Home • Bible Studies • Declaring the Excellencies of Christ in Word and Deed: A Study of 1 Peter
Introduction to Declaring the Excellencies of Jesus Christ in Word and Deed
By Jake Hanson
The book of 1 Peter is an exciting book to study. In it, we find such timely teaching and truths that will begin to shape and form us into who we are called to be: ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This study is entitled, “Declaring the Excellencies of Christ in Word and Deed.” The title comes from 1 Peter 2:9: " But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This small book is about you and I living and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in both our words and our deeds.
Word and Deed. Peter teaches us that our words must match our deeds, and our deeds must match our words. Peter—and the Lord—will not allow you to talk the talk, and not walk the walk. But neither will he sit easy and allow you to walk the walk, without talking the talk. Peter will warn us against using as an excuse that oft-quoted phrase attributed, perhaps falsly, to St. Francis, “Preach the Gospel, and if necessary, use words.” But he also warns us against being bombastic hypocrites. Word and Deed must go together.
Peter will also teach us not to put our hope and trust in this perishing world. Riches, sex, beauty, pleasures of alcohol are all fleeting. Peter teaches us to put our hope and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and His imperishable Word, and to hope and to strive for His imperishable kingdom.
This small book, will teach us much about evangelism—about declaring the excellencies of Jesus Christ to a world in need of Him.
1 Peter will teach us where to declare: Everywhere. But we will also learn What to declare: the Gospel. We will see that the Word of God is the basis of what we declare. And we will see why, how and who we declare.
Finally, we will see that our declaration must live within our lives in righteousness, in submission, in humility and in gentleness in order for it to be authentic to the world at large. Our words and our deeds must match as we live in a world thirsty for an authentic and wholistic faith.
Key Question: What are the major hinderances of you sharing your faith?
Next: Part 1 Who is Peter?...and Why Does It Matter?