“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! She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.”

---End of Scripture verses---

It was actually the Apostle Paul’s frequent travelling companion, Silas (Silvanus) that wrote this letter according to Peter’s dictation, and he may have delivered it to its original recipients as well (verse 12). Silvanus proved himself over and over again to be a dependable and “faithful brother” in Christ. It was Silas who was beaten and imprisoned with Paul in Philippi for dutifully preaching salvation in Christ Jesus. “But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). This is the type of brother anyone would want to be in the company of.

The ultimate purpose for Peter writing this letter was to “exhort” and “testify” about “the true grace of God.” It is by grace that God saves us through our obedient faith in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8). Grace is the favor that God bestows upon His children, not because we deserve it, but because He loves us so very much and wants only the best blessings for us. But we have an important part to play in the reception and retention of God’s saving grace. We must repent of our sins and be immersed in water to enter into His grace and have our sins forgiven (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21), and we must remain faithful to the Lord with firm conviction in the face of trials and persecution. God does not extend His grace unconditionally. God’s grace is a gift but it is incumbent upon us to “stand firm in it!”

The “she” that extended her greetings was likely a local church, and “Babylon” may well have been a reference to the city of Rome (verse 13). The Apostle John referred to the capital city when he wrote, “And on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, ‘BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH’” (Revelation 17:5). The word “Babylon” is synonymous with sin, corruption and “abominations,” and let’s face it—that’s where we live now! But God’s people remained faithful to Him under the most oppressive governments and debased cultures of the past, and we can live virtuous lives of conviction in this day and age as well.

Peter closed by extending “love” and “peace” to “all who are in Christ” (verse 14). Brothers and sisters in Christ should love one another and it should be obvious. A “kiss” is not a command but there are other ways that we can show our appreciation and affection for our spiritual family members. Let’s look for appropriate ways to do that.

Lord willing we will have a brief introduction to the Second Epistle of Peter tomorrow.

Peace be to you all who are in Christ! 
If you are not in Christ, what are you waiting for?! 
That’s where all of God’s peace and grace reside!

-Louie Taylor

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 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. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

---End of Scripture verses---

Peter wrote this letter to Christians who were suffering loss and pain at the hands of worldly people. But the apostle makes it perfectly clear at the end of his first epistle that it is “the devil” (verse 8) who is ultimately behind all the persecution, temptation and suffering that exists in the world. Satan is mankind’s greatest “adversary”. He means only to do us great harm and his desire is that we cave in to the pressures of persecution and temptation and suffer the eternal punishment of Hell alongside of him.

The devil (slanderer) is depicted as a cunning and crafty deceiver (2 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 6:11); a great, red beast of a dragon (Revelation 12:3); and here he is described as a “roaring lion” prowling around “seeking to devour” his prey. Our adversary is very powerful but his strength is no match for that of “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). If we steadfastly “resist him, firm in” our “faith” (verse 9) he will flee from us (James 4:7), and the Lord will ultimately “crush him under” our “feet” (Romans 16:19).

Life is not all gloom and doom but it isn’t all fun and games either. Life is a serious undertaking, faith in Christ Jesus is demanding, and it takes great effort to put up a strong resistance against the temptation to sin and to abandon our Lord when we suffer for following Him. To be successful we must spend much time in prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship with likeminded people possessing a shared faith and common eternal goals. You have no chance to win the battle against the devil on your own. You need the strength of the Lord, His defenses and armaments, and His legion of fellow soldiers who share “the same experiences of suffering.”

We have been called to and are eagerly awaiting God’s “eternal glory in Christ” (verse 10). If we resist the devil firmly and place or faith and trust completely in the Lord and His promises, He pledges to “perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish” us as we fight the good fight of faith.

Please read 1 Peter 5:12-14 for tomorrow.

Have a great day!

-Louie Taylor

“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. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

---End of Scripture verses---

For elders to shepherd the flock effectively it is important for “younger men” to “be subject” to them (verse 5). Submission is not a thing that God coerces out of anyone, and it must be given willingly by Christians to leaders in a local congregation as well. It takes a healthy dose of humility to willingly surrender your will to another person in matters of judgment, and this is especially true when it comes to “younger men”. Elders must exercise oversight voluntarily with eagerness (verse 2), but it is equally important that church members voluntarily and eagerly volunteer their obedience to them according to God’s will.

As children of God and disciples of our servant Savior, all Christians should “clothe” ourselves “with humility toward one another.” The imagery is that of an outer garment tied around the waist, much like the one that Jesus removed in that upper room just before He got down on His knees and washed His disciples’ dirty feet (John 13:1-5; 12-17). To clothe ourselves with humility is to wear the mantle of Jesus who lived the entirety of His life in service to others and obedience to the will of His Father in heaven.

Humility is not merely bringing ourselves low in our own estimation but also elevating others to a place of importance and God to a place of preeminence in our minds. God is opposed to the “proud” or “arrogant” but extends His good graces to those who are humble in mind and spirit (Proverbs 3:34). The Apostle Paul encourages us to, “Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation” (Romans 12:16). It is only God’s “mighty hand” that can “exalt” us at the proper time, but that will only happen if we demote ourselves in the meantime.

As arrogance is an inhibitor to faith, so is “anxiety” (verse 7). In fact, it might appropriately be said in many cases that anxiety is the opposite or absence of faith. If we find ourselves frequently worrying about what tomorrow might bring, it is as if we are saying that we do not trust God to make good on His promises to always be with us, provide for us and take care of us. So, cast your anxieties upon Him. Give your worries over to Him. They are weighing you down and He is more than capable of shouldering those burdens for you. But you have to let them go and give them up. Fretting about something never helped anything. Worry about nothing, pray about everything, be thankful to God for all that He does for you (Philippians 4:6-7).

Please read 1 Peter 5:8-11 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day!

-Louie Taylor

“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 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; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

---End of Scripture verses---

It is the Lord’s desire and design to have elders leading the flock of a local congregation of the His sheep. It is not obvious until you look more closely at the original Greek language that this passage clearly designates elders, shepherds (pastors) and overseers (bishops) to all be different terms describing the same office. This same language is used to describe the elders at the church in Ephesus in Acts 20:17, 28.

