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1 Peter 5:2 – Shepherd The Flock

Posted on March 5, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:2

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

Truth to Learn

A church leader is to behave like a loving shepherd.

Behind the Words

The word translated “exhort” in yesterday’s verse is from the Greek parakalo, which literally means “to call alongside.” It is interpreted as meaning “to council, to give advice, and to comfort.” This is the name given to the Holy Spirit by Christ himself:

But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name …” (John 14:26)

The word “Comforter” in this verse is the same word translated “exhort” in 1 Peter 5:2.

“Shepherd” is from the Greek word poimanate and the word “flock” is from poimnion. Even without knowing Greek it is easy to see that these two words have the same root. The first one means “to take care of a group of animals, to feed them, to protect them, to care for them.” This is what a Shepherd does for his flock. The second word means “a flock or group of animals.”

The words “serving as overseers” are from the single Greek word episkopountes, which literally means “to watch over” or “to oversee.” It is the same word that is translated “bishop” in some places in the Bible. Again, notice that this is not a separate or higher ranking position within the priesthood, rather it is the responsibility of each and every pastor (elder) of every local congregation.

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse gets into the first part of Peter’s exhortation to the elders (or pastors) of the churches to which this letter was written. The advice that Peter is giving these elders is to feed the flock. Although it is not specifically identified here, Peter’s implication is that we who are called to be overseers of God’s flock are to provide spiritual food for the flock.

The way a pastor is to oversee the flock is not by compulsion (Greek anagkastōs, meaning “not out of necessity” or “not because you have to”), but willingly (Greek ekousiōs, meaning “voluntarily”), certainly not for base gain (Greek me aischrokerdōs, meaning “not for the sake of dishonorable gain”), but readily (Greek prothumōs, meaning “willingly” or “gladly”).

Hence, a church elder should not take on the responsibility of overseeing the local congregation because he is forced to do so. Neither should he take on this responsibility because he believes he will receive personal gain in the form of money or power. In other words, he should not be doing this for selfish reasons. He should, instead, take on this responsibility readily and willingly because he wants to serve God in this way. He should feel that he has been personally called by God to care for the flock, whether it consists of five or five thousand.

Application

Does that describe your pastor? Does he regularly supply you with spiritual food? Does he consider the welfare of the flock under his care as more important than his own desires? If so, you are certainly blessed!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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1 Peter 5:1 – Peter the Elder

Posted on March 4, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:1

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:

Truth to Learn

Pastor Peter is about to give instruction to church leaders.

Behind the Words

The word translated “elders” is presbuterous, which literally means “older ones, or those who have a long history of the Christian experience” but is used by Peter and others to refer to those who have oversight responsibilities in the churches.

The words “fellow elder” are translated from the Greek word sumpresbuteros. This is made up of sun, meaning “together with” and presbuteros, which we just looked at, meaning “an elder.” Hence, this word means “an elder along with you.”

“Partaker” is translated from koinōnos, meaning “one who has something in common with others,” or “one who shares.”

Meaning Explained

Peter now changes the emphasis of his message to give some specific instruction for the leaders of the churches to which this letter is being circulated. He does not speak to three distinct orders of overseers such as “bishops, priests, and deacons” as some churches teach. Nor does he proclaim that he has preeminence among them as the leader of all the churches.

Instead, he says of himself that he also is an elder. This is significant in that as an apostle he could have claimed this special position in the church as a reason for admonishing the elders under him. If he felt that he had a superior position in the church universal, he surely would have used that position to strengthen his message to the other church leaders. Instead, he simply describes himself as a fellow elder.

The only two things that he claims as distinctive for himself are: he was a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and he shares in the glory that is going to be revealed. Clearly, he was in the garden when Christ was seized, and he was present at His trials. And although there is no direct evidence in the Scripture that Peter was at the crucifixion, we can infer it from:

And all those known to Him stood at a distance; and the women, those accompanying Him from Galilee, were seeing these things. (Luke 23:49)

There is some difference of opinion as to whether “a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed” refers to the fact that Peter was among the few present at the transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17:1,2 and Mark 9:2,3) or that he was going to share in the glory of Christ when He is to be revealed at the second coming. I hold to the second interpretation (though both are true), since Peter refers to the glory that “will be revealed.” If he had been referring to the transfiguration, he would likely have said “that was revealed.” Again, note that he is not claiming to have a higher office, but to have been a personal witness of Christ’s suffering and to have a hope of sharing His glory. Clearly, Peter did not see himself as Pope, but as a fellow elder, one who shares a common expectation, and one who had witnessed the sufferings of Christ in person.

