Sermons and Biblical Studies

JOB 41:1–42:6 “You asked, ‘who is this that obscures My counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know” (Job 42:3). Peter tells us to rejoice when we participate in the sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 4:13)—particularly when we suffer because of our faithful witness … Continue reading “THE MYSTERY OF SUFFERING”

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3–11 Our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort (2 Corinthians 1:7). Hospital workers and medical practitioners tell us that when a life-threatening disease strikes people, the first response is usually surprise. We know full well that … Continue reading “SURPRISED BY SUFFERING”

1 PETER 5 Be shepherds of God’s flock … not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:2–3). Peter has written much about submission, humility, and suffering. Now he addresses those who rule (1 Peter 5:1–4). In particular he is addressing those who rule in the church, … Continue reading “GODLY LEADERSHIP”

1 PETER 4 The end of all things is near. Therefore he clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray (1 Peter 4:7). Jesus told the disciples that in only a few years He was going to return in judgment upon Jerusalem. As a result, we find a number of places in the New … Continue reading “IMPENDING JUDGMENT”

1 PETER 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes (1 Peter 3:3). God is all-glorious, and His glory is seen in the wonderfully beautiful colors and sounds that attend His glory-chariot when it appears. Human beings, the images of God, … Continue reading “THE POWER AND THE GLORY”

1 PETER 2:18–25 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). If it is occasionally painful for citizens to submit to the powers that be, it is often constantly painful for servants and employees to submit to their masters. … Continue reading “POWER PERFECTED IN WEAKNESS”

1 PETER 2:13–17 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men (1 Peter 2:15). First Peter 2:13–17 is a short discourse on respect for governmental authorities, and indeed for all men. The coming of the kingdom means that all earthly orders are going to be … Continue reading “THE POWER OF THE CHRISTIAN”

1 PETER 2:1–12 You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5). At the end of the first chapter of 1 Peter we find an interesting analogy of the Christian life, and at the beginning … Continue reading “THREE POWERFUL ANALOGIES”

1 PETER 1:13–25 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a Lamb without blemish or defect (1 Peter 1:18–19). To redeem means to … Continue reading “FULL REDEMPTION”

1 PETER 1:1–12 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1 Peter 1:1). While some liberals have questioned the authorship of 1 Peter, the book claims to be written by Peter, and orthodox Christians have never doubted it. The letter is … Continue reading “THE FIRST LETTER OF PETER”