From a purely denominational standpoint, a pastor and a preacher are synonymous terms. But from the truthful, biblical pattern revealed in the New Testament this is not the case. God authorizes multiple (at least two) elders (not the denominational single pastor system) to “rule” a local church of Christ (Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5; Hebrews 13:17). We learn of their qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

It helps to look closer at the imagery that these terms convey when considering who elders are and what they are called by God to do. As “elder” leaders of the church must be older men who can guide and direct with the wealth of wisdom and experience that they have accumulated over many years of faithful service to the Lord. As “shepherds” or “pastors” they are to bravely and lovingly lead, feed and guard the “sheep” that are “among” them (verse 2) in all matters of spirituality. Consider the shepherd and sheep imagery of Psalm 23:1-6; Jeremiah 3:15; 23:3-4; Ezekiel 34:11-16; John 10:11-15. As “bishops” or “overseers” they exercise the authority of “managers” over the Lord’s household.

Elders of the Lord’s church are to exercise their duties “voluntarily” and “with eagerness” and “not for sordid gain” (verse 2). The driving force behind their desire to lead is love for the sheep and not “the love of money” (1 Timothy 3:3). Having said that, it was not uncommon in the early days of the church for elders to receive compensation from the “treasury” for the difficult, demanding, time-consuming work that they devoted themselves to (1 Timothy 3:3; 5:17-18; Titus 1:7).

When a qualified man desires, accepts and is appointed to the office of elder in the Lord’s church, he assumes the position of a servant and not a “lord” himself (verse 3). Instead of “lording it over those allotted to” their charge, elders are to lead by their good “examples” of love, virtue, diligence and faithfulness. When shepherds of a local church follow the example of “the Chief Shepherd” while leading the flock, they can eagerly look forward to “the unfading crown of glory” when He returns to reclaim His own (verse 4).

Please read 1 Peter 5:5-7 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor

“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? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”

---End of Scripture verses---

The church of Jesus Christ, which is “the household of God” (1 Timothy 3:15), has been subjected to testing by persecution since its inception. When Christians suffer for their faith in Christ, in a real sense, it is a form of “judgment” that comes upon them (verse 17). When we endure trials with patience and righteousness God judges us faithful, and when we buckle under the pressure of persecution He judges us unfaithful. But the judgment that He is reserving for the wicked and disobedient that will be dispensed at the revelation of Jesus Christ will make any earthly suffering seem like a slight scrape or bruise.

Peter quotes Proverbs 11:31 in verse 8 when he writes, “it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved.” The King James Version confuses the message with its rendering: “the righteous scarcely be saved.” Peter isn’t saying that God’s faithful servants will just squeak by on the Day of Judgment, but that they must endure difficulties while walking the road that leads to heaven. But if it the road is rough that faithful Christians must walk upon on earth, it will be exponentially worse for “the godless man and the sinner” in the after-a-while.

When we strive to fully and persistently do “the will of God,” we will suffer for it in this wicked world in which we live (verse 19). The suffering that is “according to the will of God” is the kind that we do not deserve but that we endure with purity and virtue. This passage serves as encouragement to the righteous and warning to the wicked. God’s promises never fail and His power never falters. He will safely deliver the righteous and eternally condemn the godless people who mistreat them and refuse to “obey the gospel of God.” As Jesus confidently “committed His Spirit” to His Father in heaven (Luke 23:46), we can decisively “entrust” our “souls” to our “faithful Creator,” but only if we continue in “doing what is right.”

Once again we see from a Scripture dealing with Final Judgment that the Gospel is a thing to be obeyed and not merely believed if we expect to receive a mansion in heaven (verse 17). Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 that “the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” Obey the Gospel. Do the will of God. Endure difficulty. Do what is right. Peter really drives home the importance of obedience to the word and godly living in anticipation of the Lord’s Second Coming.

Please read 1 Peter 5:1-4 for tomorrow.

May God bless and keep you.

-Louie Taylor

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.”

---End of Scripture verses---

Peter tells us in chapter 1 verse 7 that the “genuineness” of our faith will be “tested by fire” so that it may “result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” In verse 12 of today’s reading he reminds us that it should come as no surprise when we are confronted by a “fiery ordeal”. Since Satan could not harm Jesus he will turn up the heat on the Lord’s “beloved” every chance that he gets. The crucible of testing can either torch or temper our faith. It can kill us or make us stronger, the choice is ours to make. 

But we can take great comfort in knowing that our Father will never leave us to suffer alone in our times of affliction and need. If we make the effort to remain faithful to God during times of persecution He will make His grace and favor to shine down upon us. “The Spirit of glory and of God” rests upon us during the darkest hours of our struggles (verse 14). Beyond taking comfort, we can actually “rejoice” in the knowledge that when we suffer for righteousness we are walking in the steps of our Savior, God will imbue us with the strength to endure, and we will share in the glory of Christ at His final “revelation” (verse 13).

When we are “reviled for the name of Christ” we “are blessed”. Suffering for its own sake is not necessarily an occasion for honor or rejoicing. In fact we should be “ashamed” if we suffer as a “murder, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler” (verse 15). When we take a stance against Christ and everything that is holy and good, we deserve the pain and disgrace that we earn on earth and in eternity. “But if anyone suffers as a Christian, his is not to be ashamed” (verse 16). 

The name “Christian” is only mentioned three times in the New Testament, and most scholars believe it was originally used as a term of derision by the enemies of Christ and His cause. “This name” may either have been a divine designation or a term of derision, or maybe both. Whichever is the case, we should always wear the name “Christian” with confidence and dignity, and rejoice when we suffer for the name of the Holy One. 

Please read 1 Peter 4:17-19 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor

“The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

---End of Scripture verses---

We should all live our lives as if “the end of all things is near” (verse 7). We are living in “the last days” (Hebrews 1:2) before the Lord returns to judge the living and the dead, and He will come “like a thief” in the night when people expect it least (2 Peter 3:10). Jesus could come back today or delay His return for another 2000 years, but either way it goes, His return is always imminent. Peter instructs us to urgently be about the Lord’s business by serving each other, loving one another and glorifying God while we actively anticipate the Lord’s Appearing.

Since “the end of all things is near” we should approach life with a “sober spirit” using “sound judgment”. Life on earth is short and eternity is forever so we cannot afford to be thoughtless, foolish and frivolous. We need a serious and focused mind so that we can properly approach God “for the purpose of prayer.” All worship, whether it be prayer, praise or perusing God’s word, is a serious matter that requires reflection, reverence and righteousness on our part.

