I Peter 2: There Are No Shortcuts

Peter continues in his letter to instruct us in what our duties are and what our responsibilities entail as Christians.  He has told us we are to be ‘holy as God is holy.’ He told us to prepare our minds for action and be self-controlled.  Sanctification is the process by which we are to be made holy. Sanctification means to be set apart- to be separate. We are to be separate from the works of the flesh, our old sinful nature. It is a process. It takes time. And there are no shortcuts.

Now to be separate, to be set apart rests on the fact of salvation. Peter is writing to those who have been born again,’ not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God.’ When you have been born again, you have a new nature, and we are to live in that new nature by the power of the Holy Spirit.   Peter mentioned earlier- you love the Lord Jesus and believe in Him even though you have not seen Him.  The Holy Spirit through the Word of God can make the Lord Jesus real to us so that as we read what He has done for us- we love Him and believe in Him.

Therefore having been born again, Peter begins with what our responsibilities are in order to separate us from the works of the flesh. For the flesh, our old nature will continue to battle against our new nature.  Peter begins with a list of things we are to lay aside or rid ourselves of which include:  ‘all malice, all guile (deceit), hypocrisies, envies, and slander (evil speaking) of all kinds.

Let us make sure we understand these works of the flesh we are to lay aside, to take off as it were, old filthy garments. It can also be likened to an examination by your physician who informs you- your arteries are being clogged by high cholesterol and you have to go on a healthier diet and exercise on a regular basis.  Our flesh loves those things that are not good for us- including Blue Belle Ice Cream.

1. Malice- the intent or desire to do evil, ill will. To want to cause harm to another.  In I Peter I: 22b- we read – “you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply from the heart. ( with a pure heart fervently,KJV)” Listen how Paul describes this type of love in I Corinthians 13:  “ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but always rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres.” Malice  comes from an unforgiving spirit that develops bitterness in one’s heart until it becomes congealed anger seeking revenge. In other words, it keeps a list of wrongs done to one, either real or perceived. The Lord Jesus when he taught his disciples how to pray, taught them and us to ask the Lord ‘to forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” *All of our sins are forgiven ( past,present and future) when we get saved.  However, when we sin in the present our fellowship with God is broken, estranged.  “ Jesus said to Peter unless I wash you, you have no part of me”.   ( John 13… I John I :9 says we if we confess our sins, the Lord Jesus will cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. Guile or deceit-sly or cunning intelligence; artful deception, crafty.  The very definition reminds me of the one who is called the deceiver, the devil himself. Deceit is used to make a good impression upon someone for personal gain or acclaim.  In Acts 5, we see the use of guile by Ananias and Sapphira when they tried to represent themselves a being generous givers to the church. Peter was revealed the truth by the Holy Spirit regarding this deceitful act on their part.  Listen to whom he credited this source: “ Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?” Do not think you are above being tempted to deceive others. Notice this act of deceit was within the church, where the enemy lurks to cause any problems he can.
3. Hypocrisy-is defined as the practice of claiming to have moral standards and beliefs to which one’s behavior does not conform; pretense, insincere. Much was said by the Lord about hypocrisy. The Lord referred to the hypocrisy of the religious acts done publicly to be seen and honored by men. He spoke of this in Matthew 6: 1-18, with their giving, their prayers and their fasting. In some ways, we might conclude, hypocrisy and deceit go hand-in-hand. The question is when you come to worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth on Sunday, do you behave the same way you do on Monday? For the very definition says a hypocrite is one who claims to have moral standards and beliefs but their behavior does not conform to those beliefs. They talk the talk, but do not walk the walk.
4. Envy-is one of those words which can be used as a noun or a verb.  As a noun it is defined as : a feeling of discontent; or a resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, quality or life. As a verb is defined as: to desire a quality or possession of another, i.e., ‘ I envy his or her________________ ( you fill in the blank- looks, figure, athletic ability, money, position, etc.)
5. Slander(evil speaking) – another word that can be used as a noun or verb. As a noun it is defined as :  the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation.  As a verb it is defined as:  making false  or damaging statements about another person; to libel or defame.

We can see a  connecting theme here that all of this comes from our old nature which is self-seeking and prideful. Out of this comes envy for what someone else has which means to covet. Covet is to desire something wrongfully, as in the 10 commandments to covet your neighbor’s wife.   Ananias and Sapphira envied the praise of those who receiving praise in the early church for their generous giving.  They desired to have the praise for themselves, not the Lord. Therefore, this led to an act of deceit and hypocrisy.

