| Strength to Endure
The counsel Peter gave to these first century "pilgrims" of Christ is as relevant today as it was when first written. They were facing increasing persecution as well as commonly struggling with their former lives under sin's authority. It was vital that they develop strong minds prepared to withstand the onslaught of trials and temptations they were facing. Central to their strength in enduring the trials before them was their hope in the fulfillment of all they were promised eternally at Christ's return. Their lives had been thrown into a fiery crucible that would have affected every area of life. To strengthen their resolve to endure, they had to "gird up" their minds with truth, truth that became a spiritual weapon that assured victory. This is still true for our generation today. First, we must see our temporal suffering in light of a living hope in a risen savior who is keeping glorious and limitless riches that are ours for all eternity (v. 3-5). We must see this fallen world in light of our eternal glory. Secondly, we must have a right perspective on the trials and temptations that a fallen world and our own fallen nature will heap upon us. These difficulties provide a God-ordained role to purify and clarify the genuineness of our faith in Christ. They purify us by exposing the traits of our fallen nature that we may put those traits aside and in their place "put on" our new life in Christ (Eph. 3, 4). These trials also reveal if we have genuine faith or "fair-weather" faith. Under trials of faith, many Christians have proven to be like "fair-weather" friends. As long as their friendship does not cause them discomfort, they will gladly be your friend. But such a friend is really not a friend at all. A true friend will stand with you in your deepest sorrows and your greatest joys equally. Even while we were His enemies, Christ suffered for us beyond what any of us can fathom. His love and His eternal friendship have certainly been tested and proved genuine. He asks the same of us. Therefore, when we joyfully suffer for Him in the fiery trials that our faith in Him brings upon us, we prove the genuineness of our faith in Him. This faith in Him, at His return, will enable us to give Him a very special gift. Our faith, tested by fire, will prove how worthy and glorious He is of such total abandonment to Him. The truths surrounding our approach to trials and temptations have the power to "gird up" our minds and prepare us for victory. | |||
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1 Peter 1:1-25 Greeting to the Elect Pilgrims 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. A Heavenly Inheritance3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. Living Before God Our Father13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." 17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. The Enduring Word22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because "All flesh is as grass, 25 But the word of the LORD endures forever." Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you. | |||
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| 1 Peter 1:1-25 v. 1 apostle – An apostle is more than just a follower or a disciple. Apostle (apostolos Gk.) means a delegate or a sent one, a messenger sent by a higher authority. pilgrims – parepidemos (Gk.) sojourning in a strange place, a foreigner dispersion – diaspora (Gk.) A scattering of Israelites among foreign nations or Christians scattered abroad among the Gentiles. Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia – These are the providences where much of the Jewish Christians fled to as a result of persecution. Peter was writing this letter from Babylon (1 Peter 5:13). v. 2 elect – eklektos (Gk.) Means chosen by God (1 Cor. 1:27, 28; Eph. 1:4-6; 1 Peter 2:4, 9; Rev. 17:14). the Father – In this context, Peter is specifically declaring the special relationship between God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. In a much broader sense, God is also the Creator and Father; the source of all things. sanctification of the Spirit – Sanctification (hagiasmos Gk.) is the process of purifying or setting apart the believer from worldly priorities and values and separating them for God's will and His purposes. God's election will never be separate and distinct from sanctification. obedience – hupakoe (Gk.) Compliance, submission. God's ultimate objective for our lives is not just to take us to heaven, but to make us obedient, Christ-like children of His (1 Cor. 15:49-50, Eph. 4:15, Phil. 3:20-21). sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ – The scriptures teach us that without the shedding of blood there there can be no remission of sins (Heb. 9:21-22). According to the Law of Moses, cleansing must take place through the sprinkling of the blood of animal sacrifice upon the person or object to be cleansed (Heb. 9:19-22, 11:28, 12:24). As the Jews in the OT were required to sacrifice a lamb for the forgiveness of sins, so, under the new covenant, Jesus has become our Lamb for all humanity who takes away the sins of the world. grace – charis (Gk.) Grace is the undeserved kindness and blessing of God given freely to those in Christ. peace – eirene (Gk.) Quietness, rest, security, safety. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict. The peace of God is the tranquility and security of being in a state of harmony and union with God regardless of external conflict. v. 3 blessed – eulogetos (Gk.) Well spoken of, praised. In context, this is praise to God. God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ – God, who is triune, is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father and the Son are separate persons within all God is, therefore they are declared to be One (John 10:30) and God (John 1:1-3). mercy – eleos (Gk.) Kindness or good will toward others, joined with a desire to help. In reference to justice, it is not getting what we deserve. begotten – anagennao (Gk.) To be born again, born anew. The same word is found in 1:23. Those who are true Christians have been "begotten" or "born" from above (John 3:3-7). to a living hope – Though Jesus died for our sins he did not remain dead; He is risen. This truth gives us a living hope through a living Savior. v. 4 inheritance – kleronomia (Gk.) What is given to one as a possession; the share which an individual will have in that eternal blessedness. incorruptible – aphthartos (Gk.) not liable to corruption or decay, imperishable, immortal undefiled – amiantos (Gk.) pure and unsoiled v. 5 who are kept by the power of God – Those who belong to Christ are kept from the evil one and from sin. Jesus promised to keep us by God's power (John 6:39-40). faith – pistis (Gk.) Persuasion, credence, or moral conviction, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; (Eph. 2:8-9). salvation – soteria (Gk.) Deliverance, preservation, safety. In the NT, salvation refers directly to rescue from the power and consequences of sin. in the last time – The end of time. All the magnificent things God has for the believer will not be revealed until the end of all things (2 Peter 3:9-13). v. 7 genuineness – dokimion (Gk.) testing, proving, trustworthiness. That by which something is tried or proved, a test. tested by fire – A process often used in purifying precious metals like silver and gold (Is. 48:10). glory – doxa (Gk.) In the NT, this always refers to a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honor, and glory. more precious than gold that perishes – There is nothing more valuable than genuine faith (Heb. 11:6). Faith is the channel by which we enter into right standing with God and experience His amazing grace (Rom. 5:1, Eph. 2:8). And the benefits of faith are eternal, while the benefits of gold are limited to this life only. revelation of Jesus Christ – Revelation (apokalupsis Gk.) here means appearing, manifestation or coming. This refers to when Christ physically appears and all that is hidden will be revealed. This will be the ultimate, complete, setting right of all things (2 Cor. 5:10, Gal. 1:12, 1 Peter 1:7, 13, Rev. 1:1). v. 8 whom having not seen you love – (Speaking of Jesus.) It is a miracle of faith that we could love someone we have never actually seen with our eyes. This is another picture of the miraculous work of genuine faith (John 20:29). believing – pisteuo (Gk.) To think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in; commit (to trust), put in trust with. rejoice – agalliao (Gk.) glad, with exceeding joy joy inexpressible – A genuine faith produces real joy even in the midst of trials with a delight that is inexpressible (2 Cor. 9:15). v. 9 the end of your faith – Meaning the outcome or result of your faith. salvation – The salvation of a soul is the rescuing of that soul from judgment of sin and eternal separation from God, and delivering that soul to eternity with God (Matt. 25:46, Heb. 10:39). souls – psuche (Gk.) The breath of life. The soul is regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life. the prophets have inquired and searched carefully – Though the prophets of old prophesied about the coming of the Messiah and the "grace that would come," they still didn't see or understand the complete picture. So they searched the scriptures to try and know when (v. 11) the Christ would come. v. 11 the Spirit of Christ – The Spirit of Christ was actually dwelling in the OT prophets. Throughout scripture this same Spirit is called "the Spirit of the Lord" (Jdg. 6:34, 1 Sam 10:6, Eze. 11:5) or "the Spirit of God" (1 Sam. 10:10, 19:23) or "the Spirit of Christ" (Rom. 8:9). was in them indicating – This is speaking of Jesus Christ indwelling the prophets of old, prophesying details of His own coming through the Spirit of God in the OT (Ps. 22 and Is. 53). sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow – This is the Gospel story (1 Cor. 15:1-4), speaking of the death and resurrection and the new covenant. This Gospel message can be found within many of the prophecies of the Old Testament (Ps. 16:10; Is. 7:14, 9:6-7). v. 12 to them it was revealed – Speaking of OT divine revelation. God revealed facts about the coming Messiah to the prophets. that not to themselves, but to us – Although the prophets didn't always understand everything that God had revealed to them, they still recorded those revelations for a future people (us), knowing that someday it would be understood by, and useful for, God's intended audience. Gospel – euaggelizo (Gk.) Good news or glad tidings. The Gospel simply stated is the story of Jesus coming to save mankind (1 Tim. 1:14-16). The Gospel specifically pertains to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins and the eternal salvation of those who believe (1 Cor. 15:1-4, 2 Cor. 5:21). by the Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, the third person of the Trinity (Matt. 28:19, 1 John 5:7). sent from heaven – Again refers to the person of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:12, 2 Peter 1:21). things which angels desire to look into – Though the angels dwell in the very presence of God, they are in awe of the work of grace being accomplished in us through the Holy Spirit in Jesus' name. The scriptures indicate that the angels of God are monitoring our spiritual progress with great longing, anticipation and joy (Luke 15:10, Heb. 12:1). v. 13 gird up the loins of your mind – In ancient days both men and women wore long flowing robe-like garments. When it was time for actions such as running or hard work they would tie the length of their robes up to the loin (the waist) in order to give them freedom of movement. Peter is using this illustration as a metaphor to exhort us that we must prepare our minds for action in order to think and act without hindrances. sober – nepho (Gk.) To be calm and under control; clear-headed. rest your hope – Rest here means to trust. Hope means to look forward for something to happen. Grace is the undeserved favor and blessing of God. Peter is exhorting his readers not to rest or trust in their own abilities or talents (Rom. 15:4, 13; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 John 3:3). at the Revelation of Jesus Christ – Peter is saying that the full blessings Christians are waiting for will arrive at the appearing of Jesus Christ when He returns. So we must wait for Him patiently in hope. It