2 Peter 1:1-4

"Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

~ 2 Peter 1:1-4

Peter is writing another letter to the Christian Church.

Something that struck me immediately while reading this was "precious faith" at the beginning of his letter.  Faith is something that is always talked about in church and by our religious leaders.  It is something mentioned by family and friends.  It is assumed that if you have faith, you are saved.  That you just have to believe, and indeed that is true.

However here, it is not just something you choose to have and can have in abundance or scarcity according to your own choice.  It is more than that.  It is something that is precious.  Something precious and something that we can choose to have because our God is a just and good God.  If it wasn't for our Savior, that faith couldn't even exist.

This brings me to an insight.  We can do nothing ourselves for even something like faith comes from God.

Something else that struck me was that grace and peace are also from God.  We can have it and gain more of it by knowing our God.  Everything that involves life comes from Him.  That means being born happens because of him.  Our hearts beating happens because of Him.  Our ability to breath comes from Him.  Our ability to think, create, and even love comes from God.  If you want to be a good person, then God is the one that makes that happen.  You can't do it on your own.

In return, He asks us to be a part of His glory and to live as good people who are virtuous.  He won't make us do so alone.  God knows the hardships that follow His people because of the Evil One.  God gave us a lot of promises to reassure us.  We can claim them at any time we need to, want to, or remember to.  Those promises are what allows us to have the ability to be the good humans God wants us to be.  That allows us to live healthy lives physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.  Something that is impossible without God's help and is something that the Evil One strives to make us fail in.

1 Peter 5:12-14

"By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is true grace of God in which you stand.

She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son.

Greet one another with a kiss of love.  Peace to you all who are in Christ.  Amen."

This is the end of the letter called 1 Peter.

Silvanus was a Christian scribe that did the actual writing for Peter.  Someone that they all know who lives in Babylon (the Christian word for a bad place, so most likely Rome) sent her greetings.  And then of course Mark who is either actually Peter's son or like a son to him.

Peter wants them to understand and know that they are standing in a full pool of God's grace.  That even when they mess up, God's got their backs so to keep trying their best.  That their experiences tell this.

So love each other... which means no hating.  There should be peace... and that farewell is standard in the Christian circles of those times.  I think that it would be quite nice if after church, we were told this by the pastor or elder in charge.  "Peace to you all who are in Christ."

1 Peter 5: 5-11

This is for the younger people, the youth and young adults.  I'm assuming that means me as well.

"Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.  Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed in humility, for

God resist the proud,

But gives grace to the humble.

Therefore humble under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walkabout like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.  Amen."

My thoughts on these verses:

I know that one of the hardest things to do as a youth is to do as I am told.  Just being commanded to do something always made me want to do the opposite.  Yet it was when I was obedient that life was good and that those above me praised my actions and attitude.  God knows what will make us happy, so these are important words for us.  

God wants us to be humble.  The proud tend to think only of themselves and since God is a God of unselfishness, this trait is not something that we can carry and still be close to Him.  By allowing God and the older folks to guide us, we are allowing God to take control of our lives.  He will give you the recognition you want in time.  So give Him your worries and thoughts, and in His Love for us, He will take care of it.  He loves you.

We have a common enemy.  Why fight each other or those in charge of us when we have a common enemy that would attempt to take our lives?  Though it seems sometimes like the way we choose is harder, by choosing God's side and the way He wants us to live, we are successfully escaping another snare and trap set for us by the devil.  God gladly helps us avoid those traps and to escape the snares if we mess up.  Life is easier with God.

Though following God and saying no to the hobbies and favorite things in our life that stand between us and God is hard.  Though following God and dealing with people who rather we didn't live according to His guidance is hard.  Be true to the Savior as He gave His Life for you so that you may live.  You owe Him everything.  The suffering you experience is not something only you experience, but is also dealt with by other Christians as well.

Our God that we serve is the God of grace.  He has everything that is elegant, refined, and gives honor to whoever it pleases Him.  He called us to be a part in being with Him where there is the highest honor that you can have.  His.  Yes we must endure the unpleasant things in life here now, but over time we will become more like Jesus and be established firmly in our faith in Him.  As we grow stronger under His guidance, we will settle into the life that He has for us that is perfect for us.  

God is so amazing like that.  He thinks of everything and knows the best way to get through life.  He lives and rules all forever, so give Him the worship you can with every bit of yourself without music or other things getting between Him and you.  

Between His love for you and you.

1 Peter 5:1-4

This is a message to the elders and those who lead the groups of Christians.

"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." 

Those who are elders, the ones who have responsibilities within the Church, are asked to do several things.  All that is asked is asked by another elder like you who had been through the roughest times and seen the worst of humanity.  He is a follower of Christ and has this advice for you.

Take care of and guide those that are around you.  Don't do it because you must or it is your duty, but instead with a willing and eager heart.  I believe the proper would here is "volunteer."  Be careful when you are caring for and guiding those around you, that you are eager to do so and are not dishonest or taking bribes or anything like that.

As elders, you are to live your life as you want them to live.  This is better than acting like the boss and being in charge.  It suits people better and they will take notice in a better way than if you try to command them.  God placed them in your care, so care for them.

The day Jesus returns, you will be rewarded with a beautiful crown and it will never lose it's value or beauty because it is from God.  So keep your chin up!

1 Peter 4:17-19

"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?  Now

If the righteous one is scarcely saved,

Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator." ~ 1 Peter 4:17-19

Context:  The last few versus have been about suffering for God.  To expect hard times, but not to seek hard times through sinful acts.  Rejoice in your trials if they are for living as God wants you to because when He returns your joy will be great.

God has already started the judgment process.  He started with those who believe in Him first and they are barely saved.  So those who haven't claimed Jesus' gift nor live as He tries to guide them would not have any chance at all.  Brings home just how much is at stack.

So live life as God wants you to.  Put away those games, movies, books, hobbies... whatever it is that comes between you and Him.  If it comes between you and Him, then it will be hard to put away.  So do your best to pray and be in constant communication with God.  Study His Word.

1 Peter 4:16

"Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter."

In the last verse, it warned that suffering for being a bad person isn't okay and isn't something God wants or enjoys.  So here when it says that if, as a Christian, you suffer because you lived as God wants you to, then that is when you praise God because He will accept your praise and strengthen you.

Right now I am in South Korea.  Every male Korean here must serve two years in the military.  Even the gentlest and shyest boys who enter military service come out hardened.  One of the teachers at my school served in the army.  He is a Seventh-day Adventist and believes that the day of worship never changed from Saturday to Sunday, but in fact stayed on Saturday.  He also believes that like in the Creation Story in Genesis, Sabbath starts Friday at sundown and lasts until sundown on Saturday.

When he was in the army in South Korea, he tried to keep that time holy by living as he felt God wanted him too.  He couldn't work or practice shooting.  He needed to spend those hours in meditation.  The army didn't see it that way and despite his reasoning with them, they put him into an army jail for over a year.  It was hard and difficult for him, but he didn't swerve from the path God laid out for him.  He gave all the glory to God and God strengthened him.

1 Peter 4:15

We have been talking about suffering and living life praising God despite the hardships that we endure for doing what is right.

Before you think that being miserable or having a difficult life where others are mad at you is the point, please read the verse in this post.

"But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters." ~ Verse 15

You can see for yourself that looking for trouble is not God's way.  Purposefully being miserable like that is not the life He was asking for nor wants.  It is the opposite of what God wants.

It is easy to not go killing people just because you are angry, have a grudge, or think revenge is needed.

It is easy to not go stealing stuff.

It is easy to be considered a good person.

However one of the biggest pitfalls I have witness personally is the last part.  A busybody is just as bad as a murderer in God's eyes.  It is not something worth suffering for.

If you are familiar with the author Jane Austen and some of her books, you will notice that there are always at least one character that tries to interfere with others' lives in some fashion.  Generally to break up a couple or to play matchmaker.  Whatever the goal, that is wrong.

Don't do it.

1 Peter 4:14

"If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified."

Context: Going through hardships makes God's victory all the more sweeter in the end.

I have a story for you.  My senior year in college was very difficult for me.  Many things were all going wrong at the same time.  There was drama among my friends.  Things didn't work out between my boyfriend and I.  I was dwelling on the words of those who said mean things instead of listening to those who were trying to encourage me.  I was student teaching and burdened under the requirements of that program.  It didn't seem like I could take much more... when the final straw did happen.

At the school I was working at, I tried utilizing everything I could from my education classes.  However teaching that way was not a style that worked with one of my two cooperating teachers.  In her classes, she preferred a much more flexible plan.  That on top of a personality conflict let to a lot of stress and misunderstandings.  The other cooperating teacher watched me come in after the classes I taught for the first teacher and was concerned, though her conclusions were not accurate as to what she thought was happening upstairs.  In the end, I was asked to leave.

