Peter’s Letters to the Elect Exiles
2024 January – March
Blessed Be the God and Father
2024 January 7
1 Peter 1:1-12: Peter gives the elect exiles reasons to praise God, based on his mercy and power. It is an expression of his grace toward us and the glory he has planned for us. So that we love him, believe in him and rejoice in our salvation in him.
Hoping on Grace
2024 January 14
1 Peter 1:13 – 2:3: Because we have been ransomed through Jesus and we are anticipating the revelation of Jesus, Peter helps us understand three keys in how we spend our time in exile: 1) preparing your minds for action; 2) being sober-minded; and 3) having your hope set fully on God’s grace.
As You Come to Him
2024 January 21
1 Peter 2:4-10: Peter reminds the elect exiles of who Jesus is, who they are in Him, and what we are to do.
Gracious Good
2024 January 28
1 Peter 2:11-20: Peter reminds these exiles that they have two wars: their flesh and the unbelievers. So they must learn to abstain from the passions of the flesh, have honorable conduct, do good, live as free people, and endure suffering.
Shepherd and Overseer
2024 February 11
1 Peter 2:21-25: Peter reminds these exiles that they have two wars: their flesh and the unbelievers. So they must learn to abstain from the passions of the flesh, have honorable conduct, do good, live as free people, and endure suffering. In this lesson, we examine the example that Jesus set for us.
Be Subject
2024 February 25
1 Peter 2:13-3:12: Peter’s exhortation to be subject to government, masters, husbands, wives, and that all of us are thoughtful of others is difficult for most of us, especially when we face suffer because of those who are unjust. Peter reminds us that because of our relationship with God, we must continue to do good, especially by sharing the good news of Jesus with them.
You Will Be Blessed
2024 March 3
1 Peter 3:13-22: As Peter continues to encourage us through our exile, he reminds us that though we my suffer and come to harm, God wants to bless us. So we don’t have to fear or be troubled, we keep Jesus in our hearts as Lord, and we tell others of our hope. The example of Christ reminds us that Jesus suffered also, but was blessed.
Arm Yourselves
2024 March 24
1 Peter 4:1-11: Peter continues his encouragement about how we cope with the suffering that comes to Jesus’ elect exiles. Now he tells us to arm ourselves with the same thinking as Jesus. In this case he points out four important areas: ceasing from sin, living for God’s will, above all loving, showing hospitality, and serving one another. In doing all these things, God is glorified.
The Fiery Trial
2024 April 7
1 Peter 4:12-19: Peter prepares us for the sufferings we will face during the fiery trial, suffering he is familiar with as he considers the life of Jesus and his own life. He reminds us that it’s not strange or surprising. That it is a test and it is God’s will and we should not be ashamed. There is shame if we suffer for murder, theft, evil doing and meddling.
Responding To The Fiery Trial
2024 April 21
1 Peter 4:12-19: Peter prepares us for the sufferings we will face during the fiery trial, suffering he is familiar with as he considers the life of Jesus and his own life. He reminds us to rejoice and look forward, to glorify God, to trust God, and to do good.