Welcome to episode 102 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of 1 Peter, covering chapter 2:4-2:17.  The series is called “Hope in the Midst of Suffering.”  Today, we will cover: 

• The relationships (vv. 4-10) 
• The Christian Life as a Battle and Witness (vv. 11-12) 
• Show respect to civil authorities (vv. 13-17) 

Key takeaways: 

• As the cornerstone of the building was rejected by the builders, so also Jesus was rejected by human beings. 
• Believers are both priests and the temple. They are God’s dwelling place by the Spirit and His new priesthood. 
• Just as Christ is the chosen and honored one of God and was so honored at his resurrection, so too believers will be vindicated on the last day. What is true of the Christ is also true of his people.  They will not experience the embarrassment of judgment but the glory of approval. 
• The evil in the world is not separated from God’s control.   God still reigns, even over those who oppose him and Peter’s readers. 
• God’s ultimate purpose in everything He does is designed to bring Him praise. 

Quotable: 

• One is either a slave of sin or a slave of God. True liberty, according to the New Testament, means that there is freedom to do what is right.  Therefore, only those who are slaves of God are genuinely free. 

Application: 

• Humans stumble because of rebellion…because they do not want to submit to God’s lordship. 
• The desires of the flesh that emerge in believers are quite strong and must be resisted and conquered.  This is no easy matter.  The Christian life is certainly not depicted as passive in which believers simply “let go and let God.” 
• Christians are to pursue virtue and goodness, so that their goodness will be apparent to all in society. The evident transformation of their behavior will contradict false allegations circulating in society. 
• Christians obey governing authorities because such obedience is God’s will. Hence, the supreme authority is not government but God Himself. 

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