This week we are concluding our series on 1st Peter: "Living as Strangers Here." Peter has some closing advice for his readers. This advice does not come out of nowhere; but is based on things he has learned on his own faith journey. There are evidences in the text that he is thinking about his own challenges as he endeavoured to be a Christ follower. In particular, when he says we are to clothe ourselves with humility, the word for "clothe" is a very specific word in the original Greek which means literally to "put on an apron like a house slave preparing for a chore." This has to be a reference to the night Jesus wrapped a towel around his waist and attempted to wash the disciples' feet. Peter protested the most loudly of all the disciples, and twice refused the gesture. Only after Jesus insisted did Peter relent. Jesus' humility in that simple act became a huge lesson for Peter and he reminds his readers that God exalts the humble as he did Jesus on the day of the resurrection.

Peter also advises his readers to cast their anxiety upon Christ and to be alert and self-controlled. Peter's alertness was put the test during the garden vigil just before Jesus' arrest. He failed miserably and slept through the night in spite of the Lord's requests to stay alert and avoid temptation (Matt. 26:36-46). His self-control was tested when Jesus was arrested. He was the one who pulled out a sword and cut the ear off of the high priest's servant. Peter obviously had a large reservoir of challenging experiences to inform his understanding of what it means to appropriately follow Jesus.

At the end of our text Peter reveals that God's plan is to make us strong, firm and steadfast. His desire is that the trials and difficulties of this life would not overcome us but that we would be made better because of them. His concluding doxology "To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen" reflects the idea that the Lord is able to do anything - and he gets the last word. Absolutely, he does!

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2. Reflect upon some of the lessons you have learned from 1st Peter. What did you find most helpful?

2. Slide 7. Review some of the more memorable stories of Peter's faith journey when he was a disciple. What made Peter's journey so remarkable?

3. Slide 8-9. One of the themes of 1st Peter is that the future will be better than the past: humility now; exaltation later. Why does Peter want us to learn this truth today?

4. Slide 10-11. What do you think the Message's paraphrase "live carefree before God" means? How do we do that?

5. Slide 12-17. Read Ephesians 6:11-13. Discuss the order to stand firm in the face of the Devil's attacks. Why is this so important in learning to be a Christ follower?

6. Slide 18-19. Discuss from our text the various ways Peter portrays the fact that we have a role and God has a role in our salvation and spiritual growth (Phil. 2:12-13). It is not that God works and we remain idle. What role do we play?

This week we are jumping out of our series on 1 Peter to celebrate Easter Sunday. The topic of this week's talk came from my reflection upon the problem we face when God does not answer prayer when in ways we hope God to act. While the Devil tells us that God does not act because he doesn't love us or because he is unconcerned with our needs, we know that is not true. We have the cross as the greatest example of his love for us. When he does not respond to our needs when and how we think he should we are left to conclude that it is not his time or that he has a better plan in mind than we can imagine. After all, he sees the big picture; we only see the here and now.

This line of thought led me to wonder about how the disciples might have been praying between the crucifixion and the resurrection. They must have even been praying during the trial as Jesus was escorted from place to place waiting for the sentence. Obviously their prayers during that time were not answered as they had hoped. God had a better plan!

Our text from John's gospel tells us that right up until the moment of the resurrection the disciples did not understand that Jesus was to rise from the dead. Interesting; in spite of all that Jesus had said, they still didn't get it. The resurrection seems to come as a complete surprise to them. Only later did they remember Jesus' words and the evidence in the Old Testament of the resurrection. So their prayers were a lot like ours when we don't see the big picture.

This week's sermon will be what might be called a "Jazz" Sermon. Rick and I will dialogue on stage about the disciples' prayers and expectations and we will hope to make the connection between their concerns and our concerns in the midst of trying circumstances. We will allow the conversation to flow (like Jazz) and the audience can listen in as we try to wrap our minds around what was going on during that first Easter weekend.

