1 Peter Bible Study Notes- Chapter 1

Chapter 1

 

-Peter is writing to those dispersed in the various Mediterranean regions as he addresses them with multiplied grace and peace during their time of struggle and persecution (1Peter 1:1-2). He discusses the foreknowledge of God from the beginning to assure them that the Sovereign has His plan for a living hope to: 1) sanctify, 2) produce obedience, and 3) cleanse with His blood (1 Peter 1:2-3). This hope is produced by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and He alone ensures an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (1 Peter 1:3-5). His power guards us through faith for an awesome salvation in the last time, which gives everyone who trusts in Him reason for rejoicing even though for a temporary time, in the now, there will be necessary grief caused by various trials (1 Peter 1:5-6). These tests reveal the genuineness (or proof) of one’s faith. Faith is defined as being more precious than gold that perishes, although it is tested by fire, it will result in the believer salvation, honor, and glory in praise at the revelation of Jesus Christ when He comes (1 Peter 1:7-9). *Application* This section echoes James’ initial plea in the book before in the Cannon of Scripture. We will inevitably face trials and tribulations, and we are to count all of these times of testing with complete joy and endurance (James 1:2-4). Without Christ we are nothing and most to be pitied in this life, but with Him we are everything for His eternal Kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:19-20)!

-Salvation continues to be a dominant theme now as the chapter progresses. The prophets made careful inquiry into this matter being diligent to search out every intricate detail of Christ’s passion (suffering) and the subsequent glories. It was their service to these ancient believers and now to us in modern times (1 Peter 1:10-12). *Application* We miss much if we do not go through the Old Testament with a fine tooth comb of study and observation. The message of Christ is revealed from the earliest of times and is exciting to ponder. The Lord had His plans for mankind’s salvation all along!

-A preparation for ACTION is encouraged along with being sober-minded as we set our hope fully on God’s grace revealed in Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13). As obedient children we are not to be conformed to the passions of our former ignorance because He who called us is holy; therefore, we are to be holy in imitating Him (1 Peter 1:14-16). Because we have been purchased by Christ’s blood in His impartial perfection known from the foundation of the world, we are instructed to conduct ourselves with fear (reverence, awe) throughout the time of our exile on this earth (1 Peter 1:17-20). Our faith and hope is in God (1 Peter 1:21). This initiates love in our obedience to the truth from a pure heart as we are “born again” of imperishable seed through the living and abiding Word of God (1 Peter 1:3, 22-23). The Word of the Lord that remains forever is the good news that is preached to us (1 Peter 1:25)! *Application* We can take comfort in these words and apply them to our fullness of joy in the great anticipation of our redemption in Christ Jesus. While there may be intense times of suffering and trial in this life, our eyes are continually focused on the future God has for us in His grace, mercy, and love. The Lord is our joy set before us (Hebrews 12:2)!

 

Verses to Memorize: 1 Peter 1:6-7

 

1 Peter Bible Study Notes- Overview

Overview of 1 Peter for New Testament Reading

 

 

            Alienated, torn apart, devastated, and overwhelmed— these feelings that can wash over us when something bad happens in our lives. Suffering takes many forms—physical abuse, debilitating disease, social ostracism, intense persecution for doing the right thing. The pain and anguish are the enemy’s attempts to turn us back from the Lord, to give up, to give in and surrender to this world’s ways.

            Many followers of Christ in the first century no doubt had these feelings of anguish and suffering as they were abused and persecuted for believing in and obeying Jesus Christ, the risen Savior. At the hands of Jewish brothers they were tormented and ostracized to the point of fleeing for their very existence on the earth. They were scattered like nomads without homes or property. As they went forth with the eternal hope but no earthly possessions they found that the Gentile world was just as cruel and unbelieving, hence persecution followed them wherever they went, but also the joy of Christ and eternal salvation. They would not bow the knee to Caesar.

            Peter knew all too well this torment as he wrote his letter of encouragement to these suffering Christians around the years of 62-64 AD. He probably wrote from Rome as the great persecution under Emperor Nero began, which would soon take Peter’s earthly life from him. Tradition holds that he was crucified upside down in Rome for His Savior. He had previously been beaten and jailed, threatened often with attacks from those opposed to Christ and His message. But, nothing on this earth could shake the faith of this great man of God who was one of Jesus’ closest disciples during His earthly ministry.

            So Peter offers comfort, hope, and abiding joy through Christ as he urged continued loyalty to the Lord even in desperate times.