Like the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 13:13), Peter tells us that love, “above all” else (verse 8), is the greatest blessing we can share with other people. We all struggle with many issues and we all stumble in many ways (James 3:2), but “love covers a multitude of sins.” There is a great need for Christians to have a loving and forgiving heart when interacting with each other. We all do and say things that we should not and, at any given time, we will be the one who needs to forgive or the one who needs to be forgiven. That is not to say that we should make excuses for our sins or the sins of other people. We all need to repent when we do wrong. But love “does not take into account a wrong suffered” (1 Corinthians 13:5).

We all have been afforded strengths and resources to contribute to the building up of the body of Christ. God expects us to be “good stewards” or “managers” of all the good things that He has bestowed upon us (verse 10). Some have the “special gift” of being competent “speakers”. Anyone who serves in a speaking role in the Lord’s church should understand the great importance and responsibility of speaking the truth in accordance with “the utterances of God” (verse 11). Other people excel in “serving” in different ways such as financial giving, encouraging the downhearted, visiting the sick, cooking meals, etc. When we use God’s manifold “gifts” to serve “one another” with “the strength which God supplies,” we actually glorify Him in the process.

Please notice one final, crucial matter before we close. No matter how good you are at serving or speaking, not matter how merciful, kind or forgiving a heart you may possess, your acts of charity can only glorify God “through Jesus Christ” (verse 11). No one access the Father accept through Christ (John 14:6) and no one can glorify the Father except through Christ (Ephesians 3:20-21). If you are not an active member of the church that Jesus purchased with His own blood, your good deeds will not exalt the God of glory or bear an eternal weight of glory.

Please read 1 Peter 4:12-16 for tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day!

-Louie Taylor

“In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 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.”

---End of Scripture verses---

When a precious soul is pulled out of the darkness of the world and translated into the marvelous light of the kingdom of God (1 Peter 2:9), their life changes dramatically. Maybe you noticed when you gave your life to Christ that your old friends were “surprised that you” did “not run with them into the same excesses” of sinfulness that you used to (verse 4). If you made no change or they noticed no difference you really need to examine yourself to determine that you are truly in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). 

Often when a new Christian renounces the “flood” of “dissipation” (riotous living, prodigality, wastefulness) he used to be engulfed in, his former running mates will actually “malign” him. The word translated “malign” is the Greek word for “blaspheme” and denotes “injurious speech” that is usually directed toward God. We should not be “surprised” when our behavior surprises the worldly wicked to the extent that they slander our righteous stand and the precious name of the Lord who purchased us. If the world hated Jesus it will also hate us, and feel personally offended when we indict their ungodly lifestyles by refusing to participate. 

Jesus is standing “ready” for the day of reckoning when He will return and “judge the living and the dead” (verse 5). The question is will we be ready for that day? “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). For “those who do not know God…and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus,” it will be a day of fiery “retribution” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). The gospel is preached for the purpose that people “may live in the spirit according to the will of God” (verse 6). God loves all people and desires that everyone obey the truth and be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). But, for those who stubbornly resist God’s invitation, the same word that is designed to save them will ultimately judge and convict them.

As stark as that passage is, Peter actually wrote it to encourage His brethren to keep a positive attitude in the midst of negative situations. People may treat you poorly for following Christ, but you stay faithful to Him and God will take care of everything in due time. And do not be concerned for your brethren who have died in Christ. They “live in the spirit” even though they have died in the flesh. We can take comfort in knowing that all of God’s faithful children will meet in the air with the Lord when He returns and remain with Him forever in heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Please read 1 Peter 4:7-11 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor

"Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 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.”

---End of Scripture verses---

When we see through the eyes of faith the suffering that Christ endured for our sins, that should motivate us to arm ourselves “with the same purpose” or “attitude” (verse 1). Jesus was completely committed to the cause of righteousness and no amount of antagonism and suffering could provoke Him to sin. We must “consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that” we “will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3). When we faithfully endure suffering as Christ did, that should help us to not take sin lightly and put up a much greater fight against it. In that sense we have “ceased from sin,” but it we must “arm” ourselves for battle because the fight will not be an easy one.

Other than repent, there’s not much we can do about the previous sins we have committed. Since the past cannot be changed, the best thing we can do when we come to love and trust Christ Jesus is “to live the rest of the time in the flesh…for the will of God” (verse 2). We all come to Christ with “baggage” from a life that was formerly devoted to “the lusts of men”. The guilt and shame of our past spiritual infractions should not cripple us emotionally but inspire us to make much better use of the remaining time that God blesses us with. “For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.” (Romans 6:20-21)

All of us have wasted enough of our time carrying out the desires of the flesh (verse 3). When you claim the name of Jesus it is time to get serious about your battle for righteousness and against sin. “Sensuality” is the unbridled pursuit of pleasures of the physical senses. “Lusts” are sinful desires predominantly of a sexual nature. When we were “born again” (John 3:3-5) we put to death that old, out of control, lust driven person of sin, and left him buried in the grave of baptism.

Please notice that 3 of the 6 sins listed in verse 3 have to do with drinking alcohol. “Drunkenness” is drinking to excess, “carousing” is “revelry” associated with idolatrous feasts, and “drinking parties” are celebrations of a secular nature. A faithful child of God should not dabble in the drink but make a clean break from alcohol consumption. It’s time to sober up to the seriousness of our battle against sin. It is absurd try to array yourself in God’s full battle armor and wield the sword of the Spirit with a drink in your hand!

Please read 1 Peter 4:4-6 for tomorrow.

Remember 11 September! Have a great day!

-Louie Taylor

"In which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.”

---End of Scripture verses---

Jesus went “in the spirit” (1 Peter 3:18) and “made proclamation” to the wicked people living in the years leading up to The Great Flood. When Noah, “a preacher or righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5), warned his contemporaries in the days of “the patience of God” (verse 20), it was the truth of Jesus that he spoke to them, just as it was the Lord that spoke through Peter to his audience. And even though the times were wicked in which the recipients of this letter lived, in the days of Noah, “the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). And it did not go unnoticed or unpunished by the Lord.

