Believers in the early church scattered across the Roman Empire were facing the threat of increased persecution. Peter, the most outspoken of the disciples and leader among the apostles, wrote two practical and encouraging letters to strengthen the hearts of these followers of Christ.
Pastor John MacArthur will take you through these two letters, passage by passage, so that you can better understand Peter's words of hope and wisdom and how to live victoriously in the midst of life-threatening trials.
In the first letter, Peter reminds believers of the many blessings available to them because of their persecution. In the second letter, he warns them to discern and defeat the false teachers who were invading their churches and teaching them dangerous and deceptive doctrines. Peter's letters of encouragement and warning are just as important for believers today as they were during the first century.
—ABOUT THE SERIES—
The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates:
- Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text.
- Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context.
- Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life.
- Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.
Believers in the early church scattered across the Roman Empire were facing the threat of increased persecution. Peter, the most outspoken of the disciples and leader among the apostles, wrote two practical and encouraging letters to strengthen the hearts of these followers of Christ.
Pastor John MacArthur will take you through these two letters, passage by passage, so that you can better understand Peter's words of hope and wisdom and how to live victoriously in the midst of life-threatening trials.
In the first letter, Peter reminds believers of the many blessings available to them because of their persecution. In the second letter, he warns them to discern and defeat the false teachers who were invading their churches and teaching them dangerous and deceptive doctrines. Peter's letters of encouragement and warning are just as important for believers today as they were during the first century.
—ABOUT THE SERIES—
The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates:
- Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text.
- Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context.
- Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life.
- Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.
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Overview
Believers in the early church scattered across the Roman Empire were facing the threat of increased persecution. Peter, the most outspoken of the disciples and leader among the apostles, wrote two practical and encouraging letters to strengthen the hearts of these followers of Christ.
Pastor John MacArthur will take you through these two letters, passage by passage, so that you can better understand Peter's words of hope and wisdom and how to live victoriously in the midst of life-threatening trials.
In the first letter, Peter reminds believers of the many blessings available to them because of their persecution. In the second letter, he warns them to discern and defeat the false teachers who were invading their churches and teaching them dangerous and deceptive doctrines. Peter's letters of encouragement and warning are just as important for believers today as they were during the first century.
—ABOUT THE SERIES—
The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates:
- Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text.
- Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context.
- Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life.
- Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780718035365 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | HarperChristian Resources |
| Publication date: | 05/31/2016 |
| Series: | MacArthur Bible Studies |
| Sold by: | HarperCollins Publishing |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 128 |
| File size: | 843 KB |
About the Author
Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God's Word, John MacArthur is a popular author and conference speaker. He has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, since 1969. John and his wife, Patricia, have four married children and fifteen grandchildren. John's pulpit ministry has been extended around the globe through his media ministry, Grace to You, and its satellite offices in seven countries. In addition to producing daily radio programs for nearly two thousand English and Spanish radio outlets worldwide, Grace to You distributes books, software, and digital recordings by John MacArthur. John is chancellor of The Master's University and Seminary and has written hundreds of books and study guides, each one biblical and practical. Bestselling titles include The Gospel According to Jesus, Twelve Ordinary Men, Twelve Extraordinary Women, Slave, and The MacArthur Study Bible, a 1998 ECPA Gold Medallion recipient.
Read an Excerpt
1 & 2 Peter
Courage in Times of Trouble
By John MacArthur
Thomas Nelson
Copyright © 2007 John F. MacArthur, Jr.All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7180-3536-5
CHAPTER 1
What an Inheritance!
1 Peter 1:1–12
Drawing Near
As children, we eagerly anticipated holidays or special events. Peter opens his letter with a reminder of what we can look forward to — a glorious future in heaven. Do you eagerly anticipate heaven? Why or why not?
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How can looking toward heaven be a comfort in tough times?
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As you begin this study of 1 Peter, what do you hope to learn? Ask God to reveal fresh insights and show you how to live them out.
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The Context
Peter wrote this letter to followers of Jesus Christ scattered across the Roman Empire who were facing increasing persecution. This targeting of believers likely began in the wake of the Emperor Nero's burning of Rome, an act he then promptly blamed on Christians. As the preeminent apostle at the time, Peter recognized the great need to help his maligned and mistreated brothers and sisters gain a right perspective and stand firm in the midst of this suffering. So taking pen in hand, he reminded his audience of the certainty of the future inheritance that is guaranteed to every believer in Jesus Christ. This marvelous future is preserved by the power of God (1:3–5), is proven by the trials of persecution (1:6–9), and was predicted by the prophets of God (1:10–12).
