John 1:35-51

Interesting verses, 35 and 36 -- ...the next day John stood and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!"

What I find interesting here is the mention of John the Baptist's two disciples. One is Andrew (see verse 40) and from the earliest of times, the second disciple of the Baptist has been considered to be John, the writer of this gospel.

I say interesting because I don't usually think of John the Baptist as having disciples, do you? And yet, in this chapter, we see that Jesus starts to draw his group of disciples together.

Do you recall that when John opened his gospel, he said that In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.

Well, because so many of you have written that you enjoyed the musical pieces from the Bible Study in the last week or so regarding doxologies, I have found a most interesting piece entitled Praise to the Lord, the Almighty played on a carillon. But not just any carillon. This one is played with ropes. You have to see is to believe it. Naturally, it predates keyboards for those years long ago when there was no electricity.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TNy8UOvdyNM

Here'e a beautiful version of this timeless hymn with some restful, peaceful photography: http://youtube.com/watch?v=c9zHn4QSH-8&feature=related

Matthew Henry brings us a deep understanding of what John the Baptist meant when he said that he baptized with water, but one who comes after him will baptize with the Holy Spirit (verse 33): ...Our corrupt hearts cannot be made to produce good fruit, unless the regenerating Spirit of Christ graft the good word of God upon them.

And every tree, however high in gifts and honors, however green in outward professions and performances, if it bring not forth good fruit, the fruits meet for repentance, is hewn down and cast into the fire of God's wrath, the fittest place for barren trees: what else are they good for? If not fit for fruit, they are fit for fuel.

John shows the design and intention of Christ's appearing, which they were now speedily to expect.

No outward forms can make us clean. No ordinances, by whomsoever administered, or after whatever mode, can supply the want of the baptism of the Holy Ghost and of fire. The purifying and cleansing power of the Holy Spirit alone can product that purity of heart, and those holy affections, which accompany salvation. It is Christ who baptizes with the Holy Ghost.
read more: http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=48&source=2&seq=i.47.3.2

Jesus then begins to call his disciples to follow him:

1 and 2. So Peter was the first disciple called by Jesus. We also learn that his brother Andrew was called at the same time from our reading of Matthew 4:18-19 -- As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

3. In John 1:45, as Jesus was going into Galilee, he found Philip and said, "Follow me."

4. Then Philip saw Nathaniel and very excitedly said that he had found the Messiah that Moses had talked about, Jesus of Nazareth. Nathaniel apparently was not impressed because he asked, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" (see verse 46) Philip was not about to be put off all that easily so he said, "Come and see."

Then, when Jesus met Nathaniel, he said to him, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile." Nathaniel wanted to know how Jesus knew him. Jesus told him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." (see verse 48)   

Nathaniel was convinced. He acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and said, "Thou art the King of Israel." (see verse 49)

It was as if Jesus said, "You just wait," when he answered Nathaniel in verses 50-51: Jesus answered and said unto him, "Because I said unto thee, 'I saw thee under the fig tree?' believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these." And he said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, 'Hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

5 and 6. Again, from Matthew 4:21, we learn that Jesus calls James the son of Zebedee and his brother John (who is the writer of this gospel).

The full list of the disciples can be found in Matthew 10:2-4: These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Discussion:

As we close this first chapter, what have you learned about John the Baptist and his ministry on earth? How did it differ from Jesus' ministry?

Question for you to think about and talk about if you are using these Bible Studies for your groups: Can you imagine Jesus walking up to these disciples and telling them he wanted them to walk away from their jobs and come along with him as he walked through the villages and countryside?

Would you go with him? In retrospect, all of us certainly would. But what if you were alive back then -- before Jesus' preaching, before you saw any of the miracles (especially his raising people from death), and his crucifixion and then the resurrection. Sure, we'd all do it now. But what about in the beginning of Jesus' ministry? Would you?

A beautiful hymn to close our study for today is performed by the Celtic Women, "You Raise Me Up." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-17NWRddUk&feature=related

Keep this hymn in mind as you go through the next day or so and remember that God does not call the equipped -- rather, he equips the called. He will put people in your path that he wants to be there for some purpose. He will raise you up with strength for the tasks he brings to you.

Listen to the incredible Josh Groban deliver this song wih his powerful voice alongside The African Children's Choir: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OOhd6R2EiY&feature=related

Keep in mind that whenever you are doing the Lord's work, he will let you stand on his shoulders. He will keep you strong. He will guide you. He loves you. He prays for you before his father in heaven.

We pray: Oh Lord, our heavenly father, as we close this chapter of our study, I pray that you will send your Holy Spirit to be with me in those moments of peaceful quiet with you. I pray that you would restore me, make my faith stronger, and dictate the order of all my days so that I will serve you better with my whole heart. 

I pray that you would protect me from Satan and all that is evil. Amen.

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John 1:19-34

John the Baptist was baptizing new converts in the River Jordan. Word got back to the synagogue that there was a new teacher baptizing people so some priests and Levites were sent from the temple to check out this baptizer.

The Levites would have been more than just a little curious since spiritual instruction was within their purview. In 2 Chronicles 35:3, we read -- He said to the Levites, who instructed all Israel and who had been consecrated to the Lord ...

This entourage approached John and asked him who he was. Right away, John said he wasn't the Christ.

Well, okay then. But was he Elijah? The Levites knew about Elijah and the fact that he hadn't died. So if this man who was giving instructions of faith and baptizing people was really Elijah, then they could surmise that Elijah had come back to issue in the end of the age. Right? Well, John said he wasn't Elijah. So that was that.

Well, then, was he a prophet? Nope. Not one of those either.

Well, just exactly who are you, they wanted to know. And why was he baptizing people if he wasn't the Christ, or Elijah, or even a prophet?

And here comes the big difference. We heard Paul's sermons and letters peppered with this difference that John makes. He says, in verse 26: I baptize with water; but there standeth one among you, whom you know not. He it is, who cometh after me...whose shoe laces I am not worthy to untie."

That was a humbling expression of servanthood on John's part. Since men walked everywhere they went, their feet got tired and dusty. So when they arrived at whatever place they were visiting, it was not unusual at all for a foot washer to refresh them with a foot bath. This would, most likely, have been a job delegated to servants.

The next day John saw Jesus walking toward him and said, in verse 29b, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

This is the man John had been talking about when he said someone would come after him who would be the preferred person. Then in verse 31, John says that he didn't know Jesus.

But they were cousins. John's mother was Elizabeth, remember? Elizabeth was Jesus' mother's aunt, so that would make John and Jesus second cousins. However, John had been out in the desert all this time with his own ministry of getting people to convert and be ready for the coming of the Messiah. He lived out there until he appeared publicly to Israel (Luke 1:80). So it's possible that he didn't recognize Jesus if they hadn't been in proximity to each other.

