Recently, Steve recorded a sermon for St. Andrews Baptist church looking at Peter’s epistles.
These two powerful epistles cover many topics including salvation, living a holy life, and end time prophecy with Jesus Christ’s second coming. They command us to always be ready to give a reason for the hope we have. They provide more details about the resurrection and how Jesus went and proclaimed to the disobedient imprisoned spirits. These short letters are also packed full with encouragement and hope.
As well as this, there is a repeated message that Paul wanted to make clear to his readers:
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. (1 Peter 1:13 NIV, emphasis added)
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. (1 Peter 4:7 NIV, emphasis added)
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV, emphasis added)
With the spiritual and physical battles Peter knew his readers where faces he wanted them to be alert and of sober mind so they were ready.
The sermon looks into these verses in more detail as original Greek gives more understanding. Other parts of the two epistles are also covered as Peter gives clear warnings but also encouragement to his readers. We can also see how relevant these are to us today as lawlessness increases around us we must keep hope in the return of the Coming King.
Feel free to listen below:
With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. (1 Peter 5:12 NIV)
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