Practice Christian Submission - I Peter 2:13-25

What ever happened to family oriented music and movies? The hard news is loaded with terror, carnage, war, child molestation, and death and destruction from the many weather related catastrophes; and it seems that the new movies and song lyrics follow the same path. Surely there are some creative minds in the movie and music business that are not totally perverted. Prime time TV is loaded with garbage that brings out the worst in people…some of these that should have been banned are “Sex in the City”—“Desperate Housewives”—“The Nanny Program” and the “Reality TV Shows” that highlight cut-throat behavior and deception. Satisfaction and success are pictured as being available only through the use of power, influence and seduction; anything less than graceless, self-centered behavior will fail to bring success. The word ‘submission’ is not in their vocabulary.

According to the mentally deficient Hollywood crowd—Peter just did not know what he was talking about when he warned the new Christians of all ages that their success and happiness depends totally on their being able to PRACTICE CHRISTIAN SUBMISSION. The overall view of society has completely changed from what it was when Peter wrote this letter. Those people were accustomed to a society that demanded submission of wives to husbands; of families to governors; of governors to kings, yet Peter saw enough resentment in them that he deemed it necessary to address anew the subject, and reinforce the necessity for Christian submissiveness. It is my opinion that the need to warn society today is even more important than it was in that day.

When Peter wrote this letter to the new Christians, he realized that they were under much stress, and many of them had left their homes because of the persecution from the government and their own people…Orthodox Jews, and heathen gentiles. Nero [the absolute nut] was emperor of the Roman Empire at this time and was in the process of conquering the known world of the day. [Stop here and read 2: 13 to 18.]

Why should a Christian be submissive? Peter says that our submissive attitude is for the Lord’s sake. God always receives the glory from our good works because it helps to prevent ignorant talk by foolish men. Living a hypocritical life as a member of the church is far more destructive than the life of a sinner that has never joined a church. Foolish men in their ignorance will use examples of open sin in a church to prove that its message is null and void. It is sad when disobedience in a Christian’s life stands in the way of church progress.

When Peter told his readers to submit to the civil authorities, he was thinking of the Roman empire under the most notoriously cruel tyrant of all times…Nero. He was not suggesting that young Christians should compromise their Christian consciences. Peter, in [Acts 5:29] told us that when we were forced to make a choice, we should always obey God rather than man. Here is the bottom line of this teaching—and it is a hard concept for some to understand. It is far better for a Christian to be persecuted for obeying God than for breaking the moral or civil law. Just remember that it was at the time when Christ was completely obedient to his Father God, that he suffered most.

When we are doing well, serving at higher heights and deeper depths, faithfully engaged in His work—it is at that time that we are most likely to be rebuffed, scolded and even criticized. It takes a humble spirit that is fully submissive to live through these trying times. When you are being unfairly persecuted by your enemies—are you able to pray as Christ did?—“Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”

The transfer from the old covenant to the new one is a perfect example of what Peter is saying. We know that we no longer should try to keep the Ten Commandments in order to be saved; but the Ten Commandments are the law…and we still are expected to submit ourselves to their teachings. Take it one step further—our law may force us to remove a copy of the Ten Commandments from the school. We do not want to remove them, but Peter says we are to obey the law of the land and remove the visible copy. We do not have to erase from memory what the commandments call for us to do, and we are still obligated to keep God’s law because it is higher than our civil laws. There is a better explanation of a Christian’s relationship to government in [Romans 13: 1…].

Many Christians were being held as slaves at that time, and civil law protected the slave holder or owner and not the slave. Some slaves were fortunate and treated well by their owners and released at an agreed time. Others were less fortunate, mistreated, overworked, with poor living conditions and little food to eat. Remember, slavery was legal and even though it took away one’s personal or private rights it did not prevent one from becoming a Christian. Peter explains that since slavery is lawful, the slave should be submissive to his slave master.

This principal has not changed. If you agree to work for a man or company that is inconsiderate or harsh and the pay and benefits are less than you believe they should be you have only two choices. One, you should continue to complete every task you are asked to do and accept the compensation agreed on mutually, and you should not complain to others and bad-mouth the company. The second choice is:
You should give a proper notice of your intention to leave the job. Only after your resignation are you permitted to openly discuss your grievances. A simple rule works here—just remember, as long as you are cashing your pay-check, you are eating out of the company’s hand and you “Should never bite the hand that is feeding you.”

Look carefully at v. 16—Peter tells us that we are free men—meaning that we are free from keeping the law as a way to earn salvation. However, we are to obey the Ten Commandments, out of our gratitude for or free salvation. The commandments are still of great importance because they are an expression of God’s free will for mankind.

See verses 18 to 21—Many Christians were held as household slaves and many enjoyed a higher rate of living than non-slaves. They were treated well, their families were clothed and fed well and their general living conditions were above where they would have been on their own. It was easy for these slaves to submit to their masters because of their mutual care for each other. But Peter said that it was necessary for those who were not treated well to remain loyal and in so doing they would win some to Christ. Paul agreed with this teaching and mentioned it in—Eph. 6:5; Col. 3: 22; and Jesus concurred in Matt. 5: 46; and Luke 6: 32.

Re-read vs. 19 to 23--why do Christians have to suffer? It is commendable because it makes you conscious of God. Some is not commendable but comes as a result of one’s sins. Sometimes it results from our mistakes that are more like bad judgments and not necessarily overt sin. Some suffering is a result of having to live in a sinful world—it is explained simply in statements such as: “It rains on the just and the unjust.” You might say then—suffering comes because we live in a fallen world. The one that bothers most of us is that—some of our suffering comes as a result of our doing good. Peter reminds us that Christ is our best example of this reason for suffering…and he gives us our reason for being willing to submit to his will in our life and have faith to believe it is for good. Our goal should be to truly believe that all things do work together for good to those who love God and are called by him. We must face suffering as Christ did…submissively, willingly, calmly, with patients with complete knowledge and belief that God is in control. Believe his promise—“I will never place more on you than you are able to stand.”
Read again 20 through chapter—as we study this lesson we must let our minds drift back to the last night in the garden. Peter was there, strong and determined that his Lord was not going to die for any reason. He knew about the prayers and the sweat that was as blood as Christ suffered while he prayed. Peter was fearless, took things in hand and attacked the guard and severed his ear from his head. He saw that bloody ear fall to the ground…and he watched as Jesus restored it…the last miracle performed before his disciples. Peter swore that he would never leave or forsake Christ—but he did. Ever intent of Peter’s heart was good. He was risking his life and doing what he thought best until Christ rebuked him. It wasn’t until the rooster crowed that Peter realized that his own suffering was coming because he had been trying to do what he thought was good and right.

Peter had been with Christ close and active in his work. Peter had learned about suffering from Christ the world’s best example—and he fully understood that the suffering that Jesus bore was a part of God’s plan of salvation for all men.

Look at Matthew 16: 21- From that time on Jesus began to say plainly to his disciples, “I must go to Jerusalem and suffer much from the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law. I will be put to death, and on the third day I will be raised to life.” Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him. “God forbid it, Lord!” he said. “This must never happen to you!” Jesus turned around and said to Peter, “Get the behind me Satan!” [Peter] “You are a stumbling block to me—an obstacle in my way, because these thoughts of yours are the thoughts of men and not God’s thoughts.

Peter had been so up-close with Christ, always willing to talk and even argues with him and was totally devoted to the cause. After the resurrection of Christ, Peter became one of the three most dominant disciples; he witnessed the coming of the Holy Spirit, and used His power on the day of Pentecost to preach one of the greatest messages listed in the bible, and 3000 souls were saved. Christians can do no less than follow the admonition that Peter gives us in this second chapter.