There will be no PowerPoint notes this week.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Both the Pharisees and the Disciples had concerns during the passion narrative. What do you think motivated the Pharisees: Silence their main critic; Stop the potential conflict with Rome; Prove their theological superiority; Others?

2. What concerns were the Disciples praying about: Acquittal by Pilot; Escape; A painless end; Others?

3. What do you think prevented the disciples from hearing and understanding Jesus' predictions regarding the crucifixion and resurrection? Read the direct predictions of his resurrection: Matt. 17:27; Mk. 8:31; Mk. 14:27-28; Lk. 9:22 and his more oblique references in Jn. 2:19; Mk 14:58; Matt. 12:39; 16:4.

4. In what ways do we today respond like the disciples when faced with difficult circumstances? How then should we pray?

Every one of us is involved in a battle. Our sinful desires are at war with our souls. Romans 7:14-25 describes this fight in greater detail. In our text the Apostle Peter is concerned that our souls win. By "souls" he is probably referring to our whole selves and not just some part of us. Hebrew people perceived of themselves as a whole unit while Greeks tended to refer to various parts (Mind, Soul, and Spirit). Peter's point is that sinful desires, while tempting, only manage to destroy us.

The kinds of sinful desires he is referring to are spelled out in 2:1. They are the result of pride or ego issues. In fact, pride is the first and perhaps foremost sin of humankind. Think in terms of the Garden temptation: (Gen. 3:5) "you will be like God." These desires surface whenever we perceive we are "hard done by" or treated unfairly. This certainly was the case for Peter's readers who were suffering for their faith. The most natural temptation would be to lash out or retaliate against the oppression.

Peter gives us some advice on how to win the battle over our evil desires. In the end not only is it good for our souls that we overcome these things, it is good for the Kingdom. Neighbours are watching, unbelieving husbands are wondering. Our behavior can overcome the world's prejudice and result in glory to God.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2-3. Read Romans 7:14-25. Can you identify with Paul's dilemma? Is it true that all sins result from pride? Is pride the original and besetting sin of humankind?

2. Slide 5. Why does Peter use these terms of endearment at this point of the letter?

3. Slide 6. Why is it so important that followers of Jesus know their citizenship is in the Kingdom of God? What dangers do we face when we forget that we are aliens and strangers here?

4. Slide 7. What do you make of this statement: "Desires are not wrong but what we do with them can be." See James 1:13-15.

5. Slide 8-9. Discuss general accusations brought against followers of Jesus today. Are they because of wrongdoing or are they misperceptions? How can we prevent the misperceptions?

6. Slide 10-11. Discuss the tension between God's holiness and Jesus' submission. How do we live as both holy people and at the same time follow Jesus into a dark world?

7. Slide 12-13. Discuss the disciples' submission to authority in the book of Acts. At what point did they respectfully push back against worldly authority? What about Jesus in the Gospels? Are there some lessons here for us?

Every one of us is involved in a battle. Our sinful desires are at war with our souls. Romans 7:14-25 describes this fight in greater detail. In our text the Apostle Peter is concerned that our souls win. By "souls" he is probably referring to our whole selves and not just some part of us. Hebrew people perceived of themselves as a whole unit while Greeks tended to refer to various parts (Mind, Soul, and Spirit). Peter's point is that sinful desires, while tempting, only manage to destroy us.

The kinds of sinful desires he is referring to are spelled out in 2:1. They are the result of pride or ego issues. In fact, pride is the first and perhaps foremost sin of humankind. Think in terms of the Garden temptation: (Gen. 3:5) "you will be like God." These desires surface whenever we perceive we are "hard done by" or treated unfairly. This certainly was the case for Peter's readers who were suffering for their faith. The most natural temptation would be to lash out or retaliate against the oppression.

Peter gives us some advice on how to win the battle over our evil desires. In the end not only is it good for our souls that we overcome these things, it is good for the Kingdom. Neighbours are watching, unbelieving husbands are wondering. Our behavior can overcome the world's prejudice and result in glory to God.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2-3. Read Romans 7:14-25. Can you identify with Paul's dilemma? Is it true that all sins result from pride? Is pride the original and besetting sin of humankind?