More likely, says my Concordia Study Bible on page 1604, ...the words probably mean only that he did not know that Jesus was the Messiah until he saw the sign mentioned in verses 32-33.

This sign, John says: I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.

John continued, And I knew him not; but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Then John says, in verse 34: ...this is the Son of God.

John is with two men who are his disciples. Tomorrow, we'll pick up at this point.

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John 1:1-18 (adapted from KJV--in public domain)

If we want to learn why John penned this gospel message, we have only to look at his own words in 20:13 -- But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. NIV

So John says, in verses 1-2: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. KJV

Similar words at a later date come to us like this -- Revelation 19:13 -- He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. ESV

And in Hebrews 4:12, we read: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ESV

Pheme Perkins puts it this way: Jesus is the Word of God sent into the world to summon people to faith and salvation. Jesus' death expresses God's love for the world in sending the Son. But even though Jesus represents God the mystery of human freedom remains....John 20:30-31 says that the point of the gospel is to bring its reader to faith in Jesus as messiah, Son of God. (Reading the New Testament, p. 253)

Matthew Henry has this to say: ...Christ executed one part of his priesthood on earth, in dying for us; the other he executes in heaven, pleading the cause, and presenting the offerings of his people. In the sight of Infinite Wisdom, it was needful that the Saviour of men should be one who has the fellow-feeling which no being but a fellow-creature could possible have; and therefore it was necessary he should actually experience of all the effects of sin that could be separated from its actual guilt.

God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, Romans 8:3, but the more holy and pure he was, the more he must have been unwilling in his nature to sin, and must have had deeper impression of its evil; consequently the more must he be concerned to deliver his people from its guilt and power.

We should encourage ourselves by the excellence of our High Priest, to come boldly to the throne of grace. Mercy and grace are the things we want; mercy to pardon all our sins, and grace to purify our souls. Besides our daily dependence upon God for present supplies, there are seasons for which we should provide in our prayers; times of temptation, either by adversity or prosperity, and especially our dying time. We are to come with reverence and godly fear, yet not as if dragged to the seat of justice, but as kindly invited to the mercy-seat, where grace reigns.

We have boldness to enter into the holiest only by the blood of Jesus; he is our Advocate, and has purchased all our souls want or can desire.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=66&source=2&seq=i.65.4.2

In verse 6, John introduces us to the forerunner of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist.

This man, John says in verses 6-7, came to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. KJV

John cautions the reader, in verses 7-8 that this forerunner was not the messiah: The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. KJV

John the Baptist's ministry fulfilled the Scripture according to the prophet Isaiah's message of 40:3 -- A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God..."

Henry says this: ...When way is made for the gospel into the heart, by taking down high thoughts, and bringing them into obedience to Christ, by leveling the soul, and removing all that hinders us in the way of Christ and his grace, then preparation is made to welcome the salvation of God.

Here are general warnings and exhortations which John gave. The guilty, corrupted race of mankind is become a generation of vipers; hateful to God, and hating one another.

There is no way of fleeing from the wrath to come, but by repentance; and by the change of our way the change of our mind must be shown.

...John the Baptist gave instructions to several sorts of persons. Those that profess and promise repentance, must show it by reformation, according to their places and conditions.

The gospel requires mercy, not sacrifice; and its design is to engage us to do all the good we can, and to be just to all men. And the same principle which leads men to forego unjust gain, leads to restore that which is gained by wrong.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=50&source=2&seq=i.49.3.1

John the Baptist makes an interesting note in verse 15 about Jesus: This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me; for he was before me. Ordinarily older people are ranked ahead of younger people and John the Baptist was older than Jesus. However, he says in this verse that Jesus is preferred -- that Jesus outranks John the Baptist because Jesus is older since he existed since the beginning.

Then in verse 18, John the Baptist reminds the reader that no one has ever seen God and lived. They may have seen God in a burning bush, as Moses did. But here is God, incarnate in Jesus Christ, walking among human beings in the flesh:No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

Well, it didn't take very long before the people over at the synagogue wanted to talk to this John the Baptist and find out what he was all about. 

So we'll pick up here tomorrow. 

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Who is John, the disciple whom Jesus loved?

John wrote several books of the New Testament: his Gospel, three epistles -- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd; and Revelation.

His is the only one of the twelve disciples of Jesus who was not martyred. In fact, he lived to be in his late eighties, according to most Biblical biographers.

I'd like for us to get acquainted with him before we read his works.

He was the son of Zebedee, and the brother of James the Great. They were fishermen, and with their father, fished in the Lake of Genesareth. Tradition says that John's mother's name was Salome, the daughter of a priest.

At first he was a disciple of John the Baptist and later became a disciple of Jesus.

John was one of the three disciples who were members of Jesus' inner circle. For some reason, Jesus had these three with him at Mt. Tabor for the Transfiguration.
Matthew 17:1 -- After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. NIV

Peter, James and John were the only witnesses of the raising of Jairus' daughter: Mark 5:37-41 -- He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him...."Little girl, I say to you, get up!" Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). NIV

And again, in the Garden of Gethsemane, it was Peter, James and John. Matthew 26:37 -- Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. NIV

And at the Last Supper, it was John who was leaning against Jesus: John 13:23-25 -- One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him which one he means." Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?" NIV

And it was John who was at the foot of the cross when Jesus made sure that his mother was to be cared for: John 19:25-27 -- Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. NIV

The reference as to John being the disciple whom Jesus loved is found in the Gospel of John. It appears to be a reference that John takes for himself.

John and Peter were together in the temple when Peter healed the man who had been lame from birth: Acts 3:1-8 -- One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer -- at three in the afternoon. Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. ... Then Peter said, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. NIV

He and Peter were missionary companions too. They traveled to Samaria (Acts 8:14) and were also arrested together (Acts 3:1)

And from what we read in John's letters and his Gospel, as well as the Revelation, we can see that John was an eyewitness to the many things that Jesus did in his ministry.

One source has this interesting note about John (from Wikipedia source): John was banished (presumably to Patmos) after being plunged into boiling oil in Rome and suffering nothing from it. It is said that the entire colosseum were converted to Christianity upon witnessing this miracle.

Some say this fulfills the words of Christ in Matthew 16:28-- "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

And there is a similar reference in John 21:20-23 -- Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"

Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" NIV

So you see, when John was imprisoned on Patmos, he was entrusted with a vision which he reported in the Revelation. In Revelation 1:1-2 -- The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw -- that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

In one of the references, I believe Wikipedia, John is said to have trained Polycarp, who was later the Bishop of Smyrna. "This was important because Polycarp was able to carry John's message to another age." Polycarp was martyred. He was run through with a sword after burning at the stake didn't work.

