Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22-2:1
Background: Most likely written under the power of Emperor Nero around 64-67 AD. Peter is at the height of his influence in the church and he uses that influence to “shepherd the flock” that has been entrusted to him by Jesus. Peter wrote this book with the intention of encouraging believers in Jesus to persevere through the current circumstance. He also desired that the leaders would lead them well as though they are doing it for Jesus, the Chief Shepherd.
Lesson: Since we have been obedient to God it has purified our souls. This passage seems to reflect on a formula that has brought Jesus’ followers to their standing with purified souls. Through obedience to truth, the shedding of Jesus’ blood and genuine love the soul of the believer has been purified. It is for this reason that we “have been born again.” This new life we’ve been given is only because of the real and true Word of the Lord, which remains forever.
Main Point/Takeaway: It is only through God’s Word that we have new life.
Questions: (These questions are suggestions designed to spur discussion. Feel free to ask others.)
A brief review of the previous passage puts this passage into perspective.
1: How have souls been purified? v. 19
1a: Obedience to what? v. 14
2: What does it mean to love from a pure heart?
2a: Whom is Peter saying we’re supposed to love? The church is supposed to be a place of safety and welcome.
2b: Whom does Jesus say we are supposed to love? Matthew 5:43-48
2c: How does Jesus’ idea of “being perfect” align with Peter’s call to “be holy?”
3: Why are we called to love this certain way?
4: Consider vv. 23 and 24. Why does Peter use a gardening metaphor?
4a: What kind of seed is God’s word?
4b: What does that do to the way you interact with God?
5: Read Isaiah 40:6. This passage speaks of hope in the midst of judgment, trials, and problems. How does that idea inform your understanding of Peter’s use of the passage?
6: What does it look like to put away all things mentioned in v. 2:1?
6a: What do all these things have in common? They all deal with what comes out of our mouth.
Conclusion: This short passage beautifully further informs Christians on what it means to be obedient to God. The interesting part of this passage is how it all revolves around the garden metaphor. All things that grow are a product of seed and outside circumstances. The seed that creates Christians is the word of the Lord. We are not of seed that grows and withers; instead we are the product of the one who labored, and laid down His life.