The first sin in the garden perpetrated by the deceiver the devil, was based on creating  a feeling of discontent and thus a resentful longing to eat from the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

Let’s study this original deception and we will see why Peter’s Rx for what is spiritually clogging our arteries is in a healthy diet and exercise.

First of all know this about the enemy, the devil:  He cannot force anyone to do anything. He depends upon deceit.  Return to Genesis 3 and let us study the wiles of the enemy.

1. He questions God’s word- for accuracy, authority and acceptance. “ Did God REALLY say’ you must not eat from any tree in the garden? A question designed skillfully to cast doubt on God’s Word.
2. He calls the Word of God, and thus God, a lie and a liar.  “ And the serpent said unto the woman- you shall not surely die. For God doth know that in the day you eat thereof, your eyes will be opened and you shall be as gods, knowing good from evil.” Here we see malice- a congealed anger at God by  Lucifer with the intention to do evil and cause harm. He uses guile, deceit to accomplish this harm.  He pretends to be a helpful person who is exposing a God who is withholding good from Eve and Adam. Satan is a deceiver, the father of all lies, a hypocrite who can appear as an angel of light and quote scripture even to the Lord Jesus. All of this came as pride of his exalted position as high ranking angel in heaven caused him to envy God and fueled a wrongful desire to be worshipped himself. Cast out of heaven with a 1/3rd of the angels in a revolt, in a battle for supremacy. His anger has congealed over the centuries to make him the very personification of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander.   Do you not see how active he is today in slandering Gods’ Word? And thus God Himself?  He calls dark- light and light – dark and has deceived many until our culture reflects his very character.
3. Satans’ attack is three prong using the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. The first sin should be required study for all believers for it is a blueprint for the marketing and advertising campaign for sin.  The essence of almost all advertising is to make you discontent with what you have and desire what is being advertised. Marketing’s role is to minimize the risk in order to maximize the interest. ( Easy low payments, money back guarantee, satisfaction guaranteed.) Notice what the enemy does first. He takes away the risk. “ You will surely not die!” This allows him to maximize the interest_ you will be as gods. Satan appeals to the mind, the emotions to overrule the will.
4. The enemy turns desire into a decision. He makes the sale, based on features, advantages and benefits he cannot deliver. False advertising gets our ‘ want to’ to overrule our ‘ should not.’ “ But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be DECEIVED, my dear brothers. FOR EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT  IS FROM ABOVE, COMING DOWN FROM THE FATHER OF THE HEAVENLY LIGHTS WHO DOES NOT CHANGE LIKE THE SHIFTING SHADOWS.”( James 1; 14-17)

So what do we do?  Peter is going to tell us what we must do to unclog our spiritual arteries so we have pure hearts.  “ As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk, ( crave the pure milk) so that by it you may grow up, now that you have tasted the Lord is good.” ( 1 Peter 2:2,3)    You have to change your diet. You have to develop a new taste to satisfy your new nature. The NIV uses the word ‘ crave’ in place of the word desire in the KJV.  Having witnessed recently the birth of our grandchildren, I noticed no one needed to teach them to crave milk. It was a natural part of being born, a God-placed instinct for health , growth and nutrition. The craving for the Word of God should be a part of the newborn Christian.  How different would our church be if those who came through these doors craved the Word like a newborn craves milk.

Peter tells us it is by the Word of God you grow up in your salvation, ‘ since you have tasted that the Lord is good ( gracious).’ Interesting in using diet and what we eat and drink as a way of describing this relationship and process of sanctification.   We can see things at a distance, as well as hear and smell them at a distance.  To taste the Lord and realize His goodness, His graciousness, we must be united with Him.  Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.  He often used the terms – drink, eat as a way of illustrating the process.  In John 6, Jesus told the crowd: “ Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of God will give you.” He told the Samaritan woman at the well, He could give her a drink of living water and she would never thirst again, for the water He gave her would become a spring of water welling up to eternal life. ( John 4)  He said: “ I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” ( John 6:35)

Have you tasted the Lord and know for yourself He is good/ gracious?  Without a hunger for the Word of God you will not grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.  If you are going to enjoy good health- it requires a healthy diet and regular exercise. And do you know what it requires to stay on a healthy diet and a regime of regular exercise?  You guessed it- discipline.

