Brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, this morning we'll be starting the first of a two-part exposition into the first epistle of Peter as I feel this is the best way to begin the new year of 2006. Throughout the next few months we'll be doing several of these types of expository sermons and in time Covenant People's Ministry hopes to offer a much-needed New Testament commentary to those students who desire to explore the deeper lessons found within God's seamless Word. This particular letter from Peter has a strong end-time message.

Of course the author is the same apostle of Christ and one of the earliest disciples (John 1:40-42) being deeply acquainted with both James and John. He often served as a spokesman for the group (Matthew 16:15-16) and was even with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-2) even though he once attempted to rebuke Jesus for going to Jerusalem to be rejected and killed (Matthew 16:21-22) to offer salvation for the Israel people. To some extent, we covered Peter last year in Calling of the Twelve.

This same Simon Peter (named after 'the rock') once stated that he would never reject Jesus under any circumstances but in time even denied knowing Him three times (Matthew 26:33-34) immediately repenting of this sinful denial (Matthew 26:74-75). Still, Peter was reinstated as a disciple and apostle after Christ rose from the dead (John 21:15-19) so one of his earliest duties afterward was to find a replacement for the deceased Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15-26). Let's now see what wisdom we can glean from this great book;

(Scattered Strangers:)

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied (1 Peter 1:1-2).”

When was the last time you heard such a warm greeting from a friend like this one from Peter? A casual glance at the current state of the 'movement' today shows continual bickering amongst the brethren over trivial matters when our targets should be focused on Satan's wicked progeny. The 'masses' seemingly never grasp Biblical Truth (John 17:17) and in turn harass those who choose to live godly, similar common assemblies consented to the crucifixion of our Savior whose message was most targeted at the elect.

This epistle is similar to our exposition of James that begins by greeting; “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” in that it is specifically written to the elect remnant. This book specifically addresses the scattered Israelite people throughout the region of the time and essentially all Christian followers throughout history from amongst the chosen Covenant People. Like most of the Bible, we discover that this epistle from Peter has an exclusive message as opposed to 'openly inclusive' as many erroneously teach.

This 'select theme' continues throughout both epistles from Peter later becoming even more specific when he makes this statement about unbelievers; “It is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire (II Peter 2:22).” Christians should be continually thankful because those who cannot hear God's Truth as preserved in His Word are simply not chosen to do so, rather they're vessels of dishonor (Romans 9:22).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3-5).”

The blessings of Yahweh will never fade away while everything else in life does. Everything a Christian does should be for the advancement of God's Kingdom because Jesus teaches; “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).” The terminology 'revealed in the last time' makes the aspect of being 'begotten again' mandatory for salvation and once again proves that this specific epistle is addressed to those who are born again, especially in these later days as many fall aside during the apostasy.

No matter where we go in life there will always be those who cannot see the simplicity of Yahweh's design, much less the complexity of His eternal mercy. This first epistle of Peter gives Christians specific lessons on how to deal with infidels while expressing the importance of the Word of God which should be loved and studied by all. Many Catholicks still perpetuate the lie that denying Peter was somehow their first 'pope' while at the same time this book explains that the Word is to be studied by the people, not those in 'authority.'

Possibly because of his own denial of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:61), Peter teaches Christians that followers must be obedient to the commandments, including those found in this epistle. We must always be careful to never allow social trends to influence us from doing what's right and Peter has left us a perfect example of how not to be in times of persecution or adversity. The real prize is reserved for us in heaven and is not to be found in insignificant finances or momentary acquaintances that might be found littering our lives.

(Joy Unspeakable:)

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:6-9).”

We should all take notice of Peter's statement 'the trial of your faith' and again contrast this with James who says a similar statement at the beginning of his epistle; “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:2-4).” Overcoming temptations is how our Faith is increased yet most still make wrong decisions even allowing bitterness about sin to harden their own hearts.

In a similar sense, Jesus once told his friend 'doubting' Thomas; “Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed (John 20:29).” It is the simple man who needs 'proof' of the spiritual realm when it surrounds him everywhere he goes, the Biblically wise person knows that we wrestle against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). Seeing is not believing because man can't explain the mysteries of Yahweh.

