Confession: I am undoubtedly and unquestionable an individual who thinks in a systematic and methodical layout, hence explaining why I seem to always need to put things into either a number or alphabetical format (either to my detriment or advantage – I have yet to determine…).
This blog is no different…
If I were to break down Peter’s first epistle into six easy-to-memorize “S” sections, they would be as follows:
1.
Sovereignty: God’s sovereignty in 1 Peter is seen quite evidently from its beginning (1:1-3) to end (5:10-11), including everything in between (2:9-10). Peter is writing to the elect in five providences, pastorally exhorting them to remain faithful to a good and sovereign God in the midst of all the affairs of their lives.
2.
Salvation: God’s goodness is seen in His sovereign initiation in the salvation of those elect who are being addressed by Peter. Our salvation is gloriously championed throughout all of the first chapter of 1 Peter (1:2-5,18-21,23).
3.
Stones & Strangers: In chapter two, Peter describes the people of God as living stones built together so as to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Christ Jesus alone. What a spectacular reality to approach the throne of God with such an assurance in Christ as the very Cornerstone of our spiritual house (2:4-7). As believers, we are also admonished by Peter to be as strangers in this pagan world, abstaining from the lusts of the flesh that wage war against our very souls (2:11). We are stones – building a house; yet, we are strangers – refusing to build this house in this fleeting world.
4.
Submission: Peter ends chapter two and begins chapter three speaking about the submission of believers to those in authority (2:13-17), servants to masters (2:18), Christ unto the cross (ultimately His Father’s will) (2:21-24), wives to husbands (3:1-7) and believer to believer (3:8-9).
5.
Suffering: The theme of suffering in 1 Peter is indisputably evident throughout the epistle, but its main section is found in chapter four (4:1-6,12-19). Peter tells the elect to suffering well…to suffer as Christ suffered…to suffer with purpose…and to suffer with hope. We, likewise, must heed such wisdom among our trials and tribulations.
6.
Service: The last section in Peter’s first epistle is service. It is mentioned in chapter four, verses 8-11, as well as in all of chapter five. We are to serve with the strength God supplies so that in all things He may be glorified greatly! We are also told to serve through prayer, shepherding, humility, stewardship, holiness and with all eagerness.
These six “S” sections of 1 Peter should assist us in our pursuit to obey Christ daily, take up His cross and follow Him to the glory of our eternal Father of grace!