Display a New Identity - I Peter 2:1-12

There are many examples that could be cited; however, one close acquaintance of several years will suffice to illustrate a point. This person is a proud graduate of the University of Arkansas and has several bits of proof to let others know. On game day he will be wearing a cap with the likeness of a wild hog that has been neatly embroidered across the front; his bright red shirt calls the hogs from the front and yells “Go Hogs Go” as he turns his back; if it is cold [and it usually is] he will sit on and wrap up in a ten dollar blanket that he paid fifty bucks for because it was red and had a hog in one corner. He proudly wears a lapel pin so you will know that he is a Rotarian and if you visit his office, you will see awards earned for public service. He is happy when you show interest. He displays his identity as a hog fan and a public servant.

If you ask, he proudly admits that he is a Christian—but there is no memorabilia proudly displayed as proof. When he greets you, even at the church door on Sunday morning, he is more likely to say “Good morning, it is a beautiful day” than he is to say, “God has given us a beautiful day to worship him.” He will greet you with a comment about the weather much more often than about the service of the day. When friends meet at Razorback Stadium, the only weather they are interested in is the next two hours, and they don’t mention it at all if the sun is shining. Friends meet at church on Sunday and discuss the fall rains, winter snows and whether or not we will have a dry summer. It is so important! Sometimes if it has rained on the week end that the hogs played, it may take an hour or more to get every thing said that needs to be said about both events.

Avid golfers wear Foot-joy leather shoes; avid hunters wear camouflage clothing; a Republican will display an elephant bumper sticker. Surely the point is well taken, so let us look at the title of this lesson again. To display anything—one places it where it can be seen…a display is to get others attention. A new identity is any new way that you want to be viewed by others. Do you want to look like a Christian? Or, are you more comfortable if there is nothing displayed about you that would help identify you as a believer? Would you really rather be known as a ‘Hog Fan’ –‘An avid Sportsman’ a Democrat or Republican than for people to recognize you as a ‘New Christian?’ It is very doubtful…however many new Christians never become enthused enough to buy a new study bible. Paul told the people at Corinth that if any one was in Christ, he is now a ‘New Creature’—“Old Things’ are gone—and behold [look, see, put on display] “All Things have now Become New” [2 Cor. 5: 17]. It is time to trade your foot-joy shoes and camouflage clothing for your Christian suit…It is called the “Armor of God” and it will identify you as a full fledged avid witness for Christ.

The first word in today’s lesson is therefore and it takes you back to the 22nd verse of the previous chapter that tells Peter’s audience that they are now Christians…that they have been born again. They are now God’s chosen people and they are obligated to look and act like they realize they have been chosen. Then Peter tells them how to go about this task. He tells them that they have some old ‘signs hanging around” that makes them look like anything but a Christian. “Get rid of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander of every kind.” They are to DISPLAY A NEW IDENTITY and I can not think of a better way than to start displaying the “Fruit of the Spirit.”

When one accepts Christ, he/she becomes a member of the ‘Family of God’ and starts a lifelong building program. A house under construction is an appropriate picture or symbol of a growing Christian. Go view a large home that is being built at the time when all of the rough carpenter work is completed. You can see the exact size; all spaces are laid out, from the great room to the bath room, you can see all the water pipes, heat ducts, wiring and switches but everything looks rough and cluttered. The floors are covered with saw dust and scraps of lumber, the plywood or particle board covers the framing and it is dark inside…it is the ugly time. Now go back when it is finished, when all of the ugly has been cleaned up and covered up with walls, door, in place and painted, and floors finished and shining. It is the same size, and the same identified spaces that you saw earlier, but it has surely taken on a “new identity.” Just as a house under construction will improve in appearance as it nears completion—so should the behavior and attitude of new believers improve as they approach the completion of their life. No Christian life will ever reach a beautiful completion unless and until their growth is powered by a growing appreciation of God’s grace.

In the first verses of this second chapter, Peter tells us that there are some things that we must 1] lose, 2] strip off, 3] get rid of, or 4] put away [depending on which version of the bible you read]—and then he tells us what we should yearn for to take the place of those things that were discarded. One of the most tragic mistakes you can make is to decide you are a happy camper right where you are and decide to stay there. It feels so good…when you are well physically, well off financially, have a happy home and have just joined a good church that affords a great support group. But we must remember; there is no neutral gear in a Christian transmission—there are only two gears, one forward and one reverse. You are either growing in Christ, or displeasing him.

Peter says that a new Christian has some things that must be left behind. He uses a word that means ‘stripped off’ like one would try to get rid of clothing that had caught on fire. Most of his readers then and now were new converts that had been associating with and partaking in the evils of a heathen world. He says that this way of life must be left behind. Then he turns to the inward flaws that are visible and establish our identity. These are more like personal character traits and sometimes they are very hard to shed, or get rid of. The first one that he mentions is malice and deceit that expresses itself through acts of trickery and fraud which is practiced in order to receive personal gain.

The second old coat that has to go is the one of hypocrisy, it is close kindred of deceit, but very different in that it involves the use of “religion” to give more weight to what is being said. The word ‘hypocrite’ comes from a Greek word that has to do with an actor on a stage who claims to be something that he is not. It would be hard to find a better word for anyone that claims to be a born again Christian when they have never accepted Christ as savior and are pretending to be a Christian only because it will be beneficial to their worldly advancement. Any man that only claims to be a Christian for his own profit or prestige and not to glorify God—is a hypocrite.

Peter knew personally about envy and no doubt he remembered when some of the apostles were envious of James and John. Even at the last supper some were showing envy when they were wondering who would have the greatest honor [Luke 22-24]. Then he named one burning shirt worn by just about everybody…slander or gossip. So then, Peter says that these are the things that have got to go when anyone puts off the old man and puts on the new. He will display a new identity.

In the second verse, Peter says that there are some new things that Christians must want…yearn for and strive to get. Read verse 2. You must ‘crave’ spiritual milk. This has always seemed to be a peculiar way for Peter to express himself. The one thing that makes it fully understandable is a word study that clears the meaning. Look at verse 2. “Like new born babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” This statement is a bit confusing, and would explain what Peter really meant if it was reworded, something like the following example.

“Like new born babies crave pure whole milk that promotes healthy physical growth, you must crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it [spiritual milk] you may grow up in your salvation. However, even with this clarification, there is still an unanswered question here, and it is: What does Peter mean by the term ‘spiritual milk?’ The Greek word he uses is Logikos…and this word Logikos is the adjective from the noun logos and the problem is that logos has three possible translations.
1. Logos is the Greek word that means ‘mind or reason’ therefore it could be translated to mean intelligent or reasonable. Paul used Logos in Romans 12:1 to speak of ‘reasonable’ service.
2. Logos is used as the word for the reason or power that guides the universe
3. In Greek their logos is used instead of the English word “word.” Logos = word. This is so simple. When they write about the bible they call it the Logos of God…the Word of God. This seems to be the best guess as to what Peter was saying. We must crave the Word of God which will help us to grow spiritually.

You have never known anyone thirty-nine years old that was in a hurry to be forty…and just couldn’t wait to be fifty {a half-century}, oh boy! Remember Jack Benny, he wanted to be forty so badly that he stayed thirty-nine for many years. Neither have you ever known a fifteen year old that wasn’t anxious to be sixteen—and get that driving permit. Your four-year-old had a birthday last week. This morning you bragged on him…Ha, man…you had a great birthday party…how does it feel to be a big four? He says, “No, I’m not four—I am going on five!” Only the young want to be old. Peter tells us that there is one exception. Guess what it is.