Feeling like a failure and that my goal to be a teacher was no longer obtainable, I felt complete despair that I have never felt before nor had felt since.  It was the end of life as I knew it.  Then my teachers at my college came through for me and put me into a school where the things they were trying to teach me could actually be practiced.  I had a new cooperating teacher who was very open to the requirements of the student teaching program as well as aware of other personalities besides his own.

Once more I worked hard to prove I could be a teacher and to meet the requirements.  This time with success.

The way I was teaching was viewed by two different parties in two different ways.  The first party couldn't understand the paperwork that was required and constantly bad-mouthed my school and teachers.  The second party understood that despite personal opinions, the paperwork must be dealt with as well as my classes.  I had the complete support and encouragement of my teachers at school, but that wasn't enough to become a teacher.  I had to survive the real world of a school.  Now I am a teacher and am very thankful for teaching the way my teachers at Union College encouraged me to.  It works well, even if it is seen as strict and too difficult by those who haven't tried it.

God is the same way.  Those who follow Him are encouraged and enjoy life that way.  Those who scorn God and those who follow Him can't understand the peace and love He gives us.  God knows that you praise Him with your life.  God also knows that those who don't are missing out and will have much more difficult lives because of it.

1 Peter 4:13 Extended

I want to further a comment on the previous verse.  It talked about rejoice during trials to such an extent that you are super happy with God's glory is revealed.

I have a story for you.  In college, I was studying to become a teacher.  It had been my goal since 1996 or 1997.  (About that same time I had decided that I loved horses and green was a super beautiful color.)  Now here I was, in college, working to fulfill my dream.  I had many people all praying and encouraging me forward.  My family, my friends, my teachers and the faculty I had become friends with.  They all helped me in their own ways as they were able.  When I graduated, their joy was very great because they had shared in my stress and in my frustration.  When I achieved victory, they felt the same joy I felt.

I think it is the same way with our lives and with God.  When we focus on living our lives as God wants us to no matter how painful or hard, being encouraged because Jesus had endured and would give us the strength to endure, when God returns in all His glory... His joy will be ours too.

1 Peter 4:13

"but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."

Context: The last verse was talking about how you should not think it unnatural to face hardships.

When bad things happen to you, you should be rejoice.  Rejoice means to be glad about something.  So when you have had a rough day, a rough month, a rough year... be truly happy.

Keep in mind that you are made up of a physical side, an emotional side, a social side, and a spiritual side.  When you are really happy, it helps you physically to be healthy, emotionally to be more stable, and makes your social life less strenuous.  When you place God as the reason for your joy, then your spiritual side is good too.  When even one of these areas suffer, so does the other three.  Being happy is a good way to prevent this.

Being happy during hard times is impossible without Jesus in your heart.  When your focus is focus is completely on Him then you are strengthened.

It says that you should do this to such an extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings.... I'm not entirely sure what this means.  Maybe by being a positive person and caring for others with the viewpoint that Jesus has and wants us to have, that we will understand more easily His  wishes and so feel glad when His wishes are met.

1 Peter 4:12

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;"

The first word of this verse is "Beloved," not another name.  It is addressed to you as someone who is cared about deeply and loved so much.  So you know that whatever follows is for your benefit and not for your harm.

When bad things happen, we are not supposed to think it weird or strange.  Bad stuff happens to the godly and ungodly alike after all.  It isn't usual or strange.  Something instead to be expected.  

Again, we are not told bad stuff will happen out of some twisted amusement, but because God wants us to know and trust Him.

1 Peter 4:10,11

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

I know that my spiritual gift is helping others.  Sometimes God gives me a little indication of another's feelings so that I don't misuse my gift.  Overall though, if I don't use my gift to help others then I feel a sense of incompleteness and wastefulness.  Like I had not done my part in God's plan for my life.

That is what stewards do.  They take care of things for their masters.  They make sure things are run smoothly to the best of their abilities for the glory of their master no matter what personal problems they may have.  The focus is not themselves, but their masters.

We are to be the same way.  We have been given talents, roles, and resources.  Some a bit more unusual than others.  We are supposed to use them for God's glory, not ourselves or to bring focus on us.  Just on Him.

"If anyone speaks, let him speaks as the oracles of God.  If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

When you do speak, you need to speak as the mouthpiece of God.  Let nothing come out of you that doesn't glorify Him.  If others need a helping hand and you are the one who does so, it is because God wanted you to.  Serving the people in whatever way you do is not because of your skill or your talent, but because of skill and talent God gave you.  So to Him the praise should go.  Always.