2. Slide 5. Why does Peter use these terms of endearment at this point of the letter?

3. Slide 6. Why is it so important that followers of Jesus know their citizenship is in the Kingdom of God? What dangers do we face when we forget that we are aliens and strangers here?

4. Slide 7. What do you make of this statement: "Desires are not wrong but what we do with them can be." See James 1:13-15.

5. Slide 8-9. Discuss general accusations brought against followers of Jesus today. Are they because of wrongdoing or are they misperceptions? How can we prevent the misperceptions?

6. Slide 10-11. Discuss the tension between God's holiness and Jesus' submission. How do we live as both holy people and at the same time follow Jesus into a dark world?

7. Slide 12-13. Discuss the disciples' submission to authority in the book of Acts. At what point did they respectfully push back against worldly authority? What about Jesus in the Gospels? Are there some lessons here for us?

This week we are looking at three metaphors that the Apostle Peter uses to describe the People of God. There are many words and ways to describe us in the New Testament: Disciples, Believers, the Body of Christ, etc. But Peter chooses metaphors from Jewish history to encourage the readers of his letter.

Living in catacombs, worshipping in secret, imprisoned for their faith; it was not easy to be a First Century Christian. But Peter reminds his readers that they are more than what might appear to the casual observer. They were really something: a Temple; a Priesthood and a Nation. They were God's "Special Possession." I would imagine we all need to hear the same message. We are significant, we do make a difference in this world.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2-3. How are Believers marginalized in our culture? What images come to mind when outsiders talk about the Church?

2. Slide 9-10. Discuss your experience of God's presence in His Community. What was it like the first time you noticed it? In what ways does His sculpting of our lives reveal our/his glory?

3. Slide 11-12. Can there be worship without sacrifice? What other kinds of sacrifice can you think of that reflect worship?

4. Slide 13-15. In what ways might we mistake the expressions of worship for true worship? How do we prevent this from happening in our own lives?

5. Slide 16-18. Does it excite you, as it does me, to belong to the People of God, His Nation? Why or why not? If our main purpose is to worship, what does that mean for us every day? Does your worship attract other worshippers?

This week we are looking at three metaphors that the Apostle Peter uses to describe the People of God. There are many words and ways to describe us in the New Testament: Disciples, Believers, the Body of Christ, etc. But Peter chooses metaphors from Jewish history to encourage the readers of his letter.

Living in catacombs, worshipping in secret, imprisoned for their faith; it was not easy to be a First Century Christian. But Peter reminds his readers that they are more than what might appear to the casual observer. They were really something: a Temple; a Priesthood and a Nation. They were God's "Special Possession." I would imagine we all need to hear the same message. We are significant, we do make a difference in this world.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2-3. How are Believers marginalized in our culture? What images come to mind when outsiders talk about the Church?

2. Slide 9-10. Discuss your experience of God's presence in His Community. What was it like the first time you noticed it? In what ways does His sculpting of our lives reveal our/his glory?

3. Slide 11-12. Can there be worship without sacrifice? What other kinds of sacrifice can you think of that reflect worship?

4. Slide 13-15. In what ways might we mistake the expressions of worship for true worship? How do we prevent this from happening in our own lives?

5. Slide 16-18. Does it excite you, as it does me, to belong to the People of God, His Nation? Why or why not? If our main purpose is to worship, what does that mean for us every day? Does your worship attract other worshippers?

Peter continues to write words of encouragement to the believers of Asia Minor. This letter was written approximately 30 years after the death of Christ when the culture was very anti-Christian. As we'll see later in the letter the believers are dealing with oppressive bosses, unbelieving spouses, and colleagues who oppose the Christian faith. Aggressive and extreme persecution is coming soon. It's in this setting Peter writes to encourage and remind the Christians of the living hope they have in Christ.

In the midst of this anti-Christian culture there were believers who were struggling with the temptation to live a life of compromise. Peter uses the word 'hypocrisy' in ch 2:1, which is to act in a way that is incongruent with one's belief and value system. In our text this morning we see Peter issuing two reminders and a challenge.