Let’s explore this term – discipline. Discipline is” training that corrects, molds or perfects the mental faculties or moral character”.( Mirriam-Webster Dictionary.)  Now listen to what Paul wrote to Timothy:  “All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” ( 2 Timothy 3)  And our Lord Jesus stated this fact:  “ If you continue in my word, then  you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” ( John 8:31,32)   A disciple is a learner, a student, a follower. To be a disciple takes discipline.   Listen again to Paul’s teaching as he writes to Timothy: “ Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” ( I Timothy 4: 7,8)  Godliness requires discipline.  Peter and Paul and of course the Lord Jesus are teaching us the truth that discipline is required on our part in order to grow, mature and bear fruit.

God uses three primary catalysts for changing us and conforming us to the likeness of Christ.

1. People- as ‘ iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.’ (Proverbs27:17)
2. Circumstances- “ we know that in ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called to His purpose.” ( Romans 8:28) Financial pressure, health, storms of all kinds.
3. Spiritual Disciplines- this catalysts differs from the first two, in that they are external, this is internal, as God works from the inside- out to change us.  It also differs also in that we are given a choice regarding our involvement. We have something to do with this process as we place ourselves in the path of Jesus, of God’s grace as we seek Him with all our heart. Remember the story of Zacchaeus?  Zach was a short man who wanted to see Jesus. And in his eagerness to do so, he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus.  ( Luke 19)  Would you do something so foolish as a grown man climbing a tree?  What about Blind Bartimaeus?  He had heard about Jesus and what He had done.  When he heard Jesus was passing by the roadside where he sat, Bart began hollering at the top of his lungs_ “ Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me? “ Both of these men received what they sought from the Lord because they put themselves in position to receive.  Spiritual disciplines do this and we have to choose to exercise them.

Now here is a truth we must learn from experience.  Discipline is the price of freedom.  In fact- freedom is the reward of discipline.  “ If you continue in my word, you are my disciples, indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”

Do you want to be free?  It takes discipline.

Spiritual Disciplines :

1. Bible intake.
2. Prayer
3. Worship
4. Evangelism
5. Serving
6. Stewardship
7. Fasting
8. Silence and Solitude
9. Journaling
10. Learning.

Those of who love basketball are in our favorite season. We have just finished the March Madness of NCAA play offs and now are in the midst of the NBA playoffs.  If you have watched any of these games, you will have seen a commercial where a player for the LA Clippers who has amazing ability and a body shaped by years of training, weight lifting and exercise- in other words – discipline.  He visits himself when he was younger in high school and shows his younger self in this ad what he will look like in the future if he keeps up one thing— practice.

Now if you are a basketball aficionado, one of the most famous was Pistol Pete Maravich, whose ball handling, dribbling between his legs, and behind-the-back passes were amazing, not to mention his shooting prowess that made him the leading scorer in college basketball before the three point shot.  He was inducted in the NBA Hall of Fame.  Maravich  became a Christian in his mid-thirties and died suddenly of a heart attack at age 40.  A year before he died, he gave this interview:

“ The key to my ability was repetition. I practiced and practiced and practiced again. I gave the sport my total commitment. I tried everything I could in every way I could to perfect my skills. It was like an obsession. It paid off for me as a player. I ‘m not so sure in life. If I had given that same devotion then to my faith, which is what I do now, I’d have been a better person in the long run.”

Are you willing to discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness?

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going”.  ( Beverly Sills, Opera Diva)

 

Copyright © 2010 Linda Benthal
Last modified: 08/12/14

I Peter 1:  It’s About a Simple Message.

Peter speaks of God’s design to test our faith that it might be refined by fire as gold. The comparison to gold  is interesting. Gold  is and was the most durable and valuable of precious metals and at one time was the standard for our monetary system.  Faith is the most valuable and durable of Christian virtues and lasts until our faith becomes sight when we see Jesus.  The tests of  our faith are to prove it genuine.

In verse 8 & 9, Peter speaks to those category of believers ( including us) who have not seen the Lord Jesus but love Him and believe in Him. The Lord Jesus told them on the night of his arrest, he was sending one to them, the Holy Spirit, who would remind them of everything He had said. Surely Peter is recalling the night the Resurrected Lord appeared and revealed His scars to Thomas and told Thomas-‘blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This faith, this believing in Him produces everlasting salvation and joy unspeakable, inexpressible and glorious.

