A Letter to God's Elect - Part 2: Trained for Troubled Timesಮಾದರಿ

A Letter to God's Elect - Part 2: Trained for Troubled Times

DAY 3 OF 4

THE MOTIVATION OF THE SAVED - CHOSEN

1 Pet 1:18—Peter keeps circling back to this point: how we have been saved. He focuses on the indestructible nature of our hope and salvation. He wanted the believers to have an eternal perspective, given that they were being persecuted and had probably lost property, family, and even lives. He reminds them that the precious blood of Jesus bought their salvation.

Peter makes a strong statement: “an empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors.” Imagine saying that to a Jew!!! What he is saying is that being born a Jew is not enough, and the law cannot save you. The Law must drive you to Jesus. So, the law was our guardian (Schoolmaster – KJV) until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. (Gal 3:24).

V20-21 Chosen—He reminds them that just as they were chosen according to the Father's foreknowledge (v2). This salvation plan was not an afterthought but was planned even before the creation of the world. Jesus came to earth as part of God’s plan for salvation, which has been fulfilled in their lifetime and for their sake, so that they could come to faith.

We have not been redeemed by physical things that will perish but by the costly blood of Jesus; therefore, this requires a fitting response. This knowledge should motivate us to live a Godly life.

Is being suffering-free a biblical motivation?

Peter is aware of the suffering they are facing. Many have had to flee from their homes, they have lost loved ones to persecution. He reminds them of all they have in Christ and the price Jesus paid to give this freely.

It is good for us to ask ourselves this question since we are addressing the issues of trials and persecutions. Today, we find the gospel being peddled as follows: “Come to Jesus, and He will take away all your pain and suffering, and He will give you joy and happiness.” There is some truth to this statement, but it is not all true. Jesus does give us His peace and His joy. They are also the fruit of walking with the Holy Spirit. Peace is His presence within us and with us in the problem. Ask the first-century Christians who were thrown to the lions, crucified, or burned at the stake. Jesus has promised to be with us in our troubles. He will walk through the dark valleys with us. He promised never to leave us. Jesus did not promise us a problem-free life. Therefore, with this in mind, we need to embrace trials and sufferings because they have a purpose in our lives, which is to refine our faith and prove it more precious than gold.

REFLECTIONS

  • How often do I reflect on the fact that my salvation is bought by Jesus’ shed blood?
  • As a Christ follower, how good am I at embracing trials and suffering?

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About this Plan

A Letter to God's Elect - Part 2: Trained for Troubled Times

Peter writes to Christ's followers scattered by persecution. Through his letter, he gives them perspective and hope. Navaz DCruz has written this 4-day devotional, and it is the concluding part of a two-part series.

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