1st.Peter 1:1-12 "Peter, an Apostle of JESUS CHRIST, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of GOD the FATHER, through sanctification of the SPIRIT, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of JESUS CHRIST; Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, which according to HIS abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are kept by the power of GOD through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of JESUS CHRIST: WHOM having not seen, ye love; in WHOM, though now ye see HIM not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the SPIRIT of CHRIST which was in them did signify, when IT testified beforehand the sufferings of CHRIST, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the Gospel unto you with the HOLY GHOST sent down from Heaven; which things the angels desire to look into."
Even when circumstance in life bring heartache and despair, GOD instructs us to be full of hope as we trust HIM through it all. HE wants us to "look up" to HIM just as David did when he found himself in the throes of discouragement. How ? We can find hope when our focus is where it needs to be. As believer, we have so much for which to be grateful. Why should we "look up" ? The Apostle Peter wrote today's text to those in the first century who were enduring a great "fiery trial" of persecution for their faith. Let us consider seven reasons why we, too, should "look up":
First, we are to look up because of what GOD has already done for us (vv.1-3). We are spiritually alive due to the work of GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON, and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT (vv.2-3). Our standing rests solely in the perfect, finished work of JESUS CHRIST (v.2 pictured above) and the "abundant mercy" of GOD the FATHER (v.3). We have nothing to boast of in ourselves, for all glory goes to the ONE WHO saved us from start to finish.
Second, we are to look up because we have the assurance of a future inheritance (v.4). Through GOD's work and HIS promises to us, we stand to receive a glorified body, and eternal home forever with the LORD, and perfect peace and righteousness. And we are bequeathed these blessings from the very ONE WHO cannot lie. Our future inheritance is "incorruptible" (no possibility exists that it will ever be tainted), "undefiled" (no possibility exists that we can expect it now or that it will be given away to someone else later). Praise GOD for HIS perfect provision and promises ! In addition to our perfect salvation and future inheritance, Peter provides several more reasons why every believer should "look up" when enduring hardships.
Third, we are to "look up" because we are completely safe and secure in JESUS CHRIST (vv.5-6). It is GOD's power that keeps us -- not our own feeble strength (John 10:28-30 pictured above). The word "kept" (v.5) means to be "garrisoned" or "shielded"; the idea here is that nothing is powerful enough to "unkeep" a believer. "Through faith" (v.6) we not only have been saved but also are sealed unto the end ! This security is a constant source of encouragement and blessing, particularly in the midst of trials and testing's.
Fourth, we must "look up" to GOD amid our difficulties because doing so glorifies HIM and we will experience HIS approval even through the toughest of times (v.7). We need to remember that trials and hardships are always only temporary ("for a season," v.6). Additionally, they are often part of the LORD's plan to mold us into stronger people. The fact is, we never genuinely know our character -- including our trust in GOD (or lack thereof) -- unless it is tested. Facing adversity is not an opportunity to take "time off" from focusing on the spiritual and glorifying the LORD. It is exactly the opposite !
Fifth, we are to "look up" in anticipation of the moment when we will see JESUS CHRIST face-to-face (vv.7-9). This reality should produce an indescribable joy, for it will finally be "the end of [our] faith" (v.9) -- when faith will become "sight." Titus 2:13-14, pictured above, encourages us to be "looking for that blessed hope," and the focus of this "looking" is on a PERSON -- the ONE WHO "redeem[ed]" and "gave HIMSELF for us." We have been considering our need, when difficulties and trials come our way, to "look up" -- as David did in Psalm 5:1-3, pictured below, and as Peter encouraged the suffering saints in the first century to do. Let's consider two final reasons why we should "look up" to our LORD.
Sixth, we are to "look up" because we possess the truth, and this should give us an optimistic outlook. Our text emphasizes the fact that we have no excuse for not believing GOD's WORD and understanding it. The Scriptures reveal that GOD's revelation prophesied in the past -- things even "the angels desire to look into" -- is sure and HE will fulfill everything HE has promised. We can have complete confidence in the absolute truth of the WORD of GOD (2nd.Peter 1:15-21).
Seventh and final reason we are to "look up" is because GOD has promised to see us through the trials that we may be called upon to bear. We are not alone. Paul discovered that he could do "all things through CHRIST" who was his strength (Philippians 4:13 pictured above). GOD cares for us and not only will see us through our trials but will bring us forth the finer (1st.Peter 5:6-7, 10-11).
We have so much for which to be thankful and encouraged -- so many reasons to keep looking up. First Peter 1:13, pictured above, provides the key exhortation: Look up and earnestly expect the return of JESUS CHRIST. The context for Peter's letter was the severe persecution experience by the early believers, and he wrote to reassure them and to urge them to be hopeful -- to keep looking up. This hope was not based upon a feeling or emotion but on the person and work of our GOD. Be confident ! Be optimistic ! Look up ! No matter what you are going through right now, keep the faith and live the faith ! MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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