Key word: Suffering (15x)
Peter is writing in the mid-60s to believers scattered throughout the known world because of persecution for the faith. They may be in distressed now, but these trials will purify their faith (1:6-7). Peter writes to comfort them, but to also call them to action (1:13-16). In light of their salvation, and in the midst of trials, Peter issues five commandments:
1. Prepare your minds for action (v. 13a). We need to be ready theologically to know how to live for the Lord under any circumstance.
2. Keep sober (v. 13b). This is to be serious minded – to not be flippant about our walk with the Lord.
3. Fixing our hope in Christ’s return (v. 13c). Believers who live with realization that Christ will return, live a far richer the meaningful life from those who don’t.
4. Do not be conformed to former lust (v. 14). We have been saved out of a life of sin and evil desire – we should not return to that lifestyle.
5. Be holy (vv. 15-16). Rather our goal is to be holy, for the one we serve is Himself holy.
The epistle has much to say about salvation as well. For example:
1. We were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ (1:18-19).
2. Born again through the word of God (1:23).
3. Based on Christ, the corner stone (2:6-8).
4. Made possible because of the substitutionary death of Christ (2:24) – our key verse.
And because of all this our mission is to proclaim the excellencies of Christ (2:9)
Beginning with 2:13, Peter shows us what a life dedicated to proclaiming the excellencies of Christ looks like:
1. Humble submission to God-ordained authorities (2:13-20).
2. A God-honoring marriage (3:1-7).
3. Harmonious and humble lifestyle (3:8-22).
4. Fervent in love (4:1-11, v. 8).
5. Sharers in the sufferings of Christ (4:12-19, 13)
6. Under Godly shepherding (5:1-6).
7. Humble before God (5:6-14, 6)
Key verse: 1 Peter 2:24 – and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.
