“Nourish Your Spirit” Background Passage—1 Peter 2:1-10 Lesson Passages—1 Peter 2:1-10 Lesson for September 15 - 16, 2012 Dr. James Patterson

ILLUSTRATION Nathan had given his heart to the Lord as a very young man. He genuinely trusted his salvation to Jesus Christ. However, as the years went by in his life, he rarely attended church, never read his Bible, and had few believers as friends. You see, Nathan liked to dance, liked to party, and had an eye for the ladies. He was also very good at sales and saw nothing wrong with bending the truth a little here and there in order to close the deal. If he ever had a devout thought any more, it would have died of loneliness. An impartial bystander examining Nathan and his buddies at their table in the bar would have a difficult time picking out the Christian from the nonbelievers. What had gone wrong? Nathan’s spirit was suffering from starvation and isolation. The Apostle Peter addresses this issue in today’s lesson passage.

Review: Who Was Peter? The author of this book of Scripture (1 Peter) is Peter, the bold man of action and one of Jesus’ best friends. He is also known as Simon, Simon-Peter, and Cephas. It is said that the Peter was a slender person of average height and that his complexion was pale, almost white. He was said to have a short thick curled beard and thin eyebrows. Born in Galilee to a fisherman, Peter would eventually follow his father into this profession. He and his brother Andrew became partners with Zebedee and his sons--James and John--in a fishing business. All four, Peter, Andrew, James and John became disciples of Jesus, and were later appointed as apostles by Him.

So firm was Peter's faith, that Jesus ultimately gave him the name of Cephas, meaning, a rock. The word, Peter, is the Greek translation of Cephas. It was Peter who preached to the masses in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost following the Lord's ascension to heaven. That message is recorded in the Bible, in the book of Acts, chapter 2. In fact, quite a bit is written about the apostle Peter in the first 12 chapters of the book of Acts in the New Testament. Peter was known as the apostle to the Jews, just as Paul was called the apostle to the Gentiles. However, there was considerable cross-over in both men’s ministries. The people to whom 1 Peter is addressed lived in what we know today as Turkey. These churches included some founded by Paul on his first and second missionary journeys, and others by unknown missionaries. A central theme found in 1 Peter was to exhort Christians to conduct themselves properly among the community of believers, and especially in non-Christian society--testifying clearly to their changed nature in Christ. We may reasonably conclude that the apostle Peter authored this letter. However, some scholars think the Greek of this epistle is too scholarly to have been written by a former fisherman whose native language was Aramaic. Therefore, it is quite possible that Silas (otherwise known as Silvanus) helped Peter write this letter (1 Peter 5:12). This means either: (1) he functioned as a secretary for Peter; (2) he translated Peter’s letter (from Aramaic to Greek) as Peter dictated it; or (3) he composed a letter based on Peter’s thoughts. After being imprisoned several times in Jerusalem because of his faith, Peter left with his wife and possibly others. It is believed that he ministered in Rome to the Jewish colonists there, and it is also believed to be his location when he wrote today’s Scripture (1 Peter). Jesus had commanded Peter to tend to the flock after He left, and this letter was part of that ministry. Since Peter was a traveling missionary (1 Corinthians 1:12; 9:5), he could have actually visited the Asia Minor churches to whom this letter was sent. It is believed that Mark (the writer of the Gospel of Mark) served as Peter’s translator as he preached. It is also believed that as Peter told and retold his experiences with Jesus, Mark interpreted the story so many times, he developed an almost verbatim understanding of Peter's recollections. Later, realizing the value of Peter's firsthand account, Mark recorded what he

remembered so clearly in what we know as the Gospel of Mark. In this manner, Peter became the source of one of our Gospels. According to church tradition, in his final days, Peter was cast into a horrible prison for nine months. In absolute darkness, he endured monstrous torture while chained to a post. In spite of all the suffering Peter was subjected to, he converted his jailers and forty-seven others. Peter was crucified upside down while in Rome in 67 AD.

Biblical Context: Previous passages from 1 Peter of special note: In 1 Peter 1:6-7 Peter explained that the challenges Christians face could have a positive effect on their walk with the Lord. These trials help to purify our faith, similarly to the process of burning away impurities in gold during the refining process. Our faith in Christ will be strengthened by our endurance, resulting in glory for Christ. Peter calls on believers to be holy in all conduct, as is appropriate behavior for those who were redeemed at such as price as the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:13-19).

LESSON PASSAGE 1 1 Peter 2:1-3 1

So rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, desire the pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it for your salvation, 3 since you have tasted that the Lord is good. Verse 1: Before focusing on the spiritual nourishment we should take in, Peter outlined several behaviors that needed to be eliminated from our spiritual “diet.” “Malice” refers to general wickedness, especially desiring illwill toward another believer. This includes holding grudges. “Deceit” arises from a selfish attitude and reflects intentional dishonesty and/or hidden motives. “Hypocrisy” describes a person who acts a certain way in order to disguise their true character and motives. “Envy” refers to a selfish desire to

have what belongs to someone else. “Slander” includes spreading false stories and using disparaging remarks to destroy the reputation of a good person. Peter insisted that healthy, growing Christians needed to remove all such sinful behaviors from their lives. In short, we are to eliminate bad choices, in favor of good ones. Verse 2: Peter had previously utilized the imagery of believers undergoing a “new birth.” He continues in that vein by saying that we “infants” (in Christ) should seek out the “pure spiritual milk” of Scripture and Christian instruction. This should not be watered-down instruction, but the undiluted Word of God. It is implied that we must “feed” regularly—not just once in a while. This spiritual diet will promote our sanctification process and prepare us for whatever challenges come our way, as we grow into strong and healthy disciples. Verse 3: Anyone born again into the fellowship of believers has certainly found the “taste” of salvation to be sweet. There is no doubt that “the Lord is good,” when you compare your life before coming to Christ to your life after salvation.