In short, Peter knew it was important for these Jewish believers to look beyond their immediate circumstances to the bedrock truths of the faith. Remembering the eternal promises of the gospel would give them the ability to endure hard times. More than that, living out the down-to-earth, everyday implications of the gospel would present the Christians with numerous opportunities to be positive and hopeful witnesses in a negative and hostile culture. First Peter reveals the warm, caring, pastor's heart of its author. It overflows with hope and is filled with wisdom, making it imminently relevant for our lives today.
Keys to the Text
Inheritance: As God's beloved children, we stand to inherit the great riches of salvation — life, righteousness, peace, joy, perfection, God's presence, eternal rewards, etc. The concept of an inheritance from God had great significance to early Jewish believers in Christ because their Old Testament forefathers received the land of Canaan as an inheritance as part of God's covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:1). Theirs was for the most part an earthly, material inheritance, though it included many spiritual blessings. Our inheritance in Christ, however, is primarily spiritual. That is, it is not a promise of wealth and material prosperity. It goes far beyond cheap temporal or transient physical blessings. We inherit: (1) God. David said, "The Lord is the portion of my inheritance" (Ps. 16:5). We are His and He is ours. What a joy to know that we inherit God Himself and will spend eternity in His presence! (2) Christ. Believers enter into an eternal oneness with Christ. Christ Himself indwells them (Col. 1:27). (3) The Holy Spirit. He is the Guarantor of our inheritance (Eph. 1:14). (4) Salvation. This is our full and final deliverance from the power and presence of sin, and from grief, pain, death, and judgment. No matter how difficult our present circumstances might be, we can look beyond them and bless God for the ultimate fullness of our eternal salvation.
Unleashing the Text
Read 1:1–12, noting the key words and definitions next to the passage.
1 Peter 1:1–12 (NKJV)
1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
7that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
8whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
9receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls.
10Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,
11searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
12To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven — things which angels desire to look into.
1) What is significant about calling believers "pilgrims?" What does This term suggest for us as modern-day believers?
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2) How does Peter describe the inheritance that awaits believers in Jesus Christ?
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3) What insights into "trials" does Peter give his readers in this passage? What purpose do they serve?
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(Verses to consider:2 Cor. 4:16–18; James 1:2–8; Rom. 5:3–5)
4) Peter mentions the fact that his readers have never seen Christ, nor do they see Him in their current trials (vv. 8–9). What is his implied point?
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(Verses to consider: Heb. 11:1; John 20:29; 2 Cor. 5:7)
5) What surprising insights are revealed about the Old Testament prophets and angels?
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Going Deeper
Read the following passage from Ephesians 1:3–14, and see what the apostle Paul reveals about the spiritual inheritance that is promised to all who believe.
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
5having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
6to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
7In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
8which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,
9having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
10that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth — in Him.
11In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
12that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
13In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
14who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Exploring the Meaning
6) What more do you learn about our glorious spiritual inheritance? What is the Holy Spirit's role in this?
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7) Both Peter and Paul explicitly state that God "chooses" people for salvation. What does this mean? What should be our response?
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8) Three times in Ephesians 1:3–14 salvation is said to be "to the praise of His glory." In 1 Peter 1:7 we find the phrase "praise, honor, and glory." What do God's praise and glory have to do with salvation?
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Truth for Today
Man is redeemed for the purpose of restoring the divine image marred by sin. Because God's intention in creating men was that they should bear the divine image, salvation's goal is creation's goal. God desires creatures that will give Him glory by both proclaiming and displaying His glory. For that reason He redeems men.
Scripture always presents salvation from God's side, in order that He should have full credit. In our humanly oriented society, God's wanting exclusive credit seems inappropriate — but only because men have no concept of His greatness, holiness, and glory. What views they may have of Him are simply projections of themselves. The praise and glory that men so much desire are totally undeserved, and their motives for wanting them are purely sinful. But God seeks glory for the right reason — because He alone is deserving of it. His seeking glory is a holy desire, for He is supremely worthy.
Reflecting on the Text
9) What does your salvation and your eternal inheritance mean to you? What was your life like before?
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10) Peter reminded his readers of the fact that the prophets of old "searched carefully" their own writings for hints of the details of the coming of God's great salvation. Why are so many modern-day believers so blasé about their faith and about the incredible inheritance they have in Christ?
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11) What are some practical ways this week that you can joyfully live out the truth that you are a pilgrim on this earth?
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12) Do you know a fellow believer who is suffering because of his/her faith? How can you offer them encouragement, much as Peter did for his Christian brothers and sisters?
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Personal Response
Write out additional reflections, questions you may have, or a prayer.