Peter then goes on to talk about the diligent search the prophets of old made by the inspiration of God. Their search was not an empty intellectual pursuit of knowledge and mystery as Peter tells us- “..they were not serving themselves but you, ( the believers who now believe but have not seen) when they spoke of the things that have now been told to you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.”

Peter also speaks of these prophets of old making a diligent search to find out the time and circumstances of to which the Spirit in them was pointing when the Spirit foretold the sufferings of Christ and the glory that followed.  This was puzzling to those prophets and they searched to discover the meaning of a Christ that would come who would both suffer and be glorified. It has been explained today by theologians as the ‘ two mountain theory’.  Prophets of old looking into the future revealed to them by the Holy Spirit saw two events- the suffering, which was revealed in detail and the glory and wondered about the timing of these two events.

J. Vernon McGee personalizes the two mountain theory with the two mountains in the Sierra Madre range he could view from Pasadena.  Mount Wilson is in the foreground and rises to around six thousand feet while Mount Waterman is behind it and looks to be the same height. However, Mount Waterman is over eight thousand feet , but it is over 30 miles behind Mount Wilson.  From the distance they appear to be right together.  We now know these two events are separated by God’s timing.  The crucifixion, the suffering took place over 2000 years ago, the future 2nd coming still awaits us in the future and we live, as it is, between the two mountains.   Peter says we are preaching the same gospel the prophets of old were preaching just with more understanding of the two events- the suffering and the glory as being two events separated by God the Father’s timing.  Peter then makes an interesting comment regarding the gospel that is preached:  “ Even angels long to look into these things.” Angels are among other things used by God to bring messages to mankind.  It seems this reference means they long to tell the gospel story, but God has decided at this time in the church age to use mankind to proclaim the message of the Gospel.

Regardless of the time, before the incarnation of the Lord Jesus and the cross or afterwards, faith is always the same.  Faith is confidence that God will do what He promised. Just as the saints of the Old Testament were saved looking forward to the coming of the Messiah, believing God would do what He promised . This is the essence of faith. From the very beginning with Adam and Eve, God has said take my word for it.   That is what living by faith is- taking God at His Word and applying it to your life.  It is the prescription for what ails us- take My Word for it, says the Great Physician.

In the great chapter on faith, Hebrews 11, this chapter begins with a clear explanation and definition of faith is verse 1: “ Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we cannot see. This (faith) is what the ancients were commended for. ( For by it{faith} the elders obtained a good report.)”   The two key words here are sure and certain.  This tells us faith is being sure and certain of something.  We often say the only two things we are sure of in this world are death and taxes.  What does this verse refer to- what is the ”something”?  The something they were sure of was the promises of God. Each of these men and women had received a promise from God. They were confident and sure God would do exactly what He promised.

The starting point of faith is believing God is who He says He is and the ending point is believing He can do what He says He will do. Of this we can be sure and certain.    Faith is not a power or force that if you have enough of it- you can get what you want. This leads to unrealistic expectations of who God is and how He operates.   Faith is confidence God will do what He has promised.  We are free to ask God anything we please as His children. And once we ask, we can hope He will give us what we ask.  However, let us look again at the definition of faith:  “ Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we cannot see. For by it the elders  received a good report.”   The only time we can be sure and certain is when what we ask for what is based on a promise of God.  John writes this:  “ And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know we have the petitions that we desired of Him.”(I John 5:14-15) Are not His promises to us a revelation of His will?  Of course they are.  Let me remind you- the timing of His answer is perfect, but not always as soon as we would have Him answer, but perfect nevertheless.

Let us reflect for a moment what Peter has told us thus far:  God’s great salvation is characterized by :  hope, assurance, faith, joy in the midst of trials, praise, honor and glory to Christ , and of the grace that has come to us who believe.

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written:  Be holy, because I am holy.”    ( I Peter 1:13-16)

To be holy is to be set apart from sin and impurity. All Christians are called to be holy- to be set apart.  Peter begins by telling us to prepare our minds ( NIV) – gird up the loins of your mind, be sober..(KJV) .

Jesus warned us to watch and pray lest you fall into temptation.  One can be drawn away from watchfulness by over confidence; by abuse of grace; and when one question Gods’ Word.

Peter tells us what we are not to do:  “ As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.” We all were under the rule of sin from the time we were born, until we were born again. We developed sinful habits and sinful character.  We sinned because we were born with a sinful nature. Even if your sins were not gross sins, and you would have been considered by society as a good person, you lived for yourself and not God. Your good works and righteousness were as filthy rags to a Holy God.