LESSON PASSAGE 2 1 Peter 2:4-8 4

Coming to Him, a living stone—rejected by men but chosen and valuable to God— 5 you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it is contained in Scripture: Look! I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and honored cornerstone, and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame! 7

So honor will come to you who believe, but for the unbelieving,

The stone that the builders rejected— this One has become the cornerstone, 8

and A stone to stumble over, and a rock to trip over.

They stumble because they disobey the message; they were destined for this.

Verse 4: I believe at this point in the letter, Peter recalled the most compelling evidence about the divinity of Christ. He likely remembered the “transfiguration,” which is written in Mark 9, Luke 9, and also Matthew 17. Here are the words from Mark 9:2-8, from the New International Translation: 2

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7

Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" 8

Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. Could there be any higher endorsement of Jesus than the testimony from the voice of God, while in the company of the Old Testament’s greatest prophets and some of the New Testament’s greatest apostles? If this was a dream, it was a dream that all three of them (Peter, James, John) simultaneously shared. Jesus was placed in the center of God’s plan of salvation and was “valuable to God,” indeed. Verse 5: Peter encouraged Christians to see themselves as living stones, along with Christ. This doesn’t suggest that we are equal to Christ, but rather as the Apostle Paul once said of himself as a believer, “I no longer live but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). Nonetheless, a living stone is a high calling, as God cements all Christians like a sturdy wall of bricks into the spiritual house that he is constructing (the Church). Furthermore, in this spiritual house built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, believers offer their “sacrifices”—prayers, praises, holy lifestyles, ministries to others. Because these offerings come from people redeemed by Christ, God finds them pleasing and acceptable. Verse 6: The Lord announced that he was using Jesus as the cornerstone for His people. In construction projects of that day, the cornerstone served to fasten and strengthen two connecting walls of a building. It had to be chosen carefully and placed perfectly; otherwise the integrity of the building was in

jeopardy. Anyone who places their faith in this Spiritual cornerstone will never be disappointed or led astray. Verses 7 – 8: Because unbelievers have refused to receive Christ, they have shown that they have rejected Him as the cornerstone of their lives. They pay a steep price for this decision. They stumble over the rock of salvation that could have been the centerpiece of their lives. Instead of having a place in God’s spiritual house, they fall into an existence without Him.

LESSON PASSAGE 3 1 Peter 2:9-10 9

But you are a chosen race a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Verses 9-10: Those belonging to Christ will play an important role in God’s Kingdom. We are like priests set apart to serve the Lord, even as we live as temporary residents of this world. As God’s “possessions,” we no longer live merely for the pleasure of the moment, but we live to serve and obey our Lord. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the source of our confidence. Because God raised His Son from the dead, we have hope for our own resurrection. As “God’s people,” we also have Divine privilege and protection from every dark assault the world or Satan might make on us. While we don’t always see the protection, we certainly claim it by faith. His power guards us and guides us forever. While this protection does not exempt us from suffering or trials, we will not go through them alone, and we are also confident that one day we will receive our final inheritance. Once we are saved, we are His people for all eternity. We gladly proclaim the Lord.

LIFE APPLICATION: There is value in Peter’s letter for believers today, because it offers wisdom on how Christians should pursue spiritual development. How will we apply the lessons learned in today’s passages? Since we are a “holy priesthood,” at the end of our lives, we will be evaluated and rewarded according to how well we have handled what God entrusted to us. Remember, to whom much is given, much is expected. What are some examples of Christian service that we perform as individuals or as a class? There are no insignificant ministries in the church. Nothing we do for the Lord is a waste of our time. Jesus came to serve and to give, and so should we. We all spend significant time in one of these ways: hobbies, social life, pursuing wealth, or seeking recognition or fame. None of these will have lasting significance. Christian service is the pathway to real significance. In what area is our passion for service? What are our talents? What fruit do we see in our lives that other people have confirmed? That is a clue for what our Spiritual Gift is. Remember, our primary ministries should be in line with our gifts and talents, but our secondary ministry is wherever we are needed at the moment—stacking chairs, getting the name tags, etc. We must avoid competition with each other. We’re all on the same team. God determines our greatness by how many people we serve. The world determines our greatness by how many people serve us. Peter reminds us to be concerned about other believers. We should lift each other up, love each other. Remember, Jesus said the second most important commandment is to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:39) This includes regular presence at church service and Bible study. It is difficult to encourage other believers if we seldomsee them. Think about how much you miss some of your friends when they are not in class. That is the same way they feel about you, when you are absent. Every believer has the responsibility of contributing to corporate worship. It’s not always just about what you can take from corporate worship, but it is equally important what you can give.

CLOSING PRAYER: Heavenly Father: Please give us the strength to eliminate evil from our behavior before it becomes habitual. Please inspire us to remain in Spiritual training our entire lives, preparing for the next attack from the “prowling lion.” Guide us in the use of Scripture and the calling on the Holy Spirit to defend us when situations arise, so that we can glorify You by our response. We ask these things in the Holy name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen