1 Peter
1 Peter touches on various doctrines and Christian life and duties. It is a letter of separation, of suffering and persecution, of suffering and glory, of hope, of pilgrimage, of courage, and as a letter dealing with the true grace of God.
In chapter 1, though the letter is written to the Jewish Christians scattered throughout the world as a result of persecution against believers in and around
Verse 2 mentions all three members of Trinity – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. All members of the Trinity work to bring about our salvation. The father chose us before we chose him. Jesus Christ the Son died for us while we were still sinners. The Holy Spirit brings us the benefits of salvation and sanctifies us for God’s service.
We, the believers of Christ who trust in Christ the Saviour have an inheritance that will never fade or decay, unstained by sin. We are called into a living hope of eternal life, a hope that is not only for the future, but eternal life. Peter reminds us that no matter what pain or trial we face in this life, we know that it is not our final experience. Eventually we will live with Christ forever.
Often, Christians are the target of persecution because of the different principles that we hold on to in comparison to the pagans. Ie, rejecting the horrible immorality of others’ culture, refuse to worship other “Gods” etc. Peter reminds us that we must accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities and prepares us to meet Christ. Trials teach us patience, strengthen our faith and help us grow to be the kind of people God wants (v.7) Speaking of trials, I believe Peter is referring to the response of an unbelieving world to people of faith, and not natural disasters. :P
Be Holy
The imminent return of Christ should motivate us to live for him – mentally alert, disciplined and focused. Our God is a Holy God and he sets the standard of morality. At the same time, our God is a God of mercy and justice who cares personally for each of his followers. Often we are ignorant and weak, Peter encourages us to be obedient and live a life that is pleasing to God our Father. The fear that is mentioned in verse 17 is not terror, but wholesome reverence and respect for God, which is the basis for all godly living.
Personally, verse 18 is the highlight and a great reminder for me. God redeemed us from the tyranny of sin, not with money, gold or silver but with the precious blood of his own Son. The salvation that we receive, is bought with a price that you and I can never ever pay. We cannot escape from sin on our own, only the life of Jesus Christ can free us.
V22, sincere love involves selfless giving. Oh how he loves us, by sacrificing his life on the Cross so that we can and are able to love with the example that Jesus Christ has set. Our love for others should be constantly motivated by the unconditional and sacrificial love of Christ, not for fame, for self glory nor for personal benefits.
V24-25 are quoted from Isaiah 40:6-8. We are reminded that everything that we possess on this earth will fade away or disappear one day. Only God’s will, Word and work are permanent.
So friends, what are we pursuing after? It is always good, to take a halt and reflect and look back at the journey we are traveling on, with a mind that is fixed upon the unseen and eternal glory, it is never too late to amend or make a change when God has been nudging us to follow His GPS (His GPS never fails!).
Traveling on this life, who is your ultimate driver?
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