The topic this week is Rejoicing in Suffering.
Peter prepares the believers for the reality of suffering, reminding them not to be surprised by trials. He encourages them to rejoice in suffering, knowing that they share in Christ’s sufferings and will share in His glory. Suffering for being a Christian is not a cause for shame but for glorifying God.

This weeks topic is Suffering, Righteous Living, and Love
Peter encourages believers to arm themselves with the same attitude as Christ in their suffering, recognizing that suffering for righteousness marks a break from sin. He urges them to live for God’s will rather than for human desires, emphasizing the importance of love, hospitality, and service within the Christian community.

This week we cover the Suffering for Righteousness and the Example of Christ
Peter calls believers to live in harmony with one another, embodying virtues such as unity, sympathy, love, compassion, and humility. He urges them to bless others rather than retaliate when wronged, highlighting that they are called to inherit a blessing. Peter then addresses the reality of suffering for doing good, encouraging believers not to fear or be troubled by it, but to revere Christ as Lord in their hearts. He advises them to always be ready to give a defense for their hope with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience. The passage concludes by pointing to Christ’s own suffering and death, which brought us to God, and His subsequent resurrection and exaltation, demonstrating the ultimate victory over all powers. Through Christ’s example, believers are encouraged to endure suffering for righteousness, knowing that it leads to eternal blessing and vindication.

This week we look at Peters words on Submission in Various Relationships.
Peter addresses slaves, urging them to submit to their masters with respect, even to those who are harsh, because suffering for doing good is commendable before God. He presents Christ’s suffering as the ultimate example of enduring injustice. He then speaks to wives and husbands, instructing wives to be submissive to their husbands and husbands to be considerate and respectful towards their wives, so that their prayers may not be hindered. This section underscores the theme of submission in various relationships within the household.

This weeks verses covers Christian Conduct in a Pagan World.
Peter urges believers to live as sojourners and exiles, abstaining from sinful desires that wage war against their souls. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining honorable conduct among non-believers so that they may see their good deeds and glorify God. He also instructs them to submit to human authorities, as this is God’s will, so that they may silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good.

This week we’re looking at the Identity and Mission of the Church.
Peter describes believers as “living stones” being built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the cornerstone. The church is portrayed as a “chosen race,” a “royal priesthood,” and a “holy nation,” called to declare the praises of God. This passage emphasizes the collective identity of the church and its mission to reflect God’s light to the world.

This week’s topic covers Holiness in Life.
Peter exhorts believers to live holy lives, reflecting the holiness of God who called them. He encourages them to set their hope on God’s grace, live in reverent fear of God, and love one another deeply. This section highlights the importance of holiness and love as a response to the new birth they have received through the word of God.

This week we will be starting a 9 week series on the book of 1 Peter, which will take us through to the start of Advent (time flies!!!)

1. Living as Exiles and Strangers – 1 Peter 1:1-12
2. Call to Holiness – 1 Peter 1:13-2:3
3. The Church as God’s People – 1 Peter 2:4-10
4. Living as Sojourners and Witnesses – 1 Peter 2:11-17
5. Submission in the Household – 1 Peter 2:18-3:7
6. The Call to Blessing and Peace – 1 Peter 3:8-22
7. Living for God – 1 Peter 4:1-11
8. Encouragement in Suffering – 1 Peter 4:12-19
9. Exhortations to Elders and the Flock – 1 Peter 5:1-14