As far as Mary, the mother of Jesus is concerned, we don't have Biblical references to her death or any details of her life after the crucifixion. However, Roman Catholic tradition says that she and John moved to Ephesus and that she died about ten years after the death of Jesus. However, there is some dispute among Christians who hold that she died in Jerusalem. Some say she died in Gethsemane.

Others say she died in Jerusalem and is buried at Gethsemane.

The truth is, we don't have any Biblical references to Mary the mother of Jesus after the meeting in Jerusalem when Matthias was elected to fill the vacancy of Judas Iscariot: Acts 1:12-14 -- Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. NIV

So her last days reflect what is traditionally believed. Some traditions hold that she was taken to heaven. Some say the reference to a heavenly woman in Revelation 12:1 is a reference to Mary.

We don't know. Traditional beliefs of various religions and suppositions are the stuff of which doctoral theses are made. Surely someone will search for clues that will settle some of these mysteries.

For tomorrow, we begin our study of the writings of John with his Gospel. His Gospel text is different from Matthew, Mark and Luke -- also known as the Synoptic Gospels. We'll conclude our New Testament studies with the Synoptic Gospels.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08279b.htm

http://members.tripod.com/~shtyetz_john/life-of-st-john-evangelist.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus)

New Testament Doxologies (KJV - public domain)

A doxology is a short hymn of praise. Before you begin reading the doxologies that are in the New Testament, I'd like you to capture the praise mood by watching these videos. Perhaps the most easily recognized doxology that you may be familiar with is "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..." This first video is beautifully illustrated and sung in Hawaiian.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uec-x1OSAc0


These next videos are also exquisitely illustrated; the first is beautifully sung. It will help deepen your mood as we get ready to go through the doxologies in the Word of God. I pray that as you listen and watch the videos, you will feel the quiet going into places deep in your soul. "Be still and know that I am Lord..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gbrqW0eJmE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KsaaZsFtkE&feature=related

So the doxologies, then:

1. Matthew 6:13 -- And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

2. Luke 2:14 -- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

3. Romans 11:36 -- For of him, and through him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

4. Romans 16:27 -- To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

5. Galatians 1:5 -- To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

6. Ephesians 3:21 -- Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

7. Philippians 4:20 -- Now unto God and our Father by glory for ever and ever. Amen.

8. 1 Timothy 1:17 -- Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

9. 2 Timothy 4:18 -- And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

10. Hebrews 13:21 -- Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

11. 1 Peter 4:11 -- If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12. 1 Peter 5:11 -- To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

13. 2 Peter 3:18 -- But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

14. Jude 24, 25 -- Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.

15. Revelation 1:6 -- And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

16. Revelation 4:8 -- And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

17. Revelation 5:13 -- And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

18. Revelation 7:12 -- Saying Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.


These next two hymns are apt in light of the praise offered in the doxologies listed above. I pray that each will bring you to a quiet, reverent place within you. And I pray that you will have a safe and happy holiday. We, here in the United States, celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 26. Please remember to pray for all our soldiers and sailors in the armed services and also gratefully remember the service in years past of all our esteemed veterans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F0SKbRZvWc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q8ESzK5pCw&feature=related

I will return on Tuesday, May 27 after a weekend of refreshment and digging in the dirt.

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Jude (is one chapter long) adapted from KJV -- public domain

Jude is a shortened version of the Hebrew name "Judah," or the Greek name "Judas." There are not too many men thus named in the New Testament, so when it comes to identifying which Jude is this reference, Judas Iscariot is quickly ruled out by Biblical scholars.

There are five men named Jude or Judas in the New Testament: Mark 6:3; Luke 6:16; John 14:22, Acts 9:11; 15:22, 27 and 32). (Serendipity New Testament for Groups -- NIV, note on p. 489)

We don't know much about Jude. He is one of four brothers (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3). And it was only after the Resurrection that Jude became a believer (Acts 1:14).

Jude identifies himself as the brother of James in verse 1. Most footnotes to this reference find this curious since, in the ordinary course, it is more common to identify yourself as the "son of..." Jude may have pointed to his being the brother of James because of James' high position in the high position at the synagogue.

So here is the book of Jude, one chapter long, and historically dated to have been written about 65 A.D. And recall, please, that I noted earlier that 2 Peter 2 is quite similar to Jude except for a couple of major differences.

One of those differences, if Jude is an earlier writing that 2nd Peter, is that Peter removed references to apocryphal writings and references to Enoch. Of the twenty-five verses in Jude, fifteen verses appear in 2 Peter.

Without getting too far afield here, the apocryphal writings are not canonical. In fact, owing to negative connotations in the 16th century, apocryphal writings have had authenticity questioned. You can read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocryphal#New_Testament_apocryphal_literature

Jude came to be accepted in the canon. And whether it was written prior to 2nd Peter and served as reference points for Peter, or the other way around, does not matter. Both Jude and 2nd Peter are divinely inspired and that's the end of what I know about that. That doesn't mean there isn't more material on the matter; rather, I just haven't read other materials or studied them.

The point of this letter is similar to that of Peter. False teachers were infiltrating the early churches. These false teachers were heretical and were stirring up troubles.

But notice that Jude doesn't counter their arguments. He does not engage them in any form of debate and then threatens them with punishments if they don't change their ways.

And Jude especially warns his readers to be wary of them, lest these false teachers lead the new Christians down a path that will lead to their destruction. So let's see what Jude says about these false teachers. It certainly is not a new problem among early churches, though.

Jude reminds the readers in verse 5 that God had rescued the children of Israel from Egypt. But then, the Israelites started their grumbling campaign out there in the desert. They didn't really believe God was going to give them the vast lands of Canaan. Because of their unbelief, all the unbelieving adults died out there in the desert. They were not allowed to go into the promised land.

So Jude is saying to his readers, "Do you remember that? If not, then let me remind you."

Then Jude reminds his readers about the angels who had abandoned their posts (from Daniel 10:20-21). They weren't destroyed but instead, are being kept in chains in the dark until Judgment Day! (verse 6)

A third example of the need to stay true to the word of God is Jude's reference to what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah. Pure and total destruction. God does have a permanent way of dealing with unbelievers. (see verse 7)

Jude brings in a reference to a dispute between the archangel Michael and the devil about what happened to Moses' body when he died. Michael would not engage the devil in an argument. Instead, he told the devil that the Lord would set him straight.

So even if there are false teachers spreading their lies among the new churches, Jude says "Woe be to them!" (see verse 11) That's a very serious warning for all of us to stay on the path that leads to God. Jude didn't just nonchalantly pick these Old Testament stories to scare people. He was, instead, trying to keep the Christians in a safe spiritual place. Besides, it was God who was inspiring these written words that came from Jude's pen.

