This letter was written to believers in Asia Minor to help establish a joyful hope in the face of coming persecution. Peter understood persecution. He was beaten, threatened, punished and jailed for preaching the Word of God. He knew what it took to stand strong. This knowledge of living hope in Jesus was the message and His example was the one to follow. Peter sternly warns that persecution would come and that each individual must stand fast against it.
The assurance of eternal life is given to all believers. One way to identify with Jesus is to share in His suffering. Persecution and killing of believers is a fact in much of the word today, in fact it may even come to this country soon. This suffering is so minor compared to what Jesus suffered for us on the Cross. Stand up for what you know and believe is right and rejoice when the world and Satan aim to hurt you.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9
We as disciples have an enemy.who is it?
What is the characteristic of our enemy?
What is our protection?
1 Peter Outline
A. Suffering and Security of Believers Produces Joy-Chapter 1:1 thru 1:9
The theme of this letter is true knowledge. False teachers threatened the newly formed church, and therefore Peter exhorts the Christians to be aware of this danger. He calls on Christians to grow and become strong in their faith so that they can detect and combat the spreading apostasy. Peter explains that false teachers had crept in and were secretly subverting the true doctrine of the Gospel.
Certainly,as believers in the twenty-first Century, we are nearer our Lord's return than the first-century believers to whom this epistle was written. Through television and other means of mass communications, mature believers are aware that many charlatans are parading as true Christian leaders, and that immature believers have been "taken in" by their quackery and false interpretation of Scriptures. It behooves all born-again Christians to be so grounded in the Word so that they will be able to detect truth from error.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 1 Peter 3:9
What does being a disciple of Jesus have to do with the verse noted above?
2 Peter Outline
A. Gospel Message Should Produce an enthusiastic Response-Chapter 1
Jude warns of the danger of the false teachers who have "slipped in" unknown to the newly converted believers. He further outlines the past judgments upon evil men who forsook the Word of God and perverted it into the traditions of men.
The Book of Jude is an important book for us today because it is written for the end times, for the end of the Church Age. The Church Age began at the Day of Pentecost. Jude is the only book given entirely to the great apostasy. The book of Jude writes that evil works are evidence of apostasy. He admonishes us to contend for the faith, for there are tares among the wheat, false brethren are in the Church, and the saints are in danger. Jude is a small but important book worthy of study, written for the Christian of today
We live in a unique time in history and this little book can help equip us for the untold challenges of living in the end times. Today's believer must be on guard for false doctrines, which can so easily deceive us if we are not well versed in the Word of GOD. There are those who bring heresy in to the church. It is a sign of the times in which we live. We need to know the Gospel. We need to protect and defend it. We also need to accept the Lordship of Jesus in all facets our lives. The most effective Spirit filled life is one that lives the faith in everyday life. Authentic faith always reflects Christ-like behavior. Our life in should reflect our very own heart knowledge that rests on the authority of the Almighty Creator and Father that puts faith into practice. We need that personal relationship with Him, only then will we know His voice so well that we will follow no other.
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude 1:4
As disciples of Jesus, in the last days, what should we watch for?
What are characteristics of those who pervert of the gospel?
This is the final book of the New Testament and the Bible as a whole. This book is filled with mysteries and things to come. It is the final warning that the world will surely end and judgment will be certain. It gives us a tiny glimpse of Heaven and all of the glories awaiting we who keep our robes white. Revelation takes us through the great tribulation with all the woes and the final fire that all unbelievers will face for eternity. The book reiterates the fall of Satan and the doom he and his angels are bound for. We are shown the duties of all creatures and angels of heaven and the promises of the saints that will live forever and ever with Jesus in the New Jerusalem.
Revelation is lavish in colorful descriptions of the visions, which proclaim for us the Last Days before Jesus' return and the ushering in of the new Heaven and new earth. Revelation reveals the series of devastations poured out upon the earth; the mark of the beast, "666"; the climatic battle of Armageddon; the binding of Satan; the reign of the Lord; the Great White Throne Judgment; and the nature of the eternal city of God. Prophecies concerning Jesus Christ are fulfilled and a concluding call to His Lordship assures us that He will soon return.
The events described in this book are real, or will be. Live your life like you believe it and so that others will notice your joy about your future and want to join you in that new and glorious city.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20
Even if a person is not where he should be with the Lord, can he come (back) to Jesus?