Peter wrote his first letter give his readers perspective on the big picture. Our “big picture” –what we believe is true — changes how we think, what we say, and what we do. Peter’s primary concern is to ensure we have the right big picture which I would summarize like this:
Jesus Christ came to call His people. He paid the price for our sins so that God could forgive us and adopt us as His children. He will return to fulfill the promises God made through this gospel. This foundation gives us great hope.
Meanwhile, as aliens and strangers in this world, we must deal with three primary relationships: 1) our relationship with God; 2) our relationship with other believers; and 3) our relationship to nonbelievers.
The gospel (the big picture) has implications for each of those relationships and that is what this letter is about: how we respond to God and view ourselves in this world; how we respond to other believers who are walking this journey with us and how we respond to those who persecute and hate us.
Resources: Study Questions, Maps, Outlines & Background
01 Introduction to 1 Peter: Meet the Author
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on September 16, 2015
An introduction to the letter of 1 Peter and a look at Peter’s calling from Luke 5.
02 1 Peter 1:1-13 Understanding Our Living Hope
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on September 23, 2015
In the field of psychology, “locus of control” refers to the extent to which a person believes they can control the world around them. People with a strong internal locus of control tend to attribute the outcome of events to factors under their own control. People with a strong external locus of control attribute outcomes of events to external circumstances. But both have a perspective which influences and predicts their actions. The book of 1 Peter is about that big perspective. In a sense, Peter is writing to explain a “gospel locus of control.”
03 1 Peter 1:14-25 Hope makes a difference
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on September 30, 2015
Peter explains that the gospel gives us a living hope that ought change every aspect of our lives. Just as the Olympic athletes change their values, their goals, their actions, their words and their daily routines in light of their Olympic goals, so the gospel ought to change us.
04 1 Peter 2:1-10 Living Stones
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on October 7, 2015
Have you seen a map of the universe taken from space with a tiny insignificant pinpoint of light labeled “you are here”? In 1 Peter 2:1-10, rather than demoralize us with our insignificance, Peter inspires us with the plan of God and how we are a part of it.
05 1 Peter 2:11-25 When you’re treated unjustly
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on October 14, 2015
Peter gives the principle in 1 Peter 2:11-12 and then he applies that principle to 3 situations where someone is be treated unfairly in a binding social relationship: a citizen under an unjust government, a slave under an unjust master and a wife married to an unbelieving husband. This talk examines the first 2 examples.
06 1 Peter 3:1-7 When you’re treated unfairly
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on October 21, 205
In his third example, Peter addresses wives of unbelieving husbands. In each of 3 examples, Peter addresses people who are stuck in a binding social relationship which they cannot easily escape. His advice to all 3 situations is the same: As aliens and strangers you are called to live in a hostile unbelieving world. When possible show the unbelievers that you are a person of virtue by behaving in a submissive and respectful way. Love your oppressor so that your faith is not interpreted as rebellion and hostility, and they may see God’s grace through you.
07 1 Peter 3:8-17 Who is there to harm you?
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on October 21, 205
Peter wraps up the second major section of his letter reminding his readers that the more we embrace the truth of who Jesus is and what he did for us, the less we have to fear. The more we know where life, hope and blessing are to be found, the freer we are to let go of this world.
08 1 Peter 3:18-4:6 And then there’s Noah
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on October 28, 2015
1 Peter 3:18-4:6 includes one of the more difficult passages in the New Testament. However we understand this section, the context suggests that the main point should be related to patiently enduring suffering for the sake of another.
09 1 Peter 4:7-19 The Right Perspective
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on November 4, 2015
1 Peter 4:7-19 marks the beginning of the end of the letter. In conclusion, Peter returns his main theme of the letter: how you deal with fellow believers and hostile nonbelievers. His answer in each case is you need the right perspective.
10 1 Peter 5:1-14 In conclusion
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on October 3, 2018
Peter concludes his letter by returning to his main theme: Stand firm in the gospel. Peter wrote his first letter give his readers perspective. Our “big picture” –what we believe is true — changes how we think, what we say, and what we do. Peter’s primary concern is to ensure we have the right big picture. He summarizes this theme addressing the leaders of the community.
Related Talks
11 1 Peter 1:14-25 Living our Hope
Teacher: Libby Taggart
12 1 Peter 3:1-17 Righteous Living
Teacher: Libby Taggart
14 1 Peter 5:1-14 Final Imperatives
Teacher: Libby Taggart
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How to use these studies:
- Over the course of a week, work through the study questions for the lesson.
- After doing your own study, listen to the audio teaching for that lesson — either on your own or with a small group.
- Discuss what you have learned with a small group or friend.
For help learning to study, see Bible Study 101.
“You Are My God” is from Regge’s album Here and Now. Whether pain or joy come crashing into our lives, as we choose to lift our spiritual eyes to God, He gives us reason to worship Him forevermore.