is not in this life that we will receive the full reward for our faith, but in the next. v. 14 obedient children – The New Covenant has made us children of God (John 1:12; Rom. 8:16, 21; 1 John 3:1, 2). Peter exhorts us here to be obedient (Phil. 2:15). lusts – Peter is exhorting us not to go back to the sinful habits and thought patterns of our past now that we are born-again children of God. ignorance – Peter is referring to a time when we lived in sin because we didn't know any better. v. 15 holy – hagios (Gk.) Pure, blameless, and set apart from all else. Perhaps the closest one-word English translation for holy is "other." God is "other." He cannot be categorized. He is not like anything or anybody else. conduct – Peter is saying here that our actions and lifestyle should be different from the rest of the world. v. 16 it is written – Peter is declaring that this concept of God's people being holy is not something new or foreign. It was repeatedly recorded in the OT scriptures (Lev. 11:44, 19:2, 20:7). v. 17 the Father – The new covenant established by Jesus Christ gives us a unique and intimate relationship with God (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1). without partiality – All sin will be dealt with equally. This means everyone will give an account for the actions of their lives (Rev. 2:23; 20:12, 13; 22:12). Sin will either be dealt with through the death of Christ on the cross (for the believer) or it will be dealt with through individual condemnation and death (for the unrepentant sinner). the time of your stay here – This conveys to us the concept of our life on earth being a short stay or just a visit before moving on. After that we will move on to eternity. fear – This reflects the seriousness of the consequences of our choices and actions. This is called "the fear of God" elsewhere in scripture (Rom. 3:18; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 5:21). v. 18 redeemed – lutroo (Gk.) To liberate by payment of ransom. God redeemed us from sin's power and consequences through the payment of Christ's shed blood at the cross. corruptible things – things that are incapable of paying the ransom for sin aimless conduct – a way of life without purpose or direction received by traditions – Peter is referring to the religious traditions that have no real power to change lives. Because Peter is writing specifically to his dispersed Jewish brethren here (1:1), the traditions he refers to are those added to the Law of Moses (Matt. 15:8-9, Mark 7:8). v. 19 the precious blood of Christ – In the OT, important covenants were sealed by the blood of animal sacrifices. The New Covenant is sealed with the blood of Jesus (John 1:36, Heb. 9:13-14, Rom. 3:25). as a lamb – Peter is likening the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to the Jewish Passover lamb sacrificed for the sins of the people. This lamb was required to be a perfect sacrifice without spot of blemish or defect of any kind (Ex. 12:5). John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:36). v. 20 foreordained – proginosko (Gk.) To know beforehand and predestinate. God's plan of salvation was thoroughly planned out before the world was even created. Because of his "foreknowledge" (knowing everything before it happens) He knew that man would fall before it happened and had already made a plan to redeem man before the world began. manifest – To make visible or known what has been previously hidden or unknown. in these last times – This phrase merely means that what God knew and planned before the world began is finally being revealed (manifest) to us now (in these last days). This indicates that God's redemptive plan is nearing fruition. According to God's calendar, we are now in the last days. v. 21 who raised Him from the dead – A study of Christ's resurrection reveals the doctrine of the Trinity. Elsewhere in scripture, we see references to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all playing a part in the resurrection (Acts 13:30, Rom. 8:11, John 2:19, Col. 2:12). gave Him glory – Jesus' resurrection was a glorification and declaration of victory over death and revelation of Christ's absolute authority and divinity (compare Eph. 1:20-23, Phil. 2:8-11). v. 22 purified – hagnizo (Gk.) to make morally pure; to purify and cleanse from defilement love one another – Jesus taught that love is the fulfillment of the entire Law of God (Matt. 22:37-40, Mark 12:29-31). fervently – ektenos (Gk.) earnestly, intensely pure heart – To love with a pure heart is to have a sincere and genuine love without ulterior motives. v. 23 born again – All people have been naturally born of the flesh. But since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden the flesh has become corrupt. Now there is a need for a second birth of the Spirit so that we can become true Children of God (John 3:3-7, Eph. 1:13). seed – Seeds bring forth life. The seed which brings forth eternal life is the incorruptible word of God (Matt. 13:22, 23; Luke 8:11; 1 Peter 1:23). incorruptible – undecaying, immortal, imperishable, and morally upright through the Word of God – It is through believing God's Word that we are born again, saved, and changed (1 Thess. 2:13). We cannot bear fruit spiritually apart from the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (Is. 40:8; Matt. 5:18, 24:35). v. 25 endures forever – Peter is driving home his point from verse 23. God's Word is incorruptible and eternal and will never be outdated or overruled. | |||
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| Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ –1 Peter 1:13 We see, Lord, that it is in the fire that the impure things of our minds and our faith are burned away. We know, Lord, that our journey with You is a continuous learning about ourselves and about You. We pray today, God, for hearts that can be truly grateful for the hard times and eagerly accept the lessons that You seek to teach us. We pray today, God, for hearts that rejoice at the wisdom and faith with which the refining fire leaves us. | |||
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1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ
Leadership Prayer Retreat