Those who receive the "end of their faith" (or reward) also obtain the salvation of their souls for their outright devotion to the King of kings, Jesus Christ. Of course this all requires the choosing of God and His perfect working in a particular person's life or no amount of persuasion will convince those whom Yahweh has not chosen. Our prize is greater than anything the world or the enemy has to offer and the greatest thing is that it's reserved for the elect. The glory of Salvation far outweighs the hollow inclinations of sin.

“Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow (1 Peter 1:10-11).”

A Christian knowledgeable with God's Word knows that the entire Bible is about Jesus Christ from beginning to end as He is the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13). Numerous false prophets love to separate Jesus Christ from His oneness with Yahweh minimizing the importance of the Messiah in deliverance. There is salvation in no other name (Acts 4:12) and no other God beside Him (meaning the Shepherd) so as Christians we must always strive for a society as outlined in the very Word of God, or the Bible as we know it today.

This passage plainly states that the Bible testified of the sufferings of Christ beforehand meaning the entire scripture is about the Creator Jesus and we can serve no other god but Him (Exodus 20:3). During this morning's study you might notice that Peter places a strong importance on both brotherly love and the Word of God because these are obviously most lacking during the end times (Matthew 24:12). You might be interested in CPM's sermon called That Man of Sin: The Son of Perdition which is somewhat based on II Peter.

For example, contrast the Messianic 22nd Psalm that Jesus quoted from the cross with the sheer amount of false prophets who use His asking “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani (Matthew 27:46)?” against Him by saying Christ had doubt in Yahweh (or the divine plan laid out before mankind). A casual study into the Old Testament proves that it continually testifies of Jesus' coming and second coming, only those too lazy or evil would teach otherwise -- the scriptural fact that Jesus is the Christian God angers the enemy more than anything.

(Angel's Desire:)

“Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into (1 Peter 1:12).”

In Greek, the term "to look into" literally means “to bend over so as to look deeply into and see to the bottom of a thing” and this same word is also used in James 1:25; “Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” In essence, to 'look into' something requires a direct action (on the part of the curious) and because of this deed Christians are plainly taught that “faith without works is dead (James 2:26).”

The angels of God are His messengers and such 'men' are always found alongside Yahweh, consider the two destroyers who traveled with God during the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Holy Spirit is in charge of all things, especially the Word of God as cherubim were placed over the very ark of the Covenant (I Kings 8:7) which represents Jesus. Again, it's best to avoid those who wish to debate over the sanctity of the scriptures because such brethren follow a weakened God unable to preserve His precious Word unlike ours.

In the next few passages, Peter expresses the importance of the written Word commanding us all to be obedient to its teachings. Like Jesus, he explains that we must separate from the world's influence and our past sins while clinging to the sacred Gospel for guidance in daily matters. The Bible is continually under attack by many professing Christians but a soldier without his sword is worthless to 'the cause' and Satan's biggest tactic is manipulation of scripture (Matthew 13:19). Such feeble attempts have been seen at Stormfront Forums.

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy (1 Peter 1:13-16).”

It's from this passage that I've taken the title of this two-part exposition - Be ye holy. That's a commandment telling us to be holy in all manner of conversation and deeds yet so few professing Christians actually do as commanded. An arrogant man might be quick to describe how pious he is but it's really his 'fruits' that we're to inspect (Matthew 7:20), not his own opinion. The word holy used here is taken from the Greek hagios (pronounced hag'-ee-os) and it means “sacred or set-apart (Strong's #G40).” Think about this.

To remain sober-minded means to abstain from wine or alcohol in excess and ironically several people who have attacked me for my pro-medicinal stance on marijuana have even greater problems with liquor. I say this not to be mean but to explain that we must remain obedient children and commanded by both Jesus and the apostle Peter in this epistle. Christian conformity requires a particular set of guidelines to adhere to and we have the faithful Word of God to lead us in all things. Furthermore, Yahweh has provided for us.

When the Bible may not be able to be used to promote certain doctrine, one can be sure that if a certain teaching doesn't appear within its pages that it's a non-Biblical principle -- this should be common sense to a Christian. Many people make the mistake of adapting God to their lifestyles rather than adapting their lives around God's commands, this is where so-called homosexual 'churches' spring into existence as they certainly cannot teach from the unadulterated Word of God nor “the mouth of the prophets” that all testify of Jesus.

