As we have continued through 1 Peter, we’re reminded how many Christians live today as if