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BACKGROUND
For some background to this book, the author is of course, Peter. THE Peter—the Galilean fisherman chosen by Christ to lead the early church after his death and resurrection. The Peter who walked on water, the eyewitnesses to the transfiguration, the one who was given the keys of the kingdom of heaven, the one whose vision opened the door for the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles. In a modern-day context, we would consider Peter to be the President of the Church, or THE prophet. And so, the Epistle of 1 Peter would have been written near the end of Peter’s life and ministry. It was most likely written between 62 and 64 AD with 2 Peter being written shortly thereafter. In 1 Peter 5:13, Peter tells us he is writing this letter from Babylon, which is almost certainly a symbolic reference to Rome. The setting of 1 and 2 Peter is right around the time when Christians really began to be persecuted in the Roman Empire. Christianity had pretty much been tolerated up to that point, but the emperor Nero changes all of that. After a devastating fire broke out in Rome, destroying much of the city in 64 AD, Nero needed somebody to blame, and who did he choose for that dubious distinction? The Christians. And that opens Christians up to persecution throughout the empire. This is when you have Christians being fed to lions in the Colosseum and many being arrested and executed. This persecution will eventually lead to the deaths of both Peter and Paul around this time. Peter even alludes to his impending death in 2 Peter 1:14-15. We know according to John 21 that Peter was crucified, and Christian tradition tells us that he was crucified upside down. So these are dark days for the early Christian church. That’s the setting to these letters. And where the Epistles of Paul are corrective, and the Epistle of James is commanding, the Epistles of Peter, are comforting and encouraging. So again, a shift in style and personality.
Joseph Smith said: “Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles” Joseph Smith Jr., (History of the Church 5:392)
ICEBREAKER
As an icebreaker to this lesson, just for fun, I want to momentarily send you over to a different YouTube channel and then invite you to come right back. Head over to the Studio C channel and watch their video entitled Mormon Misunderstanding. Here's a link to it here above and it’s also in the video description below and you’re welcome to check that out first and then come back. I think you’ll enjoy it. But after watching it I’d ask if you have ever felt like that? Have you ever felt like your beliefs were misunderstood. Have you ever been treated differently because you were a member of the church? Have you or your beliefs ever been called strange or unusual? Or, at worst, have you ever been persecuted for your beliefs? And just encourage your students to share their experiences with any one of those questions.
And I imagine that most of us have experienced some kind of challenging situation because of our beliefs and commitment to the Church. And unfortunately, being misunderstood can too often lead to being mistreated as well. And that’s what’s happening in Peter’s day. The members of the church are being sorely mocked, criticized and persecuted at this time. You can see evidence of this in 1 Peter 1:6-7 and part of Peter’s advice on how to view those challenges.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: (and temptations here should be translated as trials or afflictions)
7 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.
So Peter encourages them to see their trials as precious things. More precious than gold. Suffering and persecution, then, act as a strange kind of gift or privilege from God that bring us praise, honor, and glory at the coming of Jesus Christ.
So these letters are addressed to a people in the midst of persecution. Can we relate?
Can you think of any examples of persecution against the church as a whole today?
I’m reminded of the line from Hymn 256, As Zion’s Youth in Latter Days: The truths and values we embrace are mocked on every hand. And I believe that’s true. The church is mocked and criticized for its values. The brethren and the church face constant criticism and opposition in the media for our stance on any number of issues: gay marriage, transgender issues, abortion, women’s issues, amongst other things. We’re mocked in popular culture. We are one of the few religions where it is generally acceptable to make fun of. Which I find interesting. I think it’s a little hypocritical that it’s taboo in the general media to mock Judaism, or Islam, or indigenous faiths, but it’s totally ok to go after the Church of Jesus Christ. One of the most successful Broadway musicals in recent years is a play mocking "The Book of Mormon” and missionary work. There are protests at General Conference. And then, the internet and Social media are chock full of Anti-church railings and articles.
Now, true, what WE face is nothing compared to what the members in Peter’s day are facing, or in early church history, or what some members in certain countries still face. We do have it pretty good nowadays and are protected by certain laws as far as physical persecution is concerned. But we still face great opposition and criticism, and it’s mounting. The closer we get to the 2nd Coming, I’ll think we’ll find that the stronger the pressure becomes. And it’s easy to get discouraged in the face of that increasing PSI. The books of 1-2 Peter can help us to get through it. The suggestions that Peter is going to give to help encourage and instruct THEM are also applicable to us. What can we do when we’re faced with opposition to our faith? What will help us not to get discouraged. I’d like to point out 4 counsels. There are others, but I’d like to cover just 4.
