How are we to live given the challenges we face? Well, Peter addressed ultimate hope but present difficulty in First Peter Chapter 1.
Key Passage: 1 Peter 1.1-12
Peter addressed ultimate hope in the face of present difficulty in First Peter Chapter 1.
Most specifically, his audience was believers who had been scattered across Asia Minor because of persecution, First Peter 1.1.
However, he says they – thus we, have hope because of Christ’s resurrection, First Peter 1.3.
Some Insights
Peter first addressed the issue of life challenges in First Peter 1.6-7.
In fact, he acknowledged their faith was being tested, using terms like “temptations” and “trial of your faith.”
Moreover, the word picture in First Peter 1.7 is of refining, using terms like gold and fire.
Repeatedly, Peter used the noun elpis, which is translated hope. For examples, see First Peter 1.3, 1.21, and 3.15.
Actually, the word means to have a confident expectation.
Similarly, the verb form elpizo is translated hope in First Peter 1.13 and trusted in First Peter 3.5.
Thus, in the face of difficulty believers are to trust God because He’s the source of their hope. For examples, read First Peter 1.6-7; 2.19-21; 3.14-17; 4.12-19, and 5.9-10.
Fact is, this theme appears in every chapter of First Peter! Therefore, the repetition signals the main point of this letter.
Believers have ultimate hope, but present difficulty.
Where’s the End Point?
So, what’s the take-away for me? Or, where’s the practical application of these arguments?
As it turns out, in First Peter 1.10-12 he answers those questions.
What happens to me is for others. Thus, what I experience produces in me revelation from God that I, in turn, share with others.
Likewise, Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 1.4 that God comforts us so we, in turn, can comfort others.
God comforts us so we’re able to comfort others who face similar challenges. As such, what we receive we share. 2 Corinthians 1.4 paraphrase
Above all, believers have ultimate hope, but present difficulty. Moreover, that hope is a source of ministry capability we share with others.
Apply These Precepts
First, God’s work in me, through life circumstances, doesn’t end with me. Instead, as I respond appropriately to those circumstances, God equips me to minister to others.
Second, refined gold is ultimately shaped into the form desired by the maker, hence my character as shaped by God!
“The Lord make His face shine upon you …” Numbers 6.22-27
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