29 April 2017

Stone 49 - 1 Peter and 2 Peter

In this post we will take a quick look at two letters from Peter.


1 Peter
Peter reminds the reader that they a part of something huge - a living hope and an inheritance that is imperishable (1Pet 1:3). We are encouraged to hang on to this future hope despite the persecution that we might suffer.

In addition we are called to live holy lives (1Pet 1:14-15).
We are called to run from our worldly ways (1Pet 2:1, 2:11, 4:2) and to submit ourselves to authority (1Pet 2:13).

**I think it is worth noting that we are not to submit with blind ignorance nor are we to engage in activities perhaps mandated by human law which would violate God's Law.

In essence, we are to be good examples living in the world for others to follow. Of course, what I find interesting is the fact that a good example by God's standard would be thought of as a bad example by a non-believer. That should not dissuade us though. (1Pet 2:19)

So we are called to submit to government (2:13-14), slaves to their masters (2:18), and wives to their husbands (3:1).

**Before we get all up in arms over this - submission does not mean inequality nor does it hint at lesser worth. God ordained the institution of marriage but not slavery - Humans came up with that one. God's word addresses the issue but does not endorse it.

1 Peter 3:15 tells us to always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is in us. This is a favorite verse of mine.

We are to model God's grace and love (1Pet 4:10). So much easier said than done, right? If I could but muster what I consider a fraction of that...

2 Peter
Peter writes that we should make every effort to supplement our faith with goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2Pet 1:5-7).

Peter states that they were eyewitnesses to the declaration from God that Jesus was his beloved Son (2Pet 1:16-17). He also makes clear that prophecy does not come from man but from God (2Pet 1:21).

We must be wary, however, since there are false teachers among us who will distort the truth (2Pet 2:1, 3:16-17).

Continually pray, my friends, that God will reveal to you the false teachings. That you would be aware and not tricked by them. May he open our eyes to the truth and thereby protect us from the lies of this world.

Please enjoy the videos about 1 and 2 Peter from our friends at the Bible Project.



 I really like the statement about love at 1:28-1:35 in the video of 2 Peter.

Love is... "devoting oneself to the well-being of others, no matter their response or the cost."

Here is my reminder of how I think we get there. Not easy. Still working on it.



Until next time,