BBCC Bible Study Notes
Being What You Are – 1 Peter 1:13–2:3
September 29, 2024
I. Christians as Exiles (Review)
Pain and discomfort remind us this world is not our home. Christians are born again into living hope through Jesus.
II. Hope is Active (1 Peter 1:13–21)
"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." (1 Peter 1:13, NIV)
God's commands follow His blessings; we respond in gratitude. Set your hope on the grace of Jesus Christ, not worldly things. Hope leads to action and readiness to do God's will.
"As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:14–16, NIV)
As God's adopted children, we are called to be like our Father. Hope drives us to holiness and resisting worldly pressures.
"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." (1 Peter 1:18–19, NIV)
We are redeemed by Christ's precious blood, not worldly wealth. God's love and the fear of despising it should motivate holiness.
III. Hope Leads to Holiness (1 Peter 1:22–2:3)
"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart." (1 Peter 1:22, NIV)
Obedience to truth leads to purification and sincere love. We must not only know truth but obey it to become holy.
"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." (1 Peter 1:23, NIV)
God's word is eternal truth that transforms lives. Hearing and obeying God's word makes us grow in holiness.
"Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." (1 Peter 2:1–3, NIV)
Summary
As Christians born again into living hope, we are called to live holy lives that reflect our Father's character. Hope is active, driving us to obey God's eternal word and be transformed to love others sincerely. By hearing and obeying the truth, we grow in holiness and show the world that we belong to God, not to this temporary world.
BBCC Verse of the Week
"Love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." (1 Peter 1:22b–23, NIV)
Study & Discussion Guide – 1 Peter 1:13–2:3
"The imperatives of Christian living always begin with 'therefore.' Peter does not begin to exhort Christian pilgrims until he has celebrated the wonders of God's salvation in Jesus Christ." (Ed Clowney)
Peter prescribes four actions: (1) set your mind on the grace ahead, (2) be holy in your whole way of life, (3) love one another earnestly, and (4) crave pure spiritual milk. Allusions to the exodus event, quotations from the Holiness Code of Leviticus and from Isaiah, and echoes of Psalm 34 are woven together to create a new-covenant context for these four exhortations. (Karen Jobes)
Peter urges his readers to see history the way God has planned it. Though now they may suffer unjustly, someday Christ will return and justice will be fully established. Christians are to live in light of that day of manifested grace. (McKnight)
This passage is full of quotes from the Old Testament. Peter's Jewish readers would have immediately recognized the quotations. To understand this passage, it's worth reading: Lev. 11:44–45, 19:2; Isaiah 40:6–8; Psalm 34:12–13. (S.S.)
The contrast between what is transitory and what is permanent would be highly appropriate for a beleaguered community of Christians facing the apparent power and glory of the Roman Empire. Even the hostility of that overwhelming power becomes more bearable when its ultimately transitory nature is revealed and accepted. (Achtemeier)
Discussion Questions
1. In 1:13, Peter says we should get our minds ready for action. What part does our mind have in a life of faith and obedience?
2. According to Peter in 1:13–17, what are the connections between hope and holiness? How can the world still squash us into the shape of the passions we had before we knew Christ?
3. Read 1 Peter 1:22–2:3. Most Christians struggle, at least some of the time, with having a sincere love for all their fellow believers (1:22). What reasons does Peter offer for Christians loving one another? (Questions adapted from N.T. Wright)
For next week: Read 1 Peter 2:4–10