As he begins this letter, Peter knows that God's people are facing real trials and difficulties. He does not minimize those trials, but he reminds us of our rock-solid foundation in the sovereign and saving work of God.
Worshipping God acceptably also involves honouring leaders within the church—following their example, submitting to their leadership, listening to their teaching, and praying for them. Are we marked by this kind of worship as a church?
Worshipping God acceptably also involves honouring leaders within the church—following their example, submitting to their leadership, listening to their teaching, and praying for them. Are we marked by this kind of worship as a church?
The writer tells us to worship God acceptably, and here he tells us what worship of the living God will look like as we live in his presence: showing brotherly love, living in marital faithfulness, keeping our lives free from the love of money. Do we understand true worship? Do we worship in this way?
The writer tells us to worship God acceptably, and here he tells us what worship of the living God will look like as we live in his presence: showing brotherly love, living in marital faithfulness, keeping our lives free from the love of money. Do we understand true worship? Do we worship in this way?
Worshipping God acceptably also involves honouring leaders within the church—following their example, submitting to their leadership, listening to their teaching, and praying for them. Are we marked by this kind of worship as a church?
As he begins this letter, Peter knows that God's people are facing real trials and difficulties. He does not minimize those trials, but he reminds us of our rock-solid foundation in the sovereign and saving work of God.
Life in this world is hard, and opposition is real. But the Christian believer has a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These trials may test our faith, but real faith will be proved genuine in trial. We who love Jesus have joy in the prospect of his coming. And this joy and this hope have power to sustain us in days of darkness.
Peter tackles the reality of suffering head-on in this vitally important passage, and he teaches us what to do to be ready for suffering—and then to endure suffering as a believer. Those going through suffering need to hear and receive his message—and those living in times of relative ease need to hear it too, that we may be prepared for that which will surely come.
We who belong to Christ are immensely privileged people. The Spirit so worked in the Old Testament prophets that they might write down God's Word to serve us today—that we might have this gospel hope. Even angels long to look into the wonders of what God has revealed to us in His Word. Our trials may be real, but our privilege is immense.
