful the inward person (called 'the hidden man' because it is not seen with the natural eye as the corruptible, outward ornaments are seen). Far better to be known for the inward beauty of a meek and quiet spirit which lasts eternally than to impress people for a while with corruptible ornaments and outward beauty that will soon fade and wither away (Luke 16:15; Matt. 23:25-28).

v. 5. This is the example set for us by all the women of the past who trusted in God. Their adorning and marks of beauty came not from outward wardrobes, Jewelry, and hairstyles; but they were in subjection to the law of God, submissive wives, and good mothers (Titus 2:3-5). Nothing is less attractive or uglier than a woman trying to rule a home or a church (1 Tim. 2:8-15).

v. 6. Sarah journeyed with Abraham wherever he went, did the things he asked her to do, and respectfully called him her Lord. You women can be called the true daughters of Sarah as you follow her example, not being shaken by fear for your security, your rights, your pride, or your station in life. After all, you are not seeking the praise of people but the praise of the Lord.

v. 7. Likewise (in the same manner), there is an honor, respect, and recognition to be given to the wife by her husband.

1. 'Dwell with your wives according to knowledge.' Use wisdom and good sense. Your wife is not a slave, but a loving companion. She is not a subject to be ordered about by a rod of law, but apart of you to be instructed in love.

2. 'Give honor to the wife.' There are several honors that crown the head of a woman. She was created by God as she is in order to bring joy, companionship, and comfort to man (1 Cor. 11:9). She is a man's wife. There is no one closer or of more importance to him on this earth (Gen. 2:24). She is a mother (Gen. 3:20). What could carry more honor, respect, or recognition as far as this world of flesh is concerned than to bring forth a son or a daughter?

3. 'Treat her as a weaker vessel;' that is, with tenderness, gentleness, and kindness. Real strength shines brighter when it can carry a great load and at the same time caress a flower. The man who holds his wife in contempt holds God in contempt, for she is a gift from God.

4. She is to be looked upon as a joint-heir with you of the grace of God. She is a daughter of our blessed King; therefore, to abuse her, mistreat her, and to treat her with contempt is to incur the wrath of her Father and to hinder your prayers and fellowship with him (Eph. 5:25).

9

He that will love life and see good days

1 Peter 3:8-14

v. 8. 'Finally.' Having finished the subject respecting citizens and magistrates, servants and masters, husbands and wives, Peter sums up the whole matter with the following words:

'Be ye all of the same mind' whatever difference in sex, station, position, or age. Be of the same mind toward God; seek his will, his glory, his acceptance. Be of the same mind toward one another; we are all children of his family. Be of the same mind toward the good and growth of his church. 'He that is not for me is against me.'

'Have compassion one of another.' Sympathize, not criticize! Weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.

'Love as brethren.' That is, love ALL of the believers, love as Christ loved us, love without hypocrisy in deed, not in word only, and love continually, for true love never dies. How will this love be expressed? In praying for one another, in forgiving one another, in sharing with one another both temporal and spiritual needs, and in seeking out one another for fellowship and encouragement.

'Be pitiful.' The word here is compassionate and tender (Eph. 4:32).

'Be courteous.' Be friendly, seeking those things which are most agreeable and beneficial to others. Avoid moody pouting, stiffness, and pride.

v. 9. 'Not rendering evil for evil.' That is, if you feel that someone has slighted you, ignored you, or wronged you, do not get even by returning the same treatment or attitude; rather, forgive them and love them. It could be a total misunderstanding on your part; but even if not, we are to forgive others as God forgives us.

'Or railing for railing.' That is, do not return harsh language and tongue lashing to such as have given it to you. It is a terrible temptation to answer back in the way we have been addressed; but it is not the way of our Lord, who, when he was reviled, reviled not again.

'Knowing that you are thereunto called.' You are called. You are called to love, not hate; to bless, not curse; to forgive, not revenge; to mercy, not Judgment; to demonstrate the Spirit of Christ, not the spirit of evil. You are called to inherit a blessing and to be a blessing.

vv. 10-12. This is taken from Psalm 34:12-16. It is referring to the man who desires to live a true spiritual life, who desires communion with God, who wants the blessings of Christ on him, and who wishes to be like Christ.

1. Let him refrain his tongue from lies, slander, gossip, harsh words, criticism, and boasting.

2. Let him turn away from evil and seek righteousness, avoid the company and conversation of evil men and seek the company of believers, avoid the appearance of evil and do good.

3. Let him not only desire peace with God, himself, and his fellow-men, but let him pursue it with strong resolution! Too many sit back and talk of their willingness to love, forgive, and show kindness if someone would like to have it. Don't be just a friend of peace and good will -- be a promoter!

4. The eyes of the Lord are upon us. He knows our thoughts, our motives, and our attitudes; and his ears are open to hear those who seek peace and righteousness. We may deceive others and even ourselves, but not our Lord. It is not nearly so much action as it is attitude and spirit which bring the Lord's wrath; for his face is against those who have a bitter spirit, a self-righteous spirit, a proud spirit, and an unforgiving spirit. Let us remember 1 Sam. 16:7. This is perhaps the greatest error of today's religionist and is the place of greatest danger for the true believer -- forgetting that God sees, knows, and measures the hearts of men!

v. 13. What harm can possibly come to you for walking with God, fulfilling the will and commandments of God, and seeking to imitate the Spirit and mind of Christ? (Rom. 8:31-35; Psalm 1.)

v. 14. But in case you should suffer for the truth you believe, and for the humble spirit of Christ you demonstrate, and for returning good for evil, consider yourself to be blessed and even to be envied (Matt. 5:10-12). Do not be afraid of the opponents of truth or troubled by their hatred. The presence and blessings of the Lord are upon his own! his special blessings are upon them when they suffer for righteousness!

10

A good conscience toward God

1 Peter 3:15-22

v. 15. 'Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.' (Lev. 10:3.) God is essentially, infinitely, and perfectly holy. We do not make him so; but we declare, proclaim, and regard him to be our Holy and sovereign Lord in two ways.

1. Externally. The Lord is sanctified by his people externally when they obey his commands, worship him together, praise and call upon him, and declare publicly his glory.

2. Internally. This verse exhorts us to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts. Unless we truly love, believe, praise, and worship him in our hearts, ail of our outward forms and claims are hypocrisy! It is mockery to talk of God's sovereignty and glory with my lips if I do not believe it and bless God in my heart.

'Be ready to give an answer.' When a person asks you to tell him why you believe your sins are pardoned, why you believe that your name is written in heaven, and why you believe that you are not under condemnation but hope to reign eternally with Christ, be ready always to give him a scriptural answer. It is because Christ Jesus is your righteousness before the law, Christ Jesus is your justifier by his blood, and Christ Jesus is your mediator before God's throne!

Give that answer in a humble fashion, for we are what we are by the grace of God. Give that answer with 'the fear of the Lord,' being careful that he gets all the glory for your blessings. Give that answer courteously and respectfully; it may be that the person is a true seeker.

v. 16. If we are going to profess before men that we are the sons of God, if we are going to lay claim to a part in the family and body of Christ, let us make sure that we have a true inward communion with him. It is with the heart that man believes unto righteousness. They may slander you, revile you, and ridicule you; but if your relationship with Christ is genuine, you will be vindicated (Matt. 5:44). In behaving humbly and graciously before your enemies, you will cause them to be ashamed of their attitude and conduct toward you.

v. 17. All things are ordered by the will of God (Dan. 4:35), even the sufferings and afflictions of his people (which is the reason these afflictions should be borne with patience). So if it is the will of God for you to suffer for righteousness, it is certainly better than suffering for evil, as all men shall who know not God! (Phil. 1:29; 2 Tim. 3:12.)

v. 18. We can approach this verse from two directions.

1. Christ, our example. If we as believers (sincere and honest in our faith before God and before men) are ridiculed, misunderstood, and called upon to suffer unjustly, remember that Christ, the Just, Holy, and sinless Son of God, was despised and hated of men. He suffered not for his sins but for our sins, that he might bring us to God, that he might fulfill God's eternal will.