Friends, there is no way to escape God’s righteous judgment. It eventually comes upon all flesh in one form or another, and no one can escape Final Judgement. Only “eight persons,” including Noah, heeded God’s life-saving message then. The rest were destroyed physically by the flood and are “now in” the “prison” of Torments awaiting a certain, eternal damnation in Hell. God announced and executed His judgment against that wicked generation in a deluge of water. His next, great act of Final Judgment will come in the form of an all-consuming fire (2 Peter 3:7). But, our merciful and loving Father always provides a place of safety and security for His faithful children. The only safe place to be in the days of the flood was in Noah’s ark. The only safe place to be today is in the Lord’s church. And the only way to enter into the Lord’s church is through the waters of baptism (1 Corinthians 12:13).

While it must be admitted that this is a difficult passage to get a handle on, the one, clear takeaway from Peter’s illustration is that “baptism now saves you” (verse 21). It is interesting to note that the waters of the flood represented the “antitype” that “corresponds” to the waters of baptism that now save God’s people. It is certainly true that the ark saved Noah’s family from the waters of the flood, but it was the flood that saved them from the corrupting influence of the wicked world in which they lived. God, through His word, has set that genuine, historic, catastrophic event up as a “foreshadowing” to “prefigure” the spiritual deliverance that He secures in Christ through the waters of baptism.

We are saved from our sins when we are baptized in the right way, for the right reasons, because the Lord has designated the act of water baptism as the point that we make “an appeal to God for a good conscience.” It is through baptism that we “call on the name of the Lord” and have our sins “washed away” (Acts 22:16). It is through baptism that we contact the life-saving blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3), and it is “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (verse 21) that we arise to walk in newness of spiritual life (Romans 6:4). If you are going to truly be saved God insists that you must do so “through the water” (verse 20).

Please read 1 Peter 4:1-3 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day!

-Louie Taylor

"Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 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, 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; 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. 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. For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit”

---End of Scripture verses---

It is unlikely that people will “harm” us if we are “zealous for what is good” (verse 13). More often than not we will be praised and admired for a passionate commitment to doing what is right. While it is true that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12), it is improbable that we will suffer serious, bodily harm for our righteous faith. But Peter assures us that “even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed” (verse 14). When we suffer harm for following Jesus we are privileged to share in the likeness of the sufferings that provided our eternal salvation. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).

Instead of cowering with “fear” in the face of “intimidation” we should “sanctify Christ as Lord in” our “hearts” (verse 15). Times of suffering can have one of two opposing effects on our faith. They can cause us to falter, doubt and stumble or they can reaffirm our dependence upon Christ and draw us closer to Him. To sanctify Christ in our hearts is to give Him the place of preeminence in the core of our being, knowing and affirming that He is the Lord, God, Creator and Sustainer of the Universe and our lives. At least two blessings can arise when people observe us courageously responding to trials and tribulations with composure and righteousness. First of all, it may pique the interest of some and provide us an opportunity to “make a defense” of our faith, and “give an account for the hope that is in” us (verse 15). Secondly, others may be “put to shame” and silenced (verse 16).

Some people will “revile” (slander) us for our “good behavior in Christ,” but if we “keep a good conscience” by keeping God’s word, they will have no legitimate accusations to level against us in the sight of our righteous Judge. If we are going to suffer, let’s make certain that it is “for doing what is right” rather “than for doing what is wrong” (verse 17). That is the way that Christ lived and the way that He died. Jesus lived a perfectly righteous and “just” life so that He could die a sacrificial death, “the just for the unjust” (verse 18). Friends, the list of “unjust” people that Jesus died for includes you and me, not just those who oppose Christ and revile His followers. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Christ died for the “unjust” that He might bring “us” to God. So, when we are dealing with ungrateful and ungodly people, let’s do so with mercy and kindness remembering that we once walked in their shoes.

Please read 1 Peter 3:19-22 for tomorrow.

May the Lord fill you with His goodness!

-Louie Taylor

"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. To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 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. For, ‘The one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

---End of Scripture verses---

With leadership comes a great deal of responsibility. As head of the household, the husband in Christ is to live with his wife “in an understanding way” (verse 7). He is to use his intellect and not his brawn when interacting with the spouse of his covenant. He must understand that God’s will for him is to not treat her treacherously (Malachi 2:15) and to love and cherish her just as Jesus loves His church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25-33). To say that a woman is “someone weaker” is not to suggest that she is inferior in a spiritual or intellectual or any other way. Common sense should tell us that men are physically stronger than women more often than not. Husbands must not overpower their wives with brute strength but overwhelm them with kindness and love.

Peter lists two reasons why a husband should show his wife “honor” and treat her with respect. 1) Because she is “a fellow heir of the grace of life.” 2) So that the man’s “prayers will not be hindered.” God has promised all of His faithful children, both male and female, “an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4). A married couple shares the honor of being husband and wife, brother and sister in Christ and fellow inheritors of eternal glories. Those are ample reasons to love and cherish and respect one another. But if a man chooses to mistreat his wife he severs the life-line that He has to heaven, and God will shut His ears to his prayers and petitions.

Starting in verse 8 Peter begins to “sum up” all that he had written about proper attitudes toward respect and submission and applied them to all Christians in their dealings with one another. Every brother and sister in Christ should do their individual part in keeping harmony in the family of Christ. We should sympathize with each other’s challenges and burdens, and be “humble in spirit” realizing that we all are fraught with human weakness and frailty. We need to prepare ourselves in advance to resist the urge to return “evil for evil” if someone should “insult” us (verse 9). Look to the example of our persecuted Savior who “did not revile in return” and “uttered no threats” but “kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). If we desire to receive blessings it helps if we learn to give blessings, even in exchange for rudeness.

The apostle quotes Psalm 34 again, as he did in chapter 2 verse 3. In verses 10-12 he cites verses 12-16 of Psalm 34 that promises God’s deliverance for His troubled and afflicted people. As we can see, God’s assistance depends greatly upon our attitudes and efforts. In order to receive the best of God’s blessings on earth and in eternity, His people must strive to control their tongues and avoid all forms of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). As we “turn away from evil” we must actively “seek” and then ardently “pursue” peace. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict and chaos, but also the calm confidence, even in the midst of strife, that comes from having a right relationship with God. The Lord “sets His face against” those who think, speak and do evil, but He sees, hears and lifts up those who pursue righteousness through His Son Jesus.

Please read 1 Peter 3:13-18 for tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day!

-Louie Taylor

"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, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but 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. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.”

---End of Scripture verses---

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). All people of all nationalities, classes and genders are equally important to God. That does not mean, however, that men and women are exactly the same, no matter how ardently our culture insists on thrusting “gender neutrality” upon us. Women have strengths and weaknesses and gifts from God that differ from those of men, and the Lord’s women should act in accordance with their created nature and His will for them.

In focusing on the importance of Christian compliance to God-given authority, Peter reminds us that we all must respect legitimate governmental authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17), that servants should obey their masters (1 Peter 2:18-20), and in today’s verses that wives are to acquiesce to the leadership of their husbands (verse 1). Governments, societies and families need stratified structure in order to function properly, and in the home God has given the husband the position of “headship” by His word. Notice that Peter does not tell the husband to seize control of his wife but for the wife to willing submit to the leadership of her husband. If there is going to be peace, order and harmony in the home, the wife must give encouragement and support to her spouse as he endeavors to lead his family in the ways of the Lord.

When the husband is not a Christian and the wife is, God expects her to submit to his leadership just the same. She should try her best to show him the grace and virtue that characterizes a true woman of God by her “chaste and respectful behavior” (verse 2). A child of God teaches by conduct as well as words, and sometimes the best hope of grabbing a non-believer’s attention and leading him to the word is by donning an attractive lifestyle. There is nothing for a Christian woman to be “frightened” of (verse 6) when her virtuous behavior shows her unbelieving husband that she respects him and fears the Lord.

Christian women should give much more attention to who they are on the inside than what they look like on the outside (verses 3-4), and godly men should be attracted by the beauty of “the hidden person of the heart.” When we give consideration to what we are going to wear and how we will adorn ourselves, we should first make it a priority to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (Romans 13:14). For a woman, “a gentle and quiet spirit” are “imperishable qualities” that are “precious in the sight of God.” Beauty is fading and fads are fleeting but meekness and humility are always in fashion with the Lord and eternally rewarded by Him.

Please read 1 Peter 3:7-12 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor

"For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 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. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”

---End of Scripture verses---

Peter has Isaiah 53 at the forefront of his mind as he quotes from and references it in writing of the vicarious sufferings of Jesus the Messiah. But he also writes from firsthand experience as one who personally witnessed some of the abuse that Jesus suffered in fulfillment of that prophetic Old Testament treasure. Peter followed “at a distance” as Jesus was abused and “reviled” and refused to return the evil He unjustly received from His abusers (Matthew 26:57-75; Luke 23:48-49).

In today’s verses the apostle sets Jesus up as the perfect example for us to follow when we suffer for following Him. A servant is not above His Master and since the world hated Jesus it will hate His disciples also (John 15:18-20). Peter hones in on the verbal aspect of the abuse and how our Shepherd was as silent as a sheep led to slaughter to encourage us to be harmless in the words that we speak as well.

God has “called” us “for this purpose”— to follow in Christ’s “example” of enduring difficulties with dignity, composure and righteousness (verse 21). If anyone had the right to defend Himself and retaliate verbally it was our perfect Redeemer. But instead of retribution Jesus chose trust. He “kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (verse 23) knowing full well that justice is always upheld by the Supreme Magistrate of the Universe. If we trust that the Lord will always defend the case of the righteous, we will suppress the desire to spew verbal abuse (revile) and utter threats against our adversaries.

Jesus “Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (verse 24). “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’” (Galatians 3:13). Because Jesus took the shame of the cross and paid the purchase price of His own life to redeem us from the slavery of sin, we should ever live to serve and please Him. When we died with Christ in the waters of baptism, buried the old person of sin and then arose to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1-6), Jesus became “the Shepherd and Guardian” of our souls (verse 25). He promises His protection and guidance over us if we are willing to follow His lead.

Please read 1 Peter 3:1-6 for tomorrow.

Have a great day!

-Louie Taylor

“Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.”

---End of Scripture verses---

Neither God, the Bible nor the Apostle Peter say that slavery is a good thing. But in the first century Roman world it was just a prominent fact of life. It has been estimated that 60 million people served as slaves in the Roman Empire, and a good number of them converted to Christ. The Holy Spirit is telling us here that if a Christian is a slave, he should be the best one he can possibly be. In Colossians 3:23-24 within the context of the slave/master relationship, the Apostle Paul wrote: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” Christians are held to a higher standard of excellence. We serve the Highest Power and we are always “on the clock” in our service to the Lord.

“Suffering unjustly finds favor” in the sight of the Lord (verse 19). We live in a society where people cannot tolerate the slightest bit of disrespect without feeling the immediate need to retaliate. This ego-driven "beast mode" is viewed as a sign of strength to the worldly wise, but it requires true, inner strength and spiritual maturity to control the urge to strike back and “turn the other cheek” when we have been offended. When we “do what is right and suffer for it,” the favorable, godly response is to continue doing what is right (verse 20). It is never the right thing to do the wrong thing. The best, but not the easiest, response to mistreatment is love and prayer.

Hear the familiar words of our loving, merciful Master: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48)

Be patient, kind and respectful. Serve the Lord in all sincerity and He will work out all matters of injustice in His time.

Please read 1 Peter 2:21-25 for tomorrow.

May God’s grace and peace be yours in abundance!

-Louie Taylor

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.”

---End of Scripture verses---

It is imperative for the Lord’s people to learn respect for God-given authority. The inspired apostle urges us to willingly offer our submission “to every human institution” in verse 13. This would include forms of national and local governments, as well as smaller organizations that require rules and regulations to be followed. It works greatly to the advantage of pilgrims and strangers upon this earth for organized structure to exist within human societies, and minds enlightened by Holy Scripture know that “there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Romans 13:1).

Of course, when the government requires Christians to disobey God’s commands, that may require “holy disobedience” on our part, to borrow a term used by the late, great Paul Ayres. When the Jewish Council gave the Apostles “strict orders not to continue teaching” in the name of Christ Jesus (Acts 5:28), “Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men’” (Acts 5:29). They were not rebels inciting a social uprising, but respectful members of society expressing obedience to the commands of God. Under normal circumstances, however, when governments function properly and follow God’s sanction by punishing “evildoers” and “praising those who do right” (verse 14), we should submit to their authority “for the Lord’s sake.”

