“Praise the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead” (1 Peter 1:3 HCSB)
Let’s eavesdrop on two old farmers discussing the state of their crops
during a time of drought. One says,
“Bill, it’s a might cloudy. You think it
will rain?” The other replies, “I sure
do hope so, Ned.”
How, what do they mean by “hope”?
They mean, “maybe, perhaps, could be.”
But, that is not what the Bible means when it uses the term “hope.” Rather, real hope is a certainty built on
God’s eternal purpose and sovereign decrees.
Hope has an undeniable appeal—people crave it, we need it—so much so,
that we will grasp at straws or chase the wind to try to get it. But real hope is found in a personal
relationship with God through Jesus by His Spirit.
That is Peter’s theme throughout his first epistle. As Paul preached a message focusing on faith,
and John’s writings center on love, so Peter stresses a word of hope. We have a living hope in a dying world.
Peter begins by pointing to THE SECURITY OF OUR HOPE (1:1-5)
“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead” (1:3)
Our hope is secured by the resurrection of Jesus.
This security is seen in God’s
Perception.
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ:
To the temporary residents dispersed in Pontus ,
Galatia , Cappadocia, Asia,
and Bithynia
May grace and peace be
multiplied to you.” (1:1-2)
God knows all things—the end from the beginning—and is never caught off
guard. His plans are perfect; His
decisions infinitely wise. He cannot be
mistaken, and so our hope is certain.
The security of our hope rests in God’s
Provision.
“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead” (1:3)
This is our key verse that unlocks Peter’s message. The living hope is provided through a living
Savior—the provision of eternal life through the unconquerable Christ. If we need not fear death and judgment, then
we have the hope of heaven, needing not to fear anything.
Further we have God’s Promise.
“and into an
inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” (1:4).
Our hope rests in the promise of God who cannot lie. What He says He will do is an unfailing
promise.
This will be fulfilled by God’s
Power.
“You are being
protected by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be
revealed in the last time.” (v.5).
Our hope is sure because God has all power to do all He says He will
do. No other power can thwart His
intentions.
We have a living hope in a dying world.
This is the central theme of Peter’s first epistle. In the next section, he presents THE
SINCERITY OF OUR HOPE (1:6-12).
“because you
are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1:9)
Many hope for things that have no basis in reality. It isn’t a serious hope for it is not a
sincere hope. I have sometimes asked
folks, “Are you going to heaven when you die” and they have responded with, “I
hope so” without any assurance that they are.
God does not intend for us to have
a hope so, maybe so salvation! We can be
saved and sure. Peter tells us that a
real hope rests on real faith.
There is The Ground of Saving
Faith (1:6-7a). The key phrase is, “the genuineness of your faith.” This is a genuine experience with Christ. True
faith when put in the crucible is only refined and not destroyed. It will stand the test.
Then, there is The Glory of
Saving Faith (1:7b-8). We see the key word: “glory.” Our life is consumed with love for Christ—the
response to His love for us. We love Him
for He first loved us. We lift Him up in
honor and glorify Him because He humbled Himself in order to lift us up to
heaven. The consideration of such
glorious grace is overwhelming and ignites inexpressible joy irrespective of
circumstances and will be the eternal state of the believer.
This takes us to The Goal of
Saving Faith (1:9). Note the key
phrase: “the goal of your faith.” The goal is that of being a saved soul.
What is the soul? It is what we
truly are. The real you isn’t what you
see—that’s just the house you live in.
Our soul is our personality—it’s what makes you to be you.
Our soul is triune—made in the image of God—the mind, will and
emotions. We have the capacity of
rational thought, emotional expression and volitional choice. But sin has
caused our thoughts to become degraded, our passions to be deviant and our
wills to be defiant. From the moment
we’re born again, God begins the work of saving our soul—renewing our mind by
the truth of God, redirecting our emotions toward the things of God; realigning
our wills with the law of God. That
saving work is complete when we reach heaven and are brought into perfect
harmony with the mind, heart and will of God!
Peter concludes this discussion with The Grace of Saving Faith (1:10-12). The key word is “grace.” We rightfully sing of amazing grace. The prophets predicted it, but never saw the
promise fulfilled in their lifetime.
Peter tells us that such grace amazes angels even now, but though they
desire to understand the wonder of grace, they have never and will never
personally know it! It is only for the New
Testament saints to experience as we have the Gospel of grace!
A living hope does not deny that it is set in the midst of a dying
world, and so there is THE SOBRIETY OF OUR HOPE (1:13-21).
“Therefore,
with your minds ready for action, be serious and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at
the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1:13)
Peter calls on us to be sober-minded in view of the serious challenges
we face. The hope we have has the power
to buttress our wavering commitment.
This is called for, since we face strong pressures to abandon our
hope. Circumstances often seem contrary
to what God has promised.
What do we do?
Suck it up, trust in God and do the right thing!
There is The Power We Find, “set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you” (1:13). Our hope rests fully upon grace. Grace is God’s power to meet our need. This grace is at work in girding up our minds
with truth and serious resolve.
We need that grace due to The
Pressure We Face.
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former
ignorance.” (1:14)
Grace has made us God’s children.
As such, we bear the family image.
The challenge, though, is our old flesh—an ingrained way of thinking and
behaving that is reinforced by the pressure of the fallen world, under the
dominion of Satan. We must have grace
working in us, like the internal air pressure of a submarine that is built to
withstand the external pressure of the sea.
This leads us to The Pattern We
Follow (1:15-16)
“But as the One
who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct”
(v.15)
Grace never lowers the standards, but lifts us to reach them. It shows us the pattern and supplies the
power.
Then we note The Position We Find
(1:17-21)
“who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. “
Grace is a life of reliance on our position in Christ, not our own
performance in the flesh. We are
motivated by reverence (v.17) and by redemption (v.18-21).
A living hope in a dying world means THE SANCITITY OF OUR HOPE (1:22-25)
“By obedience
to the truth, having purified yourselves for sincere love of the brothers, love one
another earnestly from a pure heart” (1:22)
Hope has a purifying effect.
This is due to The Eternal
Ability of the Word of God to Save Us.
“since you have
been born again — not of perishable seed but of imperishable — through the living and
enduring word of God.” (1:23)
It is the power of God unto
salvation (v.25b). We can have s sure
hope because of the Promise to Us and share that hope through the Proclamation
through Us.
Then there is The Effective
Agency of the Word of God to Sanctify Us.
“By obedience
to the truth, having purified yourselves for sincere love of the brothers, love one
another earnestly from a pure heart” (1:22)
The Holy Spirit enables us to obey the Holy Scriptures, and through that
to have A Faithful Life (v.22a) and a Fervent Love (v.22b).
Then, we have The Enduring
Activity of the Word to Secure Us (1:24- 25)
Our hope is as
secure as the solid foundation of faith in God’s Truth. There is a marked contrast between The
Hopeless State of Human Activity, “For All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like a flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the
flower falls” (v.24) and The Hopeful Stability of Heaven’s
Activity, “but the word of the Lord
endures forever. And this is the word that was
preached as the gospel to you.” (v.25)
Peter reassures us of THE STABILITY OF OUR HOPE (2:1-12).
“Coming to Him,
a living stone — rejected by men but chosen and valuable to God — you yourselves, as living stones, are being built
into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (2:4-5)
A sure hope gives us solid footing for growing in the Word and going to
the war.
We have stability for Growing in
the Word (2:1-10).
“Like newborn
infants, desire the pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it for [your] salvation”
(v.2)
We have heard to said, “Where there is life, there is hope.” That’s true, but also, “Where there is life,
there is growth.” Yet, it doesn’t just
happen.
There must be The Desire for Growth (v.1-3).
“desire the pure spiritual milk” (v.2)
There are things which will hinder growth if not dealt with (v.1). As our body demands food to grow, so we must
feed on Scripture if we are to grow spiritually (v.2-3).
Then, there is The Design for Growth (v.4-10).
