When studying a book of the Bible there are certain questions that need to be answered upfront. Knowing the answer to these questions will give you a better understanding of the book. Here are three simple but important questions as you think about books of the Bible, particularly in the New Testament.
Who wrote the book?
Who is the audience of the book?
What is the purpose of the book or letter?
Certainly, there’s more to consider than these three questions, but this is a start. I want us to consider the short epistle of 1 Peter. Let’s begin by answering these questions and then consider a few thoughts about God’s Grace.
Who wrote the book? The apostle Peter did. “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ…” 1 Peter 1:1.
Who is the audience of the book? Saints of God who are scattered. 1 Peter 1:1-2 “To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.”
What is the purpose of the letter? Peter is writing to encourage these Christians who are going to face persecution. They are to stand in the true grace of God. “Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.” 1 Peter 5:12.
The apostle emphasizes the need for holiness, endurance, and the grace of God throughout the letter. Let’s consider some thoughts Peter helps us to see understand regarding God and His Grace.
1 Peter 5:10: “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” Notice where grace comes from: God! Our God is gracious in every way. He’s always been gracious. Some think God in the Old Testament was not gracious, but that’s not true. In both the Old and New Testament God demonstrates His grace toward man.
There is such a thing as “True Grace.” We are to stand or abide in the true Grace. If there’s a true grace, then there’s a false grace or concept of grace. Some view God’s grace as a get of jail free card when it comes to sin. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, Peter reminded the saints in 1 Peter 2:16 “…Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.” We are not to continue in sin so that God’s grace may abound, Romans 6:1-2.
We have God’s grace because of the appearance, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus appeared for our sake, 1 Peter 1:20. We were redeemed by His precious blood, 1 Peter 1:18-19. There was nothing we could do to earn or merit this amazing grace. Yet the God of all grace has provided it for us.
As a result of God’s grace Peter urges the saints to live excellent lives. By that, he emphasizes that their behavior is to be excellent among the people of the world, 1 Peter 2:11. But why should Christians strive to live holy and righteous if we’re already saved by God’s grace? It’s because this great gift God has provided should be motivation for our conduct. Because we have tasted the kindness of God through the salvation He’s given us, this should be the natural response. Peter reminds the saints that because of who they are in Christ, they are to “…Proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” 1 Peter 2:9.
There’s much more to consider about God and His grace from the apostle Peter. One last thought. God has given His people commandments to know, to follow, and to live. While we have His grace, it doesn’t nullify obedience. His commands are rooted in His grace. Therefore, let us stand in the true grace of God. Let us be obedient children to Him.
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