Day 1

Understand their story

As we begin our study of 1 Peter, we want to keep in mind that this biblical “book” is actually a letter. Today we’ll look at some texts which provide information on the individual who wrote the letter.

Read 1 Peter 1:1-2, and then read the following passages and note what they tell us about Peter.

  • Matthew 4:18-20. Who was his brother? What was his profession prior to following Jesus?
  • Matthew 16:13-20. What does Peter affirm about Jesus? What does Jesus affirm about Peter?
  • Matthew 26:69-75. What happens to Peter the first time he is seriously challenged regarding his allegiance to Jesus?
  • John 21:15-19. How is Peter restored, and what is he commissioned to do?

Pray today in adoration and supplication.  Reflect on the fact that God uses ordinary, flawed, people to serve him.  Ask God to use you too!

Day 2

Understand their story

Read 1 Peter 1:1-2, and answer the following questions regarding the letter’s recipients.

  • Look up the word “exile” in a dictionary. What does it mean?
  • Read Act 8:1-4.  Why were people “dispersed” in exile? What did these exiled people do? 
  • How does the story of these exiles convict or challenge you?
  • Find the place names mentioned in 1 Peter 1 on a map.  Here’s a link to an on-line version: https://bible-history.com/new-testament/new-testament-world.  How would we identify this region today? What country is it?

Pray today in supplication. There are lots of modern day “exiles” in Turkey and the surrounding areas.  Ask God to strengthen and encourage those who have recently been expelled from their home countries.

Day 3

Connect to His story

Read 1 Peter 1:1-2 and take note of what Peter tells the recipients about their Gospel Identity.

  • As Peter begins his letter he reminds his recipients that they are elect exiles, “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father”.  What does this mean? Read Ephesians 1:3-6 to find out.
  • He also reminds his recipients that they are being saved, “in the sanctification of the Spirit.”  What does this mean?  Look up the word “sanctification” in a dictionary. What does it mean?  Look up the word “sanctification” in a dictionary. What does it mean? 
  • If you have time, read this explanation of sanctification: https://www.gotquestions.org/sanctified.html

Pray today in adoration! If you are a Christian, thank God for choosing you, and for working in you by His Spirit! If you are not a Christian, ask God to incorporate you into His family! May today be the day you are adopted as his son or daughter!

Day 4

Connect to His story

Read 1 Peter 1:1-2 and take note of what ELSE Peter tells the recipients about their Gospel Identity.

  • Peter also reminds his readers that they are elect exiles FOR a purpose. What is that purpose?
  • Read John 14:15-21. What “proves” our love for Jesus, according to Jesus’ words in this text?
  • Read 1 John 2:1-6. What “proves” our love for Jesus, according to John’s words in this text? 

Pray today in reflection and confession. In what situations, today, might Jesus be asking you to obey him?

Day 5

Apply to our story

Read 1 Peter 1:1-2. If you are a Christian, you too are an “elect exile” who is…

  • Chosen: “according to the foreknowledge of God”
  • Being made holy: “in the sanctification of the Spirit”
  • With a purpose: “for obedience to Jesus”
  • Because you are forgiven, and incorporated into Jesus’ new covenant with his people: “and for sprinkling with his blood” (Matthew 26:27-29, Mark 14:24-25)
    • Reflect: Which of these truths most encourages or challenges you today?

Pray today in supplication, that God’s “grace and peace [might] be multiplied to you” (1 Peter 1:2), and to the people you know and love.