It was God who was issuing the warning.

Interesting, too, that Jude quotes Enoch, a man referenced in Genesis 5. This quote says that the Lord would come with ten thousands of his saints to execute judgment because of their ungodly deeds.

Jude then says to the believers that they should keep themselves in the love of God and look to Jesus Christ for eternal life.

And Jude closes with his beautiful doxology in verses 24-25: Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Discussion:

Jude packs a one-chapter book that has only 25 verses in it full of profound statements and warnings.

What do you make of his reference to Enoch?

And to the reference to Daniel's reference to Michael?

Certainly these Old Testament writings were available to Jude, as they were to the other disciples and apostles so there was a familiarity to those books that were in the synagogue.

And Jude closes with a beautiful doxology. We will take a look at the other 18 doxologies from the New Testament in tomorrow's lesson.

We pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for making your Word so accessible in this day and age. I pray that because of missionaries who are spreading the truth of the gospel message that more and more unchurched people will find your message of salvation. I pray that you would keep all believers safe from Satan and all that is evil. Amen.

##

1 Peter 4:12-19

The second half of this chapter gives us an idea of the mindset of Peter, as well as the other apostles. Because they had knelt at the cross they were not the least bit reluctant to experience pain and sorrow for being a Christian.

Because they had heard the rabble cries for Jesus' crucifixion they felt burdened that he had suffered for them and, in fact, had been executed for them and for all sinners.

If the disciples and apostles suspected that they would be persecuted, even martyred for their preaching the gospel message, they were not afraid to die such a death.

After all, look what Jesus did for them, they thought.

And Peter? Yes, he was martyred. He was crucified but he didn't believe that he deserved to be crucified like Jesus was. Instead, he was crucified upside down.

But the second half of Chapter 4 is about suffering. Suffering for being a Christian. Persecuted because of what they believed in. Peter says in verse 13 that when they suffer because of Christ, they are participating in Christ's suffering.

And if other people insulted Christians because they believed in this new gospel message that was being preached, then they ought to rejoice for it meant that the Spirit of God rested on them.

I have an interesting footnote in my Concordia Study Bible on page 1913 that brings a new light to this thought: The persecutions that believers were undergoing were divinely sent judgment intended to purify God's people. ... If God brings judgment on his own people, how much more serious will the judgment be that he will bring on unbelievers.

And our friend Matthew Henry, who writes his commentaries in the 1700s, tells us this about this narrative of Peter: This epistle is addressed to believers in general, who are strangers in every city or country where the live, and are scattered through the nations. 

... Hope, in the world's phrase, refers only to an uncertain good, for all worldly hopes are tottering, built upon sand, ... The matter of a Christian's joy is the remembrance of the happiness laid up for him. It is incorruptible, it cannot come to nothing. ... All possessions here are stained with defects and failings; still something is wanting. Fair houses have sad cares flying about the gilded and ceiled roofs; soft beds and full tables are often with sick bodies and uneasy stomachs.

All possessions are stained with sin, either in getting or in using them. ... Worldly possessions are uncertain and soon pass away, like the flowers and plants of the field. ...

Happy are those whose hearts the Holy Spirit sets on this inheritance. God not only gives his people grace, but preserves them unto glory. ... The Lord does not willingly afflict, yet his wise love often appoints sharp trials to show his people their hearts, and to do them good at the latter end. Gold does not increase by trial in the fire, it becomes less; but faith is made firm, and multiplied by troubles and afflictions.

... Let this reconcile us to present afflictions. Seek then to believe Christ's excellence in himself and his love to us. This will kindle such a fire in the heart as will make it rise up in a sacrifice of love to him. And the glory of God and our own happiness are so united that if we sincerely seek the one now, we shall attain the other when the soul shall no more be subject to evil.

The certainty of this hope is as if believers had already received it.
Read more: http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=68&source=2&seq=i.67.1.1

In verses 17-18, Peter asks: For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first began at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Discussion:

Do you believe that God sends us trials and tribulations to test our faith?

How does what you believe about the hardships that life brings to us fit into Peter's message in this chapter.

If you have an opportunity to compare different translations with other members of your group, do so.

We pray: Oh Spirit of the Living God, I pray for all the 9,000 souls lost to the earthquake in China. I pray for their families and loved ones who mourn such heavy losses. Help them remember that their loved ones are no longer subject to the pain and attacks of sin and evil, but rather, are now with you Lord. I pray that you would ease the burden of fear for the surviving masses who are afraid to go back into buildings that may be unsafe. I pray for their hunger. I pray for their peace. I pray that you will wrap your loving embrace around each of them and bring them comfort. Amen.

##

1 Peter 4:1-11 (KJV - public domain)

Peter tells us all to live for God. If you are doing that, it seems so easy that you probably wonder why others would have a problem doing so.

If you are not living for God, then I'll bet you just find it hard to believe how anybody could simply live for God.

Yet Peter very plainly says, in verse 2 that we ought not to live our lives lustily according to what brings you pleasure, but rather, live according to the will of God.

And while it may be true that in the past you were drawn to movies with lots of nudity and violence in them, spent a lot of time at cocktail parties drinking wine, beer or Jello shots, those days are over.

And modern day idolatries are everywhere. The paparazzi make a pretty good living chasing after photos of modern day idols. We used to call them adoring fans, but it seems to me that fans have crossed a line to idolatry. Fans aren't just admirers anymore. They're worshipers.

And the objects of all this awe are people who are having children out of wedlock without thinking anything of it. They certainly aren't living Christian lives.

But there will be an accounting, Peter warns in verse 5. Someday, there will be an accounting. And who will speak for you? Your idol? Nah. If you aren't an adoring worshiper, your idol will dump you and move on to someone else.

Peter also says that the end is near at hand and we ought to be watchful in our prayers and stay sober. "Sober" here could mean earnest and genuine as well as not drunk.

And wrapping up today's study, I quote Peter in verses 10-11: As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever.

If, at this point in your life, you do not know what your spiritual gifts are, you can go to this web site: http://www.churchgrowth.org/cgi-cg/gifts.cgi?intro=1

There are a number of questions -- nearly a hundred -- that you answer and at the end of the survey, you will get a list of spiritual gifts showing your highest three, with all categories (evangelism, prophecy, teaching, exhortation, pastor/shepherding, showing mercy, serving, giving, and administration) for you to print out.

Knowing what your spiritual gifts are will allow you to develop a richness in your ability to minister to others whom God puts in your life. I believe most strongly that each and every one of us needs to know what gifts have been given to us from God's Holy Spirit. It's how God equips us to do his work here on earth. You ought to know what your top three gifts are so take a few minutes to answer the questions.