(Incorruptible Seed:)

“If ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God (1 Peter 1:17-21).”

Jesus Christ being the “lamb without blemish foreordained before the foundation of the world” means that Salvation was offered since the beginning. For example, those foolish people who worship the beast in Revelation 13:8 are those “whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” so this aspect of Jesus' divinity are essential during today's apostasy. Many among the 'stony places' are falling aside today as Jesus has foretold in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:20-21).

Yet those who are also predestined in God's Will continue to stand in the Word because as the remnant they really have no other choice -- it's either Yahweh's unspoiled Truth or Babylon's nonstop confusion. Knowing that we're not redeemed by worthless silver or gold also assures us that God has chosen the poor and there's no such thing as a 'prosperity doctrine' promising financial riches during our Christian walk. In fact, Christ continually warned the monetarily "rich" and the love of money is the root of all evil (I Timothy 6:10).

Almost predictably, those who continually quest for money in life also 'esteem persons' unlike Yahweh. While God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), man can only judge according to outside appearance and most times they're influenced by the funds they so passionately desire. Sadly, I've known too many false brethren in life who ultimately turn aside from doing what's right for a senseless crusade of finances when our focus should instead be on the source of all blessings and from who they flow -- Jesus Christ.

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever (1 Peter 1:22-23).”

Once again we see that the key is truthful love and Jesus Christ explained that the Word of God is Truth (John 17:17). In order for one to obey the Word (or the Truth) they must do so under the guidance of the Holy Spirit so it stands to reason that those who war against Jesus and His precious Words are under the influence of “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2).” Considered as corruptible seed, they know nothing more than working their own wickedness.

Those born again are incorruptible seed by the Word of God and this same Word “liveth and abideth for ever” referring to both Jesus and the written script. Many loveless snakes today work overtime attacking the sacred scripture as they have throughout history, naturally they'll teach against being 'born again' or baptized in the Spirit so the elect Christian soldiers must always turn to their swords (or scripture) for guidance. There can really be no other rulebook or set of morals outside of what God has commanded, period.

The Bible continually focuses on seedlines yet in the next few verses Peter will bring forth a small lament to show the importance of Jesus' Grace over race, a problem many still have today. If you need more study in the areas of 'Christian love' be sure to enjoy Let Brotherly Love Continue or Let Sisterly Love Continue available at CPM. We must never neglect this important aspect of the Christian walk and be like so many who quickly attack one another -- Jesus judges everyone according to how they judge others (Matthew 7:2).

(Sincere Milk:)

“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you (1 Peter 1:24-25).”

While everything dies and all mortal works eventually fall, the Word of God is eternal because it is everything to the Christian. In these precious scriptures the broken-hearted man can find comfort while the common snake finds his own damnation. So few in churchianity truly understand what the Word of Yahweh even is and often those who slander the perfection of our scriptures can also be found in violation of its moral teachings and they do so in a futile attempt to somehow feel superior to their own judge.

Revelation 19:13 teaches us that Jesus Christ is considered the living Word and the Gospel of John states; “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” This is very important because Colossians 1:16-17 says; “By him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Jesus Christ is the Ever-living God of Israel, this is why He's so hated.

What this accounts to is the fact that Jesus Christ is the living God 'manifest in the flesh (I Timothy 3:16)' or more specifically -- the Creator, none higher. One of the apostle John's epistles further clarifies by saying; “There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one (I John 5:7)” even further proving this awesome fact. For an even deeper study on the subject, be sure to read Before Abraham Was, I AM, Jesus, Yahweh or Not? or Jesus, God or Not? at CPM online.

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious (1 Peter 2:1-3).”

Newborns rely on upon their mother for all things as we should trust in the Creator Jesus to supply our essential needs. While mankind can always be trusted to slander or forsake one another in times of adversity, Jesus Christ has openly promised; “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5).” Among other places, these promises are found within His Word so this might explain why many judaized television evangelists never seem to get around to teaching the Bible but beg for money instead. We reap what we sow.

