B11-devotions

1 Peter 1:17-21

Devotions for Wednesday 2nd July

Yesterday, we read Peter’s preparatory advice for Christians starting out on the journey of faith, and in this passage today, he continues in a similar way to set out some of the basic truths which are essential to the Christian faith. Peter was not inventing a set of beliefs, but clarifying and crystallising the apostolic faith for all who would take his advice and live in the light of Christ. Alongside this passage, many of the letters of Paul also explain the Christian faith as he preached it, and some say they prefer what Paul says whilst others prefer the explanations found in Hebrews or in the letters of James or John. However, the remarkable things is that we can place what all these New Testament writers say side by side, and find that they witness to the same fundamental truths, and we should always look out for these in order to ensure that we are reading a text in a manner which is consistent with God’s Word.

After the death and resurrection of Jesus, it took some time for the truths of the Gospel to be thought through, prayed about, discussed and written down under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Peter’s letter was written towards the end of the first century and therefore reflects some of the most mature and concise spiritual thought within the New Testament. He had probably read some of Paul’s letters, and perhaps other writings which have come into the New Testament, and he was, of course, the same man who had been with Jesus from the beginning, as all the Gospels testify. His summary is surely of great importance.

To begin with Peter said that our faith should lead us to live in a different way to others because of our higher allegiance (1:17). He went on to speak of the materialism from which we have been saved (1:18), echoing words of Jesus and also the prophets of the Old Testament (we will study this later on). Then, he spoke about the sacrificial work of Christ which is at the heart of the Gospel of salvation (1:19), not as a religious sign or symbol but as a truth which people experience. Peter was, of course, speaking about Jesus as a man he knew personally, and he described him as chosen before the dawn of creation (1:20) to be God’s means of salvation for humanity, a conclusion he had come to whilst Jesus was alive (Matt 16:16f.). When Peter described how Jesus’ death and resurrection broke the barriers between earth and heaven and brought restoration between people and God (1:21), he was speaking from the deepest of personal experiences (see John 21:15-19).

It should perhaps be said that many people feel that the Christian faith is what they call a ‘broad church’ of different beliefs about God and Jesus, covering a wide range of theological opinions about the Bible, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the church, salvation, creation and all aspects of Christian life. Indeed, some denominations and church organisations, whether old or new, pride themselves on holding this ‘broad’ position. Personally, whilst I believe it is right for God’s people to be open and accepting of all manner of people, I do not entirely understand why it is that today, those who hold firmly to what our reading says might be described as having ‘one way’ of understanding Christian faith amongst others. Peter’s letter would not be in the Bible if it did not witness to a truth that is consistent with scripture about the saving work of God through Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, our task is to transcend the natural divisions of humanity and take hold of the unity we have in Christ, and live to testify to One God, One Saviour, One Faith and One Lord.

Much of our precious Gospel is summarised here in this passage from 1 Peter, and should be read and received as such.

17 Since you address as ‘Father’, the One who impartially judges according to the work of each person, then conduct yourselves with reverence while you live here as amongst strangers. 18 For you know well that you were not redeemed from the futile life you inherited with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without fault or flaw, 20 who was chosen before the creation of the world, and revealed amongst you in these last times. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and gave Him glory so that your faith and hope are in God.

To read more about this passage of scripture: go to the Bible study page

To read the questions and discipleship challenges for this text: go to the discipleship page

Lord God Almighty; we give You our heartfelt praise knowing that what we do makes no sense to those who have not known the joy of salvation and the freedom of divine forgiveness. May we both honour You and also seek to show all people the glory of the Creator of the World. Lord God Almighty, we praise You; AMEN

Praise is the outpouring of love from a heart;

We reserve our highest for Jesus!

Honour is a flow of respect we give a greater power;

We give our tribute to Jesus!

Glory is the dawning of spiritual magnificence;

We see it supremely in Jesus!

Power is untouchable and unstoppable energy;

We are blown by the Spirit, because of Jesus!

Awe is breathtaking, heart stopping wonder;

We are blown away by Jesus!

Worship of God is the highest privilege of humanity;

We have this great freedom in Christ!

Weekly Theme: Missions

Pray for pastors who have to spend time with people in society who want to be married in church or have children baptised. Pray that they use these opportunities for the Gospel.

On-going prayers

Pray for all who suffer bullying or stress in the workplace
Pray for the African Union meeting in Cairo, and for Zimbabwe
Give thanks for food and drink

Going Deeper: (what you will find on the Bible study page)

In looking at this passage we will travel through it verse by verse exploring the words used and the way that they key into other Biblical texts. This passage brings some parts of the Gospel to life, and it reminds us of some important truths.

For the full Bible study, click link above,

or for a brief review, scroll page down.