TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 8:1-14; Revelation 4:6-11, 7:9-12
We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was. - Revelation 11:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
It's hard to imagine the excitement that the people must have felt when Solomon assembled them to dedicate the temple. Annual feasts reminded them of God's great act of deliverance from Egypt. This act was grounded in the promises to Abraham that God would give the land and that His presence would dwell with them. Some people recalled the years of preparation for this very event undertaken by Solomon's father, David. Although forbidden by God to build the temple, David had amassed money and supplies for this endeavor.

Now, finally, the day had arrived. It's nearly impossible to capture the thrill and immense joy that those standing before the temple must have felt. Maybe if we think about a royal wedding, a coronation, or an inauguration, and then multiply the celebration by a large number, we might come close to the worship and joy of this event.

Yesterday, we saw a glimpse of our final destination in the heavenly Jerusalem. In Revelation 4, we find a portrayal of the eternal worship offered before God's throne. Here the four living beasts and the twenty-four elders do not cease to praise and give thanks to God Almighty. Then in Revelation 7, we see a great multitude wearing white robes. They are drawn from every nation, tribe, people, and language, praising the Lord for their salvation. Next we see the angels joining in the worship and thanks offered by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders.

Some scholars debate how the martyrs in Revelation 6:9-11 and the 144,000 of Revelation 7:4 relate to this great multitude, but it seems likely that the multitude encompasses the earlier groups to offer a complete picture of redeemed humanity worshiping God before His throne. The scope of the worship and joy in front of Solomon's temple was extraordinary, but it was just a pale foreshadowing of the depth of worship and joy that will flow from God's people as we give thanks to our Lord in His holy presence.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Take a look at the list that you made of things for which you were thankful on the first day of our study this month. Now consider how your understanding of thanksgiving has changed in the course of the study. Were you aware of how dangerous ingratitude really is? Have you grown in the realization that gratitude is an essential aspect of our Christian life? Have you found new items for which you can give thanks to the Lord? Had you considered before that your future heavenly destiny included giving thanks before God's throne?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 5:1-11
So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. - Luke 5:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
Behavioral experts tell us that when we encounter someone new, first impressions are made within the first three seconds. In that short time, even before you have spoken, someone has already formed an opinion about you based on your clothes, body language, mannerisms, or even fashion accessories like your watch or purse. Right or wrong, that first impression is often a lasting one, and very difficult to change—all the more reason, say employment counselors, to make sure that your first impression is your best impression.

This month we will be studying the epistles of the apostle Simon Peter, but today we get the opportunity to form a first impression about our author. Luke 5 records Peter's call to apostleship. What do we learn about the man Simon?

First, we discover that he was a trusting man. Although Simon had just spent a long, fruitless night fishing on the lake, and was packing away his nets, Jesus told Simon to push out to deeper water and try again. Peter could have easily refused this request as naïve nonsense. Instead, Peter displayed an incredible amount of trust in this new teacher, and did as He requested.

Next, we also discover that Simon was a humble man. After the catch of fish—complete with tearing nets and sinking boats—Peter recognized that he was in the presence of holiness. Falling at Jesus' knees, Peter urged Him, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man” (v. 8). His astonishment led to recognition, and his recognition led to humility.

Finally, we discover that Simon was a wholly obedient man. When Jesus responded that “from now on you will catch men” (v. 10), Scripture tells us that Peter, along with the other disciples, “pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him” (v. 11). This is no half-hearted gesture, but a full commitment. In this entire passage, we see no pride or pretense in Simon, only a trusting, humble, and wholly obedient man, leaving all to follow his new master.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Simon Peter clearly displays admirable characteristics worthy of imitation. If people were to make first impressions of you, what do you think they would say? Do you display the heart of a trusting, humble, obedient follower of Christ, or someone full of suspicion, pride, and self-assertion? Pray to God for the honesty to look into your own heart, asking Him to help you respond to His Word this month with the same response we see in Peter.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 21:15-19
Simon son of John, do you love me? . . . Feed my sheep. - John 21:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
As the ancient church began to face serious persecution in the third century, leaders had to wrestle with this troubling question: What do we do with Christians who renounced Christ under threat of death but later wished to return to the church? Some said that their denial of Christ made remittance impossible. But others argued—successfully—that with true repentance and humility, such members should be received back into the church.

