Read 1 Peter 1:1-5 – The Blessings of Salvation
1. Review verses 1 and 2 from last week’s lesson. What do you recall about the author and recipients of the letter?
2. Peter is going to begin his letter speaking of salvation. Just thinking about it causes him to shout out in praise! How is God described in verse 3a?
3. The way of salvation has been given to us because of God’s abundant mercy, not because of any worthiness or action on our part. Define mercy.
a. Apart from God’s mercy, we have no hope; we are condemned. All that we have experienced as Christians – God’s love, goodness, patience, kindness, forgiveness – is only possible because of His mercy. How is God’s mercy described in verse 3?
b. How does Titus 3:4-7 add to our understanding?
4. The term “begotten us again” means “born again” (See John 3:3). We have been born again to a living hope.
a. Through what means have we been born again? (vs 3)
b. Our living hope is not wishful thinking, but rather is a confident hope that will continue on for eternity. It is the eternal life we have been granted. A “living hope” is one that has life in it and therefore can give life to us. Because it has life, it grows and becomes greater and more beautiful as time goes on. Time destroys most hopes; they fade and then die. But the passing of time only makes the Christian’s hope that much more glorious. – Wiersbe.
How can you attest to this living hope?
5. Our living hope is further explained as an inheritance. What do these adjectives tell us about our inheritance?
a. Incorruptible
b. Undefiled
c. Does not fade away
d. Reserved in heaven
6. According to verse 5 all this was done for “you”. You and I are being “kept” (safe and protected) by what? Through what means? For what purpose?
a. We do not now see or understand fully the salvation that God has prepared for us, but one day we will. – NKJV Study Bible What does 1 John 3:2-3 add to our understanding?
b. Not only is our inheritance reserved in heaven, but we are being kept for its enjoyment! Now that is a hope to stand on!
Read 1 Peter 1:6-9 – The Purpose of Trials
1. Though we rejoice in all that awaits us, life is still full of struggles. But God doesn’t leave us in the dark about these trials. From verses 6 and 7, what do we learn about:
a. Trials
b. Our faith
2. Only a relative few Christians had the privilege of walking with Jesus while He was here on earth. What does Jesus say in John 20:29?
a. This blessing in believing should look like joy. What does joy inexpressible and full of glory look like in the life of a believer? (vs 8)
b. Though we received the gift of salvation when we were born again, according to verse 9, what do we still wait to receive? What does this mean? See also Rom. 8:23-25
Read 1 Peter 1:10-12 – The Bigger Picture
1. The New Testament writers, Peter included, demonstrated to all that this salvation which they taught was not a new, novel idea, but had been testified beforehand by the prophets. The study of prophecy can be a real faith builder. According to verses 10 and 11, what kept the prophets searching?
a. What prophecies come to mind when you think about this?
b. The Jews today are still searching, still waiting. What reason do we find for this in 2 Cor. 3:14. But as Christians, we know the “who” and the “when” of the prophecies about the coming Messiah. How greatly we should be rejoicing!
2. According to verse 12, why were these things revealed to the prophets?
3. The unfolding of God’s eternal plan is something the angels desire to look into. The word desire has the idea of bending forward with intense interest, with a yearning to understand. What an amazing picture! Your thoughts?
4. Luke 15:7 and 10 tell us that the angels rejoice over one repentant sinner. Be amazed as you support this with the following verses: 1 Cor. 4:9, Eph. 3:10, 1 Tim. 3:16.