Forge Church

Apostle Peter continues to focus on the suffering and death of Jesus for our sins. He and the writers of the New Testament agree that there is a tie between relationship with Jesus as Lord and suffering for Him. So, don't be shocked when your unbelieving friends or adversaries get up in your face when you choose to not run with them in their ways.

Apostle Peter deems it so critical regarding the descent of the living Jesus Christ into Hades that he teaches on it twice (once again in 2 Peter 2). This is one of the core beliefs of the early Church, finding its way into the Apostle's Creed in mid-3rd Century as part of the summary of orthodox beliefs for the Church. This is a passage that has been much argued over. We want to understand Peter's preaching here, not what theologians have presented.

Apostle Peter summarizes his preached section on submission, having begun with free men, then slaves, then wives, then husbands. Now he concludes with those characteristics that flow from the hidden place of the heart by Holy Spirit. He knows there are problems in the churches to which he writes, and he focuses their minds and hearts on getting ready to verbally defend their hope with gentleness and respect.

Apostle Peter shifts his focus to wives and husbands in the churches he is writing to in Asia MInor. Each class has some significant challenges as believers. The transforming work of Holy Spirit in the "hidden plcace of the heart" is being addressed into super-stressed marriages.

Apostle Peter now turns to urge house servants to respect and submit to their masters. Peter next address those of who make right choices and suffer for them. We are to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, out example of how not to revile, how not to lash back to accusation, slander, and abuse. The suffering of Jesus paid the price for my new life. He is the Shepherd and Guardian of my soul

Apostle Peter again warns about evil desires for they war against our souls. He urges his readers to live lovely loves, doing good, for Jesus'

sake. Lastly, Peter calls us to submit to governing authorities in such a way as to silence foolish talk, and to express our freedom in Christ.

Apostle Peter writes to set the contrast between those who see Jesus as precious and those who see Him as an offense. He urges the followers of Jesus in Asia Minor to "Tell Out" the excellencies of God, because He has brought them out of darkness into light, and into His mercy.

Apostle Peter looks back at Chapter 1 and then urges his readers to strip off all manner of evil speaking and thinking. Having done that, he instructs us to crave the simple, pure things of the Word of God. When we are clean and built up, he next calls us to be living stones in the spiritual dwelling that houses ministering priests (that's us!) who offer up spiritual sacrifices.

Apostle Peter is preaching a message of our personal identity in Christ, from before the foundation of the world. Having received that identity we are to move beyond accepting love for one another to love that values, love that overflows to our Brothers and Sister in Christ.

Apostle Peter challenges his readers to be obedient.....and to be holy, for that is what stands written in Scripture. Holiness and obedience are two sides of the same coin.