Today's record of Peter's reinstatement by Christ was an important text in guiding early Christian leaders to think about forgiveness in the church. The context is important. Just a few chapters earlier, Peter had three times denied that he ever knew Jesus (John 18:15-27). Under threat of ridicule and harm, Peter had caved. But then, after the resurrection, Jesus stood before Peter and offered a second chance to proclaim his love for Christ. Three times Jesus asked Peter: “Do you love me?” matching the three denials earlier. In each instance, Peter declared his love for Christ (vv. 15-17).

From his reaction after the third round of questioning, we see that Peter was quite aware of Jesus' intentions, and it pained him deeply. Here in the final chapter of John we see a humbled Peter, fully cognizant of his sin against Christ. Yet, look now at Jesus' response. After each of Peter's declarations of love, Jesus commanded him to “Feed my sheep” (vv. 15-17). Peter may have publicly denied Jesus in the temple courtyard, and that was a serious sin, but Christ here extended an incredibly generous grace and forgiveness to Peter.

Not only did Jesus consider Peter a forgiven follower, He also gave Peter the important (and costly) task of leadership over His people (vv. 18-19). Here is a marvelous picture of Christ's love, forgiveness, and deep concern about His flock. As we will see in the coming study of his epistles, Peter too was captivated by both Christ's uniting love and His call to guard and protect Christ's church. Watch for those themes in the days to come.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We have all fallen in our walk with Christ, and we likely all know of others who have fallen as well. For some of us it may seem like our sins or the sins of others are just too big to overcome. But today's passage encourages us with the clear message that with repentance and humility, Christ is ready to forgive and restore. Can you think of someone you know (perhaps yourself) who needs to be reminded of Christ's readiness to offer forgiveness? Deliver that message today.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 1:1-2
To God’s elect . . . who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. - 1 Peter 1:1-2
TODAY IN THE WORD
The ritual of naming in the Native American tradition conveys an understanding of the power and expectations in the name a person receives. Whether named for a particular virtue, part of nature, or an innate talent, names form an integral part of identity in this culture.

Peter understood much about identity, and today's reading focuses on that theme in two ways. First, notice how Peter identified himself: he is not “Simon,” his birth name, but “Peter,” the name given him by Christ Himself (cf. Matt. 16:18). The self-description he gave is also important: “an apostle of Jesus Christ” (v. 1). The Greek word apostle means “sent one.” In other words, Peter identified himself as one who is sent; his identity was linked with his calling as an apostle. But his calling was further linked with someone in particular: Jesus! Peter's identity was intricately attached to his relationship with and calling by Christ.

Second, notice that Peter spent even more time identifying his audience. They are “God's elect, strangers in the world . . . who have been chosen” by God (vv. 1-2). Don't miss the subtle significance of these designations. For any first-century Jew, calling someone “chosen” by God, or a “stranger” in the land would quite obviously refer to Israel, God's chosen people (cf. Deut. 32:8-9). But most of the initial readers of 1 Peter likely consisted of Gentiles. Peter was emphasizing their new identity. They may have been idolaters and pagans in the past (cf. 1:18; 4:3), but Peter designated them as the true people of God.

Finally, notice the Trinitarian shape of their identity. They have been chosen by the Father, through the work of the Spirit, for obedience to and participation with the Son (v. 2). What makes Peter's audience God's people is not an act of self-determination, but a gracious work of the Triune God Himself. As with Peter, so with followers of Christ: who we are is determined by whom we belong to. Our relationship with God determines our identity as His people.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Who are you? How would you identify yourself to others? Today's passage encourages us to think theologically about our identity. We may perform many tasks, experience many rejections, or wrestle with past sins; but 1 Peter reminds us that our identity is grounded in our calling and acceptance by God. Take time to pray before God about how you see yourself, asking Him to shape your self-identity around the truths He presents to you in His Word. You may find that keeping a spiritual journal will help you in this process.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 1:3-7
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. - Romans 8:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
From the beginning, Christians were viewed with suspicion and hostility. Their refusal to sacrifice to pagan gods and their claim that Jesus is Lord earned them the reputation of being dangerous, disloyal citizens. Their gatherings evoked rumors of unspeakable immorality. Physical persecution often resulted.

While more widespread, systematic persecution would come a few years later, Peter's audience was already experiencing the trial and suffering that accompanied being a follower of Jesus. Into this context, Peter spoke a word of hope.