No matter how old you are…you could be sixty-five or more when you accept Christ as your Savior. When you are born again you are now a spiritually newborn baby, and Peter and Paul both say that it is not normal for you to remain a baby in Christ. Now you must change your mind about “growing up spiritually”—it is time to grow stronger in Christ. A young child needs wholesome milk to grow bone and muscle…we need the spiritual food found in God’s word to grow faith and obedience. Did you eat your spiritual breakfast this morning?

In verses eleven and twelve Peter lets these new Christians know that their actions speak louder than their words—therefore he says that they must abstain from fleshly desires. The sins of the flesh and fleshly desires pertain to more than just sexual sins. Paul explained in Galatians 5 that these sins stand for human nature apart from God; then Peter emphasizes here that new Christians must abstain from these sins in order to set the right examples before others that are already looking for ways to discredit them.

People really haven’t changed that much. There is no other social movement on earth that has been attacked as often by more foes than the Christian movement. It really does not matter whether or not we want to be used as examples against the Church…we are in that position. Every member of the church is a walking, talking bill-board being used either for or against the Church. Christians are missionaries. The every day lives of the members of any church either make it stronger or weaken its ministry. Those outside the church watch you and judge both you and the church you attend based on the life you live. Peter suggests that we need to clean and repaint our bill-boards in order to make sure they are projecting a positive message to the lost. No stumbling blocks!

Accept a Challenging Standard - I Peter 1:13-25

Generally speaking, Americans are not interested in how much has been added or how little has been discounted—they just want the bottom line. What is the price today? How much does it cost? Well, here is the bottom line in this lesson today. Peter is really challenging his readers to live a holy life. This is a call to be ‘just like Christ’ in order to be worthy of the name—Christian. How much does it cost you to live holy? That depends on what you value most. One thing is for sure—it will never cost you as dearly as it did the Son of God when he made it possible for you to become a Christian.

In the study of the first dozen verses of the first chapter, Peter made it very clear to new Christians that they have a heavenly inheritance already prepared and paid for and that they are now designated as “God’s chosen people.” Peter explained that Israel was God’s chosen people—however they lost their position when they denied and crucified Jesus Christ, their Messiah. Then he reminds all Christians that have accepted Christ as Savior that they also still have an additional responsibility that they must meet—they must now live for him…it is called “being obedient” and it never cost anyone more than it is worth.

The written lesson for today starts with the thirteenth verse and the word THEREFORE. Therefore tells you to look back and see what he has said. He told them that their forefathers were disobedient, never got to fully enjoy their promised land of Canaan and lost their position of God’s chosen people…And now that you have accepted the messiah that they rejected—you have other responsibilities too—you must also be obedient. You must live holy before God. As the title of the lesson says, you must: “ACCEPT A CHALLENGING STANDARD.

Therefore…or in order to be able to do what has to be done…the first requirement is to “fully decide”… “Set your mind on what has to be done” or “gird up the loins of your mind.” Similar to Paul’s example—Peter is thinking about Christians running the good race. The long robes worn in those days would impede a good runner and so they would lift the lower part of their robe and gird it up in a belt to prevent stumbling or falling. Peter is thinking of the days ahead as being a race toward heaven, the goal, and nothing should be allowed to get in the way of progress. This is a challenge to be positive in their thinking. If he were writing today he might have said; ‘roll-up your sleeves and get with it’ or ‘air up the tires put gas in the tank and get going.’

The long flowing robe would tangle around and impede the legs of a runner. What are some of the things that Peter might have been thinking about that would impede the human mind that is set on heaven as its goal? One was definitely that they should be sober. He could have several things in mind…the first thought might be to refrain from strong drink…any mind that is intoxicated is out of control…actually alcohol takes over where reason left off and becomes the controller of your thoughts and actions. In our day and time there are many other intoxicants that are as deadly as alcohol. If Peter was writing in 2007, he might say that we should not get caught up in the perversions of drugs, pornography, homosexuality, molestation. These are the hard core problems. Let’s hasten to say that perversions were rampant in Rome, Greece, Egypt and throughout the Persian Empire. Those people excelled in sexual deviations.

One does not need to be caught up in the hard core problems to encounter problems that will distract the mind. Peter was saying that Christians should not get foolishly involved in anything that would stand in the way of their forward progress. Criticism from others messes up your mind…false accusations are harmful…rejection requires one to keep control of his mind. There is another important mind set…keep your mind on God’s word and only what it teaches. In another place we are told not to be blown off in the wrong direction by every wind of doctoring. Some of the cults in operation today can tangle your mind if you allow them to get in your door.

In your mind you know and understand the truth of the gospel which tells you that Christ will soon return. In your heart you believe and accept the promise of his return. This should motivate you to live for him daily—you should stay mentally alert; learn to be self-disciplined and keep your focus on the goal…heaven. Are you ready to meet Christ? He will come as a thief in the night—unexpected, and then it will be too late to gird up your mind. Two will be plowing in the field; one will be taken to meet God and the other one left. A man and wife will be in bed, asleep—when one awakes the other will be gone. You may be flying first class, up front, watching the pilot when he suddenly disappears leaving you on a run-away plane. Now you have two problems. There is a very simple moral to this admonition and it is: don’t ever go to the field to plow, go to bed with your wife, get on a plane that someone else is flying until—you are ready to meet God. Do you remember the two most dangerous words in our language? [Tomorrow and procrastination] Don’t procrastinate—tomorrow may not come.

Vincent Peal made a fortune selling people on the “Power of Positive Thinking.” He was a smart man and gave people many good ideas about how the continuous use of positive thoughts can help one progress toward a goal. I do not remember that he ever warned that the same power of thought in the wrong direction can lead to disaster. Far too often when a person commits their life to Christ and then the next day they go to work with the same crowd as usual and they allow the power of positive thinking to pull them back into their old ways. I guess what I am trying to say is that some sinners commit their life to Christ but not their mind. God is jealous, he wants all or none. The bible says that you can not commit your life to Christ and continue to live and enjoy your old life style. You cannot serve two masters and be successful with either one.

Peter explained this by saying that we must be like God—holy in everything we do. That means holy in the church pew; holy at work; holy on the golf course: and holy when you are in a strange city where people don’t know you. If you were mentally alert, and knew today was your last day to live, would you need to make some quick improvements in your life? Peter is telling us here that the answer to that question should be NO. Our life is uncertain—but two things are certain; we will die and Christ will return—and since we can not know when either will happen…Peter tells us to live holy lives, daily and not to worry.

In v 17—“You call on a Father” is important. First note that Father has a capitol F, so there is no doubt that this is our spiritual Father who will be our judge. “Call on” means to “pray to” “ask for” but the meaning includes more like, serve, adore, love, respect, depend on, have faith in. As your judge…He will be impartial [fare and honest and treat everyone alike] so each one can live their life in reverent fear. Now, “fear” does not mean ‘afraid’ or ‘scared.’ It is not the fear the slave has of a ruthless master; but it does require the kind of respect that always has to be present when we love, respect and serve someone. Note: Yes, once saved, always saved! However, Peter is telling us here that we are not to feel and act cocky but to respond in reverent fear. Salvation is sure and secure but it is not a license to willfully and continuously sin.

The practice of slavery was rampant and color of skin had little to do with it, but it depended on who was in power. Conquering nations took exiles and made slaves of them. Early Christians understood the word “redeemed” meant that someone had paid money, traded cattle, or gave their jewels or precious metals to buy freedom. The people would understand this language, so Peter used it in verses 18-19. People were in bondage [slaves to sin] and God redeemed [paid for their sins] not with material things like gold and silver, but with the blood of his only begotten Son of God. You can see that Paul expanded on this subject greatly if you want to read what he has to say in [Rom. 6:6-7; 1 Co. 6: 20; Col. 2: 13; and/or Heb. 9: 12].

I believe that some bible teachers have said that God created man in perfection and that man sinned and his sins became so outrageous in the sight of God that God had to design a way to bring about salvation from sin. I believe that man sinned and needed a savior—but God, in his foreknowledge knew this would happen, and he already had his total plan designed and established before the creation of the world. Verse 20 says that Christ was chosen before creation. He was not an afterthought added after the world spun out of control. He is an ingenious God and his plan included the law looking forward to Jesus and it surely included Christ and the cross as well as his resurrection and ascension.

Verse 21 contains some hidden thought. We know that Jesus Christ was a part of the spiritual and glorified God-head and they lived in a spiritual realm we call Heaven. Jesus was there laying the foundation and preparing to build your mansion and mine. God interrupted his building project and sent him to earth as an impregnating spirit that made it possible for the Son of God to be born of woman, live and die for our sins and be resurrected on the third day—“And glorified him.” Our faith is in a God that can accomplish ALL OF THAT!

Now if your faith is in God—and you have trusted him to forgive your sins—you are purified, you are not stained by sin any more. The bible teaches that one way we can know that we are purified [saved] is that we will love our brothers in Christ. Peter assumes he is talking to saved people and tells them they are to love others deeply. Why? Because they have been born again. How? Through the living word of God. Saved by grace through faith by imperishable seed [spirit].

Now we are back to the most dangerous thing anyone can do. Sinners must not procrastinate—not even until tomorrow because “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever” [Is. 40: 6-8].

Acknowledge a Secure Salvation - I Peter 1:1-12

The bible teaches its readers that in the OT days God spoke to his people in many ways, through clouds by day and fire by night, through angels, prophets, dreams, visions and one time at least, through a donkey. It is not uncommon or unusual for some of the big-time TV evangelist to tell us that God spoke to them—and they proceed to explain exactly what God said to them. However, the bible makes it very clear that God speaks to us through his word; that God uses his word to talk to his Children, his church, his bride, to Christians who are able to discern the meaning thereof, and to the unsaved for the purpose of conviction of sin. You must read your bible now or be sorry in the future.

After a few years of bible study, it has become clear that one does not have to talk about God bringing some kind of personalized message. A teacher of the bible just knows that it is best to read the bible first before trying to teach it…or even to understand it as a personal guide. If you will read The Holy Bible, God’s Word to man, with an open mind and a heart that is seeking for truth, God will speak to you on an individual basis. This will never fail…and it is made possible only because His Word answers every question, and gives the proper solution for every problem man can face. One thing for sure that the seeker of truth must remember is that one must read the bible looking for God’s direction—you do not read the bible to find the answer you personally want. The one thing that makes God’s word so enjoyable to read is that you will find that it often tells you what God says to you and you find that it is exactly what you needed to hear. 1 Peter is a wonderful example; it starts from the beginning with blessed assurance of our great inheritance.

This letter starts off with Peter identifying himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ and the author of the letter. I read the letter after preparing the introduction to Peter and I can tell you that the Peter that wrote this letter is not the same Peter that walked away from his fishing boat and nets and followed Christ. Go back and study the introduction. Peter was a sunburned, hard working man that was near to being crude at times; he questioned Christ, argued with him, drew his sword and severed the ear of the guard while in the garden with Christ present and finally denied knowing Jesus. The letter, 1 Peter, was written about thirty years after Christ ascended back to heaven and Peter had been serving Jesus diligently—long enough to mellow in his spirit, and become more experienced in his witness to others. He is the same Peter in flesh and blood—but a new man spiritually in heart and soul. Peter is my hero; learn to know him and you will like him too.

Peter is writing to God’s chosen people in about AD 62 to 65, and he is referring to Christians—both Jew and Gentile—that had chosen to follow Christ while he was on earth teaching and preaching, or shortly thereafter. The persecution of Christians had already started, and he is writing to the ones that had been driven from their homes. They had gone far North of the Jerusalem area into—Cappadocia, which is about 450 miles due north of Jerusalem; and into Galatia, Asia, Bithyna and Pontus—which is about 600 miles North West of Jerusalem. It should be noted that these countries are due east of the cities where Paul established churches, Smyrna and Ephesus and are really closer to these cities than they are to Jerusalem. Note: This is an indication that there may have been more gentiles in these churches than there were Jews.

Peter did not waste any time in shallow water—he said, “I am an apostle, and you are chosen.” It is clear that Peter is talking to gentiles here, because the Jews had always been considered the ‘chosen people of God.’ Not so with the Gentiles. Certain Jews in the past had stated that gentiles were to be the fuel for the fires of hell. Peter makes us feel at home in Christ right from the beginning of his letter. The title “Chosen People” had always belonged to Israel. However, the nation of Israel failed in the purpose that God had for them because they rejected His Son, Jesus Christ, and crucified him.

The parable of the Wicked Husband in [Matt. 21, Mark 12 and Luke 20: 16] is a picture that shows us that the inheritance of Israel was to be taken from them and given to others. This is the basis that Paul used in Galatians 6:16 when he tells us that the Christian Church is the ‘new Israel” and/or the ‘true Israel. This is so important! Peter, in those three words…”You are chosen” tells us that all the privileges—and responsibilities—that at one time belonged to Israel [His chosen people] now belongs to us…”We are his chosen people.”

Peter calls these people “The elect strangers…scattered,” which means they have recently arrived in these new countries. Now the interesting thing that you should not miss, is that the word “scattered” comes from the word “Diaspora” which means “dispersion” and this is the technical name that was used for Jews that had been scattered in exile into all the different countries that captured them out of the Palestinian world. I am trying to show you that there are deep and inclusive meanings in these first few words in this letter. As Christian people that followed Christ and his disciples were looked down on by Israel…so we who have maintained or faith and walk in Christ are now the Chosen People. We have things so easy…but our forefathers that Peter is talking to here were persecuted and even driven from their homes and scattered into these countries that he names here in the first verses.

Let me remind you again that this letter is being written only five or six years before the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70. Nero was in power and the persecution of Christians had intensified. Peter saw this coming and was warning his people. However, there were more problems than old Nero; many of the Jews did not accept Christians and would drive them from their homes. If they resisted, they were hunted down and destroyed. Remember that is what Saul [Paul] was doing the day he met God on the road to Damascus. I suppose Saul was probably the greatest enemy of new Christians in his day and he had the backing of the government; employed and paid by officials.

At this time in history, and under Roman law, the head of the household always had absolute authority over the women and children of the family. It was common for the wife and children to become Christians and the husband [head of the household] would remain pagan and become abusive—even send them away…and they had no place to go in those days…the Church was their only hope.

No doubt, Peter was writing to new Christians, maybe some that were planning to join a church group and be baptized. He is trying to encourage them as well as warn them of impending hardship. This is what makes the letter relevant to Christians throughout the world today. We are fortunate in America, but there are many new Christians that face hardships when they follow Christ. A speaker just recently told our church about the horrible experiences his family encountered when the KGB found that they had a bible hidden away where they studied in secret. So far—our government has not interfered—thanks be unto God…but none of us are exempt from trials and tribulations of growing old, being ill, being caught up in a tornado, or involved in an auto accident. Our trials just like persecution, causes us to need God’s grace and assurances. For us—as we face our problems…Peter’s message to us brings hope. Stop! Think for one moment. What would your life be without HOPE?

Sometimes it is difficult to explain how something…anything can be both harmful and beneficial. The persecution and dispersion of new Christians is a case in point. It seems harsh and unfair for some to be run out of town because they followed Christ. That is harmful, yes. But, it was also beneficial, because they scattered into communities all over the known world taking the gospel into new areas that otherwise would have never been reached. So, we see that persecution did not stop the spread of the gospel as the enemy thought it would—instead; it introduced the gospel into new empires that did not have the Word. Think about it. Our trials strengthen our faith—this is the good side.

