1 & 2 Peter Book Study Sample

This Too Shall Pass

“Live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear” (1 Peter 1:17 NIV). To be a foreigner means to live in a place not truly home, perhaps in conditions that sap our ability to actually be the person we long to be. What is the best way to behave in these circumstances? How can I conduct my life most meaningfully where I am, even when things are bad?

This is the writer’s theme in this book. His answer, briefly, is to aspire to holy living in the persistent hope that Jesus will be fully revealed someday. Until that happens, we are to live in “reverent fear” that an impartial judge will one day sort things out...eventually.

We’ll be all right, someday. We’re going home someday.

In the meantime, however, just sitting around will not do. Inaction is not a Christian option. Peter urges us to be disciplined, intentional, hopeful and engaged in activities that shun pointless desires (1 Peter 1:18). We are to turn instead to things that are lasting—attitudes and actions appropriate for an audience with the Living God as revealed in Jesus Christ—“so your faith and hope are in God” (1 Peter 1:21NIV).

Intentionality matters. Prepare your minds … discipline yourselves … set your hope … embrace new desires … be holy … live in reverent (and hopeful) fear. The goal of holy living and awareness of oneself are keys to surviving and thriving in exile.

We are transformed when we live our whole lives under the lordship of the living God. We are born again. Desires change. Activities previously enticing and values that had been convincing are now seen as futile and misguided. A relationship with the Creator of all things brings new perspective to all things. What matters most? Love.

Respond in Prayer

O God. Much of what I desire is merely alluring and insubstantial. Help me to discern what truly matters most, the Spirit that animates eternity. Transform my worldview in your image and my conduct to reflect your love. Help me to know where I need to be born anew. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Doug Koop