This reading begins with a description of our “new birth into a living hope,” anchored by “the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (v. 3). Christ's resurrection secured for us something we could never attain on our own: true hope in a fallen world. This biblical hope is more than just “I hope so”; it is confidence in the promise of God. This, says Scripture, is what God, in His mercy, has “given us. ”Scripture also reminds us that we are born into a heavenly inheritance (v. 4). Because of Jesus' resurrection, and our faith in Him, we are now children of God and inheritors of all that is His (see Rom. 8:14-17). And not only are we heirs of this coming salvation, we are protected heirs—shielded from our enemies by the power of God (v. 5). Thus, the “living hope” of verse 3 is linked with God's promise of protection in verse 5.

Finally, lest the reader assume that Scripture promises an easy life, we are reminded of the suffering, grief, and trials in life (v. 6). Scripture doesn't deny our suffering; it is real, and it will be part of all Christian living (cf. John 16:33). But we are pointed to something else: the final outcome of our suffering. Just as gold is refined by fire, so too our faith is refined—or proved genuine—by suffering. In the end, when Christ is fully revealed, our perseverance in faith will be rewarded with “praise, glory and honor” (v. 7). In the meantime, Scripture offers this “living hope” amidst our suffering.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In addition to the important reminder about our “living hope,” Scripture also exhorts us to the proper response to God's sure promises: joy (v. 6)! Clearly, biblical joy is not determined by earthly circumstances; it's rooted in something much deeper: knowledge of God's love and protection. Can you truly say that this is your response to suffering and trial? It may be difficult to transform your attitude overnight, but ask God for strength to respond to this week's trials and difficulties with today's picture of biblical joy.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 1:8-9
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. - John 20:29
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his treatise, Faith in the Unseen, the fourth-century bishop Augustine of Hippo challenged the idea that nothing should be believed if it cannot be seen or verified physically. Instead, argued Augustine, nearly all of life requires trust, or belief, in things we cannot see: the will of our friends, the love of our parents, the existence of a foreign country. In short, said Augustine, if we refuse to believe what we cannot see, “nothing would remain stable in human society.”

Today's reading emphasizes this fundamental call to believe in Jesus, whom we have not seen. Peter, of course, had seen Jesus. He could call to mind any number of scenes where Jesus healed, taught, prayed, received abuse at the hands of Roman soldiers, died on the cross, or appeared alive again. For Peter, his love for Jesus could easily be linked with his witness of Jesus' love and power during His earthly ministry.

But Peter's audience didn't have that advantage. Here was a group living in northern Asia Minor, some years after Jesus' life on earth. They had never seen Jesus with their physical eyes, and yet they loved Him and believed in Him (v. 8). Perhaps Peter had in mind Jesus' words to Thomas: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). None of us have seen Jesus, yet our encounter with Him and love for Him is real thanks to God's Word, the testimony of others' experience, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Although we do not see Jesus now with our physical eyes, Scripture encourages us with the reminder that we will see Him in the future when our salvation is obtained in full (vv. 7, 9; cf. 1 Cor. 13:12). Notice, however, that while our full salvation is something yet to come, the Christian life is a present reality. The love, faith, and “inexpressible and glorious joy” that Peter speaks of is all in the present tense. We may wait in eager anticipation of that glorious day, but true love and joy is ours even now.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you struggle with the reality that you cannot see and touch Jesus? Or perhaps you know of someone who resists faith in Christ because they cannot see Him with their eyes? In many ways, God calls us to be His tangible body to those who need the physical presence of God. Be that “visible Jesus” for someone today. Consider visiting a sick person in the hospital or their home, or simply give a hug to someone who needs to know God's love in a physical way.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 1:10-12
Even the angels long to look into these things. - 1 Peter 1:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
For the second-century here-tic Marcion, the Jewish God of the Old Testament was different than the Christian God of the New Testament. The lesser god of violence and law had been replaced by the superior God of love and grace. Thus, according to his thinking, Christians should have nothing to do with the stories and teaching of the Bible of the Jews.

Although written prior to Marcion, today's passage speaks firmly against a Marcionite concept of God and the Bible, as Peter discusses the salvation that has come in Christ. First, Scripture presents the unchanging God of our salvation. Nothing that happened with Christ, His death, His resurrection, and the subsequent grace given to the church was without anticipation. The Spirit of Christ predicted these things through the Old Testament prophets (vv. 10-12). The Spirit who led the old prophets was the same as the one preaching the gospel. The salvation now enjoyed by Jews and Gentiles alike was part of God's plan and purpose from the beginning.