Peter was an encouragement to his readers in his day, but even more important he gives us encouragement by reminding us that we are also His chosen people. And Peter emphatically says that no persecution or none of our trials can take away the salvation that Christ has given those that believe on him. Peter included the work of the God head in the second verse. Then he explains the work of the trinity—and how they work together to bring about our salvation. 1] The Father chose us before we chose him [Eph. 1: 4]. While we were still sinners—Christ died for us [Rom. 5:6-10]. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are sanctified or set apart to enjoy the benefits of our salvation [2 Thes. 2:13].

In verse three Peter refers to the new birth and he is talking about being the spiritual birth. Just as John told Nicodemus in [John 3] you must be born again. It is only through the mercy of our Lord and Savior that we are provided a plan of salvation. Peter makes it plain that we can not purchase this great salvation…Christ gave it to us, once and for all, and it came through his death, burial and resurrection. People, our hereafter depends upon Christ and him crucified…without Jesus and the cross there is no salvation—and without his resurrection we are doomed to an eternity of darkness.

Just to say that you believe in God is only one third of the necessity…you must believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Just to say that you believe in Jesus is not enough…you must believe that he was the Son of God, that he came to this earth and lived as a man, that he died a horrible death on the cross, was buried and that He arose from the tomb, and was seen by many witnesses, and then ascended back to the right hand of God where he is now our intercessor…he is our high priest, our judge and jury. Believe anything less and it is not enough.

In verses three to six Peter gives us our assurance and encouragement. Do you ever need encouragement? In these verses we find joy and hope in time of trouble and despair. He says that our confidence is based on what God the Father has done for us through his son, Christ Jesus. Look, he calls us into a living hope of eternal life. This is not a blind hope for something later—it is for the future—but it begins the moment we trust Christ as savior. Just think! No matter what your present condition is…no matter how bad you hurt…no matter how sad you feel…no matter what trial we face in this life—we know that it is not our final experience. As the old Stamps Baxter favorite explains it “No more sorrow and no more strife—I’ll have a new body. I’ll have a new life.”
Look at verse four and compare with Numbers 32: 19. The Israelites longed for their promised land of milk and honey in Canaan. Because of the continued sin in their lives they always remained one step away from their promised goal. Born again Christians can now look forward to our inheritance in that eternal city because the sin in our lives has been paid for…bought…redeemed by His blood. Who is going? This is the best part! You have this inheritance if you have trusted Christ as Savior.
Some of you may not have known that Peter is one of the strongest advocates of “the security of the believer.” True Christians do not have to be carried out their back door in search of security, praying for a hiding place among the rocks or in the caves of some mountain. No. Christians will be ushered out their front door into eternal glory, a house not made with hands. God will help us remain faithful through all our trials—no matter what tomorrow brings, no matter how difficult times may be. In verse five—Peter talks about the “last time” and he is referring to the judgment day of Christ which is described in Revelation 20: 11-15. We may face some hard time, bad health, and for sure death itself—but our souls cannot be harmed. We will receive our promised rewards!

In v. six—he tells us and them, that we should greatly rejoice in our unfailing promises—even though we have had some problems along the way. WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER? It is so simple, read it in v. seven. “These [trials, illness, pain, disappointments, rejections, wayward children] have come so that your faith may be proved genuine, and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Your faith is worth more than Gold. So, what is faith? You have heard it said that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.” Here in verse 8, is a simple explanation. “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” How do we know? V. 9 says “for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.’

VS 10-12—God revealed to the OT prophets that he would send a messiah that would die for his people, so they knew enough to speak of the grace that was to come. They accepted and taught that salvation would then be by grace and not of the law. The prophets searched intently, and with great care, to find the time, place, and all circumstances surrounding the life, death and resurrection of Christ. Although the complete plan of salvation was still somewhat of a mystery to the OT prophets, they still suffered persecution, and some even died for God.

In contrast, some of the Jewish Christians who read Peter’s letter had seen Jesus for themselves and knew why he came, what he did, when he died and that he arose. Therefore these Jews based their assurance on Jesus and the cross. With their first hand knowledge of salvation by grace through faith…their faith could and should be even stronger than the OT prophets. Peter is urging them to keep the faith…to remain strong in times of suffering and even die for God as some of their ancestors had done…even though they [ancestors] did not understand God’s plan fully. Amen.

The Introduction of a Fisherman: Getting Ready for Peter

Ladies and Gentlemen: It is my private personal privilege and far beyond anything that ‘scales’ will weigh—that I, with unlimited pleasure, introduce to you the “Worlds Greatest Fisherman’—Paul called him Cephas; Christ said he was the Rock; his friends knew him as the Galilean Fisherman; his fellow Jews called him Simeon; and finally his Greek name is Peter, and this lets us know that he was a true friend of the gentiles. Never forget, names are important.

Members of The Faith Builders Sunday school class and most of those who will read this introduction to one of my favorite disciples may need no introduction, but if there is just one person that can learn to know Peter better and profit spiritually from his acquaintance, that means this introduction is worthwhile and time well spent. In a recent report on a survey made to determine the biblical knowledge level of the general public, I was amazed to learn that more than fifty percent of the people in the USA have never read either the Old or the New Testament.

Even those with limited knowledge of the scripture seem to be able to recall the old red rooster that crowed three times one night and a guy named Peter that denied that he ever knew the man Jesus. Peter suffered most from his denial. I truly believe that I have profited most from the incident. Study first Peter and you will see that it is a letter of hope because it assures us of second and third chances that Christian sinners need so desperately. We all know that permanent denial of Christ is the only unpardonable sin. Peter’s three denials of Christ only lasted for a few minutes, an hour at most, and then he went out into the darkness and cried out in repentance for his horrible sin. The most of us do not have a rooster around to act as our reminder when we have sinned—but we do have the Holy Spirit and he is much more dependable. Christ not only forgave Peter but he forgot the incident and never held it against him.

I have had the honor, privilege and humbling responsibility to serve on several search committees looking for God’s man to recommend to the church as pastor or for other staff positions. The church furnishes the committee with a document setting out certain qualifications the applicant must meet first—before he will even be considered. In more than sixty years, with membership in six different churches—Peter would not have qualified to pastor in any of these churches. There is no indication that he had any formal education…even so, he is known to have preached one of the greatest sermons recorded in the bible…it was at Pentecost, and over five thousand souls were saved. He spent three busy years in the presence of Jesus as he completed his ministry here on earth, and was the first man to look inside the empty tomb—and no doubt was well qualified to preach in anybody’s church. As an afterthought, let me remind you that Christ and all the original twelve disciples did not have a seminary education. Even in the twenty-first century when education is very important it is still second to being a Christian.

When Christ called Peter to fish for men, he was a poor man with only the essentials needed to fish for a living and he probably lived with his family in a modest home that was probably clear of debt. He was a middle age man, married with a family, and was somewhat different in that he was close to his mother-in-law and very concerned when she became seriously ill. His home was near the Sea of Galilee at Capernaum when Christ visited him. Peter was in every way a fisherman, in actions, in speech, in temperament, and even in personal appearance. It is evident that the Lord looked deeper into this man’s heart and soul and his estimate of Peter far exceeded what most of us would have seen. Jesus knew what was in this man, Jesus knew Peter’s abilities and his dependability and he ranked him high among the twelve disciples. Take note here and now that Christ had to rebuke Peter often…more than any of the others, because Peter was a plain and simple man, straightforward, sincere, impulsive and he was very curious about everything that was happening around Christ each day.

