Reading: I Peters 1-2
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time(I Pet. 1:3-5).
How much of a blessing is it for us to know, beyond any shadow of any doubt, that Christ has reserved a room for us in heaven (John 14:2-3)? We have His assurance of an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and we have been promised that the power of God will keep us secure through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Having accepted the Good News of Jesus Christ, which Peter was privileged to receive first-hand, each of us may now proudly proclaim: For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (Phil. 4:20).
As he wrote to the suffering churches of Asia Minor, Peter sought to comfort and strengthen them by reminding them of the reality of a life lived in Christ. His audience knew all too well the dangers of living in a fallen world. As gentiles that had only recently been rescued from the world through the shed blood of Jesus (I Pet. 1:19; 2:9-10), they had all once been guilty of worldly lusts performed out of ignorance (1:14), but now they knew better. They still lived physically within the world, but their home was already with God. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation (2:11-12).
Their transformation had not gone unnoticed by their unsaved neighbors, and they had endured ridicule, harassment, and persecution. Instead of commiserating with them, Peter praised their good fortune. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God (2:19-20). By consciously choosing to live as Christ had lived, eschewing their own comforts and safety in favor of living as a witness for Him, they were ensuring that they would one day hear: Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Matt. 25:34).
Christians today are living in an increasingly hostile world. Ridicule, harassment, and even outright persecution against those who strictly adhere to the Word of God are on the rise. God’s message for us now is the same as it was in the time of the early church. Persevere. Live up to the standards set by Christ, giving no man any reason to question your honesty, ethics, or morals. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men (I Pet. 2:15). Above all else, allow the love of God to guide you in all things. In this, you will find peace.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus(Phil. 4:7).
Thought For Today:To follow Christ is to walk in the opposite direction of the crowd; it does not go unnoticed, and it is impossible to avoid running into people.
Word Studies:1:17 sojourning = temporarily residing; 2:2 sincere = perfect, pure, without a mixture; 2:4 disallowed = rejected; 2:19 thankworthy = acceptable, something we should give thanks for.
Cross References:For I Pet. 1:16: See Lev. 11:44-45. I Pet. 1:24-25: See Is. 40:6-8. I Pet. 2:6-7: See Is. 28:16; Ps. 118:22. I Pet. 2:22: See Is. 53:9. I Pet. 2:24-25: See Is. 53:4-6,12.
Pray For Government Officials:Rep. Tracey Mann (KS), Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (NJ), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), • Country: Luxembourg (520,672) Western Europe • Major Languages: Luxembourgish, French, German • Religious Freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 13% Other (Protestant, Jewish, Muslim) • Prayer Suggestion: Know that the Lord is loving and merciful to His children (Jer. 31:9).