I just completed this particular inventory. It didn't take fifteen minutes and I got the same responses that I've gotten in three other tests. My spiritual gifts are administration, exhortation, with teaching and shepherding tied for third place.

This is a replacement web site. The web site that had been shown previously apparently was a shortened version of an instrument that went beyond "fair use" so it's pulled.

Discussion:

In light of all the disastrous weather that has tortured the Midwest and southern states with tornadoes in the last couple of weeks, what are some things that you can do to minister to those who are suffering?

Or how about the tragedy of Myanmaw and those who have been killed in the cyclone? I've heard numbers now of 500,000 and possibly more. That figure includes many who are sick and feared to become sick from disease outbreaks.

We pray: Oh Lord, my Heavenly Father, I pray that you will bring comfort to all who suffer during these frightening times. I pray that you will keep survivors safe and warm and dry and that food/aid will be able to get to the people who need it so desperately.

I pray that you will wrap your arms around your children here on earth and be with them as they go through the dark shadows of grief. I pray that you will be with them as they go through those dark, dark places and bring them to joy and love from caring people. Amen.

##

1 Peter 3:13-22

Peter brings a challenge in verse 13 about doing good -- because people very seldom get into trouble for doing the right thing -- for doing good to others. So we ought not to worry about whether we're going to get into trouble when we do the right thing.

I see a cross reference from the verse to Proverbs 16:7 -- When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Even your enemies are going to calm down some of their vehemence against you, says the Proverbs cite.

Peter gives us a powerful exhortation in verse 15 and that is to always be prepared to answer anyone who wants to know where all this hope comes from that you have in your heart. Share your reasons with those who ask, but share gently without degrading anyone.

This might be particularly true if someone isn't quite sure he -- or she -- wants to get into the same belief you have in the gospel message of salvation. Peter wants us to not lose patience in our explanation but be gentle -- especially with unbelievers.

Always be ready to answer -- and always be gentle.

Matthew Henry offers a deep insight also. I especially like the language of Henry, straight out of the 1700s: The people are to pray particularly for their ministers.

Believers are exhorted to right conduct toward unbelievers. Be careful in all converse with them, to do them good, and recommend religion by all fit means. Diligence in redeeming time, commends religion to the good opinion of others. Even what is only carelessness may cause a lasting prejudice against the truth.

Let all discourse be discreet and seasonable, as becomes Christians. Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner.

Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it form corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also (see Col. 4:7-9).
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=59&source=2&seq=i.58.4.2

There is an interesting point that Peter makes in verse 18: For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.

In the predominance of other Biblical cites, Christ's resurrection has been attributed to God the Father, not the Holy Spirit. I find this message from the Holy Spirit, through Peter, to be most interesting. And not anything that I can explain, I might add.

If any of you have any thoughts on this matter, please pass them on to me. I'll be glad to share them with other readers.

Peter then retells the story of Noah and how patient God was to wait while Noah painstakingly built the ark. Eight souls were saved. And even as the eight believers were safe within the ark, floating on the water, so Peter wants us to know that baptism is related to the Noah event because of the saving element of water.

Peter closes this chapter with the message that Jesus, after coming back to life from the dead, went into heaven where he sits at the right hand of God where all the angels are subordinate to him. Actually, Peter includes angels and authorities and powers in the list of these beings.

I have read in other reference materials that there is a hierarchy of angels, but I can't put my hands on the cite right now. It's not that earth-shaking to be able to know which group of angels are responsible for which tasks, but know this: all angels are created heavenly beings whose job it is to serve God in tasks that he assigns them to do.

Some angels are sent to earth to minister to believers who are in need. Other angels deliver messages, even today, to those persons who are blessed to receive messages directly from God.

Discussion:

Do these messages from Peter draw you closer to your faith? In what way?

What are some of the ways that you make your faith known to others?

Have you ever met an unbeliever? An atheist? How did you talk to either of these folks about your own faith. Or did you?

Talk about how an unbeliever and an evildoer are different from each other.

But always be careful that you don't brand someone as evil. Keep in mind that only God knows what's in the heart of man and we are not to judge others. We are only observing, for we do not know those things hidden in someone else's heart.

We pray: I thank you Lord for your messages of salvation that come through your disciples. How blessed they were to have walked on earth with you, and yet they were tormented and persecuted because they followed you.

I pray that you would give me such a faith and I pray that you would send your Holy Spirit to me to dust out all those foolish places in my heart. These are places where unkind thoughts sometimes take root. I pray that your Spirit will brush them out so that a stronger love for you can grow in those empty places. Amen.

##

1 Peter 3:1-12 (adapted from KJV)

In the early verses of this chapter, we get to revisit the husband-wife relationship, according to 1 Peter 3.

And, in fact, we can go all the way back to Genesis 3:16 to get a Biblical definition of the marriage relationship: To the woman he said, "I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you."

Peter says that women are to be in subjection to their husbands. That is, wives are to recognize their husbands as an authority figure. But before we get tangled up in culture wars within the family, Peter was not talking about guys being bossy. Or women for that matter.

Men had authority over women. Could women own property? Could women vote on matters at the synagogue, or sit in a seat of power in the senate?

Definitely not. For that matter, women could not vote here in the United States until nearly 2,000 years later. Come through the Dark Ages when women were chattels.

And not that he was any great poster child for a warm, loving husband, Henry VIII was, if nothing else, the authority figure of what he thought a husband ought to be like. Women could, and were, disposed of as he saw fit.

Is that authority? To have the final say over life and death for another human being?

I'd say so.

A footnote in my Concordia Study Bible says this on page 1910: As believers are to submit to government authorities, and as slaves are to submit to masters, [wives are] to be submissive. The same Greek verb as is used in 2:13, 18, a term that calls for submission to a recognized authority. Inferiority is not implied by this passage. The submission is one of role or function necessary for the orderly operation of the home.

We also read in verse 7: Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered.

It's the "weaker vessel" reference to a wife that I'd like to look deeper into. I have a copy of the Revised Standard Version With Notes that has this footnote on page 477: In common parlance this phrase has come to have a derogatory sense. But it is a human male pride that made it depreciatory, not Peter. He uses it to commend woman to man's love and care; the second half of the verse makes clear how high a place he assigns to women...

If there were any doubt whatsoever that men and women are on equal footing when it comes to their salvation, keep in the forefront of your mind that salvation is made available to both men and women through grace.

