We are back to our study of I Peter. Sorry for the long break.
The last part we studied was speaking of Holiness and how we are to live holy lives before the father in this world.
Today, the passage continues with verse 17- "Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear." (NIV)
God expects us to live out our lives as a testimony to what he has done for us. We are not get too comfortable here on earth because our ultimate home is heaven. So in the meantime, live in "reverent fear" of our holy God. We are to have a "reverential awe" of our God. (Patterson and Kelley, B & H, 2006) This in itself should cause us to live a holy life.
Vs. 18 - For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19- but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (NIV)
Redeemed - Gk. elutrothete- means to be released, delivered, liberated from a payment of ransom. Precious -Gk. - timio- of great price, very costly, especially dear.
As you see from these definitions in the Greek as believers we are delivered, released from the debt we owed for our sins. Who is it that paid that ransom? Our precious Saviour, Jesus!
Just as the Passover Lamb had to be perfect and without blemish, our precious Jesus was also without defect. He was the payment for our sins. The blood he shed on the cross paid the debt we owed for our sins.
This passage just makes me want to shout. Peter wanted us to see the importance of the price Jesus paid for us. Our sins are gone. Our guilt is gone. Hallelujah. I think Peter had to feel the weight of this when he realized how he had denied the Lord and yet he was forgiven and restored. Even though he claimed three times during the trial of Jesus that he did not know him, later after his resurrection Jesus restored him when speaking to Peter about how much he loved him. Jesus charged Peter to follow him and he followed faithfully even unto death.
Peter declared boldly to the followers of Christ to please understand the depth of the love that Christ paid on the cross.
Vs. 20- He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Vs. 21- Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, so your faith and hope are in God. (NIV)
Peter knew that God had redemption in mind when he created the world and he wants us to remember that though he died he was raised from the dead and is now in heaven with the Father. This is our hope for living. All other religions have a belief in someone who is dead. Our Saviour is alive and he is in heaven now preparing a place for us.
My challenge to you today is to live your life understanding the great gift of our redemption in Christ, the hope of the resurrection and the life of joy we can live in this world.
Put your hope in God today and live triumphantly in Christ.
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