I Peter

Theme 1: (1-2): Trials and difficult circumstances are used by the Lord to make us more like Christ and to strengthen our faith in the Lord. Peter told the believers that they should rejoice in trials as they resulted in their faith being tested and that through this testing they would be found worthy of praise and glory when Christ came for them. He commended them for having faith in Christ though they had not seen him and encouraged them to keep growing in their knowledge of Jesus. (1:6-9). Peter also told them that they needed to be ready for action and to discipline their mind by focusing it on Christ Jesus and his return(1:13).

Peter noted that struggles were a way of Christ working in them , transforming their hearts and allowing the love of Christ to flow through them. ( 1:22-23). Christ used all of his followers for his purpose and we become part of his household when we submit to him. ( 2:1-5). Peter told the Christian Jews scatttered around the Roman Empire that they were to live holy lives which were different than the world , becoming ridiculed for the Lord and being witnesses to him through their lives. ( 2: 11-12). Peter urged slaves to obey their masters noting that in doing so they should emulate Christ's example of suffering and trusting the Lord while doing so. ( 2:13-25).


Theme 2: (3-5): Christ's followers must love each other and be united through the love of Christ flowing through their lives. Part of this process involves submitting to each other in love. Wives are required to submit to their Husbands and Husbands must love their wives and be considerate to them. ( 3:1-7). Part of this love involves being ready to share the hope of Christ's salvation with others in a gentle and respectful way and with good conscience and conduct. ( 3:15-16). Peter urged the believers to discipline themselves through prayer and to use their gifts to serve each other for in doing so they glorified the Lord. ( 4:7-11). Part of following the Lord in love means being ready to follow him and to suffer for being obedient to his commands. ( 4:12-19). Peter told the Church leaders that they needed to humble themselves and not to use their authority to boss people around but to serve others. ( 5:1-6).