Read 1 Peter 1
Highlights:
Comfort and reassurance in the trial of your faith (I Pet. 1:1-25). Seeing ye have obeyed the Truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren . . . Being born again . . . by the Word of God (1:22-23; comp. James 1:18). Submit to the laws of your government (2:13-15).
Peter referred to Christians as elect (chosen by God) . . . through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ (I Pet. 1:2). "Sprinkling" alludes to the blood which was sprinkled on the Brazen Altar symbolizing the people's obedience to God, as well symbolizing His acceptance of them (Ex. 24:1-11).
As Christians, we look forward to an inheritance incorruptible (imperishable), and undefiled . . . 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 Pet. 1:4-5). Since we are given such a promise, Peter urged that as strangers and pilgrims (whose lifetime on earth is limited) we should abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul (2:11).
Peter continued to remind us of the importance of living a holy life: 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).
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 (1:14). Our desire to know the Bible in order to do the Lord's will is always in our best interest. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit 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. That is why we are called a peculiar people (chosen to represent God) that we should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light (I Pet. 2:9).
Thought for Today:
Desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow (mature) thereby (I Pet. 2:2).
Cross References:
For I Pet. 1:16: See Lev. 11:44-45. I Pet. 1:24-25: See Is. 40:6-8. I Pet. 2:6-7: See Is. 28:16; Ps. 118:22. I Pet. 2:22: See Is. 53:9. I Pet. 2:24-25: See Is. 53:4-6,12.
Word Studies:
1:17 sojourning temporarily residing; 2:2 sincere perfect, pure, without a mixture; 2:4 disallowed rejected; 2:19 thankworthy acceptable, something we should give thanks for.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. and Mrs. Walter W. Swanson • Staff: Jannah Kennon • Country: Mauritania (2.6 million) in western Africa • Major language: Hasaniya Arabic • Islamic state with no mission work allowed • 99+% Muslim (predominantly Sunni); .2% Christian (predominantly foreigners) • Prayer Suggestion: Know that the Lord is loving and merciful to His children (Jer. 31:9).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 2:21