EXPLORE THE TEXT
Believers today benefit from the teaching of the prophets, but also have a personal relationship with Christ.
10 Concerning this salvation,
the prophets, who prophesied about the grace that would come to you,
searched and carefully investigated.
11 They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating
when he testified in advance to the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you.
These things have now been announced to you
through those who preached the gospel to you
by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven-
angels long to catch a glimpse of these things.
While Peter would go into more detail about the authority and inspiration of Scripture later, he set the stage for it in these verses.
Two facts validate the Source and authority of both the Old Testament and New Testament.
First, the words of the Old Testament prophets were fulfilled in Christ.
In the law, the sign of a true prophet was that his predictions came true.
Second, Peter highlighted the work of the Holy Spirit in moving the prophets.
The gospel, predicted by prophets and fulfilled by Christ, was delivered from heaven and drew its authority from the Spirit.
These factors continue to substantiate the inspiration and reliability of Scripture today.
Note that Peter affirmed that what the prophets predicted came true.
review these verses and to analyze the actions of the prophets.
keywords: (prophesied, searched, investigated, inquired, revealed, served).
The Jews believed that the Messiah was coming as a conquering king.
As such, it was difficult for them to comprehend a Savior who would suffer, much less die.
But Peter emphasized that the prophets looked ahead to both the sufferings and the glories of the Messiah.
They understood that the Messiah’s greatest glory would be revealed in the sufferings He experienced.
Of course, Jesus fulfilled this on the cross, as noted by the apostle Paul in passages like Philippians 2:5-11.
Christ suffered for the redemption of the human race, but the Father exalted Him and gave Him the “name that is above every name.”
Review these points from Apply the Text on page 18 of the Personal Study Guide:
Call for volunteers to share which statement resonates most deeply with them. Challenge the group to identify practical ways they can apply these truths to their lives and share them with others this week. Point out that the Christians in Asia Minor were experiencing persecution for their relationship with God.
Guide the group to discuss the first question set on page 18 of the PSG. Identify ways suffering can create hope and how believers can support one another in times of suffering.
Lead adults to continue using the prayer prompts for 1 Peter 1:5. Close in prayer, asking God to help adults know how to face suffering His way.
Reinforce the session by texting the group during the week and thanking them for participating in the group session. Encourage them to maintain a living hope that strengthens their faith and brings glory to Christ. Urge them to pray for one another as they face the challenges of living in a fallen world. Invite them to share special requests with you and let them know that you will be praying for them.
Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed. (See John 14:1-3; 1 John 3:2.)
Use multiple Scripture passages to better understand how Christians respond to suffering for their faith.
Peter wrote his first letter to encourage Christians in Asia Minor who were being persecuted for their faith. He spoke to the way that such suffering would position them to see God at work and also prove their character. Read the following Bible passages and take note of what they teach about the character and work of God in the midst of suffering. Note also how Christians should respond while suffering for their faith: Matthew 5:10-12,44; Acts 4:13-22; Romans 8:35-37; 2 Corinthians 12:10; James 1:2-4,12; and Revelation 3:11.