Application

Are you a pastor or have you been a Christian for many years? If you answer yes to either of these, then you have a responsibility to others in the body of Christ. Pay close attention to the next few verses, and ask God to speak to you regarding your ministry to others.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 4:19 – Committed Suffering

Posted on March 3, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 4:19

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Truth to Learn

If you suffer for the cause of Christ, place yourself in His hands and serve Him faithfully.

Behind the Words

In the past we have noted that there are two different words for “will” in the New Testament, one meaning “desirous will” and the other meaning “determined will.” The “will” in today’s verse is “determined will.” So this verse is saying “… those who suffer as God has determined …”

The words “let … commit” are translated from the Greek word paratithēmi, which is made up of para, meaning “beside” or “alongside” and tithēmi, meaning “to put or place.” Hence, this word literally means “to place alongside.” It is a banking term that means “to deposit.” The implication is “to place something into someone else’s care.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

“Doing good” is from agathopoiia, made up of a form of agathos, meaning “that which is generally good” and a form of poieō, meaning “to make or to do.” Hence, this word refers to doing good things.

Meaning Explained

Whenever we see a “therefore” or a “wherefore,” we need to look closely at what it is “there for.” What has Peter been talking about? He has been talking about the fact that those who live out their faith with a positive witness as a born again Christian will very likely suffer for it. We, who are doing all we can to please God and to glorify Him may suffer, while the wicked ones and the irreverent ones may appear to prosper. But we who are saved only by the grace of God Himself have a future hope that the unsaved don’t have. Therefore, …

“let those who suffer according to what God has determined commit their souls in well-doing, as to a faithful Creator.”

What is Peter telling us we should do if we are suffering according to God’s determined plan? He says we should commit our souls in doing good things. The word translated “in” could also be interpreted as “by.” So the way we commit our souls to His care is by doing good works. And why should we do this? We should do good works because He is the Creator, the Mighty God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And because He is faithful, He will not let us down. We are to place our souls into His care believing:

He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6)

So … if you should suffer because of your faith, don’t despair, don’t panic, and don’t worry. Simply commit your soul into His care by continuing to do good things as He has instructed you and He will take care of you.

Application

Are you completely sold-out to God? Are you willing to do anything He asks you to do? Are you willing to suffer unjustly simply because you claim the name of Christ? Not all of us will have to suffer for Him, but if you do, commit your entire being – body, soul, and spirit – into His care and praise His name!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 4:18 – Final Judgment

Posted on March 2, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 4:18

Now “if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

Truth to Learn

All unbelievers will face a horrific judgment.

Behind the Words

The word translated “scarcely” is the Greek word molis. This is an adverb (it modifies the verb “is saved”) which means “with difficulty.” It carries with it the notion that it almost didn’t happen because of the difficulty.

The word translated “ungodly’” is the Greek word asebēs, which literally means “irreverent” and by extension means “ungodly.”

Meaning Explained

On the surface it may appear that today’s verse is simply a restatement of yesterday’s verse. On closer inspection, however, we can see that what Peter is talking about in today’s verse is slightly, but significantly, different. In the previous verse he referred to God’s day by day work in believers that accomplishes spiritual growth. In theological terms this is known as “progressive sanctification.” It refers to our progress in becoming more holy and more like Christ. In the current verse he calls us righteous, a reference to our legal standing in God’s book that is our “positional sanctification.” From God’s perspective, we are already sanctified (holy and set-apart) and righteous because Christ paid for our sins at the cross.

Today’s verse contains a conditional clause. As we have noted in previous verses, there are at least three (some say four) different conditional class forms in New Testament Greek. This one is the first class condition, which assumes that the protasis (the “if” clause) is true, and can be approximated by substituting “since” in place of “if.”

So, we could paraphrase this verse as: “And since the righteous one is barely saved because of the difficulty of it, where shall the one who is a sinner and is an ungodly disbeliever appear.”

Peter is talking about judgment here, so it is important to note that according to 2 Corinthians 5:10 believers will appear before the Bema (judgment) Seat of Christ where we will receive crowns as rewards for the works we have done for God. We will not appear at the Great White Throne judgment that is talked about in Revelation 20:11-15. This is where unbelievers will appear, and they will all be cast into the lake of fire.

So to answer Peter’s rhetorical question in today’s verse, “where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” the answer is “The Great White Throne Judgment.”

So, let’s all bear our suffering patiently and glorify God for it, remembering what Peter said in chapter two about Christ, our example,

who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; (1Peter 2:23).