 

Major Themes:

 

Salvation- This gracious gift of God is emphasized over and over in the letter. God chose us out of His great love and Jesus is clearly marked as the One who died to pay the penalty of our sin, was buried and resurrected (made alive) for our benefit. The Holy Spirit cleanses us from sin through the blood of Christ’s work when we believe. Eternal life is the wonderful gift for those who trust in the Savior. Our safety and security are in God. Our hope is fixed completely on Him (1 Peter 1:13). This should motivate us to greater commitment and Christian fever.

 

Persecution- We should expect ridicule, rejection, and suffering when we are in Christ. Persecution makes us stronger because it refines our faith. We can face persecution victoriously, as Christ did, if we rely on Him in distress. Don’t let persecution terrify you and hold you back. Eternal life in Christ is given to us, which instills confidence, patience, and hope to stand firm as good soldiers of the cross.

 

God’s Family- We have a special privilege as God’s chosen people adopted into His eternal family. This community has Christ as its founder and foundation. Everyone in this family is related—brothers and sisters, loved equally by God. We must accept the challenge to live differently from the society around us in this brotherhood of love.

 

Family Life- Peter encouraged the wives of unbelievers to submit to their husbands’ authority as a means of winning them to Christ. He urged husbands to honor their wives and lead as Christ leads the church. He urged all family members to treat others with sympathy, love, compassion, and humility.

 

Judgment- God will judge everyone with perfect justice. We will all face God one day. He will punish evildoers and those who persecute God’s people. Those who love Him will be rewarded with life forever in His presence. Because all are accountable to God, we can leave judgment of others to Him. We must not hate or resent those who persecute us. We should realize that we will be held responsible for how we live each day.

 

 

Structure:

 

Peter begins by thanking God for salvation (1:2-6). He explains to his readers that trials will refine their faith (1:7-9). They should believe is spite of their circumstances; for many in past ages believed in God’s plan of salvation, even the prophets of old who wrote about it but didn’t understand it completely. But now salvation has been revealed in Christ Jesus (1:10-13).

In response to such a great salvation, Peter commands them to live holy lives (1:14-16), to reverently fear and trust God (1:17-21), to be honest and loving (2:1-3), and to become like Christ (2:1-3).

Jesus Christ is the “living cornerstone” upon whom the church is to be built (2:4, 6), but is also the stone that was rejected, causing those who are disobedient to stumble and fall (2:7-8). But the church, built upon this stone, is to be God’s holy priesthood (2:9-10).

Next, Peter explains how believers should live during difficult times (2:11-4:11). Christians should live above reproach (2:12-17), imitating Christ in all their social roles—masters and servants, husbands and wives, church members and neighbors (2:18-3:17). Christ should be our model for obedience to God in the midst of great suffering (3:18-4:11).

Peter then outlines the right attitude to have about persecution: Expect it (4:12), be thankful for the privilege to suffer for Christ (4:13-18), and trust God for deliverance (4:19).

Next, Peter gives some special instructions: Elders should care for God’s flock (5:1-4), young men should be submissive to those who are older (5:5-6), and everyone should trust God and resist Satan (5:7-11). Peter concludes by introducing Silas and by sending personal greetings, possibly from the church in Rome, and from Mark (5:12-14).

 

 

Key Verse:

 

1 Peter 1:7 that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

 

*Notes from this overview were aided by:

 

New American Standard Bible: Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Mich.: 1995, pgs. 2196-2197.

James Bible Study Notes- Chapter 5

Chapter 5

 

-The rich who live in self-indulgence and luxury are railed against as this last chapter in James’ short book begins. These are certainly not being doers of the Word and their riches are bringing misery and hardship on them in the last days as they’ve tried to hoard it for themselves by fraud. James says these are like fattened animals beefed up for the slaughter. They have condemned and murdered the righteous when they had no power and no voice to resist (James 5:1-6). *Application* The Word of God is against the luxurious stashing away of wealth. Instead, God desires for us to work hard, earn a great living, and share our bountiful blessings with others, especially those in true need. God is not against us making money and being prosperous, but He disdains the hoarding of it for our own selfish pleasures. Don’t be miserly and dishonest with your means. Don’t ever be afraid to give generously. Hold nothing back when He asks. Build true treasure in the Heavenly Kingdom (Luke 12:16-34).

-Now patience is considered as the main thrust of the next five verses (James 5:7-11). We should keep an eye on the coming of the Lord as we wait. This could have double meaning in its interpretation. One meaning is obviously His glorious return to earth when all is made right and the enemy is utterly destroyed for good and forever. The other meaning can deal with how the Lord shows up in our distress and aids us just when we need it the most in certain earthly situations. In either case, it is He who comes to us for our benefit and relief. Just like the patient farmer, which is an awesome illustration, we must establish our hearts by not grumbling against one another, plus we must withhold judgment. Again it is the Judge that stands at the door, and we are not to be so arrogant as to take that role in and of ourselves (James 4:11-12). In our suffering and patience remember the prophets who were tortured for their honesty and forthrightness, enduring the persecution with perfect fortitude and steadfastness. Job is also mentioned as a classic example for discovering the everlasting purpose of the Lord in difficult situations to demonstrate His compassion and mercy after allowing tests and trials. *Application* How patient are you? The question is one we don’t often like to think about in our fast paced, easy answer, quick solution world. There are times the Lord makes us slow down. Enjoy those periods of your life rather than fight them. Be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

-A quick word is given on swearing of oaths. The practical implication here is for our “yes” to yes, and our “no” to be no so that we do not fall into condemnation. In other words, give honest answers all the time, but do it in love (Ephesians 4:15).

-The prayer of faith is discussed now as the book begins its conclusion. If you are suffering, pray. If you are cheerful, sing praise to God. If you are sick, call on the elders of the church to have them pray over you and anoint you with oil in the Name of the Lord. “The prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed (James 5:15-16).” The prayers of the righteous has extraordinary power as it is working, just like Elijah of the Old Testament (James 5:13-18). *Application* Prayer is essential in the working out of our faith. To be a prayer warrior, you must do it. It is an action. Go before the Lord in full conviction and earnest. Lay everything bare before Him with confession and get things right. He will respond, you can count on that!

-The last section of this book deals with bringing back someone who has wandered off from the truth. “Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins (James 5:20).” *Application* We are to obey Jesus’ teaching on leaving the 99 sheep to go out to rescue the lost one (Luke 15:3-7). Go into the highways and byways and compel people to come back to Christ and His saving grace (Luke 14:23). Be a soul winner. This will take action as well. It is not a passive thing y’all. I hope we all get James’ point, faith without works is dead (useless, James 2:20, 26).

 

Verse to memorize: James 5:8

James Bible Study Notes- Chapter 4

Chapter 4

 

-Chapter four is a smorgasbord of Godly wisdom in our actions during the course of our lives, which is a vapor that only appears for a little and then vanishes to eternity (James 4:14). James begins with the source of quarrels and fights, which is the passion within us for selfish desires (James 4:1). The point is made that we don’t get what we ask for often because of the motives behind our asking. We ask wrongly when we want something for our own passions (James 4:3). This makes us adulterers (cheaters on God, double-minded, insincere). Our friendship with the world is against God and His ways. We can end up being an enemy of God when we ask with selfish motivations (James 4:4). *Application* God is jealous for us. He yearns for the spirit that He has made to dwell (live) in us (James 4:5). This is the spirit that is in conformity with His direction, His ways, His will (Romans 8:29; 12:1-2). This is where humble transformation is, which gives the eternal joy of knowing God intimately and in unity.

-Becoming a child of God is a humbling process, but the Lord gives grace to the contrite (Psalm 51:17, Isaiah 66:2). On the other hand, He is opposed to the proud (James 4:6). Because we recognize that God is Sovereign, submission is required towards Him. If we resist the worldly pull of the devil, he will flee from us. If we draw near to God, He will certainly draw near to us. That is His desire! Therefore, cleanse your hands from sin and purify your hearts from double-mindedness (spiritual adultery). Be wretched (be miserable, endure hardship) and mourn (be sad, grieve) and weep (cry out loud) for the awful-natural condition from which you need to turn. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt (lift up, raise high) you (James 4:7-10). *Application* God cannot deal with proud people that think they have it all together and need no help. “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).” On the other side of that, Christ gives the repentant and those with Godly sorrow forgiveness and restoration. Our dependency on Him raises us to new levels of confidence, not in ourselves, but IN Him, our Savior!