Men don't get to go through the Pearly Gates first and then, if there's room left over in heaven, women can come in. That's not the gospel message for mankind. Each of us, men and women alike, is promised eternal life. And this salvation that promises eternal life comes through grace. Authority figures don't get to give the rest of us a ticket to get into heaven. Not husbands. Not the mayor. Not the governor. Not the king. Not the president. Not the master. Not the police chief.

No. It is our Heavenly Father who bestows grace upon us. The gift of salvation is ours for the claiming. It's the promise of eternal life that is ours when we believe that Jesus Christ died for our individual sins.

It's a personal journey of faith that brings us to the cross of salvation.

This is not the millions of slaves traipsing out of Egypt and wandering around in the desert until they found the promised land. Getting into heaven is not about crowd control.

What Peter is wanting to do here is give us some semblance of civic behaviors. Love each other, be sympathetic, be courteous. Don't be such a contrarian. Can't you just let half of all that nonsense go by the wayside when you realize that you and that neighbor you can hardly stand here on earth may just well be next door neighbors in heaven? And won't it surprise you to learn that someone you thought was evil is going to be looking at you in heaven? So don't be too quick to judge others. (See verses 8-11)

Peter may just well have coined the phrase, "Let go and let God," in verse 12: For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and the ears are open unto their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

Discussion:

What does authority mean to you?

What are some behaviors of Christ that point to his obedience to earthly authority?

What examples can you draw from Christ's behavior for your own life?

And what do you make of the relationship between a husband and wife in light of Peter's testament?

We pray: Oh Lord, our Heavenly Father, I pray that you would teach me how you want me to live my life. Guide me in your path and help me give up the contrarianism that nags at me sometimes.

I thank you for all the blessings you have given to me. I am so blessed. I pray that you will show me ways that I can use these blessings to serve you in my life here on earth.

I pray that you would give peace and comfort to all the people in cyclone ravaged Myanmar. Touch the hearts of the survivors with the embrace of your love so that they will somehow be strengthened.

I pray for all who are working in mission projects here at home. Give them strength to complete their tasks. I especially pray for all the mission projects going on right here in New Orleans as men and women reach out to help our own hurricane victims rebuild their homes and their lives. Amen.

##

1 Peter 2:13-25

Peter repeats a theme that we found in Paul's letters. That theme is to submit yourselves to rulers because the laws of the kings are supreme. And they have governors in the different regions whose job it is to punish those who do not obey the kings' laws.

Peter tells the Christian Jews that when they are obeying the kings and rulers and governors, they are obeying the will of God. (see verses 13-15).

Peter then says in verses 16-17: [Don't] use your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Matthew Henry says that Biblical Christians are by definition in a predicament. Christians must live in this world, but they are not of this world. As the Father sent Christ into this world to minister, so he sends believers to be ministers in the world (John 17:14-18)

Titus 2:1--3:8 is concerned with living in this world. The previous passage stresses engagement in the world, by enforcing Christian respectability in a way that shows sensitivity to accepted social rules and relationships.

At this point the question of the Christian's general attitude toward all people and political institutions is raised.

What is the Christian's obligation in relation to the world -- that is, to its unbelieving inhabitants and its political structure?

The early church had to deal with this question (1) because it was compelled by Christ's missionary mandate to reach the world with the gospel, a task that requires interaction, and (2) because the political system was generally opposed to the exclusive claims of Christianity.

What Paul has to say in Titus 3 is not new, but reflects agreement with both his own earlier thinking and that of 1 Peter 2:13-17.

Discussion notes: The instruction in 3:1-8 divides into three parts: verses 1-2 give the instructions; verses 3-7 give the theological foundation for the behavior that is prescribed; and verse 8 adds a missionary motive.(Use these notes for today's Discussion.)
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?
action=getCommentaryText&cid=11&source=2&seq=i.63.3.1

Titus 3:1-8 -- (ESV) -- What are the instructions in verses 1-2? Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

What is the theological foundation for behavior in verses 3-7: For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

What is the missionary motive in verse 8: The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

In my own imagination, I can see Peter and Paul talking all through the night in the excitement of bringing the gospel message to all the new believers. It would be so easy to write a dialogue between the two of them.

Peter, for instance, might say: "Well, how are we going to approach this business of obeying the king when Jesus Christ is king?"

Paul: Christ is the heavenly king all right, but for now, while we are living here on earth, we'd better make sure we obey the laws and rules of the local king. If Jesus himself obeyed the rulers, don't you think we at least ought to do the same thing, Peter?

Peter: Sure. But maybe they ought to hear it from both of us. Sometimes just hearing the same message from two different people makes all the difference, don't you think, Paul?

Paul: I do indeed. In fact, I'm writing a letter right now to Titus to read to his churches and I'll include obedience to civil authorities as an important thing for Christians to do; something that God wants them to do.

Peter: Okay, and I'll do the same when I write my letters to the Jews who are living in exile.

So did Peter and Paul actually know each other? Apparently they did. Their paths crossed from time to time. And you can be sure that the excitement of their missionary work filled the air with the electricity of the Holy Spirit's power and might.

Peter uses Christ as an example for the Jews who are living in exile. Christ was insulted. He didn't retaliate. Even though he could have. Most certainly. If Christ had wanted to, he could have turned all the people who were hurling insults at him in warty little toads for the rest of their lives. But he did nothing of the kind.

Instead, sinful man is sick with the evil that lives in every pore of his body. Christ's wounds heal us. In verse 24, Peter says: ...that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes you are healed.

And Peter likens the sinners to sheep who have gotten lost out there in the meadows. In verse 25, he says: For you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

I like that. I hope that you are as comforted by verse 25 as I am, just knowing that Jesus Christ is the Bishop of my soul means a great deal to me. It helps me strive to live my life as he would have me do.

Discussion: see above questions regarding Paul's letter to Titus.

We pray: Let us all wrap our loving arms around the people in Myanmar who are tortured by the loss of so many loved ones. I believe the last count that I heard was 22,000 lost souls, and 41,000 missing. Dear Lord, I pray that you will bring peace and comfort to all those who grieve for the death of loved ones, and also for the uncertainty of loved ones who are missing. I pray that you will bring a full portion of love and grace to all who suffer such torment.

I pray for people in families everywhere who squander the love that ought to be cherished. If Peter tells us to love our brotherhood, I pray that we would all love our familyhood. Surely the depth of Christ's love for each of us could be an example of how we are to love our brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers, and cousins and aunts and uncles.

Families ties last a lifetime. If you have lost a loving family member, this would be a good time to find a warm, family-like relationship to fill empty spaces in your heart. Not to replace someone, mind you, but rather, to give you an opportunity to express the depth of your love. Amen.

##
 

1 Peter 2:1-12

Peter, like his colleague Paul, exhorts the people in exile to guard their spiritual well-being by putting away all malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies and all evil speakings (verse 1).