Second, Scripture reveals the preciousness of salvation. So significant was this promised salvation that the prophets who predicted Christ's coming eagerly tried to discover when and how these events would come about. Moreover, even the angels in heaven “long to look into these things” (v. 12). In other words, the gift of salvation in Christ was so important that it got the attention of Old Testament saints and heavenly beings alike.

Finally, Scripture indicates the surprising pattern of salvation. Many first-century Jews anticipated a kingly Messiah who would vindicate Israel and free them from oppression. Most expected glory; few anticipated a suffering Messiah. Yet Scripture declares both: the events predicted by the prophets included both “the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow” (v. 10). For Peter's readers, this is a subtle reminder that their sufferings are following the pattern of Christ, and their end will be the same as His: glory. But this should be no surprise; it's all been predicted beforehand.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today marks the second Sunday in Advent, that season of reflection on the first and second comings of Christ. What a perfect occasion to appreciate the wonder and significance of what God has done for you in Christ. Spend time meditating on several Old Testament passages, such as Psalm 110, Isaiah 53, or Psalm 22, that foretell the suffering and the glory of the Christ who brings us salvation. Then thank God that in His unending love He had planned a way for our restoration and renewal in His Son, Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore . . . be holy in all you do. - 1 Peter 1:13, 15
TODAY IN THE WORD
When interpreting the Bible, scholars observe something called “the indicative and imperative.” In Scripture, the “indicative” tells us who we are and what God has done—it tells us what is true. The “imperative” tells us how we should act as the people of God that we are—it tells us what to do. In short, the indicative and imperative in Scripture tells us what is true and what to do.

When we come to the “Therefore” of verse 13 in today's reading, we are shifting from the “what is true” into the “what to do.” Because God has chosen you (vv. 1-2) and given you a living hope and a new inheritance (vv. 3-4), and because of the promise of salvation and glory yet to come (vv. 7-9), therefore, says Scripture, we must live a certain way.

First, we are called to self-control (v. 13), to engage our minds in thinking about how we live and making sure it's in accord with who we are. Next, we are called to set our hope on the grace to come; that is, we should live our lives in light of the sure expectation of Christ's return. Third, we are exhorted not to conform to the evil desires of our past (v. 14). This implies a change has taken place from one way of life—ignorance and disobedience—to another—knowledge and obedience (see v. 2). Finally, we are called to “be holy in all you do” (v. 15).

Simply put, holiness is being set apart for and to God. In fact, God Himself became the basis and pattern for our holiness: “Be holy, because I am holy” (v. 16). Peter is quoting a refrain that occurs several times in Leviticus and was first given to the nation of Israel (see Lev. 11:44; 19:2; 20:7). This call to total holiness (“in all you do”) may seem like an impossible task, but remember, you have the Holy One Himself working in you and through you. The question is, will you give yourself to your holy Father?

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's call is a daunting one, but Scripture's order is essential: the indicative first, then the imperative. We live with self-control, resist evil desires, and act in holiness not so that God may grant us grace, but precisely the opposite. Because God has done those things, therefore we live like the people God has already declared us to be. As you attempt to “be holy in all you do” today, ask God for strength to live in a manner indicative of who you already are in Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 1:17-21
The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him. - Psalm 34:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the Roman Empire, the common word redemption referred to the process whereby a slave could be released from bondage through some form of payment to the slave's master. That payment, made either by the slave or by someone else, would buy the slave's freedom. A new life was the result.

This theme of redemption is central to today's reading. First, Peter declares the method of payment for our redemption: it did not come through the typical means of silver or gold (v. 18). Rather, we were redeemed with something far more valuable: “the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (v. 19). The reference here, of course, evokes the Old Testament command for a sacrificial animal that was perfect and without defect (see Lev. 22:17-25). Christ, in His sinlessness, was that perfect sacrifice.

Notice too, that we were not the ones making this payment. It was the work of God Himself, who chose Christ “before the creation of the world” (v. 20), raised Him from the dead, and glorified Him (v. 21). This was no afterthought; God had planned our redemption from the very beginning. Even before we existed, we were already thought of by our loving God.

The imagery of redemption implies freedom from slavery, but to what were we enslaved? Peter calls it an “empty way of life” (v. 18), a phrase commonly used for idolatry and rebellion against God (see Jer. 16:19). Without Christ, we have only the vanity which the world has to offer.

