1 & 2 Peter – Page 2

1 Peter 3:1-22 – How to Show Up

There are nuggets of truth for everyone in this reading, including wives, husbands, and all Christians. As a husband, Peter would have a unique perspective. It’s interesting to reread what he tells the wives, knowing he had his own wife. If you are married, do you glean any wisdom here from Peter?

I know from experience that my husband would be in total agreement with Peter when he said, “You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” And as a husband, I’m confident David sees me as an “equal partner in God’s gift of new life,” as Peter suggests. How much richer a marriage relationship can be when we honor each other. Continue reading “1 Peter 3:1-22 – How to Show Up”

1 Peter 2:11-25 – Authority

Read 1 Peter 2:11-25

I can still hear my mother telling me, “Respect your elders.” She meant people in authority like my teachers, the police, the pastor, and, of course, my parents. At the time, I had no idea this was a Biblical concept. Peter expands this for us, “For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed.”

I don’t intend to make this political, but we should pray for our government’s leaders, whether we agree with them or not. Who are we to question what God allows in this world? Sadly, as you look at the world leaders today, finding a true man of God with a heart for God like King David is hard to find. Even King David had his faults and weaknesses. Continue reading “1 Peter 2:11-25 – Authority”

1 Peter 2:1-10 – What Do You Crave?

Read 1 Peter 2:1-10

The first verse can send a shiver down most of our backs when we realize we are guilty. “So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.” It’s this same evil behavior that breaks down friendships, families, and especially our relationship with God. We’re all guilty and need to be cleansed. I’ve often said I’m glad Jesus must have a big eraser because he washes away our sins.

Peter is “spot on” with his counsel about life. Verse 5 is a doozy. “And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.” It’s not often that we think of ourselves in terms of “living stones” or “holy priests.” At least I don’t. But Peter calls us out as being just that! Continue reading “1 Peter 2:1-10 – What Do You Crave?”

1 Peter 1:13-25 – Holy Living

Read 1 Peter 1:13-25

Peter continues to uplift us as believers with his instructions on holy living. These words should invigorate us and give us direction for how we should live. As followers of Christ, we want to reflect him well. We see plenty of people who call themselves Christians, but who don’t act in alignment with what Peter describes here.

Do you feel convicted to do a better job of living a life that honors Christ? It may seem a bit daunting at first, but God doesn’t expect perfection. He only desires a relationship with us that displays our obedience and worship. Continue reading “1 Peter 1:13-25 – Holy Living”

1 Peter 1:1-12 – Future Hope

Read 1 Peter 1:1-12

Imagine you have just received a personal letter from the apostle, Peter himself. Peter walked with Jesus, learned directly from Jesus, and dedicated his life to sharing with others about his experience. This letter captures that wisdom, and we have the privilege of getting to know Peter and what he thought was important we know. I love that Peter asks God give us “more and more grace and peace.” How timely that prayer is!

What an uplifting message for believers Peter delivers in these opening verses! Thank you, Peter! Even though Peter says he is writing for the chosen ones living abroad, we can claim to be foreigners today, living much farther away than those mentioned locales. The joy stirring is tangible, knowing God chooses us and makes us holy.

Peter warns us, like Jesus did, that we will face trials. Jesus’ words echo from John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Our faith journeys aren’t designed to be easy. Along with these warnings, we’re given hope to cling to as we do our best to make it through those times of trial.

Our future reward is going to be so worth the wait. Peter says, “The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” We have a future beyond the grave that will be so full. “It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.” Jesus is our victorious King, and as the events of the last days unfold, our salvation will be revealed.

How does that make you feel to know that Jesus holds your future in his hands? Reflect on the joy Peter talks about. Then, take Peter’s example and give God your praise. It’s time to enjoy a life of expectation to see what God is going to do.

Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, thank you for the future you are preparing for me. You know the struggles I face, but you prepared me for this moment, and I know I will be stronger on the other side. Thank you for walking beside me, comforting me, and giving me strength. Use me to help others find your saving grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.