Today’s reading is 1 Peter 1.
Peter has made it obvious and clear. We are not alone. We are elect through the work of Father, Son, and Spirit. The blood of Christ saves us. The power of the Holy Spirit strengthens us. This has all been in God’s mind and plan from the very beginning.
Some get wrapped up in all this theological glory and miss a very practical point. We must obey God. God won’t obey for us, nor force us to obey. In fact, God’s purifying work happens through our obedience. Obviously, the point is not we will only be saved in the end if we live perfectly from here on out. But neither can we flit about following the passions of our flesh and expect to have the salvation revealed along with Jesus in the end.
Peter takes this a step further. The purification that comes through obedience has a goal: sincere brotherly love. Therefore, in our obedience, we are to “love one another earnestly from a pure heart.” Peter will describe this in more detail in the next chapter.
For now, let us recognize the seed from which we are born again is the imperishable, living, and abiding word of God. God’s word remains forever. Therefore, we who are anchored in God’s word refuse to abandon God’s word when it gets difficult or when others get in the way. We hang on to His word, faithfully following it, loving one another according to it.
And, keep in mind Peter’s final statement in this chapter. “This word is the good news that was preached to you.” That is, the good news of mercy, grace, forgiveness in Christ and sanctification, support, and strength in the Holy Spirit. Which is exactly how we are to treat others, the way Jesus Christ has treated us.
We aren’t born again and purified just to hoard God’s grace for ourselves, but to pass it on to others in brotherly love.
How are you doing at that?
Next week’s reading is 1 Peter 2.
PODCAST!!!
PATHS:
Discuss Today’s Meditation with Your Family
What do you want to share with others from 1 Peter 1?
Read the Bible 