1. Peter reminds the believers of the Power of God's Word. It is living and it is enduring. He quotes Isaiah to remind his readers that all men, nations, cultures are like grass – they will fade. But, the Word of the Lord is everlasting. It is enduring, abiding, persevering.

2. Peter also reminds the believers of who they are in Christ. They have been born anew. They are born not of perishable seed but of imperishable seed. God has given them a new heart, new desires, new eternity.

3. Peter challenges them to mature in their faith by rejecting the desires of a sinful heart (ch 2:1 malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander) and to grow in their love for one another (vs.22).

I find it interesting to note that Peter does not in any way release them of their responsibility to impact their culture for Christ. Even in the midst of opposition and persecution Peter reminds them of their responsibility to be salt and light. He wants to put steel in their backbone.

Although we cannot all relate to physical persecution, our society is continually becoming more and more anti-Christian. Whether it's a college professor who mocks a Christian student for his/her belief or a boss who makes it difficult for a co-worker to live out their faith – many believers have experienced rejection and understand the temptation to live a life of compromise in order to 'fit in' and be accepted. We also are called to be salt and light in our world (work, school, neighborhood).

Questions for consideration:

1. Through the new birth in Christ we are called to love one another as a testimony to the love and grace of God. When we fail to live this way, our lives preach a false gospel. How does our treatment of one another reflect our faith in Christ?

2. What does John 17 tell us about the purpose for loving one another?

3. How does abiding in the Word of God help us to love one another?

4. How has your faith in Jesus changed the way you relate to people?

5. What gospel are you preaching with your relationships today?

6. How is hypocrisy a temptation?

7. What issues of hypocrisy do we need to deal with as a community?

8. How can we encourage one another to a renewed longing for 'spiritual milk'?

Peter continues to write words of encouragement to the believers of Asia Minor. This letter was written approximately 30 years after the death of Christ when the culture was very anti-Christian. As we'll see later in the letter the believers are dealing with oppressive bosses, unbelieving spouses, and colleagues who oppose the Christian faith. Aggressive and extreme persecution is coming soon. It's in this setting Peter writes to encourage and remind the Christians of the living hope they have in Christ.

In the midst of this anti-Christian culture there were believers who were struggling with the temptation to live a life of compromise. Peter uses the word 'hypocrisy' in ch 2:1, which is to act in a way that is incongruent with one's belief and value system. In our text this morning we see Peter issuing two reminders and a challenge.

1. Peter reminds the believers of the Power of God's Word. It is living and it is enduring. He quotes Isaiah to remind his readers that all men, nations, cultures are like grass – they will fade. But, the Word of the Lord is everlasting. It is enduring, abiding, persevering.

2. Peter also reminds the believers of who they are in Christ. They have been born anew. They are born not of perishable seed but of imperishable seed. God has given them a new heart, new desires, new eternity.

3. Peter challenges them to mature in their faith by rejecting the desires of a sinful heart (ch 2:1 malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander) and to grow in their love for one another (vs.22).

I find it interesting to note that Peter does not in any way release them of their responsibility to impact their culture for Christ. Even in the midst of opposition and persecution Peter reminds them of their responsibility to be salt and light. He wants to put steel in their backbone.

Although we cannot all relate to physical persecution, our society is continually becoming more and more anti-Christian. Whether it's a college professor who mocks a Christian student for his/her belief or a boss who makes it difficult for a co-worker to live out their faith – many believers have experienced rejection and understand the temptation to live a life of compromise in order to 'fit in' and be accepted. We also are called to be salt and light in our world (work, school, neighborhood).

Questions for consideration:

1. Through the new birth in Christ we are called to love one another as a testimony to the love and grace of God. When we fail to live this way, our lives preach a false gospel. How does our treatment of one another reflect our faith in Christ?

