I PETER

The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date.

1:3    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

    This is one of the few places that I think the term "born again" is in the Bible. I like this verse in that it explains what happens when a person is born again. We have a free will, but here it shows that God caused us to desire Him - proving again that He is in control. (DRM 4/27/08)

1:4    to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

    Here is a great reason why to accept the gift of Jesus Christ into my heart! This should be an "assurance of salvation" verse. While newspapers may print anything — true or false — to sell their product, I know that the Bible is always true. This verse is absolute. The inheritance WILL be there. While we will still sin, and ask forgiveness, our home will still be with Him someday. What a great hope for the future! (DRM 12/5/04)

1:5    who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

    This is the final third of a three verse sentence.
    In this part we are told that we are spiritually protected by the "power of God" which most likely is in the form of the Holy Spirit. . . based on our faith in the Lord Jesus. At the last time or last day - which is the day we "die" and go to Heaven - we will see (be revealed) the fruit of our works for the Lord . . . the best of which is just the entrance into Heaven itself, and meeting Jesus. (DRM 12/5/10)

1:9    . . . for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

    Salvation surely is the ultimate goal. Fortunately our salvation is assured by the death of Jesus Christ. To put all your trust in Jesus Christ and to confess Him as Lord of our lives is the "start of something big!" (DRM 11/23/86)

1:13    Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

    This verse is after a statement about when a person receives the grace of Christ. The answer appears to be that grace is received "through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit. . . (v. 12)."
    Based on this, we (I) should be going to church at least once a week to hear the word of the Lord. (DRM 4/28/08)

1:14    As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,

    When I was young, I had one major goal - to make lots of money. I would try almost any idea if it looked profitable. After I became a Christian, that lust for money slowly has gone away. Now I only ask to be able to pay my bills that come in. In my 20's, I had another goal - and that one has stayed with me on and off throughout my life. Perhaps this goal is in His will - so long as it is used to honor Him. I must listen to the Holy Spirit for direction. (DRM 12/6/04)

1:15, 16    but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; ¹⁶because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."

    Jesus saved us from our sins when we trusted totally in Him. As a result of our trust in Him, He wants us to live holy lives - as imitators of Him. While we can't do the miracles that He did, we can try to keep as spiritually pure as possible, share our faith with others, and follow the teachings of the Bible. This is a life long challenge. (DRM 12/6/10)

1:17    If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;

    We are being watched. Every word that we utter is being recorded. If you (or I) might have thought we are sinless, this reality quickly shows how dependent we are on Jesus' dying for all of our sins.
    In this verse, God (Father, One) is the judge and He is the One who we are to fear. I don't think He wants physical fear, like we have on earth, but rather spiritual fear - which causes us (me) to want to laud Him at every opportunity. (DRM 12/1/11)

1:18, 19    . . . knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, ¹⁹but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

    I can't think of a better way to say - or explain - that Christians were/are saved - not by trusting in material things (silver or gold) or even other people - but only by the shed blood of Jesus our Savior, the Messiah - Christ.
    Now that He saved us from eternity in hell, what are we (I) doing to tell others of their fate? (DRM 4/29/08)

1:22    Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,

    I love the Lord Jesus and you love the Lord Jesus, thus we are both in the same spiritual family. We should both be working towards the same goal - to glorify Him in what we do. Based on that assumption, we should love each other - as we will always be a part of His Kingdom. (DRM 12/7/10)

1:23    for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God.

    What happened when I became a believer? I didn't trust in the perishable person who clarified the Bible to me, but rather I trusted in Christ for the events that would take place for the rest of my life. The word of God - the Bible - became my source Book and I have depended on it for instruction and also the leading of the Holy Spirit. (DRM 12/7/04)

2:4, 5    And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, ⁵you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

    The term "living stone" is a challenge to me. I think that Christians, as believers, could be considered a part of the Christian church. We could be considered as individual bricks or stones in the church structure. Jesus is the cornerstone. Our structure is based on the cornerstone, Jesus. (DRM 12/8/04)

2:6    For this is contained in Scripture:
            "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNER stone,
              AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."

    This part of Chapter 2 refers to Jesus as the stone or cornerstone that we must trust in for our eternal salvation. Those who don't believe in Him find it offensive (v. 8). What we do with Jesus determines our eternal destiny. (DRM 12/8/10)

2:9    But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, SO that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light,

    God has a plan for each one of us. Recently I have generally discovered that His plan and "my" plan to serve Him don't necessarily agree. Still, He can use (us) me. Wherever He puts us in life, He wants us to share His love with the people we come in contact with. (DRM 4/30/08)

2:13    Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,

    Many years ago, while working for the government, I had a major problem with the people who supervised me and they didn't like my resistance.
    Thankfully, afterwards a knowledgeable Christian pointed me to this verse - or something similar. God put these people in authority, and our job is to be submissive. He will determine their fate in His time. (DRM 5/1/08)

2:14    or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.

    This is the second half of a long sentence about submission to authorities. In this verse it seems that the job of the governor is to punish evildoers and praise those who do right. While today in USA the courts deal with evildoers, the governor STILL has plenty to do to keep the state running.
    As Christians, our job is to submit to both earthly laws and the laws given to us by the Lord. (DRM 12/9/10)

2:17    Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the King.