So  God calls us to be holy as He is holy. The question is how do we do it?  Paul tells us of the provisions God has made that we might pursue holiness.  “ What shall we say, then, shall we go on sinning that grace may increase?  By no means! We died to sin, how can we live in it any longer?  Paul then goes on to explain the work of Calvary- telling us the fact our old self was crucified with Christ so that the body of sin might be done away with that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

Here is our part:

1. We are to reckon ( count as fact) we are dead to sin but alive to God in Christ.
2. Do not let sin reign in your mortal body to obey its evil desires
3. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness.
4. Do offer yourselves to God and the parts of your  body as instruments of righteousness
5. We are to wholeheartedly obey the form of teaching we have received
6. Believe you are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ. ( Romans 6)

You see previously, before you and I were saved, we were ignorant of these truths.  We could not resist sin before salvation, for we were powerless over the power of sin.

God has made a provision for our holiness.  Through Christ , He has delivered us from sins’ reign so that we can now resist sin. But – THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESISTING SIN IS OURS.

Peter in 2 Peter 1 tells us of this provision from God:  “ His divine power has given us EVERYTHING WE NEED FOR LIFE AND GODLINESS THROUGH OUR KNOWLEDGE OF HIM WHO CALLED US BY HIS OWN GLORY AND GOODNESS.  Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” There is that word- promise- again. Our faith rests on His Word, His Truth.  In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word became flesh.  The Lord Jesus is the Word. He is truth.

Faith is not an escape hatch from trials and tribulations. It is confidence God will keep His promises.  Peter reminds us  we lived in ignorance of these promises when we were lost.

Paul wrote : “ Being confident (certain and sure) of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. “ ( Philippians 1: 6)

Thus begins the battle for holiness which Paul so aptly describes in Romans 7.  It will be a constant battle, because the flesh, our old nature continues to battle against the Spirit.

Peter reminds us to live as strangers in this world, that is set apart, realizing this world is not our home and we are told to love not the things of the world. As an incentive, Peter encourages us to live holy ,separated lives for God the Father will judge and reward each man’s work at the ‘bema seat.’.  This judgment of our works is not for punishment but for rewards.

Peter then speaks of our redemption.  Redeemed means to free someone from something bad by paying a penalty or ransom.  This is why we sing a hymn of praise dedicated to  the ‘ Blessed Redeemer.’

“ For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with precious blood of Christ, a lamb  without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead, and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God.”

Notice first of all- Peter started this section with ‘ for as you know’.  So the first and most important question is – do you know you have been redeemed?  We then read the payment price for our penalty, the price paid to redeem us was not silver or gold, but the precious blood of Christ a lamb without defect or blemish.  Do you see the tenderness of Peter’s heart when he speaks of His Lord and the shed blood?  (Precious, a lamb without defect or blemish.)

Notice also Peter refers to our life before salvation as empty.  Everything in the world created by God was created for a purpose. There is nothing as empty, vain, and meaningless as a life spent apart from the redemption of Christ.   Man can search to and fro searching for meaning in riches, power, entertainment and all this world has to offer- but as George Beverly Shea sang:  “ I ‘d rather have Jesus than silver or gold; I ‘d rather have Jesus than riches untold.”

Peter tells us this was Gods’ plan from before the creation. Peter then tells the simple message of the Gospel.  “ Through Him( Jesus) you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God.”

‘My faith is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”

“ it is the opposite of politics, power and prestige ;it’s about a simple message and do you really believe?  It is still the Cross!

Then in the closing of this first chapter in this short letter of encouragement, Peter returns to the Word of God. “ Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.”

The description of the Word of God as a seed is an excellent comparison. Jesus used this comparison in the parable of the seed and the sower.  The seed, whether it be for corn, wheat, tomatoes  or flowers contains life within it.  When the seed is planted it dies and releases the life contained within it- this is the process of germination.  The Holy Spirit is the agent of salvation but the Word of God is the ‘ seed’ from which the new life is generated.  As the seed germinates and its roots go down to bring nourishment and maturity and fruit, so do the roots of our new life go down deep into Christ and His Word to produce fruit and maturity.

Whatever the need of the moment in your life, the answer is to be found in the Scriptures, if we take time to search for it.  The Word of God is absolute truth. It is life giving, life changing and life sustaining.

