Peter starts his first epistle acknowledging and blessing those who have been elected by God and are being persecuted for their faith and belief in the risen Lord Jesus in foreign lands. Before acknowledging the Trinity and how the Holy Spirit is working in their (and our) lives.

Verse 4 in my opinion was an encouragement for those being persecuted, that no matter what happens to them, their property here on earth their reward in Heaven will be waiting for them unblemished; “⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,” [ESV] We too have this promise, that no matter what happens to us our reward in heaven will be there for us and nothing can take it away from us.

In verse 7 Peter reminds us that we will be tested and life will not always be a ‘walk in the park’, we can look back on Job and see how his faith was tested. Unknown to Job though at the time of his trials and tribulations his experience has helped Christians past, present and will do in the future through their time of hardship, lose, grief as we can read how he acted and how God met his needs. Peter in this epistle is warning his readers that their faith will be tested. What some Christians fail to realise is that when Satan is causing them grief he doesn’t have bout of compassion and reduce his attacks, no he will carry on mercilessly causing them more pain, upset with the intention that they will give up their faith in God.

Peter in verses 8 & 9 in my opinion is referring to John 20:28-30 “²⁸ Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” [ESV] We to are blessed as we have not seen him yet we believe in his saving grace and love for us.

Verses 13-17 are extremely applicable for Christians living today, we are to be ready, clear minded while living ‘in the world and not of it’. Across the globe Satan is persecuting Christians from physical actions where Christians are attacked, killed to psychological attacks making Christians being fearful about speaking out, proclaiming their faith. We are to prepare ourselves and fellow followers of Christ by studying the Word of God and praying together, so when we are in situations either being attacked for our faith or where we can speak up for those who are being persecuted we are prepared and ready in the knowledge that our faith is grounded and rooted in Scripture, knowing that He is with us.

In verses 18-21 Peter reminds us of the price that was paid for our sins and how it wasn’t a material payment, but through the blood of Christ; who knew at the dawn of Creation that he would have to sacrifice himself for us. When I read this may favourite Bible verse came to mind Job 38:4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.” [ESV]

At the end of this chapter Peter instructs us to love each other with a pure heart, knowing that our Salvation is ‘imperishable’.

Is your faith rooted in Scripture, do you have a group of people who you pray regularly with?

All Bible verse quotes and links were taken from http://www.biblegateway.com