Peter had more questions for Christ than any other apostle…usually on the scene and at the time things were happening that he did not understand. Many times he would but in—even interrupting Christ to ask a direct question or even dare to tell Christ where he was wrong. Some examples are: “Lord, what do you mean by that parable of the blind guides?” “Where are you going Lord?” “Lord, why can’t I follow you now?” “No Lord, you are not going to die as long as I am alive.” “Lord, you need to look at the temple and these stones.” Peter wanted answers…when he didn’t want to ask the question—like at the Last Supper, he nudged John to ask Christ which disciple would betray him. There is nothing wrong with asking questions for the right reasons… Peter became a smart and knowledgeable person and his writings prove that. Sometimes Christians accomplish less than their ability affords simply because they have not asked the right questions. Questions are one of the greatest learning tools in any textbook.

Most Christians have a weakness and Peter was no exception. He was both presumptuous and conceited in that he did not think that he could ever fail Christ. No one could hold on—stick with Christ through what ever may happen as well as he “Just Knew He Could”—however when the chips were down, Peter heard the rooster and ran. Don’t put Peter down. We do the same thing when we overestimate what we will be willing and able to do and then underestimate the power and control that the devil has over us.

Peter was presumptuous enough to actually criticize Jesus—as he did on the occasion when Jesus was in the middle of a press of people and he asked Peter, “Who touched me?” Peter said. “Lord, you see all these people crowded around us…pressing in on us…and so why did you ask who touched you? “Who could tell?” “Why did you ask me?” Christ knew that Peter meant well and just did not understand, so he did not rebuke him…but only replied. “I know some particular person touched me for a particular object, for virtue went out from me.” Peter just did not understand how Christ was able to discern that someone had made a silent appeal for help. What a blessing it is to understand that Christ knows our needs and even though we do not openly ask for or seek help, by his virtue we are automatically blessed.

On one occasion when Jesus was trying to prepare his followers for his coming death on the cross, Peter spoke up letting every one present know that he was more informed that Christ was. He said, “For be it from the Lord, to suffer and die.” And again when Peter asks Christ a question, it proves that he thought he was better informed than Christ was. “Lord, do you wash my feet?” “Lord, you shall never wash my feet.” And then to show us that he was humble and could change his mind when he fully understood what Christ was trying to teach the disciples; he said, “Wash me all over, head, and hands, and feet.” I give the last example of how comfortable Peter felt in the presence of Christ…he loved his Lord and Christ knew it. Jesus rates Peter very high on his list of dependable followers and does not hold it against Peter when he accused Jesus of being completely wrong. Yes that is right. You see; Jesus looks on the inside and sees what you want to express and even though you disagree with him—if your heart is right He never holds it against you. In Acts 10:6, Peter is on a housetop praying. He sees a vision of a sheet holding many different animals. He hears the voice of Christ telling him to kill and eat the animals. Peter thought Christ was wrong…he said; “Not so Lord,” “Surely you don’t mean what you are telling me to do, because I do not eat unclean food.” Do you remember Christ’s answer?

There seems to be little doubt in the minds of historians that have written about the life of Peter that the one miracle that influenced his life first and foremost was the one when Christ told him to cast his net on the other side of the boat. Peter had already fished all night and he knew that there was no need to put the net back in the water. He was tired and hungry and ready to go home to eat and rest. Knowing his nature as we do now…there is little wonder that Peter did not make a scene…use bad language or even refuse to cast the net back into the water. Only a true fisherman will understand how tired Peter was. Only a true fisherman can understand how energy abounded and hungers pangs were completely gone by the time the net-full of fish were safely in the live-well. And only a fisherman would know how badly Peter would like to have a new fish-finder like the one Christ was using.

Peter is probably the only man that ever lived on this earth that had a well developed—perfect faith in Jesus Christ and it only lasted a few seconds. He observed a man walking on the top of deep water in a lake. He recognized the man to be Jesus Christ, in whom he had great faith. Christ invited Peter to step out on top of the water and come to him…and for a few seconds his great faith became a totally perfect faith, and he walked on the top of the water just as Christ was doing. He saw Jesus. He believed in him totally without any doubt and maintained dry feet. His mind’s eye sneaked a minute glance at Peter and he immediately felt the water up around his knees. Listen! Hear me now…the lesson taught here is relevant to you and me. Our ability to survive in these troubled times depends upon the strength and depth of our faith …survival depends on the amount of our time that is spent looking into the eyes of Jesus—seeking his face—humbling ourselves before him—repenting of our sins and simply requesting that he bear us up and over the bilious waves…or at worst, walk through troubled waters with us.

There seems to be a movement of greater numbers of people who are involved in the mega churches in America and revivals being held in foreign countries. I do not want to be so critical that it would stand in the way of any legitimate movement of people toward God. However there is a trend that really bothers me and it has to do with the subjects of sermons being preached. The bible warns that in the later days people will be more interested in sermons that ‘tickle their ears,’ make them prosperous, removes every pain and discomfort, and provides for the here and now. Folks, it is past time for our pastors to proclaim the hard doctrines of the bible.

Jesus preached on “The Bread of Life,” and his main object to get rid of a bunch of transitory people that were following him for personal reasons [maybe another fish dinner for free]. He wanted the strong in faith that were willing to work to stay with him. He must have been very plain and totally convincing because a bunch of the crowd sloughed off—for a time it looked like everyone was going to leave him on the road by himself. The bible says that “Upon this many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him.” Then Jesus asked the twelve apostles: “Will you also go away?” Old Peter is the talkative one, but this time he made perfect sense and needed no rebuke; he said…”Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of life, and we have believed and know that thou art the Holy One of God.”

WHO WROTE: Before we run out of paper and ink, it seems best that we spend a little time on the usual essentials of a proper introduction. For example—who wrote these two letters? The first verses tell us that Peter wrote the books to those who had accepted Christ and were now scattered throughout the known world of that day. We know from studying church history that especially the Jews who converted to the teachings of Christ were persecuted, taken slaves, and driven out of their homes and country. Peter indicates that the same Silas that traveled with Paul also served as his secretary in the writing of these books.

WHERE: Where was Peter when he wrote the books? You will find that there are two opinions and I think it best that each reader make up their own mind what they believe is the strongest argument. Some think Peter was in Babylon because of what he says in 5: 13. The more traditional view is that Peter was in Rome when he wrote the letter. Some think that Rome was to the new movement what Babylon was in the OT; and they think he was trying to keep anyone from knowing he was in Rome. They think that this was written during the reign of Nero during his persecution of Christians.

WHEN AND TO WHOM: The date was no earlier than AD 62 and no later than AD 64, because Peter suffered martyrdom at the hands of Nero in AD 65. There are five Roman provinces named in the first verses, and this made up most of the Roman Empire at that time. The churches in these provinces were made up mainly of converted Jews and Gentile Christians. Who ever the Christians were to whom Peter wrote—they were experiencing some kind of persecution. As of today, Christians in America have not faced the kinds of persecutions experienced by these early Christians. Harrow! We may not have to stick around very long before we get our first introduction to persecution. If you agree with this—it makes it more important for you to see what Peter had to say to his people.

There is one interesting comparison between the letters written by Peter and those written by Paul. Each time Paul wrote, he addressed people located in one specific city and in some case there may have been only one church involved. In these two letters by Peter, he is including all the churches found in at least the five provinces that he names in the first chapter.

What is Worth Celebrating - Esther 8 to 10

I am just a plain old country boy that was born in the Roaring Twenties that roared on out in twenty-nine and vanished in the thirties. I look back with pride and happily celebrate my up-bringing. I learned the value of parents with sacrificial love and believe some of it rubbed off on the recipient. I look back and celebrate the depression era—not because it was easy or a period of my life that I would enjoy living over, but because of the character of the people of the day, their determination and will to work, their pride and refusal to accept a welfare state. I feel so proud to have been one of those old-timers that Tom Brokow called the Greatest Generation.