If these words sound familiar, it's perhaps because they echo the message of Paul to the churches at Ephesus: ...put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires... (Ephesians 4:22)

Or, Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. (Ephesians 4:31)

Or when Paul wrote to the Colossians: But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. (Colossians 3:8)

Matthew Henry offers this: Do not men, on every side, walk in the vanity of their minds? Must not we then urge the distinction between real and nominal Christians? They were void of all saving knowledge; they sat in darkness, and loved it rather than light. They had a dislike and hatred to a life of holiness, which is not only the way of life God requires and approves, and by which we live to him, but which has some likeness to God himself in his purity, righteousness, truth and goodness.

The truth of Christ appears in its beauty and power, when it appears as in Jesus. The corrupt nature is called a man; like the human body, it is of diverse parts, supporting and strengthening one another. Sinful desires and deceitful lusts, they promise men happiness, but render them more miserable; and bring them to destruction, if not subdued and mortified.

These therefore must be put off, as an old garment, a filthy garment; they must be subdued and mortified. But it is not enough to shake off corrupt principles; we must have gracious ones. By the new man is meant the new nature, the new creature, directed by a new principle, even regenerating grace, enabling a man to lead a new life of righteousness and holiness.

This is created, or brought forth by God's almighty power.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=57&source=2&seq=i.56.4.3

So Peter, like his friend and compatriot Paul, was very concerned that people would get too far away from the gospel message when they no longer had the opportunity to meet with them and minister to their spiritual needs.

Peter and Paul both did the second best thing that they knew how to do. They wrote letters. The encouraged the believers to keep their faith alive.

Their exhorted the believers to always be on guard against the forces of Satan and all that is evil, lest they fall back into their former old bad habits and let their sinful nature creep back into their lives.

This would be that stumbling stone that Peter talks about in verse 8: And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient...but you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Paul likened a similar exhortation in his letter to the Philippians: ...that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world...

And so Matthew Henry clarifies this point when he says: We must be diligent in the use of all the means which lead to our salvation, persevering therein to the end. With great care, lest, with all our advantages, we should come short.

Work out your salvation, for it is God who works in you.

This encourages us to do our utmost, because our labor shall not be in vain; we must still depend on the grace of God. The working of God's grace in us, is to quicken and engage our endeavors. God's good-will to us is the cause of his good work in us.

Do your duty without murmurings. Do it, and do not find fault with it. Mind your work, and do not quarrel with it. By peaceableness; give no just occasion of offence. The children of God should differ from the sons of men. The more perverse others are, the more careful we should be to keep ourselves blameless and harmless.

The doctrine and example of consistent believers will enlighten others, and direct their way to Christ and holiness, even as the lighthouse warns mariners to avoid rocks, and directs their course into the harbor.

Let us try thus to shine. The gospel is the word of life, it makes know to us eternal life through Jesus Christ...It is the will of God that believers should be much in rejoicing; and those who are so happy as to have good ministers, have great reason to rejoice with them. http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=58&source=2&seq=i.57.2.3

Discussion:

Do you think other people would know you are a Christian just by the way you behave? What is it that you do as you go about your daily life that you believe give evidence as your faith?

Are you a gospel in shoe leather? That is, do you walk the walk of the Christian who walks with Christ every hour of every day?

You might  be surprised to learn that unchurched people, even nonbelievers are very curious about how Christians lead their lives. Perhaps they're looking for some glimpse of hypocrisy that would give them "an out" -- a reason not to bother with acquiring faith in Jesus Christ.

A wise pastor used to pepper his sermons with this admonition: Be careful of the life you lead -- you may be the only Bible someone will read.

We pray: Oh Spirit of the Living God, I pray that you would give me the strength and will to be the person you would have me be. I pray for peace and spiritual quiet for all who are perplexed -- for those people who are not sure about faith.

I pray that you will send the counsel of your Holy Spirit to guide the unbelievers to a life of cherished gospel truth.

I pray that you would remove the stumbling stones of sin and temptation from me and give me strength to endure. Amen.

##

1 Peter 1:13-25 (KJV)

Peter writes this letter to the believers who are part of the dispersion. They are the redeemed children of God who are living in exile far from their homeland.

Peter warns them to be ready for the return of Jesus Christ at any given moment. It is also a call for sober thoughts about the seriousness of what might happen to them. Peter wants the new Christians to remember that they are the children of God and because of this, they are gifted with grace that will be brought to them upon the return of Jesus Christ. (see verse 13)

Verse 14 carries a warning to be mindful of their need to be obedient -- and most of all, not to slip back into the lusts of their former passions. (verse 13)

After all, Peter says, in verses 15-16: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be he holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, be ye holy, for I am holy.

My Concordia Study Bible offers this footnote regarding this on page 1907: To be holy is to be set apart -- set apart from sin and impurity, and set apart to God. The complete moral perfection of God, whose eyes are too pure to look on evil with favor (Hab. 1:13), should move his people to strive for moral purity.

Matthew Henry offers further enlightenment: The destruction of the Jewish church and nation, foretold by our Saviour, was very near. And the speedy approach of death and judgment concerns all, to which these words naturally lead our minds.

Our approaching end is a powerful argument to make us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religion.

There are so many things amiss in all, that unless love covers, excuses, and forgives in others, the mistakes and faults for which every one needs the forbearance of others, Satan will prevail to stir up divisions and discords.

...The nature of a Christian's work, which is high work and hard work, the goodness of the Master, and the excellence of the reward, all require that our endeavours should be serious and earnest.

And in all the duties and services of life, we should aim at the glory of god as our chief end. He is a miserable, unsettled wretch who cleaves to himself, and forgets God; is only perplexed about his credit, and gain, and base ends, which are often broken and which, when he attains, both he and they must shortly perish together.

But he who has given up himself and his all to God, may say confidentialy that the Lord is his portion; and nothing but glory through Christ Jesus is solid and lasting; that abideth forever.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=68&source=2&seq=i.67.4.2

Peter reminds his readers that they redeemed and ransomed. But the ransom that was paid was not gold and silver. No. Those things fall away eventually and either get used up and get tarnished so their value becomes less and less.

But the ransom paid for all Christians is something that never loses its value. It is the blood of Jesus Christ that was given as a ransom for the sins of the whole earth. (see verses 18-19)

It is Jesus Christ who was revealed at that very moment of history to be crucified for the sake of all sinners. But Jesus had been in the universe long before the earth was created. He had been with God and the Holy Spirit.

And now, all these thousands of years later, Jesus made himself known to mankind. And even though Jesus died for the sins of mankind, his father raised him from the dead and glorified him.

