1 Peter 1 – 2:12
(Scripture version - New Living translation)
Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter (John 1:35-42) which means a stone or rock, and you could say that Simon was a lump of clay but with Jesus, Peter was a solid Rock which Christ wanted to build His church. Paul mainly ministered to the gentiles and Peter to the Jews. Peter has written this letter to the believers scattered about the ancient world who were also under intense persecution. Peter understood persecution, personally, and knew what it took to endure bitterness and maintain obedient faith without losing hope. As such, this letter is to encourage people under persecution to cling to their faith and keep their hope in the Lord. Peter uses Christ's journey form death into glory as a picture for his readers and a powerful reminder to all that you are blessed, even under persecution and suffering.
“Remember Your Salvation and Have Joy When Trials come.”
1 Peter 1:3-7
Key verses – “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead…”
“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold…”
Meditation - Peter begins his letter by reminding his readers of their salvation and WHERE their salvation comes from. It is through God giving the gift of Jesus Christ to the world that each one of us is given the opportunity to receive the gift and live in the gift. No matter how hard life may be, never forget the cornerstone in your life, Christ! Never forget that He is with you and in that, keep your faith strong and steadfast. This life will test the strength of our faith, let each of us be found resolute in it as our reward awaits us in heaven, not on this earth.
“Live Honorable Lives.”
1 Peter 1:13 – 17
Key verses – “So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. You must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do…”
Meditation – Following the reminder of salvation in Christ, Peter reminds his readers to then live holy lives that brings honor to God. Salvation is not the end-result of our relationship with God, we then need to live in that salvation and follow Christ’s example in our own lives. Repentance is not an instance but a life-changing conviction. Our lives should be growing evermore in Christ-likeness and reflected in our day-to-day living. As Peter also reminds, we will all be judged by God according to how we live out the gift of salvation.
“Christ Died So You Could Live… .”
1 Peter 1:18 – 2:12
Key Verses: “For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God…”
“So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.”
“Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.”
Meditation – Peter reinforces God’s precious Gift to us all and that it was not a “get out of jail free” card but rather a gift and a call to living a changed, repentant life in sincere love. Too often we take God for granted… Too often we take salvation for granted… Selfishness takes over as do worldly pursuits and worldliness. Jesus said that anyone who would receive him and follow him would be required to DAILY take up their cross. (Luke 9:23) This “daily” work requires self-discipline and intentionality. Begin every single day with a devotion to follow Christ’s example, to be open to spiritual growth & maturity, and to a selfless love for all people we encounter every day. Be intentional about ridding your lives of the things which do not honor God, and avoid worldly desires for there is a spiritual war being waged with an enemy that wants to take you away from God.
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