Paul wrote:  “ I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes it.” ( Romans 1)

Psalm 119: 130- “ The entrance of thy Words give light; it gives understanding unto the simple.”

Psalm 119: 105_ “ Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light upon my path.”

Romans 10: 17: “ So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

I Peter 2:2_ “ As newborn babies, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow.”

And so Peter ends his thoughts regarding the Word of God :  “ All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord stands forver!”

“Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”  ( Romans 4)

 

It’s about a simple message and do you really believe. It’s still the Cross.

Copyright © 2010 Linda Benthal

Last modified: 08/12/14

I Peter: The Test of Faith

Peter’s letters to the believers in the five provinces in the Roman Empire are a timely message for us today in the 21st century. The letter is to Christians in that area to encourage and equip the readers for difficult times ahead.  Surely this is a relevant message for such a  time as this in our country, with our growing godless culture and the current drifting from the faith.  The letter was probably written in and around 60-64 A.D. This latter date would coincide with Paul’s execution and the beginning of persecution of Christians by Roman leadership.

Peter identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ.  Andrew, Peter’s younger brother, brought his brother to meet Jesus soon after he and John had been introduced to the Lord Jesus when John the Baptist pointed Him out to them as the Lamb of God.  When Jesus met him for the first time, he gave him a new name:  “..Jesus beheld him, he said: Thou art Simon the son of Jona; thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, a stone, a rock.” (John 1)

In Matthew 16 we find an important reference to this title- rock. ‘ Jesus had just asked the disciples whom do men say I am?  And they answered – some say you are John the Baptist, some, Elijah, and others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.  Then Jesus asked them- whom do you say I am?  And Simon Peter answered:  Thou are the Christ the Son of the Living God. And Jesus answered them:  blessed art thou Simon Bar-jona for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto you, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say unto the, thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.’

Does this mean the church would be built upon Peter or upon Peter’s confession?  I believe it is built on this confession of truth, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. We do know the church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, of which Christ is the chief cornerstone. And the apostles were simply carrying out the Great Commission teaching the truths that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Peter refers to the recipients of his letter as ‘ strangers scattered throughout the regions. The NIV refers to them as the ‘  chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father’; the KJV refers to them as ‘ elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.’

Here we are once again with those thorny issues and words- elect and chosen.  But let’s set those aside and focus on the word- foreknowledge.  God is all knowing. He does not have to learn anything, He knows everything. History- past, present and future cannot happen without God already  knowing beforehand it would happen.  Predestination is  always used in reference with the saved, never the lost.

So let’s take this sequence as the KJV lays it out:  Peter identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ in verse 1.  Then he addresses to whom this letter is intended:  “To the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bythinia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,  through  sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.” ( I Peter 1: 2)   First notice the Trinity I clearly present in this sequence.  God the Father is credited with the task of election, He sets the agenda. To the Son, the Lord Jesus is ascribed the work of reconciliation by the shedding of His blood and the Holy Spirit has the ongoing, inside job of sanctification.

If the word – chosen (NIV) can be used as a synonym for elect, these verses tell us these people to whom Peter is writing were  chosen for a purpose according to God the Father’s foreknowledge. A person is elected, chosen to: an office, or to a special privilege.( We elect a president to serve in the office of president. Judges choose a beauty contestant to serve in the office of Miss Tennessee for a period of one year. I was chosen by the TSA to receive the privilege of going through a special area in pre-flight check in.) God, however, not only has foreknowledge, He can also foreordain. The crucifixion of the Lord Jesus is such a case.  It was Peter who described this in Acts 2 when he spoke of the death of the Lord Jesus: “ Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.”

So having said all of this, what ties the two verses together? Peter is telling them God not only foreknew them, but has allowed, ordained  this scattering. It is exactly where He wanted these people to be at this time. Strangers or aliens reminds all the believers throughout the ages this earth is not our home, heaven is.  And we are where we are in the time and place we are, as Paul told the crowd at Athens in Acts 17:  “ From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth, and He determined the times set for them and the exact places they should live.”   We exist because God willed that we exist at this time in this place.

Look again at the process for we know as believers- ‘ we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”. ( Ephesians 2:10)  Peter describes the process that enables us and fits us to the do the work God has for us.  He equips us to do the work.  Nehemiah knew he could not do the work unless the King equipped him with all he needed.  “ My God shall supply all your needs…” He did it in the Garden of Eden for Adam and Eve; and again for Abraham and Isaac. God will provide a sacrifice, Abraham told Isaac and He did that day and ultimately at Calvary.

