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From the KNOWN to the UNKNOWN - �Living Counter-intuitively

BICF

16th March 2025

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1st Epistle of Peter - CONTEXT

  • Peter prominent in the early church in Jerusalem
  • Used by God to introduce the Way to Gentiles (Cornelius)
  • Spent time in Antioch (Gal 2:11-14)
  • Written from Rome 60-64 AD - just before Peter’s death
  • Focus of Christianity at ANTIOCH - more Gentiles coming to faith
  • Most of Paul’s letters to churches written / circulated
  • Letter addressed to GENTILE Christians in Asia Minor

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Around 60 AD

Acts 16:6-8

EUROPE

ASIA M

SYRIA

ISRAEL

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Introduction to 1 Peter

  • Focus on SUFFERING - FOR THE FAITH (taking up the cross)
  • Contains recipe for SUCCESS - the paradox!
  • Definition of SUCCESS
    • The accomplishment of an aim or purpose
    • The attainment of fame, wealth or social status
  • Tone of letter reflects Peter’s own character transformation

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Successful Living as a Christian

  • Living on the basis of our IDENTITY -
    • CHOSEN (belong to Jesus),
    • Saints of God (being sanctified, for obedience, set apart)
  • Maintaining a heavenly perpsective amidst earthly trials
  • Having PURPOSE / PLAN / PERSEVERANCE
  • Focus on change in CHARACTER, not CIRCUMSTANCE

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1 Peter 1 - A Recipe for Success

  • Purpose or Goal (1:9, 2:9)

    • The SALVATION OF YOUR SOULS (v9)

    • (Becoming like JESUS - 2 Cor 3:18 / Eph 3:19 & 4:13 / 1 Jn 3:2)

    • A royal priesthood, a peculiar people to declare His praises who called us from darkness to light! (2:9)

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1 Peter 1 - A Recipe for Success

  • Process (1:13-16, 22,23)
    • KNOWLEDGE of New Birth (repentance / reliance on the Spirit)
    • Living Hope, Genuine Faith, God’s grace THROUGH THE WORD
    • Skills of preparing mind for action, self-control, holiness (obedience & transcending natural evil desires), Deep Love for fellow believers

  • Persistence (1:3,7)
    • Living Hope of resurrection & indestructible inheritance
    • Genuine Faith that accesses God’s shielding power

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Key to Achieving SUCCESS

  • RIGHT ATTITUDE
  • “ATTITUDE” => Thought + Feeling - A deliberate CHOICE!
  • Attitude --> BEHAVIOUR

RIGHT

  • AWARENESS - Right thinking - mind of Christ shaped by the Word
  • ATTITUDE - Truth of the Word with the JOY of the Lord
  • ACTION - Live / act righteously that pleases the Lord

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Pick up the ATTITUDE

1 Peter 2:3-12

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Key to Achieving ‘SUCCESS’

Attitude for successful living as a Christian

LIVING AS ALIENS / STRANGERS in this world!

(1:1 / 1:17 / 2:11,12)

* DO NOT RELY ON WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW - Prov 3:5,6

* They that WAIT UPON THE LORD shall renew their strength - Is 40:30,31

Deliberately move from the KNOWN to the UNKNOWN

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Sources to Keep us Successful

  • The WISDOM of God - ‘Logos’ - Psalm 119:97-100, 105
  • The WORD of God - ‘Rhema’ - Acts 13:2,3
  • The PEOPLE of God - Col 3:16

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Counter-intuitive Living : SPIRIT-enabled

  • Resolve to live as STRANGERS & ALIENS --> Guidance & Advice
  • Resolve to say nothing or do nothing without acknowledging Him
  • Ask the Lord especially when you THINK you know what to do!
  • Resolve to be a PECULIAR person!

WELL DONE, Good & Faithful servant - Enter into the JOY of your LORD!