September 24, 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nobody likes to suffer, yet the witness of the Scriptures is uniform in declaring that suffering is one of God\u2019s greatest tools of transformation in the lives of His people. In his letters to the scattered church throughout Asia Minor, Peter addresses this issue and provides encouragement for believers who were under attack through persecution, oppression, and even direct attack by the enemy through false teachers. In the midst of their suffering, Peter reminds them to keep their eyes fixed on their eternal reward: Christ Jesus Himself! As we spend time over the next eight days reading the epistles of Peter, let\u2019s make it out goal to fix our eyes on Jesus and to maintain joy in Him even through the most difficult trials and suffering!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peter opens his second chapter by reminding his audience of the identity they have received in Christ. Unlike the unbelieving world, we have been made \u201ca chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God\u2019s special possession\u201d (v.9a). God has done this work of grace in us for a very specific purpose: \u201c\u2026that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light\u201d (v.9b)! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Out of this identity and this purpose, Peter calls his audience to live their lives in such a way that it gets the attention of the unbelieving world around them! Far from giving into the sinful desires which wage war on our souls, we are to conduct ourselves so as to draw people to God through our lives, that they may see the way we live and glorify God! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a call to radically different living in the midst of a pagan society, even to the point of suffering for living this way. To that end, Peter draws our attention to Jesus Himself as the perfect example! As we seek to lead lives of holiness and light, let\u2019s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who has already gone before us and done it perfectly on our behalf!<\/p>\n\n\n\n