    As Christians, we should try to encourage others by honoring their efforts, not criticizing them. We should love other Christians and fear the Lord God, for He can change our life in an instant. To honor the King, the Bible is referring to our governmental authorities [verse 13] on all levels. Yes, including the boss at work. Yes, that can be the most difficult because of the number of hours we are together - but with His help, I can do it. (DRM 12/9/04)

2:23    and while being reviled, He (Jesus) did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;

    Jesus is to be our example. This one verse is a part of a three verse sentence that reminds me of all that He did including His death on the cross for my sins. How can I ever live up to His example? How can I give all that He did? While it is a goal that is humanly unattainable, even one or two steps closer to his example is a worthy goal - and I can always try a step at a time. (DRM 12/10/04)

2:24    and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

    This is a short version of the Gospel - good news - on how to become a Christian.
    When Jesus died, He died for all of our sins, as He was the sinless Son of God. With our sins forgiven, we are to live for the Lord in whatever way He directs.
    The important part is to believe this verse in your (our) heart. (DRM 12/10/10)

2:25    For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

    Recently I have been using the word "diversion" a lot. It seems to me that I get diverted a lot from the activities that I plan on doing every morning. Sometimes this is good - as it COULD be the way the Lord is changing my path to follow His will. Other times it's obviously following the wrong path. The goal is to follow His leading. (DRM 5/2/08)

3:1    In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives. 

    This is probably a difficult verse for some modern women. God has written here that men have authority over their wives. I think that really the partnership should be a 'shared authority', unless a dispute arises, then the wife must be submissive to the husband's will. If the man is NOT a believer, his wife must show him the way by her lifestyle - and gentle, lovingkindness. (DRM 12/11/04)

3:3, 4    Your adornment must not be merely external - braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; ⁴but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

    The beginning of Chapter 3 refers to "wives" (v. 1), and how they should be submissive (v. 1) to their husbands.
    In these two verses, wives are advised how to dress and how to live as a disciple of Christ.
    I think the important phrase here is "gentle and quiet spirit," which can be challenging when people don't agree. I guess I'm a person that would want to negotiate any differences, but never was married. (DRM 12/11/10)

3:7    You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

    I would sum up this verse to the word RESPECT. After listening to new reports etc. for all my years, I know that husbands can do some bad things to their wives. Perhaps if they read and applied the Bible ~ instruction manual ~ the bad things wouldn't happen. Answered prayer certainly would be a motive for me - but, unmarried, I don't understand the conflicts in the first place. (DRM 5/3/08)

3:8    To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit.

    I try real hard to work on the things stated above. The hard part is when I occasionally find a difficult person - or someone who is in an antagonistic day. On those days whatever I do is wrong. Still, I try to be humble and change my plans and submit to their will - hoping to make them happy. This happens occasionally - and is difficult, but can be done.  I need the Lord's help especially on days like that! (DRM 12/12/04)

3:9    . . . not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

    If we, as Christians, were to return evil for evil or insult for insult, we would be just like the rest of the world. We need discernment and a peaceful heart to negotiate differences between people who do such things. If God want to give us a blessing, I'd be the first to accept it, but I think it's just logical to promote peace between people.  (DRM 5/4/08)

3:10    For, "THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE,
                    TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS,
                    MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL
                    AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT.

    In the Bible, Christians have models of how to act and instructions on how to live right vs. wrong.
    This verse is instruction on how to live a good life. The words that we say to others are vitally important. Here we should be modeling Christ. We are not to swear or speak deceitful words to others as the words that we say show the attitude that is in our heart. (DRM 12/12/10)

3:12    For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

    When I have my doubts about everything working out "my way," I should always remember to yield to "His way" and not always mine. If I try to do something that is against His will, I should immediately change my ways. (DRM 1/3/87)

3:14    But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,

    There are more and more people in the world today who are critical of the Gospel. These people can be anywhere - including our own families.
    No matter what they say or do, I (we) are to follow only the Lord Jesus. He will bless us for our actions in the future - and the future is much longer than the present! (Eternity)
    It may be hard today - but there will be a better tomorrow. (DRM 11/13/11)

    It's better to suffer for the cause of Christ than for the cause of Christ to suffer. (from Our Daily Bread, 11/13/11)

3:15    but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence,

    This is only one-third of a sentence, but clear to me. Things don't always go "my way," and God watches our reaction on those occasions. People will generally criticize, but occasionally may ask "why are you different?" At that point I MUST show gentleness and not indifference or hostility. People respect people who DON'T get angry in trials. (DRM 12/13/04)

3:16    . . . and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

    Let's say someone criticized you or made a statement about your belief in Jesus. You could attack back and create more dissention, or not respond at all and let the Lord take care of it in His time. This verse shows that we (I) should take the second choice - as He is aware of all that occurs in our life. (DRM 5/5/08)

3:17    For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.