“you yourselves,
as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood
to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (v.5)
The imagery changes from growing as a body to growing as a
building. Jesus is the cornerstone—the
foundation—and we are the building blocks.
God is the architect and we become the priests who minister in the temple He
Our stability is about growing in the Word, but also needful for Going to the War (2:11-12).
“Dear friends,
I urge you as strangers and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you.” (v.11)
This world for the Christian is not a playground, but a
battleground. We must fight that
which hinders (v.11) and feed that which helps (v.12).
A living hope in a dying world produces THE SUBMISSION OF OUR HOPE, (2:13-20;
3:1-7)
“Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority “ (2:13)
Submission to the authorities God has established is really submission
to Him. These authorities may not always
be all they should be and we might not see all the temporal blessing we would
want, but that is where hope comes in—a certainty that God will reward in His
time and His way. We will have His
commendation.
This means Submission to the
Government (2:13-17). Government is
ordained by God (v.13). God’s design for
government is twofold: punish those who do wickedly and praise those
who do well, “or to governors as those sent
out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what
is good. (v.14).
It also involves Submission to
the Employer (2:18-20).
“Household
slaves, submit with all fear to your masters, not only to the good and gentle but also to the
cruel.” (v.18)
Though this deals with the issue of slavery, there are eternal
principles that will help the Christian know God’s expectation on the job. If these were God’s demands on a slave, how
much more responsible are we to submit to those who pay our salary!
Then there is Submission in the
Family (3:1-7)
“In the same
way, wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands…” (3:1)
There is an incredible beauty that comes from a holy woman, submitted
wholly to God.
The Beauty of Godliness: Submission (3:1-2) As a godly woman submits to the Lord it is a
thing of beauty. We have The Principle
Explained “submit yourselves to your own husbands” and The Power Exhibited “so that, even if some disobey the [Christian] message, they may be won over without a message by the way their wives live.”
The Beauty of Genuineness: Sincerity (3:3-6) This is the loveliness of a sincere faith
rather than the ugliness of hypocrisy.
Its speaks of the godly woman’s Value, “Your beauty should not consist of outward things [like]
elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothes. Instead, [it should consist of] what is inside the heart with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very valuable in God’s eyes.” (v.3-4)
Her price is far above rubies the writer of Proverbs declares.
It also conveys her Virtue, “For in the past, the holy women who put their hope in God also beautified themselves in this way,
submitting to their own husbands, just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You have become
her children when you do what is good and are not frightened by anything
alarming.” (v.5-6) It is
the quality of holiness that radiates beauty.
The Beauty of Grace: Strength (3:7). It isn’t the physical prowess, but spiritual
power that comes from grace that makes the difference.
This power is Available in Prayer “that your prayers will not be hindered”
Prayer taps into the grace of God and something happens when a woman prays!
This power is also Applied in Partnership “co-heirs of the grace of life”
There is a special bond that forms between a husband who sympathizes with and
supports his wife and a wife who submits to and supplicates with her
husband. Out of this a supernatural
blessing flows!
A living hope in a dying world sets THE STANDARD OF OUR HOPE (2:21-25)
“For you were called to this,
because Christ also suffered for you, leaving
you an example, so that you should follow in His steps.” (2:21)
Do we wish to live in hope? Christ
is the perfect pattern to follow. From
the human perspective it seemed His mission was hopeless, His vindication impossible—but
the very evil man sought to do, God turned for good.
In His standard, we see The
Suffering We Endure (2:21) The steps
of Jesus lead us to the Calvary
Road
Following His standard brings The
Silence We Exhibit (2:22-23)
“when
He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He was suffering, He did not threaten
but entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly.” (v.23)
Our response is not to be according to our old human nature, but according to our new
heavenly nature.
Christ’s standard leads to The
Sacrifice We Express.
“He Himself bore our sins
in His body on the tree, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; you have been healed by His wounds.” (2:24)
As expressed by Saint Francis of Assisi, “It is in giving that we
receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are
born to eternal life.”
Following Jesus means there will be The
Shepherd We Experience.
“For you were like sheep going
astray, but you have now returned
to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” The Good Shepherd gives His
life for the sheep. This kind of love
which is known by us, is now to be shown through us.
A living hope in a dying world reveals THE SPIRIT OF OUR HOPE (3:8-12).
“Now finally, all of you should be like-minded
and sympathetic, should love believers, and be compassionate and humble” (3:8)
If we have the right disposition, we will do the right deeds. The spirit of hope will permeate all our
being and what we are on the inside will be manifested on the outside.
There is the manifestation of A
Compassionate Love.
“love believers, and be compassionate” (v.8)
True love isn’t mere affection but action. The Spirit of Love yields the fruit of love.
There will also be A Constrained
Language.
“not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you can inherit a
blessing. For the one who wants to love life and
to see good days must keep his tongue from evil and
his lips from speaking deceit” (v.9-10).
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
There is the exhibition of A Consecrated Life
(v.11-12).
“and he must turn away from evil and do what is good”
(v.11)
Holiness from the outside is legalism and in the end
proves to be hypocrisy, but the Holy Spirit within produces holiness from the
inside, out.
There is the requirement of persistent repentance
“and he must turn away from evil and do what is good.
He must seek peace and pursue it” v.11)
This is a constant need. We must keep
short accounts with God. There is a
direct link to being at peace with God and having peace with those made in His
image.
Then comes the result of practiced righteousness
“because the eyes of the Lord are on the
righteous and His ears are open to their request. But the face of the Lord is against those who
do what is evil.” (v.12)
As the position of righteousness by faith in Christ is expressed it
becomes the practice of righteousness through faithfulness to Christ. God promises blessing when we obey. One of the best blessings is answered
prayer. But, there are also consequences
if we do not obey and that is for God to be against us! That’s not good!
A living hope cannot be killed, and so there is THE SAFETY OF OUR HOPE (3:13-22).
“And who will
harm you if you are deeply committed to what is good?”
(3:13)
Those who have placed their hope in Christ will see that hope
fulfilled. Not even death itself can rob
us of that hope. Nothing can harm the
child of God. “The body they may kill;
God’s truth abideth still; His kingdom is forever” (Martin Luther, A Mighty Fortress).
This means, we can Stand with Courage.
“And who will
harm you if you are deeply committed to what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear or be disturbed” (v.13-14)
God calls us to face our foes without fright or flight or fight. What do we do? Respond in faith! We stand our ground in the
assured hope that blessing will be ours—perhaps now, certainly in eternity.
We can Speak from Conviction.
“but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a
defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
(v.15)
Be real in your soul, “honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts”; be
ready with your speech, “Always ready to give a defense to anyone who asks
you”; be reasonable in your spirit, “a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with gentleness and respect…” (v.15-16a)
We must be prepared to Suffer for
Conviction. (v.16-17)
“For it is
better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” (v.17)
Sometimes it is God’s will for us to suffer. Just make sure that you are not suffering for
doing the wrong thing, but for standing up for the right thing!
Then, we will Succeed as Christ
(v.18-22)
“For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring you to God, after
being put to death in the fleshly realm but made alive in the spiritual realm.” (v.18)
Christ wasn’t a helpless victim but a hope-filled victor. We may experience this triumph. We overcome evil with good as He did.
This brings us to THE SURETY OF OUR HOPE (4:1-6).
“Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, equip yourselves
also with the same resolve — because the one who suffered in the flesh has
finished with sin” (v.1)
The root of hope is in the grace of God and the fruit of hope is from
the grace of God. You cannot have one
without the other. The surety of our
salvation cannot be established in our own goodness, but the surety of our
salvation is evidenced in God’s very goodness. It is as the Gospel song testifies, “What a
wonderful change in my life has been wrought, since Jesus came into my heart.”
There will be A Disposition that
is Settled (v.1). Repentance
literally is a change of mind—the Christian has changed their mind concerning
pursuing the pleasures of sin for a season and a willingness to suffer with
Christ for the eternal joys. This brings
a present victory over the world, the flesh and the devil.
There will be A Direction that is
Set.
“in order to
live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.” (v.2)
Such repentance brings a change of direction also. The reorientation of our lives is from a
direction set by fleshly impulse to one set according to the will of God.
Then we have A Dimension that is
Spent.
“For there has
already been enough time spent in doing what the pagans choose to do: carrying
on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry.” (v.3)
The former things have passed away.
The currency of our time was once spent for wicked pleasures and now it
will be exchanged for eternal pursuits.
Furthermore, there is A
Difference that is Seen.
“So they are
surprised that you don’t plunge with them into the same flood of wild living — and they slander you.” (v.4)
The world will hate us Jesus said, for we are not of this world as He
was not. It is worse to simply blend
in. Better to be scorned than ignored.
Also, we read of A Determination
that is Sure.
“They will give an account
to the One who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.” (v.5)
It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment. It is inescapable. We must prepare to meet
God. Either the account is settled when
we die because the Eternal Son paid it, or we will be settling up for all
eternity for it is a debt we cannot pay.
The problem we have isn’t just the sins we commit or we might eventually
pay for them, I suppose. The problem is
the sinner we are—and without the new birth we can never become anything
different.
But, there is hope in A
Deliverance that is Secured.
“For this
reason the gospel was also preached to ⌊those who are now⌋ dead, so that, although they might be judged by men in
the fleshly realm, they might live by God in the spiritual realm.” (v.6)
The Gospel has the power to deliver dead men—dead in trespasses and sins
into the resurrection life in Christ!
Hope is a living thing and so there is THE SERVICE OF OUR HOPE (4:7-11).
“Based on the
gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good
managers of the varied grace of God.” (4:10)
If we only have hope in this life, we will love things and use people,
but if we have a hope beyond this world, we will love people and use
things. Rather than a “serve us”
mentality, the believer will have a “service” mindset.
Peter writes about The
Intercession in Ministry to Others.
“Now the end of
all things is near; therefore, be serious and disciplined for prayer.” (v.7) This is serious-minded prayer.
Prayer doesn’t just fit us for the work—it is the work! There are many things we can do after we
pray, but nothing until we pray.
Sometimes if we pray, that is all that is needed. When I work, I can do what my hands can do,
but when I pray, God will do what His hands can do!
Peter also speaks to The
Indication of Ministry to Others.
“Above all,
maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of
sins.” (v.8) This is sincere-hearted
passion.
The chief indicator of our Christian faith is love, “by this shall all
men know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” That’s what Jesus said.
Then we observe The Invitation
through Ministry to Others.
“Be hospitable to one another without complaining.” (v.9) This is sacrificial-spirited practice.
An open heart leads to an open home.
A gracious welcome and not a grudging one is what God seeks.
We go on to read of The
Integration of Ministry to Others.
“Based on the
gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.” (v.10) This is service-oriented partnership.
We all have gifts, but no one has all the gifts. There must be an integration of the various
gifts to fully accomplish what God wants us to do.
There is more—The Impartation for
Ministry to Others.
“If anyone speaks, [it should be] as one who
speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, [it should be] from the strength God
provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ
in everything. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” (v.11) This is supernaturally-directed power.
The words we declare have no authority unless they are words inspired of
God and then they have power. The works
we do have no ability unless they are works empowered by God.
The world may be dying, but hope is alive, and this yields THE SERENITY
OF OUR HOPE (4:12-19).
“If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (v.14)
We can have peace in the midst of life’s storms for the steadfast anchor
of hope holds firm. In many ways the
story of the three Hebrew children in Daniel illustrates this text.
There is The Fire We Encounter.
“Dear friends,
don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something
unusual were happening to you.” (v.12)
Being a child of God doesn’t exempt us from fiery trials. In fact it assures us of them. The 3 Hebrew lads were faithful to God but
cast into the fire.
But, there is also The Fellowship
We Enjoy.
“Instead,
rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah, so that you may also rejoice with great joy at
the revelation of His glory.” (v.13)
As Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego experienced, that fourth Man is in the
fire with us! We will never be closer to
Jesus in this world, than when we are suffering for His cause.
Think about The Favor We
Experience (v.14-15).
“If you are
ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (v.14) A special blessing comes to us. There is a freedom, power and deliverance we
may know—and will never experience otherwise.
Certainly that was true of those Hebrew lads.
Consider The Fearlessness We
Express (v.16-19).
“So those who
suffer according to God’s will should, while doing what is good, entrust
themselves to a faithful Creator.” (v.19)
This is an opportunity for a powerful testimony that glorifies God. That was the result of the three Hebrews’
faith.
We need not fear earthy loss (v.16)
There is great freedom in not worrying about losing anything. All Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego lost were
the things that bound them!
We need not fear eternal loss (v.17-19).
The fires on earth merely purify us for eternity. The child of God never has to fear the fires
of Hell.
Thank God for THE SOLIDITY OF OUR HOPE (5:1-7).
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper
time” (5:6).
God gives us some pillars in the church—spiritual leaders to help
solidify our hope.
As one of those leaders, who once was unstable, Peter shares A Word to the Shepherds: Accountability
(5:1-4)
“Therefore, as
a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of the Messiah and also a
participant in the glory about to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you” (v.1)
He lists The Requirements (v.1-3).
There must be the proper conviction (v.1) of the call we have
received. There must be the proper direction
(v.2a) of the work we are assigned—summarized as a call to lead, feed and bleed
for the flock. “Shepherd God’s flock…overseeing…”.
There must be a proper motivation (v.2b) for the ministry we are
given. “freely…eagerly…”.
There must be a proper demonstration (v.3) of the truth we are teaching. “examples”
Faithfully discharging our duty brings The Reward.
“And when the
chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (v.4)
There is not only a word to the shepherds about accountability, there is
A Word to the Sheep: Responsibility.
“In the same way, you younger
men, be subject to the elders. And all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but
gives grace to the humble.”
(v.5)
This means Submission in Our Labors “In the same way”—the laity
have duties as well as the clergy. All
of us are ministers.
It also means Submission to Our Leaders “be subject to the
elders.” (v.5a)
Also, there is to be Submission to other Laity “And all
of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another,
because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (v.5b)
None of us know it all; none of us can do it all. Such a spirit opens the way for the grace of
God to flow into us and through us.
Finally, Peter has A Word to all
Saints: Humility (v.6-7) “Humble yourselves”
Give up your ambition to gain promotion “Humble yourselves,
therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so
that He may exalt you at the proper time (v.6).
Give up your anxiety to gain peace “casting
all your care on Him, because He cares about you.” (v.7)
Peter concludes His message of a living hope in a dying world by
promoting THE SUFFICIENCY OF OUR HOPE (5:8-14).
“Now the God of
all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you
after you have suffered a little” (5:10)
Whatever challenges we face in the future, hope means that we have
sufficient resources to carry us through.
Realistically, there is The Foe
we will strive against. “Your adversary the Devil” (v.8-9). Satan is real and this is serious warfare.
This is a call to Stay on your guard “Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary
the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking
for anyone he can devour.” (v.8) We are called to be watchmen.
This is the charge to Stand on your ground “Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same
sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.”
(v.9) We are called to be warriors.
There is The Future we will
seek after, “eternal glory” (v.10-11).
Victory is assured!
This is God’s Plan for us, “Now the God of all grace, who called you to His
eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you
after you have suffered a little” (v.10)
As the old hymn says, “Oh that will be glory for me!”
It is God’s Purpose in us, “The dominion belongs to Him forever. Amen.” (v.11). We will glorify
Him eternally.
Then there are The Friends we
will serve with, “one another.” (v.12-14)
Our buddies are in the foxhole with us!
Do you know that someone’s “got your back”?
Their Faithfulness to Encourage Us “I have written you this brief letter through
Silvanus (I know him to be a faithful brother) to
encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Take your
stand in it!” (v.12) We
all need the fuel of encouragement.
Their Fruitfulness to Elevate Us “[The church]
in Babylon
We have a living hope in a dying world.
As the darkness of death deepens about us, we look to the brighter day
beyond us. Nothing can destroy that
blessed hope!
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