So Peter tells us we were set aside, separated by the sanctifying work of the Spirit for what reason? We were saved to serve through obedience.  Obedience to Jesus Christ and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ are mentioned in the same thought.    The blood cleanses us of all our sins thus making us fit for the work that He has called us to do- which involves obedience to His commands.  Obedience and cleansing go together.

Now Peter continues with his greeting by this wonderful statement, which we could take as Peter’s prayer for them:  “ Grace unto you and peace be multiplied .” (KJV)  Grace and peace be yours in abundance, the NIV states.  We talk about and sing about Amazing Grace, but grace is unmerited favor. Grace is motivated by God’s love and His Grace and love are the basis for His plans for you and me.  And peace is something we all long for isn’t it?  Peace is not just the absence of troubling circumstances, it is the positive ever present consciousness that God is with me and will never leave me or desert me.  It is there when there are storms and it is there when all is well for it guards our heart with all diligence.  Peter wanted this to overflow in these peoples’ lives because he knew they would face trouble, just as sure as we are to face trouble.

So get ready to get encouraged!  Get ready to make a list, write it down and carry it with you for Peter is about to give us the reason for our hope.  In fact, Peter will even give us the reason for our suffering – which he says is for a little while.  This is a letter of hope- a letter of encouragement.

I Peter 1:3-9 outline the reasons for our hope.  The KJV says ‘ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ’- the NIV states: ‘ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ It is our duty and privilege to praise God which means to bless God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and then Peter tells us why we should – because of His Great Mercy.  Mercy.  “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy. He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” ( Psalm 103) God sent an undeserved invitation to an underserving person like me and provided me with the righteousness the invitation demanded. “ Faithful is He who calls you , who will also do it.” ( I Thess. 5:24)

“In His great mercy He(God) has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”    All the evil in the world is from man’s sin, but all the good in this world is from God’s mercy.   The crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus is central to Christianity.  It is the source of our hope, for without the resurrection our faith would be in vain.   It was at Calvary where my burdened soul found liberty.

Let us praise God for His great mercy and the old hymn, ‘At Calvary’, tells my story as well as anything ever could.  Listen to these words:  “ Years I spent in vanity and pride, Caring not my Lord was crucified, knowing not it was for me, He died On Calvary. Mercy there was great and grace was free; Pardon there was multiplied to me; There my burdened heart found liberty, at Calvary.

This mercy gave me and you a new birth. We became new creatures. We began to put off old things and put on new.  This new living hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

Next Peter describes that we live this life in anticipation of what awaits us- an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for you.  In heaven right now- there is an inheritance that has my name written on it- Reserved for Tim Fortner.  We are joint heirs with Jesus. We are new born to a new inheritance that surpasses anything we can inherit on this earth.

Now for those of us who always play the ‘ what if’ game, Peter is one step ahead of you. For those pessimists who just cannot believe this good fortune; who are the type who believe God can do what He says He can do- but probably is not going to do it for me, for I am undeserving.  Then Peter has a word of encouragement for you- ‘ kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power  until the coming of salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.’   This is the blessing of preservation- you and I are shielded by God’s power.

Peter says this is reason for great rejoicing, though for a little while, you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.   There it is- the truth we must accept- in this life we will have troubles, trials, heartaches and grief.

Now let’s look for the good parts of this truth. For we now know by experience, there are trials and sorrows in this life.  I know sometimes we look at other people’s lives and they seem to never have any problems.  I assure you they do or will- it is the way of life in this fallen world. Notice trials is plural. They do not stop coming and they are not singular.

First of all, I like the fact that Peter said ‘ though now for a little while’ ( NIV) – ‘though now for a season we  are in heaviness through various trials(KJV).  Hebrews 10 tells us not to throw away our confidence for the One who is coming, is coming in a little while.  So my first encouragement is this is only for a season, for a little while. Now we would be less than honest if we did not admit there are some long days and nights when we are undergoing a season of heaviness. But again the prescription is to put on the garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Praise God whether you feel like it or not- for our High Priest knows what we are going through, for He has experienced it Himself.  He remembers our frames are dust, we are fragile.   I also have a great promise  God will never allow me to be tested or tempted above that which I am able to bear but will provide a way out so that I can stand up under it. ( I Cor. 10) For every season of suffering, there is I believe as season of refreshing.

