1 Peter

Living As Foreigners

Note: This covers Wednesday and Thursday's readings.

Peter's first epistle is an exhortation to the believers to continue in their life of holiness.  We have been born again by the Word of God (1:23) to be examples of salvation to the world.  As we grow deeper in our Christian experience we become more alienated from the world, living as foreigners in this world.

Peter reiterates what Paul (see Eph 5) taught stating that believers in Christ respect authority, including human authority, as an example of an honorable life (2:15). He instructs slaves to obey their masters, wives are to obey their husbands, and husbands are to respect their wives. Christian should be of one mind loving their brothers and sisters and keeping a humble attitude (chapter 2-3).

All of this will bring on persecution and suffering (4:1) but our attitude should remain strong and joyful that we are found worthy to suffer for His name's sake.  Peter concludes this epistle with advice for elders in caring for their church. They are to willingly serve the people and not rule but lead by example.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.