Counsel #1: Remember you are SEGULLAH!
One of the reasons we’re treated in the way we are is because, let’s face it, we’re different! Very different. And it’s human nature to be suspicious and skeptical of things that are atypical. But, is that difference a bad thing? No. We’re not meant to be like the rest of the world. By design, we are to stand out. Peter makes that clear by giving the early Christian members some interesting titles.
See if you can find each of them in the following verses. 1 Peter 1:2, 2:5, and 2:9. And if you choose, you could have your students do this as a quick handout activity to help them identify those titles. I can see at least 8. And I’ll give you the first letter of each word to help you out.
In 1 Peter 1:2 we have ELECT.
Lively Stones
A Spiritual House
A Holy Priesthood
A Chosen Generation
A Royal Priesthood
A Holy Nation
A Peculiar People
Now take a look at that list and choose one that you find is most interesting and think about what it teaches you about being a member of Christ’s Church. One that I’d particularly like to draw your attention to is that last one. A peculiar people. And you might be asking yourself, “Uh, is that a compliment? Peter”. And in fact, it is! It’s a huge compliment. Now yes, many people may think we are peculiar or a little different and unique, but take a look at footnote 9f for an explanation of what the original Greek word suggested. And it says that peculiar means: purchased, preserved; note that in Ex 19:5 the Hebrew word is Segullah, meaning special possession or property. So Peter isn’t saying their strange, but special and precious. Well, we, also, as latter-day disciples are segullah. And how does that make us feel? Hopefully pretty good.
President Nelson once said:
Thus we see that the scriptural term peculiar signifies 'valued treasure,' 'made' or 'selected by God.' For us to be identified by servants of the Lord as his peculiar people is a compliment of the highest order."
Russell M. Nelson
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 44; or Ensign, May 1995, 34).
So we are peculiar, and proud of it.
So counsel #1, when things get rough, "Remember that you are Segullah". Peter wanted to remind these suffering saints that they were a special, precious, holy, royal, and chosen people. And that was a particularly comforting message to the Gentile converts to the church. Peter is using all kinds of Old Testament terms and words and metaphors to describe them. In an essence connecting the Gentiles to what was beforehand, strictly exclusive to the Jews. He’s saying that they too are part of the family of God, a part of God’s chosen people, precious and holy before him. That kind of helps to know that! And, let’s be careful here, the message is never “you’re better than everyone else”. That would be a mistake. A prideful mistake which many of the Jews had made. They felt that because they had the BETTER gospel (as Paul taught in the Book of Hebrews) that now they too, were BETTER than everyone else. Let’s not fall into that same trap. They were CHOSEN to do something in this life. It’s not a chosen of pride, but a chosen of responsibility. And when you know you have a special responsibility, it helps to give you a greater sense of purpose and belonging. I know that thought helped me particularly in my youth. My patriarchal blessing inspired me, the prophets and my church leaders inspired me, the scriptures inspired me. I wanted to live up to that glorious expectation, that eternal weight of glory. And I hope that thought will inspire all of us as well. We are a chosen generation. We have been reserved for the last days for a special purpose. We are of a noble birthright, and are the hope of Israel. Don’t forget that! I think that can help us from getting too discouraged.
Counsel #2: Look to the future with hope.
Take a look at the following verses and tell me if you see a common message. What do they teach us about getting through opposition and persecution?
1 Peter 1:3
1 Peter 1:8-9
1 Peter 1:13
1 Peter 1:21
1 Peter 1:3
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 1:8-9
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:13
13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1 Peter 1:21
21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
Did you see a common theme there? Here’s what I see: Look to the future with hope. Remember that this life is not all there is. Things may be hard now, but they will get better! It’s nice to know that there is an end to the test. Like you felt that day at the end of each school year when you finished your last test or final and now it was summer, or the holidays. Such a burden lifted off the shoulders. Do you remember how free and excited you felt? Well imagine that feeling times 1000. That’s what it’s going to feel like when we finish the test of life and pass! Such a relief. Now think of the worst trial that anybody has ever faced in life. It would have to be Jesus right? Because his suffering encompasses all of ours as well. And what did he eventually get to say near the end of his mortal life? Three beautiful words. IT IS FINISHED. I promise that if there are any of you out there that are suffering in any way, remember that one day you will get to utter those same 3 words. It is finished. If Jesus got to say them, you certainly will as well. Trials are not forever, suffering is not forever, pain is temporary. But salvation, happiness, love, family, grace, those things are eternal.
Counsel #3
This is my favorite one and the one I’m going to spend most of the time here because it’s a message unique to Peter. This, to me, represents1 maybe our best weapon against criticism, opposition, and persecution. Our offense against what Joseph Smith referred to as "the whole concatenation of diabolical rascality”(Doctrine and Covenants 123:5). What is the best way to silence our critics? Is it rational discussion? Is it a media blitz? Is it putting THEM down and pointing out THEIR faults and problems? Is it public debate? None of that , our best tactic comes from 1 Peter 2:12 and 2:15 and 3:16. Can you find our greatest response to opposition?
1 Peter 2:12
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
1 Peter 2:15
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
1 Peter 3:16
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.
Did you catch it? What will best silence the ignorance of foolish people? The answer is good works, well-doing, a good conscience, and good conversation. That’s how we fight back. It’s like Peter’s saying, “Yes, I understand what they are saying about us. I know they’re telling lies. Here’s how you counteract it. Live in such a way that others can’t help but say things like, ‘I may not agree with the members of the Church of Jesus Christ, I may not like their doctrine, but dang, they are such good people. My member neighbor is my nicest, most loyal, most helpful neighbor. My member employee is my most reliable, honest, and hardworking employee. The members of the church of Jesus Christ that I know are the most generous, service oriented, and happy people that I know of.’” If we live that way, when our harshest critics try to demean or discredit us or slander our character, it won’t work. People will say, “What you are describing doesn’t match my experience with these people. I can’t accept your accusations. The criticisms are not consistent with the reality of my experience.” Perhaps they’ll look at us and say, “People tell me that you guys are evil and fanatic, but your happiness and your example say otherwise.”
And perhaps we will win over some of their hearts through our good works. Have you ever seen that happen? Have you ever seen somebody join the church because of the good example of a righteous member? I know I have. I’ve spoken to many converts in the past and asked them what first attracted them to the church. Many of them say that it was the example of good members of the church that drew them to our message. They saw how happy a member family was and how they treated each other. They had a member friend that lived in such a way that they couldn’t help but be drawn to it. Like Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven.”
Ten Good Works
With that thought in mind, Peter will now give us instruction on exactly how to silence our critics through good works. These are the things that he suggests will set us up as lights to the world. Here’s how we fight back. And two ideas here for teaching this section. One, you could simply list the verses I identify here on the board and invite your students to look them up and identify the good works. OR, you could play a classic concentration game with them. And here’s how this works. There are 20 different tiles displayed on the screen. You divide your class into two teams and challenge them to find the matches. Behind half of the tiles they’ll find scripture references from 1 Peter and behind the other half are descriptions of the good works Peter wants us to exemplify to the world. They use their scriptures to try and determine what verse matches which message. So you have someone on one team select two different tiles, and if they match, they earn two points. If it’s not a match, the cards are flipped back over and it’s the other team’s turn. And you just go back and forth giving each team a chance to find the correct matches. And you’ll find that the teams struggle for a while at first to make matches since it takes a bit of trial and error to become familiar with the content behind each tile. But as the game progresses, it gets easier and easier as they begin to remember what is where and fewer options remain on the board as matches are made. The team that has the most points at the end wins. A quick note here. If you’ve signed up for the New Testament handout or full subscription, a copy of the game will be available to you there. Just remember, that you will need to have the actual PowerPoint program in order to make it work. So here are the answers and I’ll share some of my thoughts on these as well.
(1) 1 Peter 2:11—(9) Abstain from fleshly lusts
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
So be pure. Be true to your spouses. Shun pornography and be careful of the types of entertainment you engage in. Others will notice that we don’t fit into the over sexualized nature of our society.
(15) 1 Peter 2:12—(11) Be honest
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles:
Tell the truth. Be the kind of person that others can trust. Be the kinds of students that don’t cheat on tests or homework. Be the kind of employee that doesn’t take advantage of the company. Be the kind of friend, or neighbor that never lies or deceives. Our honesty can set us apart from a world where dishonesty is often the norm.
(18) 1 Peter 2:13-14—(16) Be law abiding citizens.
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
Or, submit yourselves to every ordinance of man, for the Lord’s sake. So let’s be courteous drivers, honest businesspeople, upholders of our civic duty, assets to our communities. Members should strive to be among the best of citizens in their neighborhoods, states, and nations.
(3) 1 Peter 2:16—(13)Don’t use your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
What does that mean? Using your liberty as a cloak of maliciousness. I think we see this attitude all over in our nation today. We say things like, It’s a free country, I can do whatever I want. Many evils are excused in the name of liberty. Just because something isn’t against the law, doesn’t mean that it’s right or desirable. Yes, alcohol and tobacco may not be against the law, but what have these industries done with that freedom? They have done malicious things for the sake of gain. Making their products more addictive, peddling them to children and young people. Yes, pornography may be legal, but it’s effects are malicious, preying on the sexual desires, especially of the young, to ensnare them into a habit that they may carry for a lifetime, wreaking havoc on marriages, their employment, and their sexual health, again why? For money. Think of the garbage that Hollywood produces and passes as entertainment these days. What’s their rallying cry! Freedom, we have rights. We have the right to be vulgar, we have the right to be pornographic, we have the right to glorify violence and objectify women, we have the right to encourage materialism and hedonism. We can seek to shun that kind of attitude. To be so focused on our rights that we have forget the other side of the equation. What about responsibility? We have a responsibility to create a wholesome and happy environment for the next generation, we have a responsibility to educate, we have a responsibility to set a good example. And as members, we should be careful not to use this tactic with those around us. We may feel justified in getting angry, telling a lie, cheating, indulging in lusts, or being prideful, but we must not give into it. Let’s not use our freedom as a justification for wrongdoing.
(14)1 Peter 2:17, 3:8, 4:8-9—(2) Love one another
17 Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear god, honor the king.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
All of these verses suggest the same thing. As Jesus taught, By this shall men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. One of the defining traits of our faith is the way we treat each other. Hopefully, with great love.
I love what Joseph Smith said:
We ought always to be aware of those prejudices which sometimes so strangely present themselves, and are so congenial to human nature, against our friends, neighbors, and brethren of the world, who choose to differ from us in opinion and in matters of faith. Our religion is between us and our God. Their religion is between them and their God. There is a love from God that should be exercised toward those of our faith, who walk uprightly, which is peculiar to itself, but it is without prejudice; it also gives scope to the mind, which enables us to conduct ourselves with greater liberality towards all that are not of our faith, than what they exercise towards one another. (History of the Church, 3:303–4; paragraph divisions altered.)
In other words, our faith allows us to love other members of our faith in such a way that it affects the way we see and treat all people, regardless of their faith. That love that the true gospel of Jesus Christ engenders allows us to love the Baptists, better than the Baptists love themselves, to serve Muslims the better than the Muslims serve each other, to feel a kinship with Jehovah’s Witnesses stronger than the kinship they feel with each other, to be kind to the atheists better than the atheists are kind to each other. If we can develop and demonstrate that kind of love, it can be a great force in bringing many into the faith.
(4) 1Peter 2:18 (19) Be subject to your masters.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
And froward means crooked or wicked. Be good employees, be subject to them and loyal, and not just for the good and gentle bosses, but be a good employee even if your boss is kind of a jerk.
(8) 1 Peter 2:21-23, 3:9—(6) Don’t reward persecution with persecution.
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:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
So what I think he’s saying here is. Don’t reward persecution with persecution. Follow the example of Christ in dealing with opposition, persecution, and reviling. How did he deal with it? When he was reviled, he reviled not again. The people that oppose us, let’s not resort to their tactics. Let’s not sink to their level. They may publish pamphlets and YouTube videos entitled 50 things that are wrong with Mormonism, they may show up at our meetings and general conferences with signs decrying our doctrines, they may spew accusations and criticisms of our doctrines all over Instagram and Twitter and Reddit. Let’s not do the same. That’s not how we fight back. We fight back with our good works. You will never hear a general conference talk entitled “Lutheran’s, Satan’s henchmen”. Or read an article in the Liahona called, “10 Ridiculous Catholic Beliefs”, or will the church produce a hilarious musical play called “The Koran” mocking Islam. We don’t respond in kind to persecution.
(17) 1 Peter 3:1-7—(5) Now I’m not going to go verse for verse through this one, but I’ll summarize it with this statement, Have exemplary marriages.
We’ve go to show the world what marriage can be. Be respectful of each other, be chaste, trust in God. Husbands, preside with your priesthood in righteousness, and wives, honor and complement that priesthood. And I feel we do pretty well at this one collectively as a church. On the whole I feel we do have strong marriages.
And I know this phrase in vs. 7 may give some people fits, but I don’t think it should. It says, “Give honor unto the wife as the unto the weaker vessel.” Now when he says weaker vessel, he isn’t saying that women are weak, or fragile, or powerless. He’s not saying they are weaker intellectually, or morally, or even physically necessarily. He’s saying, their vessels take a different shape. He’s making a comparison to different kinds of pots or dishes. Back then, as now, you have different kinds of pots that you use for different reasons, some you use to cook food, and others you have to serve and display the food. I have a beautiful Greek vase that I bought in Athens, hand painted and carefully formed, I also have a giant cast iron Dutch oven. Now both are important to me and have value and perform different functions. But I give honor to the Greek vase in a special way. It may be “weaker” in the sense that it isn’t as thick and sturdy as the Dutch oven, but it isn’t less than, or less important than it. I think that’s what Peter is saying here, husbands, treat your wives as a precious, beautiful and unique gift. And you know what, it may not be politically correct to say it because nowadays it’s heresy to suggest that there are general differences between men and women. But, in my experience, women as a gender, are generally more sensitive to the needs of others, more loving, more beautiful, more nourishing, more charitable, and feel empathy and sympathy more deeply as part of their divine nature, as the way their Heavenly Father made them. So there, I said it. Men and women are not the same. God has endowed each with equally valuable but different strengths and gifts. And the gifts of women remind me more of the Greek Vase and men the Dutch oven.
(12) I Peter 3:15 (7) Be always ready to testify of your hope in Christ.
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:
Now if we live the way that Peter is encouraging us to live. People are going to be curious about us. They are going to see our good works, and since righteousness was always happiness, they will see that hope and joy in us and ask us where it comes from. Be ready with a good answer to that question. That is the perfect missionary opportunity that you don’t want to squander. They see something in you that is desirable. Don’t give them some offhand answer. Don’t deflect the question. Tell them where your hope comes from. It comes from the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from obedience to the commandments. It comes from the true gift of the Holy Ghost. Say that to them. Tie your hope and happiness to your faith. Recently there was a study done on what states in the United States are considered to be the happiest. Guess which state came out on top? Utah. A state that is predominantly filled with members of the Church. That’s just one more evidence that the restored gospel = happiness. I’ll include a link to that article in the video description if you’re interested.
(10) 1 Peter 4:3-4—(20) Don’t engage in the “excess” of the world.
3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
We don’t celebrate, and mingle, and have fun like the rest of the world. Our gatherings have a different spirit to them. As a teacher one time I used the word “partying” in a list of things that we shouldn’t do. A confused student raised their hand and asked, “Is it bad to have parties”? In their mind they were thinking of cake and ice cream and party hats, and presents. I assured her that that was ok, and I encouraged her to maintain her innocent understanding of that word. A church party is going to be a little different from a regular party right. We don’t take things to excess like the rest of the world. Peter thinks that’s a good thing. So let’s not celebrate like the rest of the world.
Before we conclude this counsel, just for fun, I’m going to throw in a quick thought from chapter 5. Chapter 5 is for church leaders. How do disciples of Christ do authority and leadership? Again, not like the rest of the world. I’ll let you go deeper into this chapter on your own, but in it you’ll see that a Christlike leader feeds his flock, doesn’t constrain or order people around, they are good examples of what they teach, they are humble, sober (or in control), vigilant, and steadfast. they protect their flock from the devil, that roaring lion that walks around seeking whom he may devour. That’s an interesting metaphor Peter decides to use there. Satan as a lion. Maybe he’s using that because at that time, Christians were being fed to real lions by the Romans. So Peter reminds them that lion they need fear most is Satan, not the actual lions of the Coliseum.
So, there we have it, a whole list of things that we can do to fight back against persecution and opposition. Our number one offensive move against the lion Satan and the world is our good works. Living in this way may be some of the greatest missionary work that we ever do. I feel that the most powerful testimony that Joseph Smith ever gave for the truthfulness of the restored gospel is the members of The Church of Jesus Christ themselves. Who we are and how we act, and how we are blessed because of it, speaks volumes for the divinity of this church. Perhaps the greatest evidence of its veracity is just how it makes people better and happier.
Counsel #4 Pick the Proper Prophets
This last counsel I’m going to do as an activity, and it comes from 2 Peter. This fourth counsel is very similar to what we studied back in 1 and 2 Timothy, and a message that will come up again in Jude. But a major problem in the early church was false teachers and false prophets popping up all over the church. I believe this counsel is still applicable in our day but in a bit of a different fashion. I’m not as worried about people within the church leading people astray and teaching false doctrine although that does happen, but I don’t think that false prophets only come in the context of religious figures or zealots. I think the false prophets and teachers are all around us, the prophets of the world. And unfortunately we do give them a lot of our attention. They can come in the form of celebrities, social media personalities, journalists, intellectuals, politicians, college professors. We need to be careful of who we give our attention to. We need to pick the right prophets.
So that’s the name of this activity.
Picking the Proper Prophets
And here is how it works. I have written down a large number of qualities that true prophets and false prophets have that Peter is going to teach us. We may remember Christ’s advice on telling the difference between true and false prophets. He said, “By their fruits, ye shall know them.” Well, Peter is going to elaborate on that idea. He’s going to go into more detail on those fruits. And what we’ll do is read Peter’s words and then, your job will be to pick out the matching description of what a false prophet does, but in plain language. This activity will hopefully help you to see why it is so important to keep our focus on the true prophets and limit our contact with the prophets of the world. You can do this as a handout, or together as a class with the slides if you like.
So pick the proper phrase that represents what the scripture is saying. And we’ll start with the qualities of a true prophet. And here, I’m not going to read the full text of each of these verses. I’ll let you do that. But I will give you the answers.
How can you tell a true prophet?
1:4 (E) They remind you of God’s promises and help you fulfill your divine nature.
True prophets inspire you and lead you to becoming your best self. A person with the divine potential to become like God.
1:5-7 (F) They teach you Christlike qualities and encourage you to develop them.
True prophets teach you things that will lead you to become more like Christ.
1:12-15 (B) They consistently REMIND you of God’s truths
True prophets may sound repetitive, but they don’t want you to forget key truths and counsels for your benefit.
1:19 (C) Their counsels are tried and tested, and bring light into your life
The words of true prophets are sure. The “sure word of prophecy.” They have been shown time and time again to bring happiness.
1:20 (D) They don’t teach their own opinions and interpretations.
True prophets don’t twist the truth. They teach it straight, pure, and undiluted from the scriptures.
1:21 (A) They speak by the power of the Holy Ghost. It’s easy for you to feel the Spirit when they speak.
True prophets have the Spirit. You feel good things when you listen to them.
So those are the qualities of a true prophet
How can you tell a false prophet?
2:1 (F) They slowly try to introduce damaging ideas into your life.
False prophets are very subtle. They do things privily. They are patient and slowly draw you away from the path.
2:2 (C) They talk badly about the straight and narrow path. They tell you rules are lame!
False prophets are always trying to make the right way seem boring, old fashioned, or behind the times.
2:3 (G) They tell you what you want to hear to get money from you.
They want to make “merchandise” out of you. False prophets appeal to your lowest desires and are motivated by money. Alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, fashion, entertainment. These industries do not have your best interest at heart, they want what’s in your wallet.
2:7 (D) They have filthy mouths and speak of disturbing things.
False prophets seek to shock and push the boundaries of decency.
2:10 (E) They despise any type of authority: parents, teachers, church leaders, law enforcement.
False prophets don’t want any rules. They encourage disrespect and a defiance of the law.
2:19 (H) They promise you freedom and ease, while leading you into addiction and loss.
False prophets rage against commandments and standards, while promising freedom they deceitfully lead you into captivity.
2:20,22 (A) Their desire to repent is fleeting and they quickly return to their old ways.
False prophets may possibly show a desire to change, but like a dog to its vomit, which is a pretty gross image if you think about it, they always return to the corrupt.
3:16 (B) They tell lies based on a kernel of truth, maybe even from the scriptures. False prophets may sound good and even seem to make sense, but they always twist the truth to their purposes.
Now, hopefully that gives us all a better understanding of what separates true prophets from false ones—the qualities that will help us to identify them. Keep your eyes peeled for these “fruits” and the likelihood of us being deceived diminishes greatly.
CONCLUSION
And there we have it, four extremely effective ways to face the opposition and persecution of the latter days. Remember that you are Segullah, Find hope in the promise of an end to all suffering through Christ. Silence the critics by your good works, and pick the proper prophets.
I firmly believe that if we do these four things, there is no criticism we cannot deflect, no opposition we cannot confront, and no persecution we cannot endure.
