1. The Christian's sufferings - 1 Peter 1:1-25; 2:1-20
2. Christ has suffered for us - 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:1-22; 4:1-19
3. Exhortation to be strong and closing salutations - 1 Peter 5:1-14
1st Peter - Timeless Truths for Tough Times - I have been blessed to be in a ladies Bible study for the past 5+ years studying the book of 1st Peter inductively. We are finishing verse 5 and will begin verse 6 sometime in 2011. If you have never availed yourself of the opportunity to study inductively, here are a couple of articles to get you started: How To Study Inductively, which has an in interesting side story about being observant with that which is placed before you. The next is an 8 part article also titled, How To Study Inductively, they reference Websters 1828 dictionary for definitions of words. I have always used the Strong's Concordance which can be found online here or here, or as part of the free Bible software at E-Sword, which also includes a variety of translations, dictionary and commentaries.
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:7-9)
It was specifically verse 7 that I was focused upon, however I did not want to fragment the verse. This verse reminds me of another about our works being tried by fire.
1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
This passage has been brought to my attention time and again. Father's reminding me to be cognizant of HIS son's eventual return to claim His (Jesus') betrothed. I am saddened with the thought that I may stand before Him and have nothing left but the foundation. Will that which I do stand the fire of HIS scrutiny? Will all that I have done this side of glory be burnt as if hay, wood and stubble? Will ought of that which I thought to offer unto Him come through as gold, silver or precious gems?
1Pe 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
1Pe 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
We all need to take warning, the Master's return draws closer every day, we are commanded to be diligently looking and craving for that day. We ought not to be as the unwise servant:
Luke 12:46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
Luke 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
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