“Substitution: Heart of the Gospel” 1 Peter 2:24-25 Bible Study 09/25/16

Our text for this morning has been called an “explicit statement of the heart of the Gospel.” In it, we learn that Christ is more than simply our example in suffering. He suffered as our substitute in order to save us!

I. Pay attention to the context

-submission to government (1:13-17)
-submission as slaves (1:18-23)
-scope of suffering
-shift from affirmation to application

II. Understand the nature of Christ’s sufferings for you (24a)

-He alone
-our: beneficial for all believers
-substance: bore our sins (Isa. 53:11-12)
-sphere: in his body
-sense: on the tree as a curse

III. Ponder the purpose of Christ’s sufferings for you (24b)

-die to sin
-live to righteousness
-satisfaction, sacrifice and substitution

IV. Assess the impact of Christ’s sufferings for you (24c-25)

-healed like a diseased person
-brought home like a lost sheep

V. So What?

-Since Christ, the Shepherd, is the standard for your suffering and the substitute for your sins, follow His path of obedience in every circumstance.
-“We must be enemies to sin since Christ was a sacrifice for it.” (Charnock)
-“Nay, verily, we will sooner have our tongue cut out than cease to speak of the precious blood of Jesus Christ.” (Spurgeon)
-“My sin-O the bliss of this glorious thought!- My sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!” (Spafford)

“Who’s in the House?” 1 Peter 2:4-6 Bible Study 09/18/16

I. Introduction

-shift from the individual to the community
-Because Jesus Himself is the foundation and focus of God’s house, those in it should throb with
His power and praise.

II. Inclusion involves coming to Jesus continually

-constantly drawing near
-to the stone that lives
-who was rejected and elected

III. Identity flows from connection to Jesus personally

-living stones
-being built up
-spiritual house
-holy priesthood

IV. Activity focuses on valuing Jesus supremely

-choice location and controlling stone
-not put to shame: tremendous encouragement

V. So What?

-Understand that the Lord makes you who you are so that you can make known who He is.
-Grasp the options: enjoy deliverance or experience downfall
-Embrace your identity in the house of God.
-Accept the assignment of proclaiming His excellencies.

“Fearful and Fearless” 1 Peter 1: 17-21 Bible Study 09/11/16

In 1 Peter, a letter to believers who faced opposition for their faith and experienced persecution, Peter began with the twin challenges of hope and holiness. In our text this morning, he added another challenge that has confused and befuddled readers in subsequent generations. This challenge centered on the concept of godly fear. Godly fear, rightly understood, is the beginning of wisdom and the safeguard of holiness. 1:17-21 offers some profound incentives for believers to live both fearfully and fearlessly. Only as you fear the Lord properly can you face your future fearlessly.

I. Relish the responsibility of fearful living

-positive treatment in Scripture (Pr. 9:10, Isa. 66:2)
-a declaration to disciples (Lk. 12:4-7)
-conduct yourselves with fear

II. Reflect on the transitory nature of your life

-throughout the time of your exile
-a brief pilgrimage
-a temporary residency

III. Recognize the total impartiality of the Lord

-a Father who is judging
-without respect of persons
-according to each one’s works
-privileged status doesn’t convey a license to sin (Dt. 10:17-19)

IV. Remember the tremendous value of your deliverance

-immeasurable worth
-precious blood
-unblemished lamb
-eternal origin: foreknown before the foundation…
-divine certification: raised and glorified

“A Living Hope” 1 Peter 1:3-9 Bible Study 09/04/16

I. Introduction

-background/context for 1 Peter:
-distinction between temporary station and eternal destination
-hope: stabilization without stagnation
-Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, you can have a hope that never dies.

II. A Living Hope Rests in a Supernatural Power (3)

-“The resurrection is God’s ‘amen’ to Christ’s statement, ‘It is finished!’” (Johnson)

III. A Living Hope Rests in a Secure Possession (4)

-four observations about the believer’s inheritance

IV. A Living Hope Rests in a Superior Protection (5)

-the constant surveillance of omnipotence

V. A Living Hope Rests in a Sensitized Perspective (6-7)

-three observations about the believer’s trials

VI. A Living Hope Rests in an Unseen and Incomparable Person

-“Let us never live another day as if He were dead.” (Marshall)
-“…He then is all my Hope and stay…” (Mote)