Tex: 1 Peter1: 1- 25
In today’s portion of Scripture, Peter begins by reminding believers in Christ of their position and by describing the spiritual blessings it bestows upon them: multiplied grace and peace (v.2), a living hope (v.3), a lasting inheritance (vv. 4-5) and a joyful spirit (vv. 6-9). He then brings out helpful insights about the purpose of trials in the life of a believer (vv. 7-12). Accordingly, the opening phrase of verse 6, intimates to us that the blessing of God’s grace and the resultant peace we have with the Lord should be grounds for our rejoicing amidst the most severe trials of many kinds. The new life we have in Christ, the living inheritance preserved for us, while we are divinely protected through faith for it, are great and precious realities for every believer. We do, therefore need to maintain a consistent grasp of these glorious realities , letting their
consoling power cast a light upon our grim suffering and lifting us, as they lifted Paul and Silas to sing joyful praises to God from their dungeon (Acts 16: 25).
For the believer in Christ, suffering is not the only reality. It is endured within a blessed context that should be enjoyed exceedingly.
The believers in Christ are instructed to pursue a life of holiness before God.
This call contains both a negative and a positive dimension. Negatively, they are not to conform to what they were prior to their new birth (vv. 13-14).
Notice the things Peter calls for in v. 13. How do we gird our minds (cf. Asaph in Psalm 73)? Peter calls believers to gather up their distracted thoughts, focusing them on the truth of God in Christ, and to act accordingly. Positively, believers
are called to cultivate the holiness which is characteristic of God, the Father (v.16). What should be noted here is that: First, our personal relationship with God through the life and work of our Lord Jesus Christ should encourage our commitment to reverent and holy living (vv. 18-21). Second, holy living should breed loving, happy relationships with our brethren (holy love). Note the aspects that should characterise how we love our fellow believers in verses 22-23. Then, Peter closes this section by pointing out the distinction between those who feed on the life-giving and abiding character of God’s Word and those who feed on the “husks” of this world (vv.24-25). This contrast is a clear indication that if one feeds on the faithful preaching of the Word of God, one shall be enlightened with truth and empowered with love. Believers become new creatures, children of their heavenly Father, and brothers and sisters together in Christ. On the contrary, if one feeds on the “husks” of this world, one shall grow lifeless, hopeless, and loveless.
Meditate on verses 6-9. Why should believers rejoice in salvation while going through trials or difficulties? What sort of trials are you facing at present? How might these refine your trust in God? Look at verse 2, what three phrases does Peter use to describe these believers? Look up the following cross references to help you understand what these phrases mean: Ephesians 1: 3-5; Acts 2: 23; 1Corinthians 1: 30; 2Thessalonians 2:13-14; Romans 1: 5; 16:26; Mathew 26: 27-28.
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, enable me the ability to rejoice in You despite the hard circumstances that I sometimes go through. Amen.