1 Peter: Participation in Christ (4:12-5:14)

Topics in 1 Peter 4:12-19

Fiery Ordeal

• Christians should not see suffering as strange because of the backwards way of their kingdom Suffer for the Name

o Christians should not be surprised at their suffering since they are in participation with Christ who suffered at the hands of the world.

o Reproaches should be seen as a test of allegiance

o Suffering is bearing witness for Christ and a cause to rejoice

o Suffering looks like shame to the world, but it is actually glory

o Those who suffer innocently can with confidence put themselves in God’s hands who will make all things right

Judgement in the Household of God

• Judgement beginning in the household of the Lord is an OT concept (Ez 9:6, Amos 3:2, Mal 3:1-5).

• Judgement does not necessarily equal punishment for the believers. It is connected to the testing/fiery ordeal

Topics in 1 Peter 5:1-7

Witness

• The early followers of Jesus weren’t just ordinary witnesses who could be called upon to give their testimony in a court setting. By bearing witness or sharing their experience with the risen Jesus, they ran the risk of persecution and even death. What’s interesting is that the Greek word for witness, μάρτυς (mártus) began over time to carry the connotation of martyr—someone who is willing to suffer or even die for bearing witness to King Jesus. In the New Testament, we begin to see this association with witnesses and martyrdom.

Elders, Shepherds, Flocks

• Considering the sufferings of Christ Peter exhorts church leaders in their responsibility towards God’s flock. They are not merely caretakers for a time, but they are to equip the church to persevere.

Young, Old, and Humility

o The Greek word for humility here was a derogatory word meaning “the mindset of a slave/servant”. But for the Christians this was the way of Christ (Phil 2:1-11= Kenosis).

Topics in 1 Peter 5:8-14

The Devil and resistance

o Peter is seeing the persecution connected to the deceiver the one who is behind the false gods, idols, and empire.

Stand firm

• Jesus is the example. He humbled himself in submission to God even to death on the cross. The cross in the world POV looks like a loss, not a victory, but it was actually the greatest victory of all. Christians are called to do likewise.

Perfection (in Christ)

• Perfection is better thought of as wholeness or completeness, not in a strictly moral sense.

• Peter uses Paul’s favorite phrase for Christianity- “In Christ”

• This indicates the importance of location. Either in Christ or in the world

• God in Christ will bring about all the things in this verse, but we must be connected to him through submission, humility, and allegiance.

If you have questions on 1 Peter please email Ryan@expedition44.com or matt@mtzn.com and we’ll try to address them in the series conclusion episode