CHRIST THE CENTRE OF THE BIBLE. 1 & 2 Peter.
PETER - Christ`s Life within Endures Suffering & is our Strength.
Peter wrote his epistles to the believing Jews who were scattered beyond Israel. They were undergoing many persecutions and thus Peter desired to help them live a godly life among evil men.
`...though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.` (1 Peter 1: 6 & 7)
Peter then gives good advice on how we ought to live, even amid persecution. He then points the believers away from the trials to the future glory which awaited them, and the example of Christ and the reward which would follow.
`...but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ`s sufferings, that when his glory is revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy.` (1 Peter 4: 13)
In these writings, which are later in Peter`s life, we see that the Holy Spirit has worked in him, developing patience, with a restful and loving spirit.
Peter reveals how we can work with the Holy Spirit to develop this Christ-like nature.
`...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue,..... knowledge, ....self control,....... perseverance, ......godliness,.....brotherly kindness, ....love. For if these things are yours, and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.` (2 Peter 1: 5 - 8)
In Peter`s second letter, he is concerned about the danger amongst the believers themselves.
`But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.` (2 Peter 2: 1)
Peter then warns them and encourages the believers to stand up for the truth.
`For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of His majesty.....We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed ..`(2 Peter 1: 16 & 19)
Finally the elderly Peter points to the Lord Himself, as the believers focus.
`..grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. ` (2 Peter 3: 18)
- 1
5 Comments
Recommended Comments