Daily Bread - 1 Peter 1
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
What Does This Mean?
In this short introduction to the book of 1 Peter, we see more about the apostle Peter and his being sent as an apostle to the tribes of Israel. We Peter is an apostle, one of the original 12 sent by Jesus with His full authority to bring about God’s purposes subsequent to Jesus’ resurrection. To God’s elect means to those who are called and chosen to represent God. When God calls someone He gives them everything they need to fulfill the purpose He called them to. Notice it God’s initiative in calling these folks. In this case it is to those who were scattered in the Babylonian invasion of 586 B.C. and these Christian Jews were dispersed throughout Asia Minor (modern day Turkey).
Notice too the Trinitarian language in these opening verses. Called by the Father, Sanctified by the Spirit, and sprinkled with the blood of Christ. It was God’s plan from the beginning to call us, save us, and set us apart from the world to usher in His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Since these early Christians were being persecuted, Peter needed to remind them on their heavenly inheritance and who they were (identity). He also needed to remind them that God would be faithful and their inheritance was secure despite the bad external conditions they found themselves in. This book is a great encouragement to anyone going through trials or tribulations.
What Does This Mean For Us?
As we struggle with life situations and to be faithful to the call God has on our lives, we must remember that God initiated this call on our lives and God will be faithful to see us through until the end. A little later in verses 7-9 Peter compares these fiery trials to gold which is refined by fire to make it even purer in quality. Indeed our faith becomes more pure as we go through trials and cling to God’s promises no matter what. In God’s foreknowledge everything that happens to us is used in the process of refining our character through even difficult times.
As you face challenges in your life it is helpful to know that God is in charge and He who called you will be faithful to help you persevere. The refiners fire will help all of us as we get ready for the return of Christ when our calling will be complete. For now we must fight the temptation to say, “Why me?” when storms come our way. Being a Christian doesn’t protect you from bad circumstances but instead within in them we can rely on God even more heavily. Instead of turning to idols to get us through hard times, we can turn to the power of the Spirit which is more than willing to give us what we need to withstand any hardship. Where do you need to turn to God, so that His refining work can continue its course so you will be mature and complete and lacking in nothing?
God, even though we don’t enjoy trials we can count it as joy that our trials are obtaining for us an eternal glory that can never be taken from us. Refine us and help us to rely on Your Spirit and the sacrifice of Your Son that has delivered us once and for all from the sin of the world. Amen.
What Does This Mean?
In this short introduction to the book of 1 Peter, we see more about the apostle Peter and his being sent as an apostle to the tribes of Israel. We Peter is an apostle, one of the original 12 sent by Jesus with His full authority to bring about God’s purposes subsequent to Jesus’ resurrection. To God’s elect means to those who are called and chosen to represent God. When God calls someone He gives them everything they need to fulfill the purpose He called them to. Notice it God’s initiative in calling these folks. In this case it is to those who were scattered in the Babylonian invasion of 586 B.C. and these Christian Jews were dispersed throughout Asia Minor (modern day Turkey).
Notice too the Trinitarian language in these opening verses. Called by the Father, Sanctified by the Spirit, and sprinkled with the blood of Christ. It was God’s plan from the beginning to call us, save us, and set us apart from the world to usher in His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Since these early Christians were being persecuted, Peter needed to remind them on their heavenly inheritance and who they were (identity). He also needed to remind them that God would be faithful and their inheritance was secure despite the bad external conditions they found themselves in. This book is a great encouragement to anyone going through trials or tribulations.
What Does This Mean For Us?
As we struggle with life situations and to be faithful to the call God has on our lives, we must remember that God initiated this call on our lives and God will be faithful to see us through until the end. A little later in verses 7-9 Peter compares these fiery trials to gold which is refined by fire to make it even purer in quality. Indeed our faith becomes more pure as we go through trials and cling to God’s promises no matter what. In God’s foreknowledge everything that happens to us is used in the process of refining our character through even difficult times.
As you face challenges in your life it is helpful to know that God is in charge and He who called you will be faithful to help you persevere. The refiners fire will help all of us as we get ready for the return of Christ when our calling will be complete. For now we must fight the temptation to say, “Why me?” when storms come our way. Being a Christian doesn’t protect you from bad circumstances but instead within in them we can rely on God even more heavily. Instead of turning to idols to get us through hard times, we can turn to the power of the Spirit which is more than willing to give us what we need to withstand any hardship. Where do you need to turn to God, so that His refining work can continue its course so you will be mature and complete and lacking in nothing?
God, even though we don’t enjoy trials we can count it as joy that our trials are obtaining for us an eternal glory that can never be taken from us. Refine us and help us to rely on Your Spirit and the sacrifice of Your Son that has delivered us once and for all from the sin of the world. Amen.
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