book of 1 Peter Archives - God Cherishes You

The Apostle Peter’s Love Applications

We have been studying the book of 1 Peter. The first half, (see Standing Steadfast in the Face of Your Trials), the apostle was writing primarily to the Jewish Christians in the diaspora, encouraging them to stand strong in the face of Roman persecution, because of their beliefs. He also urged his audience to love their persecutors, to show them Christ’s example, and to speak of His promises.

Now, in the second half of his epistle, Peter reveals God’s instructions for living out our divinely stirred-up love, regardless of the circumstances in the world. He begins to illuminate the love that we must exhibit, in a matrimonial framework:

…you wives, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate, not as inferior, but out of respect for the responsibilities entrusted to husbands and their accountability to God, and so partnering with them] so that even if some do not obey the word [of God], they may be won over [to Christ] without discussion by the godly lives of their wives, when they see your modest and respectful behavior [together with your devotion and appreciation – love your husband, encourage him,, and enjoy him as a blessing from God]. 1 Pt. 3:1, 2. AMP

Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentile and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 1 Pt. 3:3, 4. NLT

Jehovah created the institution of marriage to be the highest form of relationship between a man and a woman.

Yet, ever since the fall of Adam and Eve, men and women have suffered from the foibles of their souls and flesh, which all too often forget or ignore their ‘spiritual programming.’ When they do so and dip their feet back into the fetid waters of the immoral ways of the world, contentions arise.

Nevertheless, God is never One to leave us to suffer, without a way out. So, in the aforementioned Scripture, the Holy Spirit gives us instructions, through Peter, for helping us revive our marriage – by bringing love back to the suffering relationship, when it goes awry.

The apostle is telling us that there is a distinct hierarchy within marriage regarding certain areas of influence. Wives are not being called to submit to their husbands because they are any less worthy in the eyes of God. This submission arises with regards spiritual matters because Jehovah puts the responsibility upon the husband, to be the spiritual leader.

Our Creator also depends upon the wives, to bring unbelieving husbands into His fold, by being such an example of Christ’s love, that he will be drawn into the faith by the love and beauty of her transformed heart. Thus, the wife’s spiritual role in matrimony is every bit as vital as is her husband’s.

In addition, the onus of bringing love into the matrimonial relationship does not just fall upon the wife:

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. 1 Pt. 3:7 NLT

Husbands, you are to love your wives, showing them equal honor, realizing that a godly marriage is essential to your relationship to Jehovah.

Bigger still, both husband and wife, (as well as all followers of Christ), must also bring their love to the bigger family of humankind:

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 1 Pt. 3:8, 9. NLT

We love, no matter what, because God always looks out for us. So, we do not hesitate to tell everyone why we love:

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks you about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear.

Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 1 Pt. 3:13 – 16. NLT

Ultimately, we demonstrate our greatest love when we do things that please Jehovah, (and here, Peter is returning to why we should love in the face of suffering, as he did in the first part of this epistle):

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 1 Pt. 4:1, 2. NLT

The apostle adds, that loving in the face of suffering brings us Jehovah’s blessings, and it maintains our readiness to receive Christ, upon His return to gather His saints:

The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them to serve one another. 1 Pt. 4:7 – 10. NLT

…don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad – for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to the world.

If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 1 Pt. 4:12 – 14. NLT

So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what it right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Pt. 4:19 NLT

Love no matter what. Jehovah glorifies you when you suffer for Him, and He repays you with His own eternal love. Moreover, you can even lean on His love in present time, (especially when you are under attack):

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and care to God, for he cares for you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Pt. 5:6-8 NLT

Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 1 Pt. 5:9, 10. NLT

We all suffer waves of resistance from Satan, because of our walk with Christ. The devil doesn’t want anyone to rest in the loving arms of God. We understand that our earthly sufferings are put upon us from the futile puffs of breath, by that angelic outcast, who doesn’t want to suffer alone.

We love no matter what. Our Savior will separate the wheat from the chaff, the sheep from the goats, and He’s taking us home.

Faith overcomes, and love always wins…

Goodnight and God bless.

Standing Steadfast in the Face of Your Trials

Let’s bring ourselves up to date historically. Recall that in 44 A.D., the Jewish king Herod Agrippa, ordered the execution of the apostle James, (brother of the apostle John). In 62 A. D., Ananus, the high priest of the Sadducees, gave the order for the killing of the other apostle James (brother of Jesus).

According to church tradition, the apostle Peter was put to death by the Roman emperor Nero in 67 or 68, whose persecutions began in 64. And so, the approximate date of Peter’s first epistle is thought to have been written at Rome, in 65 A.D.

Peter addressed his letter, (now known as 1 Peter), to both Jews and Gentiles dispersed throughout the region of modern-day Turkey, who, were experiencing intense persecution by the Roman forces. The purpose of his letter was to encourage his audience to stand fast in the face of their trials, in faith, and to emulate Christ and marinate in His grace.

