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An Inspired Desire
#3 in a series of studies on 1 Peter
In our last study, we observed how God has made salvation available to us and we can be encouraged to know that heaven awaits us. In the meantime, we may experience difficulties and trials, but "we are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:5) Peter continues to speak about this salvation in verse 10.
What lessons can we learn from this verse?
1 Peter 1:10
The prophets of the Old Testament "inquired" and "searched diligently" in order to find out more about the Savior, which tells us that they had a serious desire to know Jesus in a deeper way. Verse 12 goes on to tell us that their motives were not selfish: they were studying the Word of God not for "themselves", but for "us". We need to be more like these prophets: they were searching the Scriptures so that they could have a fuller understanding of Christ and so that others would be blessed as a result. The prophets weren't hoarding their knowledge or gathering information for an argument; they had pure motives in mind and God was guiding their studies. What are your intentions and motivations for reading the Bible?
What kind of character traits did the Old Testament prophets have?
Isaiah 6:5-8 Jeremiah 1:6-9 Daniel 2:27-28; 6:10-11
These were humble men who realized how weak and inefficient they were. God uses people who feel useless; but when we're puffed up with pride and self-sufficiency, we fail to give God the glory and he finds someone else who will be more faithful.
The life of Daniel also shows us how essential prayer really is. Even after a law was passed which made it illegal to pray to God, that didn't stop Daniel from continuing on with his prayers. He knew that his life was at stake and the lion's den awaited him, yet he still put God first and left the rest in the Lord's hands.
We see that when the prophets of the Old Testament had a close relationship with God and trusted in Him for guidance, then the Lord revealed His ways unto them and used the prophets for His purpose.
What exactly were did these prophets want to know?
1 Peter 1:11
This verse shows us that, first of all, they wanted to learn about the "sufferings of Christ" and when they would take place.
What did God reveal to them?
Here are some of the amazing prophecies given in the Old testament and fulfilled by the life of Jesus:
| Prophecy | Scripture | Fulfillment |
|---|---|---|
| Born of a virgin | Isaiah 7:14 | Matthew 1:18-23 |
| Of David's lineage | Jeremiah 23:5 | Revelation 22:16 |
| Attempted murder by Herod | Jeremiah 31:15 | Matthew 2:16-18 |
| Betrayal by a friend | Psalm 41:9 | John 13:18-19, 26 |
| Sold for 30 silver coins | Zechariah 11:12 | Matthew 26:14-16 |
| Crucified | Zechariah 12:10 | John 19:16-18, 37 |
| Lots cast for His clothes | Psalm 22:18 | Matthew 27:35 |
| No bones broken | Psalm 34:20; Exodus 12:46 | John 19:31-36 |
| Buried in a rich man's tomb | Isaiah 53:9 | Matthew 27:57-60 |
| Year, day, hour of His death | Daniel 9:26-27; Exodus 12:6 | Matthew 27:45-50 |
How were these great prophecies revealed?
1 Peter 1:11-12 2 Peter 1:21
It was the work of the Holy Spirit to enlighten these seekers of truth and inspire them to write down the glorious prophecies that God disclosed. The Scriptures weren't the result of their creative imaginations, but God Himself directed and influenced their minds as the prophets compiled these sacred writings (Jeremiah 30:2).
What does this mean for us today? For one, it shows us how privileged we are to have the Bible and the precious truths contained therein (Peter tells us that the angels are curious about salvation and how we are responding to what the Lord has revealed to us). In addition, we can see how important it is to be led and directed by the Spirit of God as we are reading His Word. If we truly want to understand what the Bible teaches and how we should live each day, then we seriously need to ask the Holy Spirit to instruct and enlighten us as we study the pages of Scripture. We can't understand without God's help (1 Corinthians 2:10-14) so we need to ask (Luke 11:13).
What promise did Jesus make concerning the Holy Spirit?
John 15:26 John 16:12-14
Before Jesus left this world, He assured His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be with them as they continued on in their ministry as the first Christians (Acts 1:4-5). But the promise is also for us who have believed in Jesus "through their word" (John 17:20). Peter said that whenever the Gospel is presented, it is preached "to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven" (1 Peter 1:12; see also Hebrews 2:3-4). Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will "testify" of Him, "glorify" Him, and "lead you into all truth". This is exciting because we see that the same Spirit which instructed the prophets wants to lead and guide us as we study the inspired Word of God! (John 14:26) And, based upon what Jesus said about the work of the Holy Spirit, His greatest joy is to teach us more about Christ and lead us closer to Him. Is that your great desire? All you have to do is reach out to God in prayer, asking Him for that Spirit inspired desire, and He will come to dwell with you forever (John 14:16-18).