Application

Peter’s message in these last few verses is clear. We may very well suffer as Christians. If we do, we should glorify God for it because we are being judged daily in order to make us more Christ-like. The unbelievers, the ungodly, may not be getting judged on this earth like we are, but they will face a far more fearsome and horrific judgment after this life is over, when it is too late for them to make excuses.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 4:17 – Fatherly Chastening

Posted on March 1, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 4:17

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?

Truth to Learn

As His child, God will chasten you because He loves you.

Behind the Words

The word translated “house” is oikos, which literally means “a dwelling place.” However, in the Old Testament and the New Testament alike the word for house is often used to refer to the family. An example of this is when God spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai:

And Moses went up to God, and Jehovah called to him out of the mountain, saying, You shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the sons of Israel: (Exodus 19:3)

Moses was not being commanded to speak to a building, but to the family of Jacob.

Meaning Explained

Much has been written from varying viewpoints on the meaning of today’s verse. Some have said that this refers to God’s method of dealing with His people (the Jews) in times past. Though His judgment was on the entire body of people, He seems to have always started by judging the more righteous first before proceeding to the less righteous and then the wicked. Others have argued that the term “house of God” refers specifically to the Temple in Jerusalem and that Peter was predicting the destruction of the temple which was soon to come.

But Peter says that judgement begins “with us,” which is a reference to Christians, not Jews. Therefore, it is more reasonable that Peter is telling us that Christians, as God’s children, will be judged first. That is, we will receive chastisement from the Him when we get off track and stray from His way.

“But,” you may say, “I thought that our sins were already judged and paid for at the cross.” It is true that all of our sins have been paid for, past, present, and future. In fact, it is only because of this that God can now deal with us as children rather than sinners. When we sin, we do not lose our salvation, but we do break our fellowship with Him. Confession is what restores that fellowship. Sometimes, though, we lie to ourselves regarding our sinfulness and, as a result, don’t confess our sins. At times like this God often steps in and judges (chastens) us like a loving father. We need to learn to recognize God’s chastening and respond to it with humility, submission, and confession.

In today’s verse Peter goes on to say that if the judgment begins with those who have obeyed the gospel message, and we receive chastening as from a father, what will it be like for those who have rejected the gospel message?

Application

God has a place of final judgment (the lake of fire) for all who reject the truth about Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, then you need not fear the Lake of Fire. However, as His child, your Heavenly Father will allow times of trial in your life to strengthen your faith and test your submission to Him. Is your time of trial right now God’s chastening? If so, get on your knees and deal with it, giving God the glory!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 4:16 – Suffering Praise

Posted on February 26, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 4:16

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

Truth to Learn

If you should suffer as a Christian, give God the glory!

Behind the Words

The word “Christian” is translated from the Greek word christianos. It is actually of Latin formulation, not Greek. It is a word that was not used by Christians to refer to themselves until the end of the first century. This word was coined by Romans as a term of derision to distinguish followers of Christ from Jews and Gentiles. It occurs only three times in the New Testament: Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and here.

“Let him not be ashamed” is translated from mē aischunesthō. The Greek word mē means “not” and aischunomai means “to feel shame.” It is expressed here in the passive voice, meaning that the action is being done to the subject. It is also expressed in the imperative mood. When used this way with mē, it is expressing a prohibition. Therefore, this expression could be translated as “he is not to feel shamed in any way!”

The expression “let him glorify” is from the Greek word doxadzō, meaning “to give someone esteem or honor by putting him into an honorable position.” The word “let” does not imply giving permission to glorify God. It is there because doxadzō is expressed in the imperative mood, implying a command to glorify God. Hence, the second half of this verse could be translated as:

“he is not to feel shamed in any way; he is to glorify God in this matter!”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is a continuation of the previous verse. Let’s put the two of them together:

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

You will notice that in this quotation I took out the words “anyone suffers.” That’s because they aren’t actually in the original text. They have been added by the translators for easier reading.

In Peter’s day Christians were already being persecuted for no other reason than the fact that they claimed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Peter knew that this persecution would continue and that members of the body of Christ would suffer because of it. Therefore, he instructed the early Christians, as well as us today, that to suffer as a Christian is nothing to be ashamed of, rather it is something to praise God about.

This along with the next 3 verses clearly summarizes what Peter has been saying throughout most of this letter:

“If you live the life of a submitted and committed Christian, you may very well suffer for it. But if you do, give your praises to God that you are counted worthy of sharing in Christ’s suffering.”

Application

Are you suffering right now simply because of your testimony as a Christian? If so, God is pleased, you are blessed, and your lips should be overflowing with praise to God.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 4:15 – Improper Suffering

Posted on February 25, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 4:15

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.

