1 Peter

Praise God for a Living Hope Sanctification Faith, Our Most Precious Possession The Glorious Joys of Faith Christ Overcomes Reverent Fear Be Holy A Royal Priesthood Submission Wives and Husbands Do Good to All Men Suffering for Doing Good Noah’s Good Example Living for God Christian Service Christian Suffering Be Like Christ To Elders To Young Men Stand Firm in the Faith Final Greetings

Praise God for a Living Hope (1 Peter) Peter, an apostle, here writes to God’s elect, the early Christians through the world dispersed. He was the first apostle to identify the Christ, was much loved by the Lord of the universe. He first used the keys of the kingdom on the day of Pentecost, and others used them later as they preached, as they scattered to the nations with the Good News of the Christ, so that in a short while every soul was reached. He would have been the first to sadly rend his clothes in mourning, objecting to the great apostasy of making him a Pope with authority as God when he was just a man like you and me. He was not infallible; Jesus even called him Satan when he argued that the Christ was not to die. Yet through the Holy Spirit, he wrote of promise, hope, offered grace and peace and love in great supply. The epistles were for Christians who were suffering persecutions, their faith the only reason for abuse. Today there’s no less hatred for followers of Christ; throughout the world, the devil is on the loose. He doesn’t care if we believe or worship, sing and pray, if obedience to Christ we choose to waive. The great religious leaders of the world had this in common: They’re dead, nor ever had the power to save. Resurrection is the focal point of the Gospel’s blessed freedom; apart from Christ, there is no great salvation. Our hope is in the God who raised Christ Jesus from the dead, and will raise us, too, his faithful, called-out nation. § Sanctification (1 Peter) We Christians are strangers and pilgrims passing through a foreign land, should not be surprised at mockery, persecution on every hand. Give thanks for many trials; more patience they will bring, and faith will grow exceedingly, his praise to shout and sing. According to foreknowledge of our Father up above, we’re chosen to be sanctified by the Spirit, through his love. We’re separate--that is: set apart, for obedience to Christ, reciprocating love he gave when his life was sacrificed. The Israelites were sanctified, called out from the pagan hordes, to prepare a race for the coming Christ, but before long they were bored - went back to join their neighbors to worship idol gods who required no holy, righteous works, gave their sins a smile and nod. Sending prophet after prophet who begged them to repent, God’s patience had been sorely tried as they killed each one he sent. When Christ’s mission was accomplished, making public those secrets once hidden, the destruction of the temple put an end to true Jewish religion. They are no longer sanctified except through the risen Christ. No god can save them from their sins but the One who paid the price. § Faith, Our Most Precious Possession (1 Peter) Everything we have and see and touch came from God, our Creator. In his great mercy now he gives a way we can start over. We die to sin, are birthed anew, and have a living hope, available nowhere but in Christ, not even in the Pope. Through his resurrection from the dead, he has proved his promise true, and his promise of salvation is a gift for me and you. This great gift is eternal, shall not perish, spoil or fade. With God as our insurer, we’ve really got it made. He will do exactly as he says, against all worldly odds, as with Abraham and Sarah with their centenarian bods. Our faith can be unwavering, not fickle as emotions that change like a barometer or the tides out in the oceans. By faith we’re shielded by God’s power; no force can take us away, but we can leave of our own accord - he will not force us to stay. If we persevere through trials our faith will be refined, more precious than the purest gold, lasting past the realm of time. § The Glorious Joys of Faith (1 Peter) We depend entirely on the grace of God for our complete salvation. How very blest are Christians to have his sure protection. In this hope we greatly rejoice though we suffer trials sore. “Light and momentary afflictions” Paul says we have in store. They come that our faith, more precious than gold, may be proved as true and real, to result in, honor, glory and praise when Jesus Christ is revealed. Gold, even though refined by fire, will perish like cheap cologne, but faith refined is the only real, everlasting possession we own. Crystalize in your mind what matters: not lands or wealth or fame. Our greatest asset is faith in Christ, for the people who wear his name. He is author and finisher of our faith, source of inexpressible joy. Though