2. Christ, our redeemer. God is holy, righteous, and just! He will in no way and under no circumstances clear the guilty. His law must be honored, and his justice must be satisfied. If God chooses to justify and forgive us, he must do it in a way consistent with his holiness and righteousness. This is why Christ came, why he obeyed the law in the flesh, why he died on the cross, that God might be just, holy, and righteous in the display of his love and mercy (Rom. 3:19-26).

v. 19. Christ was put to death in his human body; but he was raised from the dead by his Divine nature, by his eternal spirit. Christ existed in his eternal nature and spirit before the worlds, before Abraham, in the days of Noah. Christ (by his spirit and nature in which he became our surety, our representative, by which he was raised from the dead) preached to men who are now in the regions of the damned. The gospel of God's Lamb is no new message. It is the word of faith in and by the Spirit of Christ that all the prophets preached (Acts 10:43; Rom. 1:1-2).

v. 20. Christ (by his spirit) went in the ministry of Noah (the preacher of righteousness) and preached to those wicked, disobedient people. Noah preached and built an ark before their eyes. This was not just Noah alone, but the Spirit of God speaking, warning, teaching!

v. 21. The baptism of a believer is a picture or figure like the ark of Noah. The family of Noah went into the ark and were shut in by God, representing a burial. They were covered by water from above and beneath (immersed in water). They came out as in resurrection, delivered from death and judgment which claimed all others. When a believer is baptized, it is a figure of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection and of our death to sin and self, our burial with Christ, and our being raised with Christ to walk in newness of life. It is not baptism that saves but whom baptism represents! It is not the cleansing of the flesh, but a living union with Christ in the heart (1 Cor. 1:17-18).

v. 22. Christ is seated on the right hand of God; and all angels (good and bad), all authorities, kings, governors, rulers, demons, power in heaven, earth, and hell, and all flesh are subject to him (John 17:2; Matt. 28:18).

11

Why we do what we do

1 Peter 4:1-11

v. 1. 'Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh.' The eternal, holy, Son of God took upon himself the likeness of sinful flesh and suffered reproach, indignities, the curse of the law, the wrath of God, and even death for us.

'Arm yourselves with the same mind.' As he suffered for you, be prepared to suffer whatever persecution, reproaches, and self-denials you may be called upon to suffer for righteousness sake, for the sake of him and his gospel.

'He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.' Two true implications are given here.

1. Christ, who bore our sins in his body, suffered for them, and died for them, is now clear of these sins. The sins imputed to him (for which he made satisfaction) are gone! In Christ we are justified and freed from the charge of sin, the condemnation of sin, and the curse of sin. We stand in God's sight as if we had never sinned.

2. The person who is crucified with Christ, buried with Christ, and risen with Christ has ceased to be the servant of sin, self, and the world. He has not ceased from the burden of it nor a continual war with it, but he has ceased from the servitude and dominion of sin through divine grace and is the bond-slave of Christ.

v. 2. We are sons of God, saved by his grace; but we are still in this world, and we have a time left to spend here. However, we are not going to spend the remaining days of our natural lives dominated by fleshly appetites and desires; but we will live our days here ruled by the will of God. We desire to live righteously, soberly, and godly in this world, motivated and constrained by the love of God.

v. 3. Before we met Christ and were born of his spirit, we lived as heathens and pagans (Eph. 2:1-5). The things that we now hate, we once loved; the things that are now shame to us were once our delight. We have no cause to judge and condemn those who exploit the flesh, for we ourselves were in the same darkness (Titus 3:2-3).

v. 4. The people of the world do not understand you. They think it strange that you do not enjoy and take part in their evil. How can you not find sin a pleasure and a delight? How can you enjoy godliness and religion? They don't. They call you fools, fanatics, and do-gooders. They don't understand you; but you understand them, for you were once like them.

v. 5. They shall one day have to give an account to Christ, who is ready to Judge the living (when he comes) and the dead (Rev. 20:11-15). To those who are in Christ there is no judgment, but all who die in their sins shall be judged justly and fairly according to their works (Rom. 8:1.)

v. 6. This is the reason the gospel of Christ was preached to those who are now dead (such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and all of the Old Testament believers) that, though they were still men in the flesh, subject to like passions, chastened of God, hated and misunderstood by natural men, they lived then and now live for the glory of God in the spirit. They lived by faith then, walking in the Spirit; and they live eternally now by God's grace! The same gospel of Christ quickened them that now makes us live in the spirit (Rom. 1:1-3; John 5:46; John 8:56.)

v. 7. The end of your life is near; we are sure of that, but also the end of the world is near. Christ is coming, and the day of his wrath is at the door. Therefore, be serious, be solemn, and call upon God in prayer for his mercy in Christ for yourselves, your children, and your kinsmen according to the flesh (Rom. 10:1).