    After reading the Book=Bible every day, a person should learn what God=Jesus considers right and wrong. People who haven't read the Book only do what is right in their own eyes.
    If we (Christians) do what is right, based on the Bible, and receive suffering; it's not from doing wrong - but rather from following Him. (DRM 12/13/10)

4:3    For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.

    I think the point of this section refers to new Christian converts, and how they are to live their life - but it's a good reminder to all.
    The point could be - the past vices are all over with - live your life for Christ. Don't do all the things they = non-Christians do. (DRM 5/6/08)

4:5    but they (unbelievers) shall give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 

    We will all be judged someday. Believers are dependent on Jesus dying for our sins. Unbelievers also have to give an account, and without the grace of Jesus, will be found guilty of their sins. If they had only accepted Jesus Christ, and Him alone to save them during their lifetime, they wouldn't be in this situation! Somehow, someone must open their eyes. How can I help? (DRM 12/14/04)

4:6    For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

    Every human being that ever lived has been given the gospel. How? If not verbally, then by the Bible. If not by those, then by creation - observation of nature and the universe. God has shown Himself to everyone. How we receive this information and honor and follow Him determines our destiny. I believe the "dead" in the sentence refers to the spiritually dead - unbelievers. (DRM 12/14/10)

4:7    The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

    From all evidence I've seen, I truly believe that the "end of all things is near." With my personal belief in imminency, Peter probably wanted us to believe that the Lord could (and still can) return at any moment. This verse emphasizes that we (I) should be praying to our Maker every day in anticipation of meeting Him very soon. (DRM 5/7/08)

4:8    Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

    Sometimes our closest friends and relatives say things that disturb us. They have a right to their opinions, but it's not a reason to stop talking to them or fight with them. Remember that it's only their opinion. Continue to love all people - even with these minor disagreements. (DRM 12/15/10)

4:10    As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

    It seems that the world revolves around people earning more and more money to buy more and more possessions. Jesus had everything that was needed, and never had a home or [apparently] material goods. Even though He was the King, He was a servant to His Father God and healed the sick and washed the feet of His disciples. To be a follower of Christ, I must be more of a servant - as He was. (DRM 12/15/04) 

4:11    If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.

    It seems that I continually find verses "committing" me for the sins of my tongue. This verse makes me really think that no matter WHAT I say about ANY SUBJECT, that I am being judged by the listener. Certainly I realize that when I witness or give my testimony, that God gets the full glory, but I must also remember that God cares about EVERY word all day long. (DRM 12/17/86)

4:14    If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

    I think of the times when I have stood on the sidewalk to give away bookmarks. I always wonder what the comments will be - or can be. The more negative people are, somehow I feel more confident that I am doing the right thing - as I know that at the time I am showing people the love of Christ - even though they don't want it. (DRM 5/8/08)

4:16    but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God.

    When someone is persecuted for their faith in Christ, it had to be clearly visible to the unbelieving persecutor. The believer was being a witness for the Lord just to cause the incident. To proclaim the gospel in any way is a Christian's directive, so we should be glad when people see Christ in us. We have assurance that the Holy Spirit is in us when we are persecuted for our proclaiming our faith to others.

4:17    For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

    All human beings who ever lived will be judged by God at some time. The household of God would be members of the body of Christ - who are accepted as the household because of their trust/dependence on Christ for their souls. Those who never trusted in Christ will have a worse fate - in the unending fire. (DRM 12/16/10)

5:2    . . . shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

    This verse seems to be directed to pastors or leaders. Certainly God has to call people to be WILLING servants to proclaim the gospel. He is not interested in the people who just want to do the job for the salary, but because they want to advance His Kingdom. (DRM 5/9/08)

5:5    You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.

    As we age, we accumulate experiences - both worldly experiences and spiritual experiences. In an active church there should be Christians from all age levels. In that church, referred to here, the older Christians should teach or just tell the younger ones what they have learned over the years. Humbleness is complete submissiveness to the Lord, knowing that our lives are completely determined by His grace alone. (DRM 12/17/10)

5:6    Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.

    I have felt for years now that Jesus has a special mission for me to do. The problem is what? My problem is patience as I keep aging and wondering WHEN He will start using me. I can tell that when I tell others of a special plan, that they don't believe me, so I try to keep quiet and wait. The waiting is SO hard! I have to wait for His timing. (DRM 12/17/04)

5:8    Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

    How does the adversary, the devil, work? He puts wrong thoughts into our minds, like hurting other people one way or another. The devil would want us to deny Christ's saving power in any way possible.
    When these thoughts come to mind, they are clearly not of Jesus or the Holy Spirit - avoid them at all cost. (DRM 12/18/10)

5:9    But resist him (the devil), firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

    The devil and his demons will do anything in their power to divert and attack believers in their faith. As stated here, the Lord wants us to be firm against their attacks; and to remember that we all - as believing Christians - are facing these attacks. We have to stand firm in our faith. (DRM 5/10/08)

5:10    And 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.

    This verse could have two time lines, depending on how long "a little while" is. This could refer to a short trial, like illness, or it could refer to our whole lifetime and our hope in Heaven. Probably it's BOTH. It's always hard to admit things won't always go "my way." (DRM 12/18/04)