we’ve not seen him with physical eyes, no demon our love can destroy. Elevated above the angels, we live holy and godly lives, lives rich in abundance and mercy where love for our fellow man thrives. For we are receiving the goal of our faith, the salvation of our souls. We don’t have to be worried and anxious because we know who’s in control. § Christ Overcomes (1 Peter) God takes the trials that Satan devises and turns the tables around, working everything out for eventual good, blessing our soul’s fertile ground to give us a harvest of righteousness, impurities removed by refining. Bad times accomplish a lot of good things in spite of the devil’s designing. They can bring a soul closer to Father and Son or push us yet farther apart, depending on having the right attitude, a loving and thankful heart. Too often the Lord is assigned all the blame for Satan’s own devilish schemes. God is right by our side and rooting us on to defeat the old tempter’s regime. Don’t be surprised when trials come; embrace them as new learning tools. Praise God in the valley as well as the crest, the proverbial “hard-knocks” school. Satan knows all about us, our vulnerable spots; his temptation package looks great! He is handsome, seductive, an eloquent liar, plans death of the soul as our fate. In Christ is our hope of salvation; he overcame death and the grave, beat old wily Satan at his own brutal game, the poor helpless sinner to save. If our joy is gone, we’re failing the test, leaving us beaten and blue. “Draw near to God” we’re often advised, “and he will draw near to you.” § Reverent Fear (1 Peter) Wisdom begins with the fear of God, an awe that should change our lives; a reverent fear of the righteous Judge where the great gift of mercy derives. He judges impartially every man’s work according to what we have done. If we’re wise, this affects the way we live, being bought by the blood of the Son. A lamb without blemish or defect, though sacrificed on the tree, endures through his resurrection, the perfect, imperishable Seed. Since we have tasted that the Lord is good, we should crave the milk of God’s word, pure spiritual milk for salvation’s growth, not grazing along with the herd. If we are what we eat (in the body), then we must read and listen with care to give our souls nourishment every day and of all worldly junk food beware. Our actions will show where we’re eating, from the pig trough with Satan’s own swill, or the banquet God sets for his children, where he gladly takes care of the bill. § Be Holy (1 Peter) Prepare your minds for action,  and practice self-control. Say “no” to worldly passions that war against your soul. This old body is earth-bound, will some day return to dust. Set your hope fully on atoning grace wherein should be your trust. Get out of yourself; care for others. We were saved to serve, not sit. Crucify that selfish old man of flesh,  watch your attitude change bit by bit. Keep your eyes on Christ, your hands to yourself, make your body do what is right. You’ll be held accountable for what you do,  so face that old devil and fight! Be faithful, obedient children; don’t try to please the world. You’re a sitting duck while straddling the fence when Satan’s darts are hurled. Holiness cannot be left at church to walk the wide road all week. You must talk the talk and walk the walk, be disciplined, merciful, meek. You have been purified by obeying the truth, and should deeply love one another, overcoming your selfish human desires with sincere concern for your brothers. As Christ is holy, so should you be, in action and in word, with neighbors, children, or at work, let your faith be seen and heard. Every man who confesses the Lord must turn away from wickedness and walk the high and holy road that leads to endless bliss. § A Royal Priesthood (1 Peter) We are a chosen people; a people belonging to God, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, living stones, a spiritual squad. Our prayers go to the great High Priest who is Christ, the risen Son. No need for another advocate; he is the only one. The Mosaic law has been destroyed, including the temple and priests. We can offer the sacrifice ourselves, our own body, not a beast. God is the cornerstone of our lives, a stumbling stone for the lost because they reject and disobey, “do their own thing” at any cost. There’s an on-going spiritual battle between our selfish desires and our soul that chooses to serve the Lord with the righteousness he requires. He asks us to be different, a guide to lead the blind to the safety of his shelter, leaving worldly cares behind. He called us out of darkness into his wonderful light, and with mercy and grace he guides us to the land where is no night. § Submission (1 Peter) Submit to every authority that is instituted among men, to the king, as supreme commander, or to governors sent by him. Laws are to punish those who do wrong and commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you will avoid a fight. Live such good lives out in the world as to silence the ignorant talk of foolish men who would slander because of the path you walk. Do not use your hard-bought freedom as a cover-up for sin. Show respect to all, live as servants of God, perhaps many souls to win. Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters; with respect your lives  should ring, not only to the considerate, but also those harsh and abusive. Work as though you labor for the Lord; your reward is all inclusive. Do every job with all your might, bringing honor to the Lord. It’s not how we’re treated, but how we react that our life’s book will record. Christ is our example in all things; his word should be our command. Submission and obedience were where he took a stand. He suffered unjustly for our sins, took insults and yet did not speak. By his wounds we are healed so we might die to sin, becoming righteous and meek. § Wives and Husbands (1 Peter 3) In the same way Christ was submissive to the Father here below, wives should be submissive to their husbands, sans ego, that the unbelieving husband’s soul can possibly be won (by their purity and reverence) to salvation by the Son. Beauty should come from the inner self, the essence that will endure, not something merely external which is anything less than demure. The inward part of our being is of great worth in God’s sight because it is eternal and reflects the Savior’s light to everyone around us -especially to our mate- no matter if we’re beautiful or plain as fishing bait. Husbands also are to be considerate of their wives, respectful of the weaker sex, partners throughout their lives and equal heirs of riches that heaven has in store for the few who walk the narrow road, God’s kingdom to explore. § Do Good to All Men (1 Peter 3) Be compassionate and humble, harmonious with one another. Show sympathy and kindness, love everyone as brothers. Do not repay evil with evil, insult with insult, but blessings. To this were you called, to serve and do good. Any less than your best is distressing. Whoever of you desires to love life, and good days in heaven reach, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the Lord watches over the righteous; when they have a need, he sees to it. His ears are attentive to their prayers; with loving care he listens. His wisdom knows exactly how to answer their petitions. But the face of the Lord is against the one who chooses evil ways; does not promise to answer a sinner’s prayer unless he turns and obeys. Being a Christian means to be Christ-like, doing good and seeking peace. So set apart Christ as Lord of your life, your worries and sins release. Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? Even if you suffer for what is right, your future is understood. God is willing and able to take care of you, he is in charge of all, and if you’re faithful unto death he’ll see that you don’t fall. § Suffering for Doing Good (1 Peter 3) When Job’s wife offered her advice to just curse God and die, his faith still never wavered, or even questioned “why?” “Are we going to take all these good things that God supplies each day, then complain about the hard times the devil brings our way?” Although his trials made no sense, endurance was his choice. He would serve even if it led to death and through every test rejoice. This is to be our attitude, an example to the throng. If the world around us should collapse, we must stay serene and strong. Then they may wonder at the source of the faith we demonstrate and turn to God, who strengthens us, before it is too late. If it brings us persecution, well, that’s no never-mind. It’s better to suffer for doing good than being evil and unkind. We can’t control what people say, but our lives can prove them wrong if our conscience is good before the Lord, obeying his word all along. Suffering produces character and thickens up our skin so that Satan’s darts can’t penetrate when he tempts our souls to sin. § Noah’s Good Example (1 Peter 3) Christ died for sins once for all time, righteous for unrighteous, thus to bring sinners to the Father through his atoning blood, adoption in the family of the King. He was put to death in the body, but by the Spirit made alive, the Spirit who through Noah long ago preached to the unbelievers imprisoned in their sins as he built the ark, for a hundred years or so. Yet Noah’s only converts were his family of seven; the scoffers all refused to board the boat. The eight were saved by water (symbolizing our baptism) which destroyed the world while it kept their zoo afloat. Likewise, baptism’s water saves the faithful who obey and condemns those who refuse its saving grace. Not removal of our body’s dirt, but to keep