LESSON 9 • The Christian's Glorious Inheritance
1 Peter 1: 1-12

For some bible experts, I Peter is among the most beloved books. It is written out of the love of a pastor's heart to help people who were going through suffering and on whom worse things were still to come.

Outline

I Peter 1: 1-2 To God's Chosen People, Strangers in the World
I Peter 1:3-9 Suffering, Glory, and Eternal Inheritance
I Peter 1: 10-12 Fulfillment of Prophesy

Date

Some scholars place the writing of the Letter between the death of James, the Lord's brother, in AD 62 and the outbreak of Nero's persecution in AD 64. The death of James emphasized the breach between Church and Synagogue and exposed Christians to persecution by removing them from special privileges allowed to the Jewish religion by the Roman authorities. In AD 64, the great fire of Rome broke out. Nero, who probably set the fire himself in order to build a "new Rome", placed the blame on the Christians. Nero's persecution of the Christians in and around Rome was very severe. 

Other scholars believe that Peter may have written the letter immediately after Paul's martyrdom in AD 66 to encourage the new Christians to bear up under their suffering.

Origin and Destination

It has traditionally been believed that Peter wrote the letter from Rome although it is not directly mentioned in the book. The first verse lists the recipient churches, all in Northern Asia Minor. For the most part, Paul confined his activities to southern Galatia and Asia. This fact is one of the greatest proofs of the immense missionary activity of the early Church apart altogether from the missionary activities of Paul. The churches are listed in the order that the messengers bearing the letter would reach them. Some of the members may have been Jews, but many were Gentiles. 

Purpose

I Peter is a circular letter written to Christians who were already enduring suffering and expected to be further tried, exhorting them to courage, hope and faithfulness and directing their hearts to the great Example of suffering meekly borne by the Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout the letter, suffering is revealed as essential to Christianity. 

I Peter 1: 1-2
Peter calls us strangers in the world. We are a chosen people temporarily residing on earth but whose home is in heaven. Surely there can be no greater compliment and privilege in all the work than to be chosen by God. The fact that we are chosen means that the honor and the work of God are delivered into our hands. 

I Peter 1: 3-9
v. 3. Peter begins this section with praising God for our rebirth; the Christian is a man who has been reborn. We have become so different that the only thing that can be said is that life has begun all over again. Even better, the Christian is reborn into a "living hope" through the resurrection of Christ Jesus. Because Jesus conquered even death, we have a living hope, which nothing can destroy, and therefore, there is nothing to fear. 
v. 4. Still further, the Christian has entered into a great inheritance. The Greek meaning of the word used here for inheritance is the word that is used frequently in the Old Testament for the inheritance of Canaan, the Promised Land. But the Christian inheritance is even greater for it is heavenly, not earthly. It will never "perish, spoil, or fade". The Christian will be lifted into a world where peace and joy and serenity cannot be touched by the chaos of life.
vv. 5-7. It is in these verses that Peter addresses the trials that the Christian will have to face. Peter reminds the Christians that there were several reasons why they can withstand anything. We are shielded (1) by God's power and (2) by our own faith. Peter describes the trials we will face as "manifold". He also uses the same Greek word once more in his writings to describe the grace of God. Whatever life is doing to us, the grace of God will enable us to meet it and to overcome it. Peter claims a tested faith is valuable (greater worth than gold) and reflective of the glory of Christ Jesus, who was also glorified in His suffering. Just as gold is refined by the fire, trials are not meant to take the strength out of us but to make us stronger. 
v. 8. The essence of faith is that it does not require sight or proof. It is our confidence of seeing the unveiled glory of Christ that enables us to rejoice amidst our tribulations. 

I Peter 1: 10-12
Old Testament prophets, knowing that there was more meaning to their words, scrutinized their message. Peter also says, "Angels desire to look into these things." Can you imagine what that must be like? The angels have seen how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies with His birth, life, death and resurrection. The angels have seen many things. Quite possibly, what they desire to see is what God is going to do now through us. 

Summary

In summary, suffering is not beyond the control or purpose of God. But suffering was the very route by which God's son wrought His wonderful salvation, the pathway whereby we, as His many sons, are to be brought to the glory. 


Discussion

1) We all experience pain of some kind. Why does God allow suffering? Can good result? Does God care? In short, the early Church must have been asking the questions that occur to any Christian who goes through great trial. 
2) Are we able to see the "benefits" of suffering when it is occurring, or only as we later reflect back on the experience?
3) Why is the believer's hope described as a "living hope"?
4) How does Peter tell us faith is essential to our overcoming suffering and trials?
5) How did the Holy Spirit impact the work of the prophets, and how did the Holy Spirit contribute to the faith or understanding of the believers? Can you see a pattern?



References

Barclay, William. The Letters of James and Peter. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1960. Halley, Henry H. Halley's Bible Handbook. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1965.
Sermon written by Davis, J.D. The Significance of Our Faith.



~ Kate Dalton

I am married to Carter Dalton and have two children, Mackenzie (7) and John (4). Before I moved to Little Rock, I was a CPA and accountant for 7 years. Since moving to Little Rock 6 years ago, I have stayed at home and tried to be involved in family, church and community. At church, I have served in the Women's Ministry committee, Women's Bible study and as a Bible class teacher.