When we show proper respect for legitimate authority, we not only please the Lord but also make it possible to “silence the ignorance of foolish men” (verse 15). It is only “by doing right” that we can show the ways of the Lord to the people who despise our walk in Christ. Jesus “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38) to all people, even the ones who hated and persecuted Him. We will never win an opponent over to Christ and save a soul from destruction by fighting fire with fire. God calls us to “honor all people” (verse 17). “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21)

In God’s governance submission and freedom go hand-in-hand. The only people who are truly “free men” are those who become “bondslaves of God” by fully submitting their will to His (verse 16). Those of us who have been baptized into Christ’s death have died to sin and must no longer live therein (Romans 6:2-3). Faith in Christ does not offer us the liberty to do just as we please, but provides freedom from the slavery and oppression of sin. “Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.’” (John 8:34-36)

Please read 1 Peter 2:18-20 for tomorrow.

Have a great holiday!

-Louie Taylor

“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; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

---End of Scripture verses---

The church of Jesus Christ is God’s “chosen race” and “holy nation” (verse 9). The nation of Israel held that position of honor and privilege in times past, but now Christ’s kingdom is comprised of people of all nations who call upon the name of the Lord (Romans 10:12), and are “baptized into Christ” and clothe themselves “with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:27-29).

God calls His people “out of” the “darkness” of sin and religious error and fear and doubt, and into the “marvelous light” of His glorious Son. Jesus is “the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man” (John 1:9). “God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Jesus showed us the perfect light of the Father when He lived a life of sinless perfection among us (John 1:18), and He shines the light of salvation and truth to us through His perfect example and revelation. “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life’” (John 8:12).

Even as we walk in the Light of the Lord, there is a continual internal struggle between our willing spirits and our weak flesh. Peter says that our “fleshly lusts” are waging “war” against our immortal souls (verse 11). Friends, this is not a war that we can choose to go AWOL from. The battle is an ever present one and we must choose the side of light over darkness if we aspire to escape being a prisoner and casualty of war. If we willingly choose the Lord He promises to help us in our struggle (Psalm 46:1; Hebrews 4:15-16; 13:5-6), and we are guaranteed the ultimate, eternal victory through our faith in Him (Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 1 John 5:4).

Please read 1 Peter 2:13-17 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day!

-Louie Taylor

“And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you 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. 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 precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone,’ and, ‘A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense’; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed.”

---End of Scripture verses---

Peter (the rock) describes Jesus as a “living stone,” “a choice stone,” “a precious corner stone,” and a “stone of stumbling”. Christ is “the Rock” (1 Corinthians 10:4) of providence and strength who shelters and protects God’s people and has established a dwelling place for them greater than any earthly temple. Jesus said of the holy temple in Jerusalem that “not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down” (Matthew 24:2). All earthly structures will ultimately meet the same doom as Herod’s temple when it was destroyed in 70 AD, but Christ has been set as the “precious corner stone” for a spiritual structure (His church) that the Gates of Hades could not prevail against and that neither time nor hostility can overthrow.

Even though Jesus was rejected by men, He is “choice” and “precious” in the sight of His Father in Heaven. It is also precious in the sight of the Lord when we come to Him (verse 4) and remain rock-steady and steadfast even as we “endure various trials” (1 Peter 1:6) and temptations. God has also imbedded His children as “living stones” in His “spiritual house” and established them as a “holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to” Him (verse 5). Earthly stones are lifeless and mindless building materials, but the stones in Yahweh’s temple are living and vibrant and flourishing together as a holy sanctuary. We are simultaneously the dwelling place of God and the priests that offer up worship and praise to His holy name and ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2).

Friend, to disbelieve (verse 7) or choose to be “disobedient to the word” (verse 8) is to reject the Living Stone who died for you. If you are not “coming to Him” (verse 4) you are kicking against Him and stumbling over Him. “The gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction” and God knew in advance that most would choose to “enter through it” (Matthew 7:13). He has “appointed” certain “doom” for those who select the highway to Hell over the narrow way to salvation. As surely as heaven is the inheritance of the faithful (1:4), eternal misery awaits those who spurn the Lord’s overtures of grace and love.

Please read 1 Peter 2:9-12 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor

“Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”

---End of Scripture verses---

Since Christians are born again when they obey the Gospel, God expects us to arise from the grave of baptism to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4). Peter urges us to leave the old, dead person of sin behind—to strip the old, sinful way of life off like a dirty shirt and fling it far away from us (verse 1). This can be a very difficult challenge for people who have lived their whole adult lives steeped in the ways of the world, and especially if their futile way of life was inherited from their predecessors (1 Peter 1:18). But if we are going to “fervently love one another from the heart” that is pure (1 Peter 1:22), we must cast aside those things that only incite disharmony within the body of Christ. 

Our disposition must be free from the presence of “malice”. Malice is a “vicious character” of heart that, for no good reason, only wishes misfortune upon other people. Like our Savior, there should be no “deceit” or “deceptive treachery” found in our mouths (1 Peter 2:22). We must not be hypocrites who serve others with ulterior motives or who only make a pretense of holiness. We should not “envy” other people for what they have, but love them for who they are. And we must be careful to not verbally abuse others with a slanderous tongue and a hateful heart, but rather build them up and encourage them.

So how do we cast off the old, malicious, sinful self and “put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him” (Colossians 3:10)? In a word: EFFORT! By spending much time in prayer. By spending much time in worship and fellowship with brethren. And by spending much time in “the word” (verse 2). People who have experienced a rebirth in Christ must develop a strong craving for “the pure milk of the word, so that by it” they “may grow.” This is especially true for babes in Christ and also important for Christians of every level of spiritual development. But if we “have tasted the kindness of the Lord” (verse 3), it should be easy to heighten our spiritual appetites for an even closer and stronger life in Him. 

Please read 1 Peter 2:4-8 for tomorrow.

Happy first day of September!

-Louie Taylor

“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, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. For, ‘All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the word which was preached to you.”

---End of Scripture verses---

Peter carried his brethren back in time to the memory of when they “purified” their “souls” by obeying the Gospel and were spiritually “born again,” to encourage them to “love one another from the heart” (verses 22-23). Their “obedience to the truth” entailed believing the Gospel, turning from the sins that separated them from God, and being baptized in order to have those sins forgiven. It was the Apostle Peter himself that commanded the penitent believers in Jerusalem on that Pentecost day so many centuries ago to “repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The same obedience that was required of the first converts to Christ is necessary for all who desire the new spiritual beginning.

