Peter presents to us things that are contrary to human nature (humbleness and humility, servanthood, submission to authority). He also presents ideas that are contrary to each other. He tells us that we are free from slavery to this world, but we are servants of God. Being in the family of God we are no one’s slave (boss, parent, government, etc.) and yet as free people we are sent into the structures of this world to be servants. And in…
Click Here to Read 1 Peter 4:7-5:14 “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’” (1 Peter 4:8 NKJV). In verses 7-11 of chapter 4, Peter charges us to be serious and watchful in our prayers, hospitable without grumbling, good stewards of the manifold grace of God, and above all things to have fervent love for one another. He doesn’t tell us to “feel” love for one another, but to…
Click Here to Read 1 Peter 3:8-4:6 “Not returning evil for evil but blessing, knowing that you were called to this that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9 NKJV). This verse reminded me of the very beginning of Peter’s letter when he called us the “elect”, or the chosen. In the same way that I believe that every single person was chosen by God to be called by His name, I believe every single person has been called…
Click Here to Read 1 Peter 2:13-3:7 In verses 13-17 Peter expresses to us the importance of submitting to the authority of government. This is a touchy subject in the days we are presently living in as government seems to be trying to move beyond the boundaries of their authority. Many of us are wondering how to respond to tyrannical dictatorship in a way that is both honorable to God and protective of our freedoms. I think this is something…
Click Here to Read 1 Peter 2:4-12 I love this picture of us, His living stones, being built up as a spiritual house. The Passion Translation puts it this way, “Come and be his ‘living stones’ who are continually being assembled into a sanctuary for God. For now you serve as holy priests, offering up spiritual sacrifices that he readily accepts through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5 TPT). The temple built in the Old Testament was built with earthly stones…