-Speaking evil against brothers is dealt with now in the passage. The issue is on prideful judgment here, which James, through the Holy Spirit, denounces as ludicrous. God is our only righteous Judge and Lawgiver. Who are we to judge our neighbor (James 4:11-12)? *Application* Refrain from arbitrary judgments in the spirit of pride. This is not of God and will incur His wrath. As Jesus said, “take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye (Matthew 7:5).” God is the only One in authority to save or condemn. Who are we to think we could have that kind of power?

-Pride over what we will in the future do is now considered, again in the overall context of the book with regards to not just being hearers of the Word, but doers. Life is fleeting, and the only thing with which we must concern ourselves is the will of God. We do not know what tomorrow will bring; therefore, it is useless to make bold and extravagant plans in our own wisdom. It is only “as the Lord wills” that we will live and do this or that. Do not boast in arrogance about what you are going to do because all such boasting is evil the Bible says. If you know what to do and fail to do it, you have sinned and have come far short of the glory of God (James 4:13-17)). *Application* The best laid plans of mice and men will falter if the Lord is not in it. This should keep us humbly submitted to His authority with proper respect, honor, awe, and fear. When we get to that place, we will recognize His glory and the unsurpassing love He has for us in His grace and mercy. We will never find God if we don’t ever need Him. Recognize how really weak you are in yourself and cry out for the ultimate power source in Christ Jesus for your future in Him!

 

Verses to memorize: James 4:1, 3, 6-8, 10, 14-15, 17

James Bible Study Notes- Chapter 3

Chapter 3

 

-The works of teaching, the taming of the tongue, and the attitude of the heart are the main emphasis in chapter three as James continues to give advice on the working out aspects of our faith in practice. Not many should become teachers because they will incur a stricter judgment (James 3:1). In the same respect, to whom much is given, much is expected (Luke 12:48). Therefore, if you are called to teach and lead others, do so, but do it with fear and reference as unto the Lord, not out of selfish ambition. *Application* Having the administration in the house of God is a vital calling and one that should not be taken lightly as we see here in this short, but powerful verse. The judgment of God is on those who lead people souls if they do not do it well. This should humble us and make us astutely aware of the consequences of not managing the people of God in a manner worthy of our calling. However, as the Scripture says, “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task (1 Timothy 3:1).”

-The tongue is a small member of our entire body, but it directs our course of life in many respects as words coming pouring out of it from the intentions of the heart (Luke 6:45). We can speak life or death in any given situation. Our words should display good fruit because so much damage can come from an uncontrolled mouth. The only One who can tame it is Christ Jesus working through His Holy Spirit to produce in us the peaceful fruit of righteousness in blessing rather than restless evil and deadly poison in curses (James 3:2-12). *Application* Think about what you say. Obey the Holy Spirit and guard your tongue. Instead of reacting to things that frustrate, anger, and agitate you, respond with the love of the Lord and be guided by His mind in you (1 Corinthians 2:16). Lord forgive us when we speak death rather than life. It happens way too often.

-The wise and understanding will conduct himself in meekness rather than jealousy and selfish-ambition from the heart in boasting and falseness to the truth (James 3:13-14). Jealousy and selfish-ambition is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic wisdom, which leads to disorder and every evil practice (James 3:15-16). On the other hand, the wisdom that comes from above (God) is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere. It produces a harvest of righteousness, which is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:17-18). *Application* Jesus said that the peacemakers will be called the sons of God (Matthew 5:9). Making peace in a fallen world in hard work and cannot be done without the work of the Holy Spirit within us as we yield to Him. There is a certain humility in this that is supernatural. It comes only from above and we must not stand in His way. Go with the Spirit’s promptings and make peace in Godly wisdom. Resist the natural temptation to be envious, jealous, and selfish in your life.

 

Verses to memorize: James 3:1, 5, 17

James Bible Study Notes- Chapter 2

Chapter 2

 

-There are two main thoughts that reverberate through this second chapter of James, and they are actually intricately related. First, the issue of partiality is addressed. The members of Christ’s body, the church, is not to play favorites and appease those with money and fine clothes and jewelry. The poor have been chosen by God to be rich in faith and heirs to the Kingdom, while the rich oppress, drag believers into court, and blaspheme the honorable name by which you are called (James 2:1-7). The royal law of love towards our neighbor must be kept, and showing partiality negates that imperative command of the Lord. Partiality is a sin, and whoever breaks one part of the Law is guilty of every aspect of it. Mercy is better to show “for judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:8-13).”

*Application* Human nature has not changed at all. We still tend to desire to play favorites that will benefit us to our own advantage. It is straight out sin the Bible says to show favoritism, especially in the area of the rich. Remember, when you lend to the poor, you lend to God (Proverbs 19:17). The greater the need, the more dependency on the Creator and faith is required. Therefore, the Lord is near the brokenhearted and downcast (Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 57:15; 66:2). Judgment, naturally speaking, tends to land in the hands of the wealthy and dominant. Our judgment needs to be out of love, and mercy should always triumph (trump) over judgment. Don’t be a transgressor in the area of partiality. It has dangerous consequences.

-Very much related to this concept of partiality is the idea that faith without works is dead and useless. If we are to actually abide by this impartial law of liberty in love, action is required. We show our faith by our works. James makes the point that both Abraham and Rahab completed their faith by the physical demonstration of obedience to the Lord to give us examples of how that plays out in real life. “As the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead (James 2:14-26).” *Application* We can think and say all we want about faith and believing, but until we put it into practice in our lives we are simply fooling ourselves and giving a false sense of security when it comes to matters of pleasing the Lord. What you actually believe you will do. James’ point is on target when he claims that even the demons believe and shudder, but they do not act righteously, therefore nullifying their goodness naturally and exposing their lies against the truth. Jesus said it like this: “A good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:17-20).” What kind of fruit are you bearing in this life? It would behoove us to consider how we are acting, because this will reveal where we really are in our faith walk. In other words, our works reveal what our true faith is.

 

Verses to memorize: James 2:5, 10, 13, 17

James Bible Study Notes- Chapter 1

Chapter 1

 

-James writes to those of the Dispersion, spread abroad by persecution (James 1:1). This I takes to be the new Israel, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, who has just experienced a dispersing from Jerusalem and the predominantly Jewish areas because of their belief in the resurrected Savior. Much like when the Assyrians and Babylonians came in and spread out the Hebrew people, now the Christians were being spread out and needed a common identity in Christ. James addresses this as his letter begins.

-This Dispersion has created many tests and trials for the believers, and James wastes no time in encouraging them. He tells them to “count it all joy” when you meet various trials in this life because the testing of faith produces steadfastness and perfects the individual making him/her complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4). When we need wisdom, we can ask of God who gives generously to all with reproach, but it must be done in faith. The one who doubts is like a ship on the driven sea and is unstable in all his/her ways (James 1:5-8). *Application* Trust in the Lord when things are rough. Ask and seek His wisdom and direction in all matters. He will guide and grow you if you have faith and do not doubt. This is His promise to you.

-The lowly are encouraged, again in the context of persecution and abandonment, to exalt in their position compared to the fleetly glory of the rich who is wicked in his/her vain pursuits (James 1:9-11). This too is a trial and blessed is the man who stays unshakeable in this circumstance for they will receive the crown of life promised to those who love Christ Jesus (James 1:12). God doesn’t do the tempting. It is Satan who lures and entices, and it is people in their natural-fallen desires, who give birth to sin in their hearts, which when it is fully grown produces death (James 1:13-15). *Application* The Lord is on our side and wants to rescue us even in our greatest distress. It is easy to blame God for all our trials and errors, but He is the only One to deliver and save. Don’t get carried away by temptation and fall. Trust in the Lord to heal you and give you new life in Him.

-Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of lights (James 1:17). We are not to be deceived by the enemy (James 1:16). There is no variation or shifting shadow with God. He is the Word of truth that we should be the first fruits of His creatures by faith (James 1:17-18). Therefore, we are to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19). The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. We are to receive the implanted Word, which is able to save souls, and put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness (James 1:20-21).

-James now gets to the crux of his message. We are to be doers of the Word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves (James 1:22). If anyone is just a hearer, he/she is like a person who looks in a mirror and then forgets what they saw. The one who looks at the perfect law of liberty, which is in Christ Jesus, perseveres as a doer who acts is the one who will be blessed in his/her doing (James 1:23-25). The tongue is an important theme which now surfaces and the person who cannot bridle it deceives his heart making his religion worthless. The doing includes pure and undefiled religion before God (not above Him) by visiting the widows and orphans in their affliction and keeping oneself unstained by the word (James 1:26-27). *Application* It is not what you say or think that matters, but what you do that actually reveals what you believe. Don’t fool yourself. This is a tactic of the enemy to deceive. Evaluate what you actually do and you will then know what you believe.

 

Verses to memorize: James 1:2-5, 22-25