v. 8. Above all things have a genuine and unfailing love for one another; for real love will overlook, disregard, and forgive the infirmities, failures, and sins of others (Prov. 10:12). If you remember what you were (except for God's grace), what you could be, and really care for the welfare of others, you will forgive and overlook their infirmities (Matt. 6:14-15.)

v. 9. Generosity and hospitality are marks of grace, not only to our friends and families but to strangers, the poor who come our way, and all whom it is in our power to help. We must learn to share what God has given us and deal in mercy with others without murmuring, doing it with a cheerful spirit as representing Christ (Eph. 4:32).

v. 10. There is nothing which we have in nature or grace that is not the gift of God (1 Cot. 4:7). As each of you have received a particular talent, divine endowment, or certain power in certain areas (whether physical, material, or spiritual), employ that talent as a faithful steward of the many-sided grace of God. God did not bring us into his body for our comfort and satisfaction alone, but for his glory and the good of the whole body of Christ.

v. 11. Whoever preaches or teaches, let him declare the word of God according to the Scriptures. Whoever renders service, let him do it according to the strength and ability God has given him. Whoever prays, sings, gives, witnesses, waits on tables, relieves the sick and poor, visits the widows and orphans, or in any way makes a contribution to the kingdom of God, let him do it without complaining, with strength of purpose, out of gratitude and love to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ -- to whom be praise and glory forever and ever!

12

Rejoicing in trials and afflictions

1 Peter 4:12-19

v. 12. Beloved believers, do not be amazed and bewildered by difficult trials and afflictions which come upon you. Afflictions, trials, and sufferings are the common lot of God's people in all ages. God has only one Son without sin—none without suffering! For even Christ our Lord suffered hatred, reproach, and contradiction (John 16:1-3, 33). Trials in the life of a believer are not by chance but are by appointment and according to the will of God (Phil. 1:29). Trials and afflictions try the graces of believers.

1. They try our faith, which becomes more precious through trial.

2. They try our love for Christ, which cannot be dimmed or drowned in the floods of suffering.

3. They try our hope of eternal life, weaning us from fleshly foundations.

4. They try our profession of religion, revealing whether it is in Christ's person or in the loaves and fishes he provides (John 2:23-25).

Trials are not strange and unusual for the true believer, but they are the common lot of all who will live Godly in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 3:12).

v. 13. Rejoice and glory in trials and afflictions brought upon you by the will of God and for the sake of the gospel of Christ (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

1. Rejoice that the hand of God is upon you in mercy, making you like Christ, creating saving graces in you, and counting you worthy to suffer for his glory.

2. Rejoice that you are blessed to share the sufferings of Christ, being identified with him in a world that rejects and hates him (John 15:18-20).

3. Rejoice that when his full glory is revealed at the last day, you that have been identified with him, suffered with him, and confessed him, will be glorified with him (2 Tim. 2:12; Matt. 10:32-33).

v. 14. When religionists and others speak evil of you and persecute you for your faith in Christ Jesus and your belief in his gospel of sovereign grace, do not be downcast and blue. Be happy! You are to be envied, for you are truly blessed of God; the Spirit of God rests upon you. They are blaspheming the name, work, and Lordship of Christ; but you are glorifying him by your faith, your loyalty, and your willingness to praise him in a wicked and evil generation (Matt. 5:10-12).

v. 15. Let none of you suffer as a murderer—who hates others, destroys character and reputation by gossip and slander, or who wishes misfortune on others. Let none of you suffer as a thief -- who robs men of the love you owe them and the gospel message you are sent to share. Let none of you suffer as an evildoer -- who breaks either the laws of God or the laws of men. Let none of you suffer as a meddler or a busybody -- who takes upon himself to manage, direct, or command the affairs and lives of others.

v. 16. If you are privileged to suffer for being a true believer in Christ, for loving his word, his gospel, and his grace, and for declaring the gospel of substitution, do not be ashamed; but give glory to God that you are counted worthy to suffer in his name and for his glory.

v. 17. 'The house of God' is the household of God or the true sons of God. The time has arrived when God will judge his people, not for their sins (there is no judgment or condemnation in Christ); but by trial, affliction, and suffering he will try and prove their faith, love, and trust. They will be proven beyond doubt to be his own, as he proved the faith and love of Abraham by severe trial. If God is pleased to put his children through the furnace of affliction to prove their faith, what shall be the fate of those who bear his infinite wrath? (Psalm 37:38; Psalm 73:17-18.)

