1 Peter: Week 3 (Wednesday, May 19 2021)

Chapter 1:13-21

The Heart Of The Matter

Peter began his letter emphasizing hope. Hope to go on in spite of suffering. Hope that grows stronger as we focus on the ultimate glory and relief we’ll enjoy in our heavenly home. Peter emphasized holiness — remaining pure even though the world around us is morally and ethically polluted. Hope and holiness belong together, for “everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He [Christ] is pure” (1 John 3:3). Let’s pay close attention to God’s counsel on this all-important subject. There are few things more deserving of our attention than staying clean in a corrupt society.

Discovering The Way

1. A Brief Analysis of Our World

The philosophy of the world values reason over faith, science over the miraculous, modern ideas over traditional beliefs, and humanity over God. Because of these values, the world motivates us by appealing to our pride.

2. A Strong Challenge to be Different (1 Peter 1:13 – 21)

Peter outlined three ways Christians can be different in the world: we can live our lives in holiness, conduct our walk in fear, and focus our minds on Christ.

Starting Your Journey

A few techniques can help you stay clean in a corrupt society: pay closer attention to what you look at, give greater thought to the consequences of sin rather than to its pleasures, start each day by renewing your sense of reverence for God, and periodically focus fully on Christ.