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CHAPTER 2The Importance of an Eternal Perspective
1 Peter 1:13–2:10
Drawing Near
When have you been most gripped by the reality of eternity and the importance of living a holy life? What were the circumstances that prompted this seriousness about spiritual matters?
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What do you think is the reason behind the human preoccupation with trivial concerns and living for the here-and-now?
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The Context
Is it possible for a group of Christians who are facing escalating persecution to live victoriously and joyously in the midst of such hostility? Th e apostle Peter asserts that not only is it possible; it's necessary! Writing to believers scattered across Asia Minor, Peter urged a lifestyle rooted in hope, void of bitterness, and focused on the second coming of the Lord.
It is, in fact, the certainty of our future inheritance that forms the basis for a victorious Christian experience. As believers become more and more convinced of the sure promises of God, they begin to discover in this life (even in the midst of trials) the marvelous consequences of that future inheritance. Such faith enables them to experience the perseverance of hope (1:13–16), the persistence of wonder (1:17–21), the power of love (1:22–2:3), and the praises of Christ (2:4–10).
As you dig into this meaty epistle, ask God to open your spiritual eyes and ears so that you might more fully appreciate the eternal riches that belong to you as a chosen child of God.
Keys to the Text
Holy: From the Greek word hagios, holiness means being set apart for a special purpose. In secular and pagan Greek society the word carried no idea of moral or spiritual purity. The manmade gods were as sinful and degraded as the men who made them, and there simply was no need for a word that represented righteousness. Christianity sanctified the term, using it to describe God, godly people, and godly things. Holiness essentially defines the Christian's new nature and conduct in contrast with his pre-salvation lifestyle. The reason for practicing a holy manner of living is that Christians are associated with the holy God and must treat Him and His Word with respect and reverence. We therefore glorify Him best by being like Him.
Redeemed: To buy back someone from bondage by the payment of a price. The imagery behind this Greek word comes from the ancient slave market. It meant paying the necessary ransom to obtain the prisoner or slave's release. The only adequate payment to redeem sinners from sin's slavery and its deserved punishment was the "precious blood of Christ" (1 Tim. 2:6; 1 Pet. 1:18–19), which was paid to God to satisfy His justice. Christ paid the ultimate price to free believers from bondage to sin.
Unleashing the Text
Read 1:13–2:10, noting the key words and definitions next to the passage.
1 Peter 1:13–2:10 (NKJV)
13Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;
15but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
16because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
17And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;
18knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,
19but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
20He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you
21who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
22Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,
23having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,
24because "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away,
25But the word of the LORD endures forever." Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.
2:1Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,
2as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,
3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,
5you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."
7Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,"
8and "A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
9But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
10who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
1) Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Peter urges his readers to live holy lives. What reasons does he give?
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(Verses to consider: Lev. 11:44–45; 18:30; 19:2; Matt. 5:48; Eph. 5:1)
2) This passage echoes the frequent New Testament command that believers must love one another (1:22). Describe the kind of love we are called to show to one another. Why is this important, especially in a situation like the one faced by Peter's original audience?
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(Verses to consider: John 13:34; Rom. 12:10; Phil. 2:1–8; Heb. 13:1; 1 John 3:11)
3) How does this passage extol the power of the Word of God? What must be present in us before the Word can help us grow? What must we get rid of first before we can grow?
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4) What truths from this passage encouraged Peter's audience to fi nd their hope in their eternal blessings?
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Going Deeper
Peter talks about "coming to [Christ] as to a living stone" (2:4). The Greek word translated coming means "to come with the idea of remaining." It conveys the idea of abiding with Christ in intimate fellowship. Compare that thought with the following words of Jesus. Read John 15:1–11.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from 1 & 2 Peter by John MacArthur. Copyright © 2007 John F. MacArthur, Jr.. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction to 1 Peter, 1,1 What an Inheritance! 1 Peter 1:1–12, 5,
2 The Importance of an Eternal Perspective 1 Peter 1:13–2:10, 13,
3 Honorable Living 1 Peter 2:11–3:12, 21,
4 Suffering for Good 1 Peter 3:13–4:6, 29,
5 Pray, Love, Serve 1 Peter 4:7–11, 37,
6 Joy Even in Suffering 1 Peter 4:12–19, 45,
7 Requirements for Leadership 1 Peter 5:1–4, 51,
8 Christian Victory 1 Peter 5:5–14, 57,
Introduction to 2 Peter, 65,
9 Know Your Salvation 2 Peter 1:1–11, 69,
10 Know Your Scriptures 2 Peter 1:12–21, 77,
11 Know Your Adversaries 2 Peter 2:1–22, 85,
12 Know Your Prophecy 2 Peter 3:1–18, 95,