Peter reminds all of us that the spiritual rebirth we experienced at our conversion to Christ was into something much larger than our own, individual salvation. Our purification by obedience to “the word of the Lord” that “endures forever” (verse 25) should prompt us to love our brethren “fervently from the heart” in all sincerity. It was Christ’s love for all people that prompted Him to die for the sins of the world and establish His church. Because of Christ’s love for us we should have abiding love for all people, and especially our brethren who have been born again into the same spiritual family. Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

When we were born into this world we were “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), but it was from a seed that “withers” and perishes. The inspired word of God is “living and enduring” and “imperishable” (verse 23). It is spiritual seed that “endures forever” (verses 25). When we are born again by obedient faith in Christ through the word, we will endure forever as well.

Please read 1 Peter 2:1-3 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor

“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; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.’”

---End of Scripture verses---

While it is very comforting for suffering Christians to know that God is a loving Father, we must also understand that God is the all-powerful Judge. It is not healthy or wise for us to develop a lopsided picture of the Creator of the Universe. Our “God is love” (1 John 4:8), but He is also “a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). God loves all the people in the world so very much that He formulated a plan of salvation, He sent Jesus to shed His “precious blood” (verse 18) to provide the forgiving power behind that plan, and revealed His plan to everyone through the pages of the New Testament. But His perfect justice and holiness demands that sinfulness cannot go unpunished. If we refuse to follow the plan by living faithfully to Christ who “redeemed” us by taking the punishment we deserve, we will face eternal punishment come Judgment Day.

God “impartially judges according to each one’s work” (verse 17). Another lopsided view in the religious world is that we are saved by God’s grace alone and that no amount of human effort will have any effect at all upon salvation. But the inspired apostles tell us clearly that people will be judged by their righteous and sinful deeds. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” We are saved by God’s amazing grace through our obedient faith (Ephesians 2:8) and there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. That being said, there are still works of obedience that we must perform in order to be right in God’s sight (Hebrews 5:8-9).

And that is really the main thrust of Peter’s message for us today. In light of the fact that God is an impartial Judge, we should be motivated to live righteous lives in all holy “conduct”. “Conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your” brief “stay on earth” (verse 17). Jesus says some interesting things about fearing God in Matthew chapter 10. He tells us to “fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell” (verse 28). But then He tells us in verse 31, “Do not fear.” If we have a healthy fear (reverence) that prompts us to faithfully serve our Father and Judge, then we have nothing at all to fear (be afraid of) in anticipation of Judgment. 

Please read 1 Peter 1:22-25 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor

“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. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”

---End of Scripture verses---

Of all people, God’s children are the most privileged and blessed. We have “been born again to a living hope” (verse 3); we have an inheritance waiting for us in heaven that will not perish or fade away (verse 4); and God promises us His providence and protection while living here on earth (verse 5). But with tremendous blessings comes great responsibility. The life of a faithful child of God is not one of leisure and luxury but one of preparation and “action”. We have been called by God to live lives of effort, obedience and holiness. 

The imagery of verse 13 is lost in the NASB phrase, “prepare your minds for action.” The KJV more accurately says “gird up the loins of your mind.” Ancient peoples in arid climates of the East wore loose, flowing garments for comfort and protection from the wind and heat. But when it was time for work or rapid movement, those garments needed to be “girded up,” or wrapped tightly around the body. Christianity is a call to action. We must be ever prepared to flee from sin and fly to the aid of a needy or ailing brother. We must prepare our minds in advance for the spiritual battles that are waged against us and for every holy exploit that the Lord calls us to undertake. 

One of the reasons that we stumble so often and become discouraged so easily is that we do not “fix” our “hope completely on the grace” that Christ will bring us at His revelation. When Christ returns He will transform our weak and feeble frames into the likeness of His perfect, glorified body (Philippians 3:21), and we will share in His glory for all eternity (verse 7). If we can learn to keep single-minded focus on our eternal inheritance, we will be less likely to revert to “to the former lusts which were” ours in our “ignorance” (verse 14). When people sin out of ignorance, it is not excusable but it is at least understandable. But when those of us who know better continue to fall into the same old traps of the flesh, it’s just indefensible. 

More preparation! More focus! More discipline! More maturity!

Please read 1 Peter 1:17-21 for tomorrow.

Have a great day!

-Louie Taylor

“As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.”

---End of Scripture verses---

What a tremendous blessing it is to be living in “the last days” when God speaks to His people “through His Son” Jesus in the pages of the New Testament (Hebrews 1:1-2). A critical component of proof that the Gospel is completely trustworthy is that salvation through Jesus and His church is the fulfilment of numerous prophecies made by the prophets of old. But, we who live on this side of the cross can understand the meaning of those prophecies in much greater detail than any of the Old Testament prophets who actually “predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow” (verse 11). In fact, if we so desire we can have a greater grasp on God’s plan of salvation than even the angels of heaven who “long to look” into it (verse 12).

We do our spiritual health a great disservice and we deprive ourselves of a wealth of spiritual blessings when we neglect to delve frequently into the treasure trove that is the Bible. Through the pages of the Holy Writ, God “has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness,” and “has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:3-4). The word of God is “able to save” our “souls” (James 1:21), illuminate our paths (Psalm 119:105), and revive our spirits when we falter and fall (Psalm 119:25). “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

“These things which now have been announced to you through those who preach the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven” are just too crucial and wonderful and beneficial to live without. And there is no good reason to “neglect so great a salvation” as this (Hebrews 2:3). God sent and sacrificed His Son and revealed His inspired message of truth, hope and salvation. The rest is up to us!

Please read 1 Peter 1:13-16 for tomorrow. And a whole lot more than that!

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”

---End of Scripture verses---

We have every reason to “greatly rejoice” (verse 6) because we have been “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” and He promises us “an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven” (verses 3-4). And even though we are “protected by the power of God” (verse 5), He still allows us to be “distressed by various trial” in order to prove our faith. Earthly trials and ordeals are the crucible through which our Creator burns off the slag of sin, shapes us into useful instruments for His purposes and tempers our faith to withstand future challenges. This is especially true with we are persecuted because of our faith in Christ. 

