1 and 2 Peter: The Promise of Persecution

Perhaps more than anything, the apostle Peter is known for being strong-willed and impulsive. We know his failure, denying Jesus three times. But we can't forget his recovery and how he became the chief preacher of the gospel in the early church. And I think 1 and 2 Peter show this transformation: Peter wrote these letters to strengthen the faith of suffering, struggling believers.

In 1 Peter, his theme is simple: believers can expect danger from the outside world in the form of persecution. In light of that, God's plan for all Christians includes five things: being secure in their salvation, surrendering to God's will, submitting to authority and each other, suffering for Jesus Christ, and serving others.

On the flip side, Peter's theme in 2 Peter is that Christians can expect danger from inside the church via deception and false teachers. As he explained, you need to constantly be adding to and moving forward in your faith, because the church is ground zero in the battle for truth. His words continue to ring true for us today.

Think It Through

How is the genuineness of your faith tested (see 1 Peter 1:6-7)? How precious is it?

Read 1 Peter 2:13-17. How are you to live as a citizen of heaven on earth (see also Philippians 3:20; Romans 13:1-7)?

Read 2 Peter 2. What are some of the characteristics of false teachers? How can you determine a person's legitimacy in the Lord (see Matthew 7:15-20)?

Answer the question Peter posed in 2 Peter 3:10-12.

A Word of Encouragement

Peter's writings have a simple premise: If Jesus Christ Himself was not exempt from suffering, then why do you think you ought to be? When you're persecuted for being a Christian, you become a partner with Christ, entering into one of the deepest possible types of fellowship with God: the fellowship of His sufferings (see Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:13).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me understand the gravity of Peter's writings—that there is danger from the world but perhaps even worse danger from those inside the church who spread false teaching. I pray that You would help me stand up for the truth and stand fast in trials, knowing that my suffering isn't in vain.

Land and Explore

Pastor Skip's series Rock Solid  takes a verse-by-verse look at 1 and 2 Peter, and we're excited to offer it as a free download to you today.