THE BOOKS OF I & II Peter

Peter |ˈpēdər| noun either of two books of the New Testament, epistles ascribed to St. Peter.

The books of 1 & 2 Peter are letters of faith written by the Apostle Peter to the churches in Northwestern Asia and what we know today as Turkey! 

Peter starts his letter by encouraging the church to be faithful when experiencing trials…

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to 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—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.” 1 Peter 1:6-7

Part of being faithful is simply being obedient… “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 Peter 1:14-15

These letters really remind us that when we decide we are going to be followers of Christ, our lives should reflect that. When you truly experience God’s love, mercy, and grace through salvation in Jesus—you will never be the same. Your life will look different, you won’t act like you used to act, and you will have a desire to please and obey God.  

Peter starts his second letter to the churches in Northwestern Asia with a challenge to grow in their faith: 

“By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life… In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your FAITH with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with LOVE FOR EVERYONE.” 2 Peter 1:3, 5-7

So these are the things we need to pursue: faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, patient endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love for all people. Paul says the more we grow in these things, the more productive and useful we will be for God’s Kingdom (2 Peter 1:8). 

I think we can do it. In fact, I know we can. God’s Word says He has already given us everything we need to live a Godly life. He does this so others will see Him through us. Then, they will experience His love and grace—just like we have. 

I’m praying for you today—that you would live a life that honors Christ. I’m praying you will have faith when you are afraid to believe. I’m praying for health and healing in your hearts and minds. I’m praying you will be morally excellent in all you do, so you will honor God with your character. I pray God will give you wisdom and knowledge from above and self control to be patient with others. Finally, I pray God will give you a love for ALL people—a love that honors and values everything He has made. 

Praying for you today and always, that we will be able to live out the Godly life He has called us to live! 

XO-

Sabrina