December 15 1 Peter

December 15, 2014

1 Peter is a letter of God’s grace in the midst of suffering.

As you read it, try to see the how Peter differentiates between suffering for good and suffering for ill. Sometimes our sinful behavior sets us up for suffering; at other times, we suffer for “righteousness sake,” as Jesus mentioned in Matthew 5:10-12. When Peter encourages slaves to “bear up” under unjust suffering, he reminds us of Jesus’ suffering, and how we should walk “in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Later, he says that if we should suffer for doing what is right, we “are blessed” (1 Peter 3:14). And finally, Peter teaches not to “be surprised” at the painful trials we suffer, as though something strange were happening to us. Rather, we should rejoice at the privilege of sharing the sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 4:12-13). At the beginning, Peter tells us why these trials come! It is so that our faith may be “proved genuine” (1 Peter 1:7)!

But, to say that Peter’s letter is only about suffering would be wrong. In this letter, you can read about grace, the new birth, the call to holiness, and the place of the church. We learn about submission to authorities and the marriage relationship, the second coming and the gifts of the Spirit. Peter’s letter is glorious in power and encouragement!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary