1 Peter 1:1-12
Thursday, 29 August 2024
“ you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” -1 Peter 1:8-9
As the first epistle of Peter was written to the persecuted Christians in Asia Minor to encourage them in the face of their sufferings, it’s not surprising to see Apostle Peter address God’s chosen people, as aliens (foreigners)to remind them that the world was not their home.
What do these words bring to mnd? .
Both these words speak about one who lives in a place without the right of citizenship. A believer in Christ is a stranger in this world and will be considered an alien, odd, by the world because he holds a value system which is very different from that of the world. Most people are uncomfortable around strangers because of the difference in their looks, language, customs, beliefs, etc. We too many a time make others uncomfortable because of our faith. That is why we read in the faith chapter in Hebrews 11 a statement about Abraham, the Father of Faith,” he looked for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10).
What does this mean to us Christians in the 21st century? Anything different? No! The call for each of us is to emulate him by focusing our lives on the true goal/ purpose of life- salvation of our souls – so that we would be ready for that home that is being prepared for us in heaven. Let not the world dictate, distract or divert our attention to the fleshly needs of position, power, fame, riches or acceptance by men.
Now God in His mercy has begun His work in our lives as written in verse 2:
· God the Father chose us in His foreknowledge
· Jesus our Saviour cleansed us with His blood
· the Holy Spirit is working His sanctification in us
It is God’s desire to see that none perish and hence he has pursued us and brought us into His fold. But our souls are still not completely transformed. Since the “soul,” is that part of man that knows, reasons, wills, desires, and feels, God’s work does not stop with the first step. The ‘I’ – the longing for every man to be “lord” of his own life continues, so it is only through the daily sanctification of the soul can one dethrone himself/herself and enthrone God as Lord of his life.
What are some things to remember that can help this process happen in our lives? Let’s constantly remind ourselves that:
· Vs.5 – we need to rely on God’s power to keep us from sin and to receive our salvation when He appears.
· Vs.6&7 – trials and grief prove one’s faith that will ultimately result in praise and glory to Jesus.
· Vs.8&9 - just as Moses had his eye on the Invisible One, and kept right on going (Heb.11:27), we too must continue our walk by faith and not by sight until we see Jesus face to face .
What a Great God we have! The Lord has not only started something new in us, He is also preparing a future for us with Him in heaven (v. 3). Hallelujah! So, may we continue to love, trust and keep on believing in Him till that day we receive our total salvation!
Promise: “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil.1: 6)
Listen: 'The Lord is my salvation'
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