Truth to Learn

Suffering for righteousness is pleasing to God. Suffering for wrongdoing is not pleasing to anyone.

Behind the Words

“Evildoer” comes from the Greek word kakopoios, which is a compound of kakos, meaning “bad or evil” and poieō, meaning “to make or to do.” So, kakopoios means one who does bad things.

The expression “a busybody in other people’s matters” comes from the single Greek word allotrioepiskapos. This, again, is a compound word that combines allotrios, meaning “those things which belong to someone else” and episkiopos, meaning “an overseer.” Hence, this word means “someone who is overseeing someone else’s matters” or “someone who sticks their nose in other people’s business.”

Meaning Explained

After a number of verses intended to comfort us in our times of trial and suffering, Peter now interjects a solemn warning lest we think that any type of suffering is glorifying to God.

Peter mentions four types of actions for which suffering does not bring glory to God. Two of them are specific crimes and the other two are more general in nature. The first two things he identifies are murder and theft. Certainly none of us would seriously consider murder as a reasonable action because it is so horrific and final. Stealing, on the other hand, is a different matter. We tend to categorize stealing two ways: intentionally taking something that doesn’t rightfully belong to us and “borrowing” or using something that isn’t ours but that the rightful owner will never miss or doesn’t need if we don’t return it. If the matter were truth telling we would call this latter one a “white lie,” so I’ll refer to it here as a “white theft.” Unfortunately for us, in God’s book there is no difference between a white theft and any other kind. If we get caught in the act and suffer for it we do not bring glory to God.

The other two things that Peter mentions for which we should never suffer are being an evil-doer and being a meddler. Evildoer is pretty broad in scope and includes all those things that we do that aren’t pleasing to God. Lest we try to split hairs here, Peter is not saying that we shouldn’t get caught, but that we shouldn’t do these types of things. If we don’t do these things, we won’t have to suffer for them.

The fourth thing that Peter tells us not to suffer for is “a busybody in other people’s matters.” I’m sure we all know or have known someone like that. This should never be the case with a Christian. After all, we have enough to do just to keep our own sin nature in check without looking into or trying to fix anyone else’s problems.

So, to put today’s verse in perspective, let me summarize what Peter is telling us. If we suffer for righteousness sake, we are blessed and we bring glory to God, but it does not glorify God when we suffer for our sins.

Application

I know that some of you are suffering right now as the result of a number of different issues. Remember, that’s pleasing to God – as long as it’s for doing what is right!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 4:14 – Suffering For His Glory

Posted on February 24, 2009 by admin

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.

Truth to Learn

Our obedient, righteous suffering glorifies God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “reproached” is the Greek word oneididzō, which means “defamed, taunted, or put down.” It refers to people saying slanderous or derogatory things about you because of your beliefs or actions in obedience to God.

The Greek word markarios is translated as “blessed” in this verse. It does not mean that we are happy, but that we are in a position of blessing. It specifically refers to someone “who is supremely fortunate.”

The expression “rests on you” is from the Greek eph humas anapauetai. The first part of this, eph huma,s means “upon you (plural)” with the sense of motion toward. The word anapauetai means “he rests himself.”

Meaning Explained

If your desire in life is to see God get the glory and honor that He is due, then today’s verse should pop into your head whenever you suffer for righteousness sake.

If you are being obedient to God, speaking and acting in obedience to Him, and you are verbally treated with contempt for it, either to your face or behind your back, you are supremely fortunate. This verse, like several of the preceding verses, seems to imply that there is pleasure in pain. However, you will notice that in all of Peter’s writings on suffering for righteousness, he never once says that it is pleasurable. Physically and emotionally it is painful, just as it was physically and emotionally painful to Christ when He suffered for us. What Peter is trying to get across is that in spite of the pain, we can feel a sense of peace and contentment knowing what the spiritual result will be.

We are told that the reason we are supremely fortunate when we are verbally buffeted in the name of Christ is because the Spirit of God, the spirit of glory, rests on us. There is something very beautiful about this that I don’t want any of us to miss. When we are suffering for righteousness sake, because we are being obedient to the Spirit of God, He comes upon us imparting a sense of inner peace in spite of the physical or emotional pain. That’s how martyrs of the faith in days gone by have been able to sing and give praise to God even while they were being consumed by flames.

In the last part of today’s verse, Peter tells us that even though those who are reviling us are intentionally blaspheming God, in reality He is being glorified by our obedience and faithfulness. We all tend to think that we will give God much glory when we do some great spiritual work in His name and to this end we work hard. What Peter is telling us is that simply by being humbly obedient, especially if we suffer for it, we are glorifying God.

Application

Let’s all commit ourselves to humility and obedience to God regardless of the potential consequences, knowing that He will give us peace in the middle of it and that He will be glorified if and when we suffer for His sake!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 4:13 – Joyful Suffering

Posted on February 23, 2009 by admin

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.

Truth to Learn

We should be happy when we suffer as followers of Christ.

Behind the Words

“Rejoice” is from chairō, meaning “to have joy” or “to be well.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command for us to be joyful.

The word “partake” is translated from koinōneō, meaning “to have things in common with” or “to participate in.”

“Sufferings” is from the Greek word pathēma, meaning “that which is suffered.”

Meaning Explained

Peter just told us not to be surprised at the fiery trial (the adversity) that is currently happening to us and that we are not to think that such adversities are strange. Here’s what Paul said:

all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:2)

Therefore, we shouldn’t think it unusual if we are being persecuted for trying to live godly lives. Instead of thinking it strange, we should rejoice in the midst of our persecution and suffering. Say what?! Are we supposed to be some kind of masochist and get really excited when we encounter pain and suffering? No, that’s not what Peter is saying. He is saying that we should rejoice because we are sharing in Christ’s suffering. Paul said to the Philippians:

I want to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death (Philippians 3:10)

And we should be willing, yes even desirous, of being identified as one of His, even in our suffering. James also said:

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials (James 1:2)

James even taught us that we will grow from these trials. And keep in mind what our Lord, Himself, told us:

Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for your reward in Heaven is great. For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11,12)

Any personal relationship is strengthened when both parties in the relationship share common experiences, especially if they are difficult or painful experiences. God wants us to develop a closer relationship with Him, and one of the ways we can do this is by sharing in the suffering of Christ.

Application

If we are suffering because of our godly witness and our testimony as followers of Christ, then we are, in fact, suffering with Him. As a result, we will be glad with exceeding joy when Christ comes back in His glory. We will be glad because He with whom we have suffered, with whom we now have a closer personal relationship, is returning as the conquering King who will receive all the glory He is due! Give Him praise!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 4:12 – Christian Suffering, Not Unusual

Posted on February 22, 2009 by admin

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;

Truth to Learn

Christians have suffered for their faith throughout history. Therefore, don’t think it strange if it happens to you.

Behind the Words

The expression “do not think it strange” comes from two Greek words, mē and a form of xenidzo. Mē means “not” and the verb zenidzo means “to think of something as strange.” This verb is expressed in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The words “fiery trial” are translated from purōsis, which refers specifically to “the act of smelting metals.” Figuratively, it refers to any time of intense trial.

“Which is to try you” is translated from peirasmon humin ginomenē. The word peirasmon refers to “a trial or temptation,” that is, “a time of testing.” The word humin means “you (plural).” And ginomenē is the present participle of the verb meaning “to begin” or “to come about.” Hence, this expression can be translated as “a trying time which is currently coming upon you.”

Meaning Explained

Peter now returns again to the theme that he has been repeating throughout this letter, suffering for righteousness sake. It is true that the Christians in the early church suffered persecution repeatedly at the hands of jealous Jews and tyrannical Roman rulers. But members of the Church have suffered persecution throughout history. In fact, there have been few times in history when the church has not suffered persecution, so Peter’s message is relevant for all generations of believers.

Consider, after all, the spiritual warfare that is going on, and has been going on in the heavenlies since time began. Satan and his demons have been opposed to God’s plan and His faithful servants from the beginning. We sometimes think it a strange thing that we are coming under heavier and heavier attack from the humanists and secularist who want to get God out of our school systems and out of our government. But wasn’t this country founded on Christian ideals and values? Of course it was. However, that doesn’t mean that our enemy won’t do everything in his power to neutralize God’s influence. Actually, in this country we have had such religious freedom for the past 250 years that we think all of history has been like that. Not so, I’m afraid.

And, there are places in the world right now where Christians are being persecuted and murdered simply because they believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins.

The time is coming when, even in this country, Christians will be persecuted and caused to suffer simply for believing in the Creator-God and the sacrificial atonement of His Son. So Peter’s message is just as relevant to us today as it has been throughout history. Therefore, don’t think it strange if it happens to you.

Application

Let’s proclaim the message of freedom and salvation, though it may fall on deaf ears, even if it means that we will be persecuted and suffer for it. And if you do suffer, don’t think it unusual, give Him the glory!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –