Seeds for 04/11/2024 - 1 Peter 1:13
Scripture:
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming. 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.”
Observation:
A sound theological concept for understanding the New Testament is “already and not yet.” It is employed as a way of grasping how the kingdom of God is already present in our midst through the ministry of Jesus, the continued ministry of Jesus through the Church, and in surprising ways in the world through the work of the Holy Spirit.
We’ve already come across this concept with the nature of salvation in Peter’s writing here. Salvation is, in a sense, “already and not yet.” It’s already here—we are justified by the grace of God offered in Jesus, which is received by placing our trust in Him. But it’s also still in process—we are sanctified as we receive the Spirit’s work of restoring us into the image of God and as we abide in Christ and allow Him to live and work though us. And the full consummation of salvation for all creation will happen at the second coming of Jesus.
In this vein then, we can see why Peter speaks of a “grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming.” They have already received saving grace. But the wonderful thing is that God continues to give “grace in place of grace already given.”
Peter wants them to stand in the saving grace they already have and to set their hope on the grace yet to come. “Minds alert and fully sober” are minds that know the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and God’s enduring promise. So, we can “set [our] hope” on the future fulfillment of God’s promised salvation. This is critical because when people “suffer grief in all kinds of trials,” doubt can creep in. Is this really real? Can I depend on this? Is it worth the difficulties I’m facing?
Peter reassures them that what they are enduring is indeed worth it and that God will still be faithful. Keep your eyes on the prize, in other words. “Set your hope” on the grace and promise of God and don’t falter in living for Jesus today.
Application:
What trials have caused you to question your faith?
What else might the Holy Spirit be speaking with you about in the text today?
Prayer: Lord, remind me of your promise. Strengthen my hope and help me to remain anchored in your grace. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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