July 13th, 2012 
dsisler I have worked on writing a Bible study on 1 and 2 Peter off and on for several years. The ideas. The outline. A little writing. A lot of thinking. But, I’ve never completed it.
I wondered if it was time to get serious and actually start writing it. So I printed off all the pages I written up to this point. I’m amazed (again) at all that Peter had to say in these two short books.
Eight chapters filled with topics such as salvation, submission, and spiritual growth. Other topics consist of false teachers, the lawlessness of mankind, and persecution. These books also speak to hope and heaven and holiness. And then there are the special names of god, Jesus and Christ’s church.
I could go on, but I think I’ve made my point.
So it’s time. Time to bring God’s message given to Peter to paper and put my spin on it.
Are you ready for something different? A topical study of 1 and 2 Peter? I am!
During Easter week, I wrote about Peter. If you didn’t see it or if you don’t remember what I said, you can read it here. It is a good start to this series.
Peter begins each book with an introduction of who he is. He is Simon Peter. A fisherman called by Jesus to follow Him. His life was turned upside down with that call and through the years, became a faithful follower of Christ.
Peter is an apostle. An apostle is one sent. Sent on a mission. And this person has authority. Authority to complete the mission. To do anything and everything necessary to accomplish the mission in Jesus’ name.
Peter is a servant. A servant is one who does not have ownership of their own body or life. It could also be someone willing to serve his/her master. By this point in Peter’s life, he understands that he did not belong to himself. He belonged completely, totally, wholly to God and His mission.
Through the Gospels, the Book of Acts, and 1 and 2 Peter, we see a dramatic change in Peter. Before the cross, Peter was outspoken, obnoxious, and obstinate. After the cross, Peter was bold, brave, and boisterous. And what made the difference? The Holy Spirit. Peter learned to utilize the gift Jesus sent for His believers.
To whom did Peter write these books? Peter eloquently states the same group of people with multiple terms. God’s elect. Strangers in the world. The scattered. The chosen. But I believe Peter says it best in 2 Peter 1:1. “To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours.”
Precious faith. Do you consider your faith precious? Do you take your faith for granted? Have you adopted your parents’, grandparents’, or spouses’ faith? Have you worked through your own beliefs? If not, this is the perfect opportunity to do so.
How would you define faith?
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines faith as: “Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true.”[i]
How does the persuasion of mind take place?
2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us to, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” Examine. Test. That’s how the persuasion of mind takes place. So let’s examine.
Write down some of your core beliefs, your own statement of faith. I’ll give you a few examples.
I believe that God is the Creator of our world and all that is in it (Genesis 1).
I believe that Jesus is God’s only Son (Mark 1:11; John 3:16).
I believe the Bible is God’s inspired and inerrant (contains no errors) Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 19:7-9).
These are a few of the very basics and a good place to start, but there are more to be added to this list.
After you have your list, go to God’s Word and find Scripture to back up your beliefs. I’ve given you the verses to go along with the statements above.
Here’s another idea. Get a copy of your church’s statement of faith. It might be on the church website, bulletin or perhaps in the church lobby. Read through the statements. Look up the Bible references.
Once you’ve done some homework, ask yourself these questions: Do I agree with these statements? Why or why not?
Being able to answer these questions are important to your faith. Where you place your trust. If you can answer these questions, you have a good idea of what your own beliefs are.
Faith is a personal issue. It’s also precious.
As you close today, spend some time with God. Ask Him to show you where your faith needs boosting. Ask Him to lead you on a path to greater faith in Him. I can guarantee you’ll never be sorry for deepening your faith.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
[i] http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/eastons-bible-dictionary/Faith
http://fullmeasureofjoy.blogspot.com/2012/04/peter.html
http://fullmeasureofjoy.blogspot.com/2012/04/peter.html
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