1 Peter 4:7-9

"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers." ~ Verse 7

Many times at staff worship or dorm worship when I pray aloud, I make my prayers a bit goofy or light-hearted.  I feel bad about this, but I can't think and don't know what to say when I pray aloud.  My silent prayers are so simple and short.  Like a few phrases.  That to pray aloud is very stressful for me because I am no longer talking to God personally but representing those present.

Yet here we are told very specifically the attitude of our prayers and why.  We are supposed to be serious, and dare say I, mature.  Be aware of what is going on and talk to God about it.  Because the beginning of the end has come.

"And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins." ~ Verse 8

We know that God desperately loves us, all of us, including the people we ourselves bad talk or gossip about.  Here He says how much He wants us to have that love for each other, including the person who didn't do something the way you would have.

So many times I have messed up.  There are generally two reactions to when I don't do things right.  The first reaction is to point out my mistake and then to remind me of it several times afterwards.  The second is to point out how I did something right and then how to go about improving.  Between those two ways, I found that I enjoyed being around people more who treated me the latter way.  Less judged and more accepted.  When I was treated the former way, I returned it automatically without thinking: criticism, judgement, and bitterness.

When you treat people in a caring and loving manner, they respond automatically more positively.  That already influences their behavior towards God.  Thereby avoiding some sins in the immediate future.

"Be hospitable to one another without grumbling." ~ Verse 9 

When I worked at camp that first summer, I made a lot of mistakes.  Having a job for the first time with other people around me.  I socially had a lot of things to adjust to that others already had a knack for.  One of my friends that I made that summer was a complete sweetheart.  She always had a kind word for everyone she met, telling them why they were special as well as thanking them for something.  If you were stressed or needed help, she offered even if her plate was full.  She never complained nor did she listen to even her closest friends when they wanted to grumble about another person.  She was very attuned to the fact that everyone has a good side and that everyone needs a Christian shoulder to lean on.

I think her story shows with beautiful clarity how we can live by this text.  God wants us to the best host and hostess we can be at all times.  Making people comfortable around us and relaxed.  With no worry about being left out or misunderstood.

When you grumble, the opposite happens.  People return how they are treated.  It is in our nature.  So be aware that there is a good side to everyone and that they have been through difficult times that made them the way they are.  Don't complain, just love compassionately.

1 Peter 4:6

"For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." ~ 1 Peter 4:6

Context:  In the last few versus, we have been looking at how you were born living a sinful life.  Now that you know God, you should live more as He wants you to live.  That others will judge you and be mean because you are living a good life, but to not mind them as God has it under control.

Further Back Context:  People before Jesus had hope in His promise.  So that when Jesus came to Earth, lived, died, and rose again... those people were saved even though they were dead.

This verse, honestly confuses me.  Taking what I know from previous verses, I am trying to understand this.

People who are dead because they lived before the gospel still knew the gospel story.  So they are judged by how they lived because they had that knowledge.  Therefore they have a chance to live again when Jesus comes back to take us all home.  I think.

Sorry folks, I really am unsure how else to understand that.  If you have thoughts or comments, please leave them here.

1 Peter 4: 4, 5

⁴ In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. ⁵ They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Context: The last few verses were concerning how once you are in the world and experience the pleasures of self... and then meet God... you have already lived for self so now live for God.

In this verse, it goes on to explain when you live the way God wants you to in order to serve Him and be happy, that those who don't won't understand why.  

I feel like I should have a story about two little girls.  Where one is jealous of another because the other has something she doesn't.  But it isn't quite working.  I can only tell a story about how I was jealous of another camp staff member because she has a testimony and I didn't.  And I yelled at God for it. Then He reminded me that He saw me too, and heard me, much to my embarrassment.  

Basically though when someone is doing something right, others who aren't will feel guilty and angry.  Easily.  You see this in classrooms among children. You see this among teenagers at parties.  It is easy to become jealous and those who are tend to treat others with scorn, ridicule, or to become angry.

So when you follow God's way and live according to His rules, then those who don't (Christian or not) will become upset with you and say mean things about you (subtly or not).  

But it isn't your place to retaliate, talk about what they said, or anything like that.  Just continue living life, saying only good things of others, and being the kind of person God wants you to be.  God will judge them.  

1 Peter 4:3

"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles - when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries." 

Context: In the previous verse or two, it talks about how Jesus suffered the temptations that we do and now He is done with that and works only for God.  In the same way, we have lived a life doing things that are not right.  We should be done with that and focus on living the way God wants us to.

Summary:  Basically the early years of our lives was spent in self-pleasure.  Doing things that are selfish.  Now though, we should live "for the will of God."