Valley Community Church

An introduction to our series through the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5 - 7. In this session we explore the background to the text, the context in history and some Kingdom perspectives to understand these passages through.

2 Peter 3:1-16. Throughout Peter's letters he makes the distinction between the two opposing forces at work in our lives - God's Word and our human desires. This week we interrogate this idea and its modern day forms, the promises of secularism and the solid ground that is God's Word for the ages.

Reading: 2 Peter 1:16 - 2:22

The churches are battling with the increasing influence of Peter's audience is battling with the rise of some teachers who are teaching a different Gospel. They have dismissed Jesus, downplayed sin and lured many of the vulnerable into unholy living. What are the marks of false teaching? Why is Jesus so important to the Gospel message and where can we turn for safety when understanding God's will for us?

Reading: 2 Peter 12: 1-15

Peter writes his second letter, a farewell, to the churches in modern day Turkey. What will his final message be? What will carry these churches through the inevitable trials, changes and cultural shifts?

The simple revelation that through Christ, we have access to a divine nature, and that changes everything about how we live... as we live in light of Jesus' work and our future hope.

The message of 1 Peter is a radical call; to live in light of the hope we profess.... but to actually live differently. Holding Christ up as our example, his charge is weighty. Often overwhelming. Too much for us to understand at times, and asking more of us than we can offer. But alongside this call, is the imperative of Christian community, the body of Christ, the ministered gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are God's grace to us for 'a little while', before the God of all grace brings us home to eternal peace.

In this portion Peter covers a lot of ground. We look at two aspects of suffering, and how it works itself out in our lives, for God's glory and for the bringing to repentance of others.

Reading 1 Peter 2:12 - 3:12

Peter zeroes in on three of the most vulnerable groups in the churches he writes to. His message to them reflects the story of Jesus to the world. How good has Jesus been to us, and how good can we be to those around us, friends and enemies as a result?

Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-12. In this passage Peter emphasizes the long arc of God's redemptive master plan for humanity, and our place within it. This perspective, of temporary trial, encourages us to live with eternity in mind, pursue holiness and model obedience in the hope of bringing others to repentance before the Day of Visitation.

In this opening session we explore the wider context Peter's audience finds themselves in. We recognise the familiarity of their setting, a Christian community who's efforts to remain faithful to God are beginning to rub up against culture and create incentives to compromise.

Study resources for this message can be found at: https://online.valleychurch.com.au/1-2-peter-week-1/