Our faith is “more precious than gold which is perishable” (verse 7). We should cling to our trust in Christ no matter what may befall us because of the treasure in heaven that He has waiting for us at the end of our earthly pilgrimage. You just can’t put a price tag on the kind of unwavering, undaunted conviction that loves Jesus and sees Him clearly with the eyes of faith through all of life’s pain, obstacles, distractions and temptations. The resurrected Jesus told Thomas after he touched His hand and side and believed, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed” (John 20:29). This is the kind of faith that provides the greatest of all rewards. “The outcome of” obedient faith in Christ is “the salvation of your souls” (verse 9).

Please read 1 Peter 1:10-13 for tomorrow. Have a blessed Lord's day!

-Louie Taylor

“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, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

---End of Scripture verses---

I cannot think of a more encouraging passage in all the Bible or imagine a greater motivation to become a Christian and remain faithful to the Lord unto death. Through the exceedingly “great mercy” of our “God and Father” He has “caused us to be born again” (verse 3). When each of us was born into this world, our families were filled with wonder, excitement and hope at the prospects of the joy we would bring to them and the potential prosperity we would enjoy in our lives. But, alas, time goes swiftly by and that hope begins to “fade away” as gravity and age damage and “defile” our bodies and we draw closer to our expiration date when we perish.

But friend, the hope that we have in “our Lord Jesus Christ” cannot be tarnished by the passing of time, it cannot be diminished by the unpredictable and uncontrollable circumstances of life, and it only grows greater as we approach the hour of our departure from this world of pain and suffering. God has promised an “inheritance” “in heaven” to His children that is “imperishable and undefiled and” that “will not fade away (verse 4). 

In this world, people receive inheritances when their parents or guardians die and leave their worldly estate behind for them to enjoy for a few, fleeting years. But the children of God receive their abundant, magnificent, eternal inheritance when THEY die and are carried home to heaven to dwell forever with their loving Father. In fact, as the Psalmist puts it in Psalm 16:5-6, the Lord himself is their glorious inheritance. “The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.”

I know that none of us wants to miss out on all the wonders and splendors of heaven, and that all the money in this world would not be a fair tradeoff. But there are things that we must do to become inheritors of God’s immeasurable and inexhaustible fortune. We must be “born again” in order to obtain the “living hope” that carries on past the earthly grave. Jesus told a Pharisee named Nicodemus that people must be “born of water and the Spirit” or they “cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). The Apostle Paul talks about the “newness of life” that is given to converts when they are “baptized into Christ” and “into His death” and arise to walk as newly born persons with a new mentality and new objectives (Romans 6:1-6). 

After our sins have been “washed away” in the waters of baptism (Acts 22:16), we must remain faithful unto the Lord to the end of our lives (Revelation 2:10). Christians are “protected by the power of God THROUGH FAITH for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (verse 5). Our Father in heaven promises to protect us, provide for us and propel us to heaven by His unlimited “power”. But faith is our part of the covenant. We must love and trust and obey Him, even when He allows our faith to be tested and proven. But, as you can see in this remarkable passage (and will see in tomorrow’s as well), anything that we are forced to endure for our faith will be more than worth it in the end! 

Please read 1 Peter 1:6-9 for tomorrow.

Stay faithful!!!

-Louie Taylor

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, 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.”

---End of Scripture verses---

It is true of all people, but in a special sense of Christians, that we are “aliens” in this world (verse 1). None of us has been here for very long and we won’t reside upon this earth for an extended period of time. Most people realize that life on earth is just a short visit, but either do not recognize or do not care that the way they choose to live their lives has an impact on their eternity. God’s children must combine that awareness with the appropriate manner of living. “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.” (2 Peter 3:11-12)

The Lord’s people are “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God” (Verses 1-2). This does not mean that God predetermined beforehand those who would be saved and those who would be lost. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world (John 3:16), and God wants all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). The idea of “chosen” has its roots in Old Testament Judaism with reference to Israel as God’s “chosen people” (Deuteronomy 7:6). The church is God’s chosen people but He does not individually preselect who will be a part of it. 

Notice that we are not passive in God’s choosing of us. He has chosen us to “obey Jesus Christ” who is the author of eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:8-9), and to allow the Holy Spirit to perform His “sanctifying work” on us through faith in His inspired word. “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)

By the Father’s foreknowledge and choosing, by the Spirit’s sanctifying work and by the “sprinkled” blood of Jesus, we can have God’s grace and know His peace “in the fullest measure”. Peter calls attention to the coequal triad of divinity in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and how they work in perfect unison and harmony to secure salvation for the faithfully obedient. We can fully trust the words of an apostle who walked daily with the Savior, heard the Father’s utterance from the holy mountain (2 Peter 1:18), and was inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:19-21) when He reveals to us the nature of the One God of heaven eternally existing in three Persons. 

Please read 1 Peter 1:3-5 for tomorrow.

Have a great day!

-Louie Taylor

The Apostle Peter wrote this epistle to Christians who were “scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1:1). These were large Roman provinces that represent most of the modern day nation of Turkey. There had obviously been churches established in these regions and it is possible that Peter played a significant role in the formation of at least some of them. 

Peter wrote this letter to encourage Christians who were being ridiculed and persecuted because of their faith in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 1:6-9; 3:13-17; 4:12-19; 5:9-10). He reminded them that their trials should come as no surprise since Jesus himself suffered for righteousness’ sake and they were following in His footsteps. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (1 Peter 4:12-14)

Peter really hones in on the certainty of the Lord’s Second Coming and the eternal glorification of His faithful servants as the major motivation for them to remain faithful under intense persecution (1 Peter 1:5, 7, 13: 2:12; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 10). He wrote in chapter 4 verse 7 that “the end of all things is near.” The author was not predicting that Jesus would come back during the lifetime of the people he wrote to, but it was a genuine possibility that He could have. All Christians of all eras of time should be prepared for the coming of Christ as if it could occur at any moment. Since we know not the hour or the day which our Lord shall return, the best thing we can do is be ready (Matthew 25:13).

The apostle stresses the importance of Christians living lives of holiness and righteousness while waiting and preparing for the Lord to come and take them home. Peter warned his first century brethren and us to not return evil for evil when non-believers mistreat, even though it is a temptation to do so. “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12). We must strive to be holy as the Lord is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16) if we hope to attain the sanctification that produces salvation and influence others to do the same.

“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.” (1 Peter 2:21-23)

Please read 1 Peter 1:1-2 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor