BibleTalk with Jeff Asher

Peter now expresses five inducements, things which every sojourner needs to consider carefully and thoughtfully which will spur each one onward in a holy life of reverence toward God.

As those who have experienced the true grace of God, Peter calls these strangers recognize that their hope lies only in the foundation of Jesus Christ upon which they have been built as the Temple of God. They live because He lives. They are priests because He is their great high priest. They have sacrifices to offer because He has offered himself for them. 

This is the second time we encounter this word "wherefore." Peter again uses it to introduce an admonition. He is concerned about how these folks are living in  this time of struggle, strife and suffering. He's  trying  to  give  them  inducements  or reasons to  maintain a holy life in the midst of trial. Reminding them of the exalted position they enjoy as the ransomed of God redeemed by the blood of Christ, the apostles says casta side those old garments of sin and clothe yourselves with the  holiness which such a station demands.  

In the midst of trials and suffering, the question that most often arises is "Why?" Why does God allow it and what possible purpose does it serve? Peter answers this question by supplying the threefold purpose of suffering: [1] we suffer for praise, honor, and glory at the return of Christ (v. 7); [2] we suffer for unspeakable joy full of glory (v. 8); [3] we suffer for the salvation of our souls (v. 9). Consider what Peter says.

Peter addresses these saints in Asia Minor as saints suffering for the glory of Christ. They are being put to the test and demonstrating the great character of their faith as worth more than gold that perishes. Peter wants to encourage these saints in their trials, so he reveals to them three things which can assure their hearts: [1] they possess a living hope through the living Christ (1:3), [2] they are heirs to an eternal inheritance (1:4), [3] they are kept (guarded) by the power of God through faith (1:5).

IN this study, Peter's to letters to Christians in Asia Minor are introduced considering to whom it is that Peter is writing. Several terms by which he refers to the recipients are considered.

Many do not realize that the word "spirit" is used in different contexts to signify someone other than the Holy Spirit. In this lesson we will come to understand that the word "spirit" may refer to a demon, an angel, or a man.

In this lesson study the Biblical concept of the Godhead is contrasted with the false notions of idolatry in order to understand the affirmation "the Lord our God is one Lord."

The Bible can be divided into 15 periods of Bible History. Recognizing these divisions is helpful for organizing the Bible chronologically in the mind and relating the various books to one another. The third of these 15 Periods is called the Patriarchal Period, or the Period of the Fathers of Israel. This period extends from the call of Abraham to leave Ur of the Chaldees to the Death of Joseph (Genesis 11:31-50:26).

The Bible can be divided into 15 periods of Bible History. Recognizing these divisions is helpful for organizing the Bible chronologically in the mind and relating the various books to one another. The third of these 15 Periods is called the Patriarchal Period, or the Period of the Fathers of Israel. This period extends from the call of Abraham to leave Ur of the Chaldees to the Death of Joseph (Genesis 11:31-50:26).