Whatever difficulty you find yourself in- we can always find something to rejoice in that arises from things spiritual and heavenly.  This will not last forever. This too will pass.   Your season of heaviness will not last any longer than it needs to last.  God knows what He is doing.

Now verse 7 tells us another reason why we can endure these trials with hope. These trials are not without purpose.  “ These trials have come so that your faith- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

These trials are not for our destruction but for faith to be purified and thus grow stronger. These trials are ultimately for our good for it tests what is good in us- our faith. A ‘tried faith’ is more valuable than gold.

Peter knew something about faith that is tried, didn’t he?  He knew and remembered when his faith failed the test and he denied the Lord three times.  He also remembered what the Lord told him: Simon, Simon ( notice he called Peter by his old name), Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that  your faith may not fail. And when  you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” ( Luke 22)

Satan intended this test of faith to be the spiritual ruin of Peter- the leader of the disciples. The Lord intended it to show Peter where his faith was.. and in doing so  burn of the dross of self-reliance and pride in his abilities.  “ if you think you are standing firm, be careful you don’t fall”.

Do you not realize failure at some point is a part of the process of success?  We will all fail the tests of faith at times.  Peter knew what it was to disappoint the Lord. He denied he knew him three times the night of his arrest. In what Peter would have viewed as his greatest failure, would become a new beginning and understanding of faith that would pave the way for even greater works.  Faith has to be tested. Jesus often did this with the disciples in his three years with them and usually their failure to believe was met with his penetrating question; ‘ where is your faith?’   This failure of Peter’s was perhaps the turning point in his faith journey.  We see this story throughout the Bible of faith being tested, and individuals failing the test. But we also see the patience of the God that though we stumble we are not utterly cast down, for He upholds us with His right hand.

Lets’ review Peter’s journey to restoration after a faith failure, for we know how important faith is and we need to know what happens when we fail the test.  In John 21, we see the road to restoration.

In this precious story we see three steps to restoration. Peter was devastated by what he had done. Knowing this would happen, the Lord had instructed the angel to tell the women – “ go tell His disciples, and PETER, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see  Him, just as He told you.: (Mark 16)  The Lord Jesus knew Peter felt he was disqualified as a disciple and for this reason Jesus reached out to Peter by including him in this invitation. ( Oh how sweet is the forgiveness of our sins!)

1. Restoration happens because of repentance. Repentance is not the same as remorse. Remorse is being sorry something happened, it is often a part of self-pity. Judas was an example of this type of remorse. But Godly sorrow leads to repentance. Peter wept bitterly the night he denied the Lord three times.  Repentance is a change in thinking and behavior, a turning back.
2. Reconciliation is being made right with one whom you have wronged. This is a part of repentance. It is getting serious about repairing your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Did you notice how anxious Peter was to be in the presence of the Lord? He could not wait for the boat to get to shore, he jumped in and swam and waded ashore.   Realize that Jesus loves you, in spite of your sin and your behavior and that He wants to forgive you and cleanse you of all unrighteousness when you confess your sin. Jesus wants you to affirm your love for Him. He asks Peter three times- do you love me?
3. Restoration is about giving up something because you love Jesus more than you love those things you are giving up.  Jesus asks Peter – do you love me more than these?  Did he mean do you love me more than you love these men?  Or more than this- fishing your life work?  Probably both. Peter loved his work and his co-workers. But Jesus said you must love me more than these.

Peter needed to know he could start over again – and again.  We need to know this also. Peter knew failure is a part of the process of success and learning.  God knew we would fail the tests of faith at times and this is why He made a provision in I John 1:9.

Peter knew it was necessary for these fiery trials to come even with their disappointments. It was necessary for they tried our faith and removed the dross.  Only  when we have come through this tested faith  do we see these result in praise, glory and honor and a revelation of Jesus Christ.  A faith that has been tested, can be trusted.

“ Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we cannot see. For by it the elders received a good report.” ( Hebrews 11:1,2)

FAITH IS CONFIDENCE THAT GOD WILL DO WHAT HE HAS PROMISED.

FAITH IS ALWAYS TESTED FOR AT LEAST THREE REASONS:

1. To prove whether our faith is real.
2. To help our faith grow.
3. To bring glory to the Lord.

“ Without faith it is impossible to please God and those who come to Him, must believe that He is and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. ( Hebrews 11:6)

 

Copyright © 2010 Linda Benthal
Last modified: 08/12/14