Several pagans from within my own family ranks once stated that my sermons are 'too much scripture' and attempted to attack my abilities by implying that I somehow hide behind the Bible. Of course they are somewhat correct in their assumptions as a major part of the Gospel Armor is the Word of God, especially the double-edged Sword (Ephesians 6:13-20). Without the Word of God on all levels a Christian is defenseless so be weary of those who wish to side-track you in meaningless debate, chances are they hate Yahweh anyway.

Indeed, those who have never tasted the graciousness of Jesus Christ nor never genuinely feel His touch can only play church or condemn others for steadfastly doing as commanded. Many hide behind general lawlessness and worship “another Jesus (II Corinthians 11:4)” making it practically impossible to 'witness' to them because they worship themselves more than Yahweh. A person has to want worldly filth or fleshly desires in his life in order to follow that which is contrary to the easy-verifiable written Word preserved for us.

(Living Stone:)

“To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded (1 Peter 2:4-6).”

When Moses finally met Yahweh he was told by God; “Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock (Exodus 33:21)” and in the New Testament the apostle Paul has this to say about the Israelites; “[They] were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ (I Corinthians 10:2-4).” The 'Rock' spoken of in these passages is obviously Jesus Christ.

Testifying beforehand about the sufferings of Christ, Peter quotes Isaiah 28:16; “Therefore thus saith the Lord Yahweh, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste” because this same book promises Israel “your covenant with death shall be disannulled (Isaiah 28:18).” Jesus overcame death and those who believe upon Him and His Words are not 'confounded' (or confused) by Babylon's false illusions, they have the unmovable Rock.

Ephesians 2:18-20 teaches us; “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” It's through the Word of God that a Christian is able to avoid being confounded or 'confusion' in general so we should pay particular attention to what Peter is trying to express in quoting this verse.

“Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed (1 Peter 2:7-8).”

Jesus is the same cornerstone “which the builders disallowed” and even today many churches still forbid His teaching behind their pulpits. The term “unto them which be disobedient” literally means “unwilling to be persuaded” meaning those who refuse to put faith into their own Savior. While He is the source of all Christian blessings to the obedient and those who love Him, Christ can also be considered both a stone of stumbling and rock of offence to those who err (in the Word) or who haven't yet been given 'eyes to see' nor 'ears to hear.'

Jesus teaches; “Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof (Matthew 21:42-43).” This special passage that foretells of the Messiah is found in Psalm 118:22; “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” All people and things are foreordained by God, period.

"Whereunto also they were appointed" directly suggests that these same disobedient followers who 'stumble' at the Word are chosen to be as such. This is very important as many mistakenly feel they must spend their Christian walk as if they were on a crusade needing to convert the entire world -- Yahweh is powerful enough. Not much happens within the majority or a 'universal' church and the next section of passages directly addresses who the elect are and the numerous New Testament racial aspects that make many 'ministers' squirm.

(Holy Nation:)

“Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy (1 Peter 2:9-10).”

Pay attention to what's being said here and who's addressed: #1) a chosen generation or "selected offspring" #2) a royal priesthood or "kingly fraternal order" #3) an holy nation or "separated race" and #4) a peculiar people or "purchased tribe." These four 'traits' are used to identify the same group of people, the covenant Jacob people directly chosen of Yahweh. Any Christian knowledgeable of his heritage should also be familiar with this passage as it gives four direct indications of the not-so-lost Northern tribes of Israel "scattered abroad."

Of course, this mercy was offered by Jesus' grace which is why the Israelites of old were not truly considered to be a 'people' of their own. Today followers proudly bear the name of Christian and as a collective whole comprise the 'Body' (or church) as long as Jesus is honestly the cornerstone. The Messiah says; “I am the light of the world (John 9:5)” and “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness (John 12:46).” There is no darkness or continued sin surrounding a repentant Christian.

This is a 'calling out' from sin that Peter is expressing in these passages and his request is very similar to that of Christ who also asks Christians to abstain from fleshly lusts. While those who choose to follow Truth do so at the risk of worldly attacks but those who choose to live godly are not only rewarded in 'the world to come' but also in this earth age. Children of the Light must be seen as doing work for their Father Yahweh, not out to make a 'name' for themselves at the expense of others -- those loyal to CPM know of whom I speak.

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:11-12).”

Indeed, 'fleshly lusts' do war against the soul but it is in overcoming them that we increase our faith in God as we discussed earlier this morning. This seemingly forces the Christian to decide between momentary pleasure with an eventual lost faith in Yahweh or outright abstinence with increased love from Him, there's really no grey area with God. We must abstain from breaking the Law of Yahweh (choosing Faith) because; “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law (I John 3:4).”

When Peter beseeches us as “strangers and pilgrims” we must use the Bible as its own narrative in order to discover more about the addressed party. In Hebrews 11:13 we find this pearl of wisdom; “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” Listed as 'strangers' are Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sara -- all directly hand-picked of Yahweh. Once again, the elect.

Sadly, man's laws are not Yahweh's Law and they're becoming less so every day with the Ten Commandments continually under attack by those who can't help but break them. Naturally, Peter understands this aspect of the Christian walk even dying a martyr's death (which we'll discuss in the conclusion of this exposition) so in the next set of passages we're instructed on how to 'have our conversation honest among the Gentiles' and given identifying 'marks' of God's own rulers -- those who wish for a society under Jesus' teachings.

(Fear God:)

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well (1 Peter 2:13-14).”

The condition for such a worthy submission is that they “are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well” not vise-versa. When man's feeble government contradicts God's supreme Law or authority the responsibility falls upon the Christian themselves so they must choose their god (Joshua 24:15) because we're also told; “We ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).” Next, we're told by Peter to honor worthy men and kings but to straightforwardly love the brotherhood and Yahweh.

Still, sometimes I wonder how many Christians might turn in their Bibles if ordered to by the governments of the world. In many places it is illegal to mention the name of Jesus Christ without facing public execution and in most places it's 'hate speech' to speak out against homosexuals as commanded. The results of such antichrist 'laws' are whitewashed government-funded 'churches' that never speak out against Uncle Scam, these types of disgraces are usually lead by effeminized 'PC types' that make a good living at deceiving others.

Jesus commands us; “Be ye wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16)” and Paul tells us; “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18)” so we must always strive to do the correct thing in a merciless world. Common sense must be used in all situations and when a Christian is doing things in God's favor he will even make his own enemies to be at peace with him (Proverbs 16:7). These are valuable traits as they help us to discern the lawless from the law-abiding, irregardless of "sides."

“For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king (1 Peter 2:15-17).”

'Fear God' is a commandment that appears hundreds of times in the Bible yet so few actually do. This commandment has duel-meaning in that we should also reverence Yahweh but Christians should always remember that our God is omnipotent (Revelation 19:6) meaning all things. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the Wicked For The Day of Evil series if you're unsure as to who is in control of everything, both good and bad. Yet these verses are telling us to strive for perfection and to be honorable to all men, especially the brotherhood.

For a moment reflect upon the actions of Daniel while in the king's court or the lack of speech on the part of Jesus during His own trial by man's court. There will always be those who wish to be lower-case 'gods' and are easily seduced by Satan because some of his first spoken words found in scripture prove that he uses this tactic (Genesis 3:5). By doing well we also preserve our reputation among men and more importantly with God who sees our secret works and rewards accordingly. Servants of God are commanded to love Christian brethren.

These passages are also teaching that we should never give our enemy opportunity to speak ill of us leaving them only the option to slander (as so many already do). Christianity can oftentimes be seen as 'a criminal religion' because so many of its founders and supporters throughout history have been persecuted and thrown in jail by the prevailing governments at the time, Jesus and Paul included. Be on guard because many regard antichrist groups like TBN or the Masonic president as 'Christian' just because they say so.

(Ye Called:)

“Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God (1 Peter 2:18-20).”

Again, the focus must always be on Jesus and His Will for us because He endured more grief and wrongful suffering than we could ever imagine. The Messiah reminds us; “Beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues (Matthew 10:17)” and furthermore; “He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me (Matthew 10:38).” True Christians will suffer for following common sense (in the scripture), a glance at the modern world and history proves this.

When a Christian does the right thing in the eyes of Yahweh but is considered to be demon-possessed or 'an anarchist' by the world at large, which opinion truly counts? Jesus says; “John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye [the enemy] say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of all her children (Luke 7:33-35).” Beware of separatists as Jesus came for sinners (Mark 2:17).