My wife and I sat at our breakfast table recently and discussed things as they are with us. The river runs by and it was overflowing with two generators running as a result of more rain than usual. Our home is comfortable, even with the temperature below freezing outside and is paid for. We never dreamed that we would be able to enjoy a retirement so wonderful and extensive—more than twenty years have rushed by in what seems to be no more than ten. I continued talking, “We have had no real serious health problems—and are really blessed to still be able to live alone and care for ourselves. I think we have done quiet well for ourselves.” As she usually does, Juanita chose to correct me. She said, “I think you are forgetting the most important person that has made all this possible. Just think back to your first teaching job, when you made only $720 your first year…and we paid our tithe first from each check…and God has been our blessing every since.” That is something worth celebrating!
Here is the way that you can be humble and thankful at the same time. Reduce the I to i…
and then increase the importance of God in your life by the same ratio.

WHAT IS WORTH CELEBRATING as you study these last chapters? I can tell you the answer. God keeps his promises! God has promised the Jews many times that he will not leave them or forsake them and that even though, as a nation they have been a disappointment to him many times, he will always spare a remnant of the faithful. In this study of Esther, just a few days ago, Haman sent out an edict under the seal of the king that would have resulted in the complete eradication of every Jewish man, woman and child in this vast Persian nation with 121 provinces…which was most of the known world at that time. Had this edict stood and carried out to completion…there would have been NO remnant of Jews left to go back and rebuild the city wall of Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.
Do you want to know what these Jewish people were celebrating? A few days ago they received an edict that guaranteed that they would all die on the 13th day of Adar. Now, a few days later: couriers riding beautiful Arabian horses that were bred for the king’s use arrive in every province announcing that on the same 13th day of Adar the king will support them as they kill all of their enemies. These people had something WORTH CELEBRATING.

Mordecai wrote a message and had it delivered throughout the 121 provinces telling his people that they were to establish a day of thanksgiving and call it Purim.

I realize that my thinking may be too earthy here to be of any help to you in understanding how important Esther and Mordecai have become in the lives of their people. But, any way, I like to think of what has happened in the book of Esther as being compared to what Christ did for us. They provided the salvation for this remnant of God’s people. They were willing to die rather than stand by and do nothing. Any time I read of a sequence of events that takes place where we can see the hand of God at work in the lives of his people…It portrays a picture of my salvation—by grace—through faith in Christ Jesus.

I hope you will take the time to answer each one of the following questions. Don’t peak back at Esther…answer them and then look at your bible to see how many you have correct.

1. Haman was a wealthy man, and then just a day or two before he was hanged on Mordecai’s scaffold, his holdings grew by $55.000.000.00. Why?

2. What happened to all the wealth that Haman controlled?

3. When did the transfer of the estate take place?

4. When did Xerxes learn that Esther was a Jew?

5. When did Xerxes learn that Mordecai was Esther’s relative?

6. What happened to Mordecai when the king learned that he was a Jew?

7. After Haman was hanged, what did Esther request of the king?

8. Who was appointed to be over the Haman estate?

9. Who made the appointment of the one to manage the estate?

10. When a Persian King extended his golden scepter—what signal was given?

11. Haman wrote a decree signed Xerxes’ name and sealed it with the king’s signet ring. What was the decree?

12. Was the decree official? Or, could it be revoked? Who could revoke it?

13. When Xerxes realized he had made a mistake, what did he have to do to reverse his decision?

14. A second decree was written. Who decided on the wording of the new document? Who wrote it?

15. What was the relationship of the second decree to the first one?

16. How many provinces were in Persia at this time in history?

17. One of the provinces size could be thought of as about the size of: which are probable answers? Township? County? State? Judah? Egypt? Iraq?

18. Who ruled in each province?

19. Who was ruler over all the provinces?

20. What was the common language of the Persian Empire?

21. How could each province ruler understand what the new edict required?

22. How was the message delivered to the provinces?

23. What was the central message of the new edict?

24. Did the new order allow for murder and plunder to take place?

25. Did murder and plunder take place? If so, by whom?

26. Going back: On a yesterday morning, Morenci rent his clothing—dressed in sack-cloth and with ashes over his head and face and wept at the palace gate. On the next day…Where was he? From there, where did he go? And how was he dressed for the trip?

27. Going back to the time before the first banquet was planned by Esther…What was first planned to happen on the 13th day of the 12th month of Adar? Did it take place?

28. When the new plan was drawn up, what was to happen on the 13th day of the 12th month of Adar? Can you explain why this date was so important?

29. What is name of that date on the Jewish calendar? And why is it still important to them?

30. How many sons did Haman have? What happened to them?

31. Study carefully: Were they killed? Were they hanged? Or were they killed and then hanged? Who was responsible for the lives of these men?

32. The Jews established a holiday. The name is? What holiday do we Americans celebrate that is very similar?

33. How did the Jews decide the name of their holiday?

34. There are only three verses in the last chapter [10] of Esther. What message does this chapter convey?

Our study for this spring will be in first and second Peter. Don’t know about you but I am so thankful for the story of Peter in the Bible…he has probably been my best example. He reminds me a bit of David…who was so sinful but still accepted by God. He was unpredictable…in the garden he was angry and ready to kill or be killed for Christ. A couple of days later he trembled at the voice of a young lady, and denied that he ever knew Christ. God bless!

How Courage Triumphs - Esther 5 to 8

It is necessary for us to understand the position of low esteem held by women all through the Old Testament, especially under the reigns of wicked kings. They were barely above slaves held from a conquered country; their primary purpose was to serve the sexual pleasure of men and care for their children. To be in the king’s harem did not change their purpose on earth, but it did provide them beauty care and freedom from laborious work in the gardens, on the farms and in the house. Women were forbid to speak to any man in the King’s court that ranked above the eunuchs that were assigned to them. If the king or any of his royal court wanted to be with a woman, he beckoned her and she did not dare approach the king without his beckon or call.

The fifth chapter starts with the beginning of the third day. It does not make clear in these verses what happened three days ago. Think back to past lessons and you will remember that Mordecai told Esther about the plot to kill all Jews. At that time Esther told Mordecai to gather all the believers in the town and fast and pray for three days. She and her maids also fasted. So the third day mentioned here means that the three-day fast has been completed and it was now the time for her to act. Remember that King Xerxes has not seen her for about a month, and has not called for her to return to his palace. Our lesson today is on triumphant courage…and you can be assured that it took a great measure of courage on the queen’s part to approach the king without his beckon.

Do not become confused as you start this lesson. We have been studying the king under the name of Xerxes; and some of the Baptist literature says that Esther dressed in her royal robe and stood in front of AHASUERUS the king. In the local Persian language, Ahasuerus is pronounced—[Uh haz yoo HER uhs]. This is the title of the Persian king, and it means “Lion King” and refers to the husband of Vashti and Esther the same man called Xerxes by the Greek in their language. The name used depends upon which version of the Holy Bible you read are using.

When Esther appeared in the outer court, Xerxes beckoned her with his gold scepter; she approached him and touched the scepter with growing courage. When he asked what her mission was—she invited him to bring Haman and attend a banquet that she had prepared for them. They attended, and when feeling good on wine, Xerxes asked her again what she desired him to do for her. She simply asked that he and Haman attend another banquet that she would prepare in their honor.

[Note: The bible does not relate why the second banquet was necessary. Why did Esther not make her request at this first banquet and get it over with? If any of you know the answer, please tell me. Here are some ‘may-bees.’ It may be that she got cold feet at the first banquet and just could not go through with her plan. May-be she needed to build up her courage which had to be great. She may have known the men well enough to know that the king was not ready to grant her request at the first banquet and she decided to plan on a later date. May-be Mordecai needed more time to gather the evidence against Haman and get it to Esther. Or, it just may-be that God led her to make that decision because he knew it to be the right thing to do. Any-way, the second banquet was planned and prepared and both King Xerxes and Haman attended.]