What does our freedom from such a life entail? Scripture declares that through Christ we gain faith and hope in God. Recall from previous days what that hope means. We also have a new relationship with God—He is not just an impartial judge, but a Father we can call upon. And we have a new home; no longer enslaved to emptiness, we live a life of “reverent fear” (v. 17). Strangers in this world, we are citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20). Our redemption in Christ accomplished it all.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We all revere our fathers in some way, whether earthly, national, or ideological. But today's reading challenges us to value one Father above all, and to live in reverence of Him (vv. 17, 18). Make a list of the influential figures in your own life, and then ask yourself: Does following the footsteps of these figures lead to a life of holiness and reverence for God the Father? If so, thank Him for such godly influences. If not, ask God for wisdom to re-prioritize the “fatherly” figures in your life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 1:22-2:3
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. - 1 Peter 2:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
The word love is common today. From glib declarations in a Hallmark card to the newest pop song's promise, “I will love U 4ever,” the idea of love has become devoid of meaning. A mere sentimentality, contemporary notions of love often express infatuation, lust, or need-driven feelings. So when we come to the call in today's passage to “love one another,” it's easy to miss the challenge in Peter's exhortation.

Earlier, holiness was urged through self-control over evil desires (1 Peter 1:13-16). Now the exhortation to holiness continues with a call to love. The Christian life is not just internal; it is also about relationships with others. The call is explicit: “love one another deeply, from the heart” (1:22). And it's worth noting that the word “deeply” might better be translated “extensively” or “earnestly.” It's the same word used to describe Jesus' longing prayer in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44).

This positive call to relational love is then repeated from the negative side in 2:1. All the named vices that we are called to extinguish from our lives are nothing less than attitudes and behaviors that lack love. Where there is “malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander,” there can be no love in the community (2:2). This is no superficial call to niceness or civility, but rather to an earnest, sincere attitude and action of care among the Christian family.

Scripture also reveals the foundation of this new life of love. Our reading begins with a reminder that we have been purified already through obedience to the truth (1:22). The remainder of our passage makes it clear that the obedience Peter has in mind is the believer's faithful response to the gospel proclamation, the “word that was preached to you” (1:25). Compared to all other living things, which eventually wither and die, God's word is “living and enduring” (1:23). That creative, life-giving word of God which brought all things into existence is the same word now in us. It purifies, renews, and empowers us to live a life of true love.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The call to love is not static; it requires attitude and action. But today's passage adds another ingredient necessary for Christian growth: nourishment, what Peter calls “pure spiritual milk” (2:2). So important is this spiritual food that he compares us to a hungry infant craving to be fed. Do you see the growth of true love in your own spiritual life? If not, perhaps you need to recommit yourself to the regular spiritual nourishment of God's Word. Don't just taste it; feed on it, and grow!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 2:4-12
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. - 1 Peter 2:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
In both ancient and modern buildings, the cornerstone is the key piece of architecture. The first stone put in place, it anchors the whole building. Because the rest of the structure is built on it, a weak or faulty cornerstone will result in instability. But a strong and level cornerstone will produce a stable building.

Using this metaphor of a building, Peter describes Christ as the cornerstone, and the church as God's house. But this is no inanimate structure. Both Christ and the church are “living” stones (vv. 4-5). Though rejected by men, Christ the cornerstone is chosen by God and has become the foundation of the church. Notice that Peter (who was himself named a “Rock” by Christ [Matt. 16:18]) draws our attention away from himself and places it upon Christ the “Stone.” Jesus, not human leaders, is the true foundation of Christ's church.

So what does all this foundation talk lead to? A new identity. Built on the sure foundation of Christ, we are a “spiritual house,” a “royal priesthood,” a “chosen people,” a “holy nation,” and a “people belonging to God.” All are wonderful descriptions of our new status before God, but don't miss the clear evocations for Peter's first readers: these are Old Testament descriptions of Israel (e.g. Ex. 19:6)! Gentiles, once “not a people,” are now part of the family of God. God's love and protection shown to Israel in the Old Testament now belongs also to Christians. And this new identity, says Peter, all rests on our foundation stone, Christ.