Peter commands us to do endure in all these things because Jesus Christ did the same and He is our perfect pattern. A sure-fire sign of a false prophet is they will somehow teach against the perfection of the Savior as this appeals to their flesh-nature or more specifically -- the desire to be "gods." If we serve only Jesus and have no King but Him than we're also subject to Him as Master and need to only fear Him. Don't allow the world's meaningless quests to sidetrack you from time that's better spent studying the Word of God prayerfully.

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed (1 Peter 2:21-24).”

It goes without saying that Jesus Christ is the Christian's perfect example because He is the natural standard by which all Christians should strive. When we see ignorant people attacking the perfect Word it can also be seen as an attack on Jesus Christ Himself and such serpentile people can be found nit-picking so-called 'Biblical inconsistencies' just about anywhere you look, especially amongst judeo-Christians. Many false prophets who use this tactic will also claim our Savior was somehow imperfect but these verses prove otherwise.

Christ never sinned nor spoke unruly so we should also strive to do the same as He. In order to be a perfect sacrifice for Israel's sin it was mandatory that the sacrificial Lamb be spotless and this is yet another place where antichrist will condemn. Such blasphemous teachings as Jesus sleeping with prostitutes or being born from a whore mother can only come from the most deranged and godless minds yet such doctrines do exist. Many false prophets might ask "What would Jesus Do?" but even less ever attempt to really do as He commands.

Our flawless example Jesus Christ “committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” not Herod nor Pilate and this is a factor that lead to His crucifixion. The usage of the word 'tree' in this passage of scripture would have been better translated as 'timber (#G3586)' as that is the original meaning for the Greek word xulon (pronounced xoo'-lon). No one person deserves the sacrifice Jesus made for His beloved creation as God does not respect persons, it is through grace that Christians are saved through His atoning blood (Ephesians 2:8).

(Stray Sheep:)

“For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls (1 Peter 2:25).”

Peter says the elect remnant were as sheep going astray but seeing as Jesus Christ was “Not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24)” His perfect blood has provided a Way. Shed once for Israel, Jesus' blood is sufficient to cleanse or sins and grant us forgiveness through His unmerited grace. The use of the word sheep in this verse isn't disrespectful as many might think due to media conditioning -- it's another reference to the chosen people Israel who "lost their way" because they were without a Shepherd.

During the Last Supper, Jesus spoke; “All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad (Matthew 26:31)” referencing Zechariah 13:7; “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith Yahweh of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.” Right here the scripture “testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ” as Peter taught earlier in this same epistle.

Because we were also considered to be 'lost sheep' when we're dead in sins, we must never neglect to reach out to others and avoid exiling ourselves away from the world and Jesus' other children. Zechariah 10:2 reminds us; “For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.” Let's work hard to never deny our Shepherd like Peter did (three times) while avoiding others who do.

(Intention:)

Having covered about half of the entire text of I Peter, my intention with this morning's sermon is naturally to help others understand this great epistle in more depth. I will enlarge my intention in the second part (coming this Sunday) but would like to stress the importance of 'brotherly love' as seen from today's study. I'd also like to draw your attention to the strong themes of predestination surrounding the elect because when we cover the second half of this letter next weekend this subject matter becomes much more pronounced.

Like always, I pray that Christ gets any glory from this study and that it somehow aids others in their walk with Jesus, with so much bickering in the world it's good to be firmly standing on the Rock. As others are tossed about by so-called 'new and improved' doctrines there are still those who refuse to compromise having the ability to reach their own brethren when Yahweh brings them -- these days are perilous regardless of what "fact" the media chooses to distort so Christians must strive for order as Peter instructs us.

It's my earnest wish that we “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body (Hebrews 13:3)” because Christian soldiers and POWs can be found around the world, Pastor Morris Gulett being among the many. It's never our place to judge our brethren as discernment is different than verdict, let's leave the judging to Yahweh who knows all things. Strengthen one another and stand against the adversary in the power of Jesus' blood. War for Christ! Amen.

[ Be Ye Holy: Exposition of 1st Peter #2 ]