48: “Rejoice with Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory” (1 and 2 Peter)
Have you ever considered how inspiring Peter was during the last few years of his life? Christ had shown the Apostle how he would be persecuted and martyred—yet Peter carried on bravely and faithfully. As we study the books of 1 and 2 Peter, we will find inspiration on how we can press forward with optimism and love in the face of trials.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
John 21:18-19 (Peter is told of his death)
2 Peter 1:14 (Peter’s death is coming)
Words of the Prophets:
Please know this: if everything and everyone else in the world whom you trust should fail, Jesus Christ and His Church will never fail you. The Lord never slumbers, nor does He sleep. He “is the same yesterday, today, and [tomorrow].” He will not forsake His covenants, His promises, or His love for His people. He works miracles today, and He will work miracles tomorrow. (Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains”, April 2021 General Conference)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
1 Peter 1:6 (Manifold trials)
1 Peter 2:19 (Grief and suffering)
1 Peter 4:12-13 (Fiery trials)
1 Peter 1:7-9 (Trial of faith)
1 Peter 1:3, 13, 21 (Lively hope)
Ether 12:4 (Hope for a better world)
Segment 3
Scriptures:
1 Peter 3:18-20 (Christ preached to spirits)
CR: D&C 138:28-29
1 Peter 4:1-6 (Gospel is taught to the dead)
CR: D&C 138:30-34
Words of the Prophets:
The Lord has never, to my knowledge, indicated that His work is confined to mortality. Rather, His work embraces eternity. I believe He is hastening His work in the spirit world. I also believe that the Lord, through His servants there, is preparing many spirits to receive the gospel. Our job is to search out our dead and then go to the temple and perform the sacred ordinances that will bring to those beyond the veil the same opportunities we have. … My brothers and sisters, I testify that the Lord will bless us as we accept and respond to this challenge. (Thomas S. Monson, “Hastening the Work”, June 2014 Ensign First Presidency Message)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
1 Peter 3:11-14 (Eschew evil)
Translations
Eschew = turn away from, avoid (Greek)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
2 Peter 1:4 (Partakers of divine nature)
2 Peter 1:5-8 (Divine attributes)
Words of the General Authorities:
Many people hear the word disciple and think it means only “follower.” But genuine discipleship is a state of being. This suggests more than studying and applying a list of individual attributes. Disciples live so that the characteristics of Christ are woven into the fiber of their beings, as into a spiritual tapestry.
The attributes of the Savior, as we perceive them, are not a script to be followed or list to be checked off. They are interwoven characteristics, added one to another, which develop in us in interactive ways. In other words, we cannot obtain one Christlike characteristic without also obtaining and influencing others. As one characteristic becomes strong, so do many more. (Robert D. Hales, “Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ”, April 2017 General Conference)
Segment 6
Scriptures:
2 Peter 3:10-14 (The coming of Christ)
1 Peter 5:8 (The adversary is like a lion)
1 Peter 5:5-7 (Humble yourself)
View transcript here.