Finally, Scripture points us to the purpose of our new identity and the reason God has shown us His mercy: the glory and praise of God. Part of being brought from darkness into His “wonderful light” should include telling others about God's mercy. We are also called to live in a way that compels unbelievers to “glorify God on the day he visits us” (v. 12). Whether through voice or action, our goal should be the praise and glory of our merciful God.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Edward Mote, a nineteenth-century English preacher, understood the security that comes with Christ as our sure foundation. The refrain of his now famous hymn echoes this theme from today's reading: “On Christ the solid Rock I stand / All other ground is sinking sand; / All other ground is sinking sand.” Find the full words to this hymn in a hymnal or online, and sing them privately or with your family today to “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (v. 9).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 2:13-17
Live as free men, but . . . live as servants of God. - 1 Peter 2:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
The spirit of the age is all about “rights”: the right to make choices, the right to government provision, and the right to choose our own definition for relationships, to name a few. We have become a nation demanding our right to live any way we want to live. So often, however, this talk of rights is actually a demand for freedom without responsibility.

Scripture today challenges us to shift our thinking from the notion of “rights” to the notion of “freedom.” But here's the catch: Christians are called to a freedom of submission. While today's passage calls us to “live as free men” (v. 16), the text as a whole demonstrates that Christian freedom really entails submission to others and to God.

Our passage begins with a call to submit to “every authority instituted among men” (v. 13). The call to be a good citizen may seem prosaic today, but for the early church it was a burning question. As aliens in the world who belong to the one true King, should Christians submit to secular authorities? Peter's answer is a resounding yes. Whether kings or governors, all who occupy the God-given role of authority are owed our respect and honor (vv. 13-14, 17). In fact, the respect we show to others may act as a witness to the world (v. 15).

The Roman government was not exactly friendly to early Christian communities, yet Peter calls on them to live in submission to others in the world. Why? In short, because our identity as “free men” (v. 16) is secure, and because such a life pleases God. We are called to submit “for the Lord's sake” (v. 13). Later, Peter tells us that “it is God's will” for us to live in humble submission (v. 15). Unlike the world's idea of freedom, Christian freedom is not an excuse for sinful living; rather, true Christian freedom is understanding our identity in Christ and living as servants of the God who has loved us in His Son. Only when we understand this will we be able to submit truly to those around us.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Scripture challenges us to think about freedom as a responsibility to respect and submit to others, especially those in positions of authority. We may not always agree with our political leaders, but we are called to honor them. Pray today for the President and all others in authority, using the words from the Book of Common Prayer: “Grant [them] wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness; and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 2:18-25
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example. - 1 Peter 2:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the 1982 blockbuster film, Rambo: First Blood, Vietnam War veteran John Rambo wandered into a town where he was mistreated by local authorities. Tension escalated when Rambo escaped and armed with military weapons and Green-Beret smarts, showed the full force of his anger and retaliation at the injustice he experienced. When asked to turn himself in, Rambo refused saying, “They drew first blood.”

For the thousands of viewers that made Rambo such a popular film, something felt satisfying about seeing a man exact revenge in the face of clear injustice. But today's reading calls us to consider a different response. Continuing yesterday's theme of submission, Scripture teaches us what submission in an unjust world may cost: suffering (vv. 18-19). However, not only is suffering for doing good “commendable before God,” Peter tells us that this is part of the Christian calling (vv. 19-21). If we are Christ-followers, then we should expect to follow Christ's suffering.

Look then at Christ's example. Quoting or alluding to Isaiah 53, Scripture presents Christ's response to the injustice He experienced. Without sin or deceit, Christ did not retaliate or hurl threats. Instead, He maintained a quiet confidence in the One who judges justly, God the Father (vv. 22-23). Confidence in a just Father is key! Christian suffering is more than grinning and bearing it; we take our suffering to God, trusting that His perfect justice will prevail in the end.

Scripture presents the salvific purpose of Christ's suffering. Through Christ's pain, we die to sin, live for righteousness, are made whole again, and are restored to our loving Shepherd (vv. 24-25). In other words, Peter reminds us that all injustice is a demonstration of our fallen world's need of Christ's redemptive healing. Rather than focus on the injustice we experience, we are called to see those who harm us as sinners in need of Christ's redemption. Only He can bring true healing and justice to our world.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's passage is challenging if taken seriously. We have all experienced suffering, injustice, and the temptation to seek personal vengeance in some way. What situations do you face this week—in your workplace, neighborhood, or among family members—where you experience suffering and injustice, perhaps even because you're a Christian? Ask God's Spirit to let the focus of today's passage change the way you view your situation, that you may entrust your suffering to the just Judge and pray for those who harm you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 3:1-7
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. - Ephesians 5:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
The philosopher Plutarch argued that wives should submit to their husbands, and husbands should exercise control over their wives. In the ancient Greco-Roman world, family stability was equivalent to civil stability. Anything that jeopardized the family structure was considered subversive and dangerous to the order of the state.

