the first epistle of peter
Living Stones being the people of God in the world
zion church adult fellowship community • fall 2011
Eschatology Now Living in Exile, Looking Like Jesus
1 peter 4.12-19
Messages from Other Peoples’ Mail 1 Peter Outline So Far
I. Salutation: A Book for Priests in Exile, 1.1-2 II. Introduction: Coming Salvation, Present Situation, Ancient Scripture, 1.3-2.10 A. Salvation and Suffering, Anticipated and Expected, 1.3-12 B. Christian Conduct meets Prophetic Word in Eschatological Living, 1.13-25 C. Christian Mission meets Prophetic Word in Eschatological Dwelling, 2.1-10 III. Eschatology Now: Living in Exile, Looking like Jesus, 2.11-5.11 A. Introduction: Holiness and Suffering, Good Deeds and Glory, 2.11-12 B. Exiles in a Broken Society, 2.13-4.11 C. Exiles in a Hostile Land, 4.12-5.11 1. Exiles and Eschatology: Entrusting unto the End , 4.12-19 a. Sharing in Christ's Suffering, 4.12-13 b. Mocked in Christ's Name, 4.14-16 c. Vindicated in Christ's Judgment, 4.17-19
Structure and Message
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4.12–19 ESV)
Living Stones •!Zion Church • Notes, Nov 6, 2011 / 1
Exiles and Escatology: Sharing in Christ’s Suffering, 4.12-13
Exiles and Escatology: Mocked in Christ’s Name, 4.14-16
Exiles and Escatology: Vindicated in Christ’s Judgment, 4.17-19
Bringing it Together Concerning 4.12-19: No one escapes the flames, neither the exiles nor the nations; it is only a matter of "why" and "when." Fiery trials for the exiles who are God's household mean purifying from sin unto holiness and strengthening of faith unto salvation; they are transient but result in vindication and eternal reward. Fiery trials for the nations, outsiders who reject the Gospel, mean judgment for their rebellion; they will be ongoing and result in wrath and eternal judgment. Thus, Christians can trust themselves to their faithful Creator even amidst the flames of trials, just as Christ did.
Living Stones •!Zion Church • Notes, Nov 6, 2011 / 2