the conscience pure, the ugly stains of sin thus to erase. It saves by the resurrection after crucifixion’s shame of Jesus Christ who died and rose again. Now angels, authorities, powers all must submit to him as he sits enthroned at the Father’s own right hand. His word was left to guide us along the bumpy road that restricts us to the narrow and the strait. This word will be the judge of whether we can meet old Noah, determining our soul’s eternal fate. § Living for God (1 Peter 4) Since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves with his attitude. He who suffered has been purified, and sin (as a lifestyle) eludes. As a result of the purifying pain, he does not live for human desires, but rather for the will of God.  To loftier goals he aspires. Yet he still must wrestle with Satan and friends who don’t understand. A drowning man likes company, will abuse you whenever he can. It’s a serious charge, tempting Christians to sin, and he must give account to him who will judge the living and dead; every day the charges will mount. The gospel was preached in Noah’s time and still applies today. It teaches against ungodly lives where human desires hold sway. Our spiritual ark today is the church, the family of the redeemed, that helps keep our souls from drowning in the flood where passions teem. We must be clear-minded and self-controlled so that our prayers will be heard. To love each other as Jesus loved will ensure our walk undeterred. True love always gives the other guy the benefit of the doubt and can cover a multitude of sins - what grace is all about. The end of all things is near; death is closer than we think. We should consider what really matters, as the prodigal son, near the brink. Coming to his right mind, he started for home, to his father’s welcoming arms, enveloped in his protection where no child can come to harm. Likewise, God will run to meet a son who would turn his life around, when he’s desperate for rescue, when his ship has run aground. With forgiveness the Lord is waiting, with a robe and the family ring, the seal that declares his debt has been paid; he is now a child of the King. § Christian Service (1 Peter 4) You should offer hospitality with love and open arms, an attitude of thankfulness, no grumbling or alarm. Use whatever gift you have received in gladly serving others; administer with faithfulness God’s grace as though to brothers. If anyone desires to speak, be careful of your words. Use Scripture in its context so that only truth is heard. Do your work with all your strength as though working for the Lord, like Paul, whose only goal in life was to share the saving Word. Serve with the strength that God provides, that he receives the praise. Pour out your own life willingly, fight the good fight all your days. Serve fully, freely, lovingly, even unto death, praising the God of glory with your final, thankful breath. Then yours will be a home with God, a crown of righteousness, with Paul and saints of every age, in a state that’s fathomless. § Christian Suffering (1 Peter 4) When Peter wrote his letters, persecutions of the church were Nero’s entertainment, all Christians to besmirch. They often served as lanterns, their living bodies lit for parties in his garden, a martyr’s fiery obit. Don’t be surprised, says Peter, that you suffer painful trials. It’s nothing strange that godless men would try to force denials of the risen Christ you choose to serve, who gives you strength to stand. Rejoice that you participate in sufferings at Nero’s hand so that some day you’ll be overjoyed when God’s glory is revealed. Through Christ’s insults and suffering your sin-sick souls were healed. Endure with a smile of assurance and the Spirit will comfort you. Look forward to the final reward and he will see you through. Do not be ashamed of your suffering; praise God that you wear his name, and your soul will be lifted to paradise where there is no more pain. § Be Like Christ (1 Peter 4) The name “Christian” was used at Antioch, the first Gentile church that was formed. Then the followers weren’t called disciples (learners). Now “Christian” is the norm. All who wear this precious name are responsible to live holy lives. To wear it hypocritically is again to crucify the Christ who bought our freedom, and put him to open shame. When we fall away into disgrace, we’ve only ourselves to blame. We must constantly study and compare our lives and beliefs to the Word, making changes that are needed and let our voices be heard. God graciously gives to his children what we can’t attain by our merit. Christ measured up where we humans cannot, and shares with us the credit. We can never be sinless, but we CAN be faithful,  though Satan would drag us away. The battle is constant between right and wrong; we can win if the Bible holds sway. If it’s hard for the righteous