1. “A Chosen Generation” Lesson 43 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude

2. It is generally accepted that Peter’s death occurred sometime during the reign of the Roman emperor Nero (54 – 68AD)—probably after A.D. 64, when Nero began a widespread persecution of Christians. 1 and 2 Peter were likely written between A.D. 62 and 64. In the thirty-odd years since Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension, Peter had become a spiritually powerful president of the church. Peter wrote the First Epistle of Peter from “Babylon,” which may have been a symbolic reference to Rome.

3. Peter’s two epistles were written: to Church members “scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia”— the five Roman provinces in Asia Minor, located in modern-day Turkey at a time of great persecution and apostasy. Peter considered his readers to be the “elect” of God. He wrote to strengthen and encourage the Saints in the “trial of [their] faith” and to prepare them for a future “fiery trial.” His message also taught them how to decrease persecution through their righteous actions.

4. Live in faith and holiness as a chosen generation. 1 Peter 2:9–10 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Who is the chosen generation that Peter spoke of? Elder Bruce R. McConkie defined a chosen generation as “not those living in a particular period or age, but … the house of Israel both anciently, in the meridian of time, and now in these latter-days. … [It includes] faithful members of the Church who have taken upon themselves the name of Christ and been adopted into his family” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 3:294).

5. 1 Peter 1:7 Why is faith much more precious than gold? (See Hebrews 11:6; 1 Nephi 7:12) What do you think it means to have our faith tried with fire? What is the ultimate purpose of our faith? (See 1 Peter 1:5, 9.) That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

6. Elder Neil L. Andersen: “The Apostle Peter identified something he called a ‘trial of your faith’ [1 Peter 1:7]. He had experienced it. Remember Jesus’s words: “‘Simon, … Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: “‘But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not’ [Luke 22:31–32]. “Peter later encouraged others: ‘Think it not strange,’ he said, ‘concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you’ [1 Peter 4:12; italics added]. “These fiery trials are designed to make you stronger, but they have the potential to diminish or even destroy your trust in the Son of God and to weaken your resolve to keep your promises to Him. … “How do you remain ‘steadfast and immovable’ [Alma 1:25] during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others. “When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view” (“Trial of Your Faith,” Ensign, Nov. 2012, 39–40).

7. Elder Bruce R. McConkie declared: “The greatest trials of life are reserved for the saints” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:318) Elder Boyd K. Packer said: “Some are tested by poor health, some by a body that is deformed or homely. Others are tested by handsome and healthy bodies; some by the passion of youth; others by the erosions of old age. Some suffer disappointment in marriage, family problems; others live in poverty and obscurity. Some (perhaps this is the hardest test) find ease and luxury. All are part of the test, and there is more equality in this testing than sometimes we suspect” (Ensign, Nov. 1980, 21)

8. There is an eternal principle associated with suffering: 1 Peter 4:12–16 Alma 7:5 Alma 26:27 D&C 58:4 D&C 122:7 After affliction and tribulation—which bring sorrow and the need to be long-suffering—come joy, blessings, and exaltation.

9. 1 Peter 1:10 …the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you (1 Peter 1:10) How can diligent prayer and scripture study strengthen us?

10. As the challenges around us increase, we must commit to do more to qualify for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Casual prayer won’t be enough. Reading a few verses of the scripture won’t be enough. Doing the minimum of what the Lord asks of us won’t be enough. Hoping that we will have the Atonement work in our lives and that we will perhaps sometimes feel the influence of the Holy Ghost won’t be enough. And one great burst of effort won’t be enough. Only a steady, ever-increasing effort will allow the Lord to take us to higher ground. (Pres. Henry B. Eyring, “Raise the Bar,” Jan. 25, 2005)

11. Diligence in prayer, study, and service to God There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time as there is of us. Never before on the face of this earth have the forces of evil and the forces of good been as well organized. (Pres. Ezra Taft Benson, “In His Steps,” March 4, 1979) Fear shall come upon all people. But you and I know that the Lord has prepared places of safety to which He is eager to guide us. (Pres. Henry B. Eyring, “Raise the Bar,” Jan. 25, 2005) (Thai stories)

12. Follow the Savior’s example in enduring trials and persecution. 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (King James) 19 For it is to your credit if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. 20 If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, where is the credit in that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. 22 ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ 23 When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. (NRSV)

13. What examples have you seen of people who are Christlike in enduring trials? When have you (or someone you know) been persecuted for doing the Lord’s will? How did Peter counsel us to respond in such circumstances? 1 Peter 3:13–17 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

14. Partake of the divine nature and strive to make your calling and election sure. Which attributes did Peter describe as part of divine nature? 2 Peter 1:4–7 escape the corruption that is in the world through lust faith virtue knowledge temperance patience godliness brotherly kindness charity

15. What does it mean to make your calling and election sure? (2 Peter 1:10) To receive from the Lord the assurance or promise of exaltation in the celestial kingdom. A person whose calling and election is made sure knows that he or she is “sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy” (D&C 131:5) The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost (by the laying on of hands), … then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 150).

16. Resist false teachers and those who deny the Second Coming. Peter and Jude warned that there would be false teachers among the members of the Church. What did they say were some characteristics of false teachers? 2 Peter 2:1–3, 10, 12–19 Jude 1:4, 8, 10–13, 16, 18–19

17. What counsel did Peter and Jude give that can help us avoid false teachings and remain faithful as we prepare for the Second Coming? 2 Peter 3:11–14, 17–18 Jude 1:3, 20–21 Also: Moroni 7:12–17 D&C 45:57

18. D&C 46:7–8 7 But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils. 8 Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;

19. Other teachings from Peter and Jude What is corruptible or perishable and what is incorruptible or everlasting (See 1 Peter 1:4, 7, 18–19, 23–25) Counsel about the laws of the land (See 1 Peter 2:13–15.) The work of preaching the gospel to the dead? (See 1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6.) Counsel to Church leaders (1 Peter 5:1–4) How to interpret the scriptures (2 Peter 1:20)