12172007

1 Peter 1

In Today's Reading:

Call to Christian dedication; proper use of Christian liberty; the example of Christ's suffering

Peter referred to Christians as elect . . . through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ (I Peter 1:2). "Sprinkling" alludes to the blood which was sprinkled on the Brazen Altar as a symbol of the people's obedience to God, as well as on the people as a symbol of God's acceptance of them (Exodus 24:1-11).

As Christians, we look forward to an inheritance incorruptible (imperishable), and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept (protected) by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (I Peter 1:4-5). However, although we have this promise during our brief lifetime in this world, Peter urged that since we are strangers and pilgrims (just a brief lifetime on earth) that we should abstain from fleshly lusts (desires), which war against the soul (2:11).

Peter continued to remind us of the importance of living a holy life, saying: As obedient children, not fashioning (conforming) yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (behavior). . . . Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit . . . see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever (1:14-15,22-23,25).

Since the Bible is our one complete source of guidance and strength, Peter urged believers: As newborn babes (new converts), desire the sincere (perfect) milk (spiritual food) of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (2:2). Peter points out that the nourishment of the Word is essential if we are to live as obedient children. Our desire to know the Bible in order to do the Lord's will is always in our very best interest. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit (1:22) explains how surrender to the Lord's authority and the power of His Word transforms lives. Peter describes Christians as a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (2:5). Each of us is a sacred temple for the indwelling Holy Spirit. In addition, we have been chosen to be a peculiar people (chosen to represent God); that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light (I Peter 2:9).

Cross References:

For I Peter 1:16: See Leviticus 11:44-45. I Peter 1:24-25: See Isaiah 40:6-8. I Peter 2:6-7: See Isaiah 28:16.; Psalm 118:22. I Peter 2:22: See Isaiah 53:9. I Peter 2:24: See Isaiah 53:4-5,12.

Word Studies:

1:17 sojourning =b> temporarily residing; 2:2 sincere =b> perfect, pure, without a mixture; 2:4 disallowed =b> rejected; 2:19 thankworthy =b> acceptable, literally grace.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts to the Glory of our Lord & Savior • Staff: Barbara Jean Loyd • Country: Thailand (60 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Thai and English • Limited freedom of Christian ministry; Buddhism is the state religion • 92% Buddhist; 4% Muslim; 2% Chinese folk-religionist; 1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord when you are oppressed (Psalm 102:8-13).

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 13:20