v. 18. If the believer is saved with difficulty because of the holiness of God's law and the strictness of his righteous justice (which required the perfect obedience and infinite suffering of his only begotten Son), what shall become of the ungodly and the unbeliever? Since 'God spared not his own Son' (Rom. 8:32), will he spare the ungodly?

v. 19. Therefore, let us who are predestined by the sovereign will and wisdom of our God to suffer and endure trials for his glory commit our souls to him who created us for his glory and who will never leave us nor forsake us!

13

Humility in his service

1 Peter 5:1-14

v. 1. Peter is not speaking to the elders in age but to the men whose business it is to teach and preach the word of God. Most believe that an elder is tied to a particular church, while an apostle has authority in all the churches. Peter calls himself an elder and an apostle, a witness of the sufferings of Christ and of the glory of Christ, having been with the Lord all the days of his ministry and his transfiguration. However, today's elders also are witnesses or preachers of his suffering and glory, having seen them by faith.

v. 2. Elders and pastors are to feed the people of God the word of God (John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28). Elders are to take the leadership of the church, not by coercion or constraint but willingly, not motivated by advantage, pay, personal power, and praise but for the glory of God with a cheerful spirit (Heb. 13:7, 17).

v. 3. Pastors and elders are not to rule with an iron hand over God's people as though they were kings and lords; but being examples and patterns of love, kindness, honesty, and doctrinal soundness, they are to lead the church.

v. 4. Pastors are called shepherds in the Scriptures, but really we are but under-shepherds. Christ is the great Shepherd -- the chief shepherd; and when he shall appear, the faithful pastors and elders shall hear the Master say, 'Well done.' This crown of glory is God's eternal glory and happiness. Like the crown of righteousness, it shall be to all those who love his appearing (2 Tim. 4:8).

v. 5. Since the elders and pastors are usually men of years and proven experience (1 Tim. 3:4-6), the younger would be those younger in the faith as well as in age. The younger in the church are to give due respect to spiritual leaders and are to follow their teaching and counsel as it is true to the Scriptures.

Every member of the body is to be clothed in humility, with freedom from arrogance and pride toward one another. God sets himself against the proud, the overbearing, the boastful, and the presumptuous; and he gives grace and blessings to the humble (Eph. 4:1-2).

v. 6. Therefore, humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. Below and patiently bear every affliction, look not on your own things but on the welfare and happiness of others, work graciously for the glory of God and the good of the church, do the humble tasks, look not for recognition and praise; for sooner or later the truly humble and gracious will be exalted by the Lord God! (Matt. 23:11-12; John 13:12-17.)

v. 7. Cast all of your cares, your worries, your anxieties, your concerns, and your fears once and for all on Christ. He cares for you affectionately, having loved you from the beginning; and he cares for you watchfully, giving his angels charge over you (Heb. 1:14; Heb. 13:5-6).

v. 8. 'Be sober and vigilant.' There are several things that are indicated here.

1. Sobriety or moderation in the use of wine, along with watchfulness over our conduct and attitude, for the glory of Christ.

2. Seriousness of mind and carefulness to maintain sound beliefs and practices personally and in the church.

3. Sincerity in our profession, our prayers, and our worship, trying the spirits whether they be of God.

All of this is necessary because your enemy, the devil, roams about like a hungry lion seeking someone to seize upon (Luke 22:31; Job 1:8-12).

v. 9. Withstand temptation and fight against error of spirit and flesh. Be firm in your faith, rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus, knowing that all believers throughout the whole world have the same conflicts, the same trials, and the same enemy! (John 16:33; 2 Tim. 3:10-12.)

vv. 10-11. After you have suffered awhile in this world, the God of all grace (who chose you in Christ, redeemed you by his mercy, and called you to repentance and faith by his spirit) will complete and make you what you ought to be and what he predestined you to be -- just like his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ! (Phil. 1:6.)

To him be the glory for all things! (1 Peter 4:11.)

v. 12. Peter sent this letter by Silas, who is mentioned often in the book of Acts.

v. 13. Marcus is probably John Mark.

v. 14. A kiss of love is an expression of true Christian affection.