All this was done, as Peter points out, in verse 21: ...that your faith and hope might be in God.

This is, without any doubt, a mighty and all-powerful God. God wants us to put all our faith and hope in him.

So how can we purify ourselves? Peter answers in verse 22: Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit ... see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently.

Peter talks about being born again in verse 23. It is a powerful verse that brings the message that when we are born again, we do not come from corruptible seed, but from a seed that is incorruptible. That seed is the word of God which lives forever and ever.

The word of God endures forever. And this is the very word of God that is preached to you (see verses 23-25).

Discussion:

Keep in mind that those were treacherous times during that first century of Christianity.

Jerusalem would be destroyed at 70 A.D.

Rome burned. Most likely it was owing to Nero and his recklessness. Some historians say that Nero was being called to explain how Rome could burn and he needed a scapegoat. Blame it on the Christians. And especially that guy Paul who was always preaching about Jesus and keeping everybody stirred up about some gospel message. And then there was Peter. Same goes for him too. Execute them both! That ought to get the tribunals and senators and judges off my back. Nero just blamed all of his mishaps on the Christians. Gave him a good excuse to do away with as many of them as he could.

Don't you think it would be difficult to be a Christian in those days?

How about modern times. Is today any easier?

Talk about some of the ways that we have to endure ridicule because of our Christian faith.

We pray: Oh Lord, I pray that you would help me when I do not portray myself as the pure in spirit that you would have me be. Sometimes it seems like I can feel Satan setting traps for me just hoping that I'll fall in. Those are the times when I need the strength of your Holy Spirit most earnestly to protect my faith and my peace of mind.

I pray that you would guide me and protect me as I go through the minutes and hours of each day. I pray for all who are reading these studies and gathering the peace that you would have them put in their hearts. I pray that you would make their search of your Word meaningful and purposeful. Amen.

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1 Peter 1:1-12  -- adapted from KJV

I will confess that I do not feel as familiar with Peter's writings as I do Paul's. Paul almost seems brotherly to me. If that's the case, then I would liken Peter to a more distant relative, not even a first cousin.

Yet Peter was one of the first disciples that Jesus selected to help him out. Peter was with Jesus just about everywhere he went. Peter was a part of Jesus' inner circle and was present for significant events such as the transfiguration. So it isn't that I discount Peter by any means. I've just studied Paul more.

Peter preaches to the converted Jews. His message is about grace. At the time of his writings, Christians are being persecuted -- even to death. Most Bible scholars place the writing of this letter to be in the early 60s.

Peter is writing this letter to "God's elect." These were the people who has been in Jerusalem were present at Pentecost and who had dispersed throughout Asia Minor.

We go back to Acts 2:8-15: And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell in Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye supposed, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

Peter wants the new Christians to be aware of the inheritance that they have come into because of Christ's suffering and death. He says, in verses 4-5 that this inheritance is incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

It is a familiar message told and retold by the other writers of gospel messages in the New Testament. This message is that because Jesus died for our sins, we have all become children of God. And because we are God's children, we all share in an inheritance.

But the inheritance is not a big bank account. It's not a big piece of land or a villa overlooking a calm sea. No, this inheritance that Peter is restating is a place that is reserved for us in heaven. We will be with Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father and share eternal life with all other believers when we die.

Matthew Henry offers this: All true Christians are brethren one to another. Faithfulness runs through every character and relation of the Christian faith. Faith, hope, and love, are the three principal graces in the Christian life, and proper matter for prayer and thanksgiving.

The more we fix our hopes on the reward in the other world, the more free what we be in doing good with our earthly treasure. It was treasured up for them, no enemy could deprive them of it. The gospel is the word of truth, and we may safely venture our souls upon it.

And all who hear the word of the gospel, ought to bring forth the fruit of the gospel, obey it, and have their principles and lives formed according to it. Worldly love arises, either from views of interest or from likeness in manners; carnal love, from the appetite for pleasure. To these, something corrupt, selfish, and base always cleaves. But Christian love arises from the Holy Spirit, and is full of holiness.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=59&source=2&seq=i.58.1.1


Then Peter tells the readers that he knows they are suffering trials. Christians throughout the Roman lands were being persecuted.

Peter tries to give them hope when he says, in verses 6-7: Wherein we greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable adn full of glory.

Peter wants the Christians to know that he recognizes their faith in Jesus Christ even though they had not met Christ. For sure, Peter had, and he could bring an authority of his relationship with Jesus Christ to his letters.

Peter knew first-hand about the message of salvation for he had heard it from Jesus' mouth. And he reminded them that this is the exact same salvation that the prophets had written about. These messages from the prophets were, in fact, sent down from heaven by the Holy Ghost. It is such a precious message that even the angels long to look at it.

That last verse leaps off the page at me. For one thing, it says that the message of salvation is for mankind. And the angels, though they serve Jesus Christ, and the Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit, they carry messages to man from God.

In Hebrews 1:14, we read: Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (NIV)

Discussion:

Because of copyright limitations, I am limited to using the King James Version of the Bible since it is in the public domain in the United States.

However, if you are reading this Bible study on the web, you can select any number of translations to read the texts cited. Simply go to this web site: http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/index.php?action=getVersionInfo&vid=47&lang=2 and click on "Available Versions." Select the language that you prefer to read, and the translation in that language. Then you will get an index of every book of the Bible.

Amazing!

Matthew Henry provides an exhaustive commentary that I enjoy quoting and his work is now in the public domain. I believe I've read that his commentaries were written back in the 1700s.

Okay, so this writing is in the early 60s. Times of persecutions. The disciples and apostles looked forward to their persecutions. Why do you think that might be?

I don't think it was because they wanted to feel pain, do you?  But they were more than aware of the suffering that Jesus went through and were of the opinion that no matter what they had to endure, it was not as bad as what Christ went through for all of us sinners.

In your discussion, talk about what you'd be willing to endure as a Christian. If you had to make a choice to maintain the profession of your Christian faith, would you -- even if meant your own personal persecution?

We pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for all the people who are reading this around the world who do not enjoy the freedoms that we have here in the United States. I pray that you will keep them safe in their journey of faith.

I pray for all the workers in your kingdom who are such a blessing in the lives of others. I pray that you would continue to bless their work. Some of working in food pantries to feed the hungry. Others are working in disaster relief. And some of working in mission fields under very trying conditions. And some are working to bring the message of salvation in large cities to unchurched people. Keep them strong and keep them safe from Satan and all that is evil.

I thank you, Lord, for all the blessings that you have given to me. I pray that you will keep all our children safe and in your loving hands. I pray that you will bless our grandchildren and keep them all safe from Satan as they go through their daily lives. Amen.

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