At first glance, Peter's words would have appeared quite sensible to his contemporaries. Upon closer examination, however, we discover that Peter's exhortations on marriage roles offer something uniquely Christian. The key lies in the words, “in the same way” (vv. 1, 7). Peter is continuing his discourse on godly submission begun in 2:13 and continued through Christ's sacrificial suffering in 2:25. When we hear in today's passage the call for wives to submit to their husbands “in the same way,” we must remember the context. Just as Christ humbly submitted Himself with the goal of our salvation, so wives are called to follow that example in submitting themselves to their husbands. Christian submission is another way of following Christ's example.

In particular, though, Peter has in mind a marriage in which the husband is not a believer (v. 1). Into that context, Scripture calls for wives to imitate godly women of old, like Sarah, and to exhibit “purity,” “reverence,” a “gentle and quiet spirit,” and a focus on the inward beauty of the heart rather than mere outward appearances (vv. 2-6). And just as Christ's expression of humility and submission brought our salvation, so too a wife's humility may win over the husband to Christ (v. 1).

One might then anticipate Scripture calling husbands to exercise their authority in marriage or to demand submission from their wives. But instead, Peter calls husbands also to imitate Christ's humility (note “in the same way” of verse 7). Husbands are called to treat their wives with respect and consideration of their needs, all the time remembering that the wife's role in marriage in no way diminishes her exalted status as a co-heir of eternal life (v. 7). A differentiation of roles need not indicate an inequality of status and worth.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today marks the third Sunday in the Advent season, and it's appropriate to consider our passage in light of the Christ's submission and humility at His first coming. As you reflect on your own marriage (or the marriages of those you know), do you see in these relationships an attempt to imitate Christ's example of humility and service? What would change if you approached all relationships this way, choosing self-giving and sacrifice over self-assertion? Choose to perform one action today that will reflect Christ's humility.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 3:8-12
Whoever would love life and see good days . . . must turn from evil and do good. - 1 Peter 3:10-11
TODAY IN THE WORD
A nutritional health supplement called “Good Days Positive Mood Formula” boasts the ability to calm the mind and body while energizing you for the day. In its online ad, “Good Days” promises to “increase your confidence” and give you a “healthier, happier way of living.” In fact, the makers of “Good Days” are so confident in its promise, you can receive a 30-day trial absolutely free!

By the world's standards, “good days” mean strong self-esteem, bubbly happiness, and lots of energy. But Scripture provides an alternative for those who “would love life and see good days” (v. 10). Indeed, today's entire passage is a kind of biblical prescription for a life of blessing. Earlier, Peter reminded his readers that they were called to follow Christ's example of suffering (2:21); paradoxically, he now declares that those same readers are called to a life of blessing (v. 9).

What does this look like? First it entails a life that blesses others. Scripture calls us to a life concerned with the well-being of others. Our lives should exhibit peace and harmony, sympathy toward others, love for our new family in Christ, compassion, humility, honest speech, and a biblical response to sin in which we repay evil not with more evil, but with blessing (vv. 8-11). Speaking of this life of blessing to others, Peter declares, “to this you were called” (v. 10).

A life of blessing means more than blessing others; it also means we “inherit a blessing” as well (v. 9). Given Peter's earlier exhortations about suffering, he clearly recognizes that the Christian life may be full of pain. Nonetheless, such suffering does not negate the gift of blessing. For one reason, such blessing is an “inheritance” from God (v. 9). It is His gift to us that cannot be taken away, no matter what our earthly circumstances may bring. But also, because true blessing means having a God who truly cares for us (v. 12). A biblical life of blessing has more to do with our relationship with God than with what the world might deem “good days.”

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
A large part of today's reading emphasized our calling to be a blessing to others, both to our siblings in Christ and to those who may intend our harm. How will you bless others today? Perhaps you might give a tangible gift to someone in need? Or present an encouraging word to a struggling friend? Or even offer your forgiveness over a painful insult? As you go about your day today, seek for ways to offer blessing in someone's life, knowing that “to this you were called” (v. 9).