The apostle begins with a blessing:

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by His great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance – an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 1 Pt. 1:3 -5 NLT

Jehovah is the Father of the divine nature of Jesus and the God of the human essence that Christ took upon Himself. And it was that humanness that proved to be the vehicle for His death – for purchasing our salvation.

The resurrection of Christ resulted in His transformation, from His incarnate self, into the God-Man, according to our best finite understanding and description of a Divine realization. Jesus is now the exact Spiritual essence of Jehovah, clothed with a transcendent, transformed, glorified body – a supernatural example, similar to what will clothe our spirits, just prior to our entrance to eternal life.

Until then, when at first, we bring our faith, we are instantly divinely altered – covered with Christ’s righteousness, which renders an incorruptibility of our souls, allowing us to remain in God’s presence. This renovation is called being ‘born again.’ It is a spiritual change that guarantees our arrival to our eternal destination, and helps us overcome whatever appears against us on earth.

So be truly glad. There is a wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold.

So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Pt. 1:6, 7. NLT

You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Pt. 1:8, 9. NLT

Peter is exhorting Christ’s followers, showing them that regardless of what life throws at them, they should respond with joy – knowing that God is building their faith in Christ. When they do that, it brings a positive increase to their heavenly account – glorifying them for their endurance.

Jehovah never said life would be easy. However, through Jesus, He fills you with His boundless love and joy, and builds a hedge surrounding you, of His mercy and protection – empowering you to transcend your trials as, you complete your earthly journey.

It is your faith in those very promises of God, that form the bedrock of your joy. Faith reminds you that you shall come face to face with your Savior and walk hand in hand with Him into eternity.

So, how do we keep our faith focused upon Jehovah’s promises?

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.

So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 1 Pt. 1:13 – 15. NLT

And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So, you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” 1 Pt. 1:17 NLT

For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid in mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.

Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. 1 Pt. 1:18 – 22. NLT

Thus, our focus is trained upon the magnanimity of Jehovah’s gift of salvation, through Christ, that no one can take away. We honor God with our obedience – displaying our gratitude for His ultimate blessing, and for the willingness of Jesus to step up and be that.

With all that grateful love flowing out of us, we should then see dramatic changes in who we are being:

You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 1 Pt. 1:22, 23. NLT

Ultimately and always, when it comes to the Father and the Son, it’s all about the love. And They expect to see that reflected in us:

So, get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. 1 Pt. 2:1, 2. NLT

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.

And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 1 Pt. 2:4, 5. NLT

As we continue to marinate in the word of God, holding tightly to His Son, we become more like Jesus – as ambassadors of love:

…for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

“Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy. 1 Pt. 2:9, 10. (See also Hos. 1:6, 9; & 2:23.)

Peter is primarily addressing the Jews, being returned to the fold of their Creator, via the New Covenant church. (Note: some biblical translators take this to mean that there is a new ‘church,’ representative of a new spiritual Israel, transcending both geography and genealogy. However, the apostle’s primary audience was the Jews).

Nevertheless, we, Jews, and Gentiles alike, are to set ourselves up as behavioral examples of faith, to attract others to our church:

…I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 1 Pt. 2:11, 12. NLT

The children of God are just passing through this earthly experience – exiled because we stand in opposition to the ways of the world, which in turn, brings the Holy Spirit’s conviction upon its head.

Jehovah is telling us to render behavior so obviously godly, that it will falsify our distractor’s criticisms.

Furthermore, even though the world will vilify believers, God calls His children to rise above the world’s hostility, and coexist peacefully with it:

For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority – whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.

It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom to do evil. Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God and respect the king. 1 Pt. 2:13 – 17. NLT

Always remember the exception, however. If governing bodies / persons declare that we should act in a manner that goes against the word of God, we shall not submit to that declaration (see Acts 5:29).

Okay, God has made everything crystal clear that He would have us do / behave / think so far. But why should that motivate us to love in the face of suffering?

For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you will patiently endure unjust treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing something wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 1 Pt. 2:19 – 21. NLT

He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 1 Pt. 2:22 – 24. NLT (See also Is. 52:13 – 53:12; & Rm. 6:1 – 14.)

The ‘why’ we can love in the face of suffering, stems from our loving gratitude that acknowledges what Christ submitted Himself to, so that we may be healed from our self-inflicted ‘sin wounds’.

He made the ultimate sacrifice – laying down His life to ensure our righteousness before Jehovah. We are called to make our best effort to emulate Christ, so that we too, can face unrighteousness with resolve, yet doing so, with a loving example that will encourage others to make that same commitment.

We can empathize with other sinners, because of similar behaviors that we engaged in, when we were part of the world and its ways:

Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1 Pt. 2:25 NLT

We received the blessings of unconditional love; our job is to pass them on…