[:en]SCRIPTURE: 1 PETER 1
“Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16)
“For all men are like grass and all their glory is like the flower of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord stands forever” (1 Peter 1:25)
Peter was one of the 12 disciples who betrayed Jesus when He was arrested. But Peter repented and was reinstated by Jesus. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He met Peter and asked him “Do you love me?” three times and He instructed Peter to “Feed my lambs, take care of my sheep and feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). Now Peter was fulfilling his commitment by wirting these letters.
The first letter focuses on the GRACE of God. He reminded them that God’s grace saves them. He wanted to testify that God’s grace is sufficient for them to live as aliens in a hostile world with the hope to live holy lives.
Peter identified himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ and his readers as God’s elect, strangers in the world scattered through Pontius, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. They have been chosen by the Father, sanctified through the work of the Holy Spirit and cleansed by the blood of Christ.
EXHORTATIONS OF PETER:
- Be Hopeful – Christ is our hope because believers are expecting Him to return. This hope is a living and lasting hope reserved in heaven. But while awaiting His return, a believer must go through trials and sufferings. The trial of our faith is like the testing of gold which is refined by fire. If our faith proved genuine, it will result in praise, glory and honor.
- Be Holy – Being holy does not mean sinless perfection because it is impossible for us to do so. It means set apart and separated unto God. Why should we live holy lives? Because we are purchased by the precious blood of Christ, so we should obey His command. And His command is for us not to conform to the evil desires but to be self-controlled. We should show our gratitude by surrendering our all to Him so that we will be like Him.
- Be Loving – Love one another deeply and sincerely from the heart. Not only do we show brotherly love, but divine love. Unsaved people can also show brotherly love but only a Christian who is controlled by the Spirit can show divine (agape) love. This agape love is the kind of love that the Lord loves us. Peter mentioned about “seed” which means the “Word” of God that needs to be planted in our hearts in order for us to live harmoniously with fellow Christians. He emphasized that the Word of God stands forever.
LESSON:
May the grace of God motivate us to live with hope for the future, and to live in holiness at the present. May we show both brotherly love and divine love to fellowmen. May His Word guide us to become holy in anticipation of His second coming and judgment. Let us remember that our life is short and soon it will be past, but only God’s word stands forever.
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