to be saved, what becomes of the ungodly sinner? If judgment begins with God’s family, can the disobedient be winners? If you suffer as a murderer, a meddler or a thief, you only get what you deserve, bring yourself a lot of grief. So then, those saints who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to the Lord of all,  be good and faithful still. The way of the cross is difficult, for the Son and for his bride, but it builds the character we need if we would in him abide. § To Elders (1 Peter 5) Elders, shepherds, overseers: leaders of the flock, serve the church in meekness, be examples on which they can stock. Be willing and eager servants, not lording it over your charges, those converts who are entrusted to you as God’s righteous kingdom enlarges. Sheep are helpless, defenseless creatures who depend on the shepherd’s care. They’ll be lost in a trice if you let down your guard. Of that lion, the devil, beware. The world does not see Satan as a person with great power, but he’s a wily adversary seeking whom he may devour. Feed the church of the living God, which he purchased with his blood, with the life-giving sincere milk of the Word, so that faith will grow like a bud. And when the Chief Shepherd appears you’ll receive the glorious crown that never will corrode or fade when judgment is handed down. § To Young Men (1 Peter 5) Young men, you should be submissive to those who are older and wiser. Clothe yourself with great humility toward your spiritual advisors. God opposes the proud and haughty but gives grace to the humble. With meekness ‘neath God’s mighty hand, you’ll have less cause to stumble. Cast all anxiety onto him because he cares for you. Just simply do what he commands and he will see you through. If you seek his kingdom and righteousness first, necessities he’ll provide for a quiet and fulfilling life with serenity inside. Learn to say “no” to your body, make it do what it should do. Be self-controlled and vigilant - the devil is out to get you! He is the ultimate predator, and Christians are his prey. A master at temptation, he’s out to have his way. He is not imagination, but an enemy as real as any hidden sniper out on the battlefield. A Christian is a soldier with God as Commander-in-Chief and as long as you obey him, you will never come to grief. Know the Word and use it often to avoid temptation’s snare. God speaks to you through the written Word as you speak to him in prayer. § Stand Firm in the Faith (1 Peter 5) The Gospel is your steady source of saving grace and faith; you should daily store its message in your heart so that when temptations strike, you have courage to resist and Satan can’t upset the apple cart. The devil quoted Scripture when he tempted Christ the Lord, and his tactics haven’t changed down through the years. Always wear your suit of armor, the holy Word of God, lest false prophets cause unnecessary fears. Your enemy, the devil, prowls like a roaring lion, always seeking someone weak he can devour. Resist him with the Gospel, standing firmly in the faith that will keep you strong at every trying hour. Rely on strength in numbers; don’t attempt to stand alone. The lion cuts the weakling from the herd. A lone gazelle it not a match for a predatory lion, and vigilance should be your main watchword. If God saved you from your sins, though you suffer for awhile, the trials help to keep you firm and strong. Look forward to eternity.  Compared to here and now, an earthly lifetime isn’t very long. You know that brothers everywhere are under trials, too. The God of grace restores and strengthens all who stand firm in the faith unto the very end, who daily heed the Gospel’s timeless call. § Final Greetings (1 Peter 5) With the help of Silas, a faithful brother, Peter’s writing is sent to the saints, encouraging all to endure in the faith, stand fast in the Word and not faint. He testifies that what he has written is the actual, true grace of God which is able to save and sustain us if by its strong steel we are shod. The Bible may be a physical book, but it’s more than just black ink on paper. From God’s heart to ours it continues to speak, a comforter, molder and shaper. It strengthens our faith and lifts up our souls, reassures us with calmness of hope, helps us keep our perspective on what really matters and gives us the courage to cope. With a Bible kept handy, we can spend time with God anywhere, anytime, as we choose. We control the amount of grace we receive, storing treasures we never can lose when we read, hear, ingest that glorious feast from the bountiful table he spreads. Like a drowning man fights for a breath of pure air, we should breathe the Word into our heads. Peace to all of you, says Peter, who abide in Christ the King from whence all spiritual blessings flow, the everlasting spring. To contact me: cgtrent@att.net