There seems to be little or no difference in the second banquet than the first. In both cases, Esther was honoring King Xerxes…with an ulterior motive. Esther asked the king to invite Haman in both cases, because she knew that Haman could not refuse to come if the King gave him the order. On his way out the gate, as Haman departed from the first banquet, Mordecai was there and refused again to bow down to Haman. The fire was already in the heart of Haman—burning in hatred against Mordecai—and this last time out the gate there must have been a crowd around to watch as Mordecai dishonored this important figure in the king’s court. Haman went home shouting and raving to his wife about his hatred for Mordecai. It was her suggestion that Haman have his men construct a scaffold and hang Mordecai for his insubordination. This pleased Haman and he ordered his escorts to build a forty-five foot scaffold on main-street…down town, where everybody could witness the hanging of Mordecai.

Let us take a good look at this despot, Haman. He was really no different from the despots of our lifetime. He measured his self-worth or importance by the power and control that he had over others. He could order that Mordecai be hanged, and carry it out on main street with the public watching even though Mordecai was innocent of any crime. Haman was so arrogant that he accepted Xerxes politically as his superior officer but deep down he accepted no man as being his equal. He was number one…in his eyes.

We must remember that there has been a long standing hatred between his ancestors and the Jews. He knew that Mordecai was a Jew. Evidently at the time even of the second banquet, neither Haman nor Xerxes knew that Esther was a Jew. Haman considered the Jews as life long enemies…therefore he decided to use his authority to trick the king into approving the annihilation of all Jews that were still living in Persia. He planned the execution and put the plan in writing, and signed it with the king’s name and used the king’s signet ring to seal the document. Some would ask why the king would allow this…and the answer is clear. Xerxes was just as crewel, and he thought nothing of killing many for his own need, or even fun. [He was similar to Nero in Italy who made sport of the Christians being eaten by lions.] {I am just guessing}…he may have been drunk on wine at the time he let Haman have his ring to use, and may not even remember what Haman said he would do with it.

The writer of Esther did not mention God…but I contend that God is tucked away between every line in the book. God knew what was being planned…before Haman knew, and he was the instigator; and God had a complicated plan in place and the right people there to carry it to completion. It is not “Happen-stance” that Esther was a orphan girl…that she was very beautiful…that Mordecai adopted her…that Mordecai had managed to be assigned a job that would keep him near the gate of the king’s palace…It is not “Happen-stance” that Mordecai was in the right place at the right time to hear the two men plotting to kill the king…No—it was God and not happen-stance all along and especially that Esther would be chosen queen and would be available for Mordecai to report the murder plot through her. God made sure that Xerxes had a strong sense of obligation to honor and protect Mordecai because Mordecai had saved the king’s life.

God made sure that the king reviewed the official records praising Mordecai and even made it possible for Haman to be the one to honor Mordecai…with high honors that Haman really had planned for himself. The hand of God was involved with the building of the scaffold on which Mordecai was to hang. And God caused the timing to be just right for the scaffold to be there brand new and unused…when it was needed to hang Haman.

We are pretty far down on Haman by this time in our study. Don’t you think that he got about what he deserved? Folks, we are prone to draw our own conclusions about what is right and what is wrong when someone else is involved. The bible teaches that we are not to judge others…but we still do. Before you make your final decision regarding Haman and what he deserved—the bible leads us to ask some deeper questions…some that may hurt down deep. How much of the Haman nature do I have? How much and how often do I attempt to control others? Do I let it bother me when others don’t seem to appreciate me for all the work I do [for them] or [in the church] or for the community? Do I ever seek revenge? We must have the kind of spirit in our hearts that will request God to replace any of these bad attitudes with forgiveness for others. We have a choice, we can repent and call on God now; or, his perfect justice will settle the matter for us.

In the last part of chapter six, it is recorded that the timing and setting for honoring Mordecai came just prior to the second banquet. Haman had been directed to administer the honors to Mordecai and was devastated. He had planned to be the one wearing the King’s robe and riding a favorite horse that the king had been riding. In his mind’s cruel eye, he had already heard the cheering and observed the people’s love for him—and now instead the honor was going to a Jew…Mordecai.

In 6:12-13—it is recorded that after Mordecai was honored…he went back to the gate of the king. To me this simply means that he continued to live, and act as he had in the past. He did not assume that all his problems were solved, because he knew how fickle the life of a king could be. However, Haman rushed home, with his head covered, and in grief he told his wife and friends all that had happened.

His wife, friends and advisers had been conferring and had already made the decision that Haman could not be successful in his plan to destroy the Jews. The word was out, and they knew that the Jews had maneuvered themselves into a position of strength. The last words Haman heard before he went to the second banquet was—“You can not stand against the Jews…you will surely come to ruin.” Before they could finish their discussion and advice, the king drove up ‘And hurried Haman away to the second banquet Esther had prepared. I have just now used my mind’s eye to picture myself at this banquet where I am not wanted…watching every move being made to see who is going to lower the hammer on me…and worst of all; I am hating my King and Queen…and trusting them the least of all others at the banquet.

The seventh chapter opens with the king and Haman at the banquet table with Esther. The wine had been pored and Xerxes was already feeling good and wanting to know what the queen desired from him so badly that she would throw two big parties for him and Haman. So, the king asked what the queen wanted…and he let her know that it would be honored, even up to one half of his kingdom. [Personally, I think he was lying.] All ears at the table were waiting to hear the queen’s request…and all of these people would be witnesses against him if he did not grant her request.

You must read verses 3 through 6. She answered: Just let me and my people live.

I have often wondered why people think they can break the law, commit crime, displease man and God in any way and continue to get by with it. God’s word teaches us that we can be sure that our sins will find us out. Many wait until it is dark to sow their evil seed hoping that no one will see…and this may last a few days—until the seed germinate. On this the bible says that what ever you sow will come up and bear fruit according to the type of seed sown in the dark…Sin always comes to light. Pay-day will come!

There may not be another example anywhere in the bible that shows how a man can self-destruct as fast as Haman did. He was doomed by two of the most destructive forces that deal with man’s life. The first was his hatred for the Jewish people—and this was based on conflicts of his ancestors years in the past. The second devastating force in his life was vain pride. He was number two in power and prestige and he wanted the number one position, and was willing to do anything necessary to get to the top.

In just three days, Haman went from the top to the bottom of a forty-five foot gallows with Mordecai’s noose around his own neck. Let’s follow him…He passed through the gate and Mordecai did not salute him…His wife and friends suggested that he build the gallows and hang Mordecai…When it was finished, the king ordered Haman to honor Mordecai by organizing a parade with Mordecai leading the parade, wearing one of the king’s robes and riding the kings horse…Haman had just arrived home and was discussing what to do, when the king came by and ordered him to go to the second banquet…The queen identified him as the one planning to kill her and her people…The king ordered him to be hung on the gallows he had built for Mordecai…his pay-day.

Some have wondered how he built a 45ft scaffold in one day and two suggestions were made. It could have been built on the front edge of a flat roof building or on the corner of a city wall.

Persian Kings refused to look at criminals condemned to die so a cover was placed over Haman’s head before he was led away from the banquet. The custom lived down through time, the Greeks and Romans practiced covering heads before hangings and it was used at early hangings in America.
There will be one more lesson in Esther dealing with celebrations. Sometimes it is difficult to understand just how God operates. Study the last three chapters. THEN
On March 4th we will start a new study on First and Second Peter…get ready!