2. What does John 17 tell us about the purpose for loving one another?

3. How does abiding in the Word of God help us to love one another?

4. How has your faith in Jesus changed the way you relate to people?

5. What gospel are you preaching with your relationships today?

6. How is hypocrisy a temptation?

7. What issues of hypocrisy do we need to deal with as a community?

8. How can we encourage one another to a renewed longing for 'spiritual milk'?

We are continuing in our Series on 1 Peter: Living as Strangers Here. This week we are looking at a text that talks about how to behave as strangers here. When we move to a new environment or country we have to learn how to adjust to the new setting. Sometimes we need to learn a new language. Sometimes we just have to take some time to learn the various social subtleties of the new environment. This is a matter of us making adjustments to the new culture. 1 Peter is addressing a different problem.

For the new believer, it is not the culture that is different, the new believer has changed. As men and women made new by the Spirit we have to learn to relate to the culture in different ways than we have in the past. Unlike a new immigrant, we know the culture very well; it is still our native culture. But we have changed and we must be careful not to allow the culture to squeeze us back into our old way of doing things. So while the new immigrant learns to adjust to the culture in ways that are appropriate the new Christian must learn to resist reverting to allowing the culture to determine his or her behavior. New believers must learn to live as strangers here even though at one time we were not strangers at all, but natives, fully absorbed in the culture.

Interestingly, many older Christians begin to experience the new immigrant problem. They become too distant from the culture and must learn to interact in the culture in appropriate ways in order to be salt and light. But our text deals with the more common problem of men and women made new living in a culture that is often hostile and inhospitable.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2-4. Do you struggle with the new immigrant problem or the new Christian problem? Give examples of trying to adjust to a culture that is very familiar yet strange as your new life begins to mature and your values begin to change to become more like Christ.

2. Slide 7-8. Give examples of being mentally prepared for anything? How does this compare to 2 Timothy 4:2?

3. Slide 9-10. How do you deal with your impatience with God's timetable? What helps you exercise self-control?

4. Slide 11-12. How do you keep your hope focused on heaven? What practical things can you do to remind yourself of heaven?

5. Slide 13-14. Why does Peter caution us about holiness? What trap does he want us to avoid as strangers here? Talk about set apart from and set apart to and the balance between the two concepts.

We are continuing in our Series on 1 Peter: Living as Strangers Here. This week we are looking at a text that talks about how to behave as strangers here. When we move to a new environment or country we have to learn how to adjust to the new setting. Sometimes we need to learn a new language. Sometimes we just have to take some time to learn the various social subtleties of the new environment. This is a matter of us making adjustments to the new culture. 1 Peter is addressing a different problem.

For the new believer, it is not the culture that is different, the new believer has changed. As men and women made new by the Spirit we have to learn to relate to the culture in different ways than we have in the past. Unlike a new immigrant, we know the culture very well; it is still our native culture. But we have changed and we must be careful not to allow the culture to squeeze us back into our old way of doing things. So while the new immigrant learns to adjust to the culture in ways that are appropriate the new Christian must learn to resist reverting to allowing the culture to determine his or her behavior. New believers must learn to live as strangers here even though at one time we were not strangers at all, but natives, fully absorbed in the culture.

Interestingly, many older Christians begin to experience the new immigrant problem. They become too distant from the culture and must learn to interact in the culture in appropriate ways in order to be salt and light. But our text deals with the more common problem of men and women made new living in a culture that is often hostile and inhospitable.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2-4. Do you struggle with the new immigrant problem or the new Christian problem? Give examples of trying to adjust to a culture that is very familiar yet strange as your new life begins to mature and your values begin to change to become more like Christ.

2. Slide 7-8. Give examples of being mentally prepared for anything? How does this compare to 2 Timothy 4:2?

3. Slide 9-10. How do you deal with your impatience with God's timetable? What helps you exercise self-control?

4. Slide 11-12. How do you keep your hope focused on heaven? What practical things can you do to remind yourself of heaven?

5. Slide 13-14. Why does Peter caution us about holiness? What trap does he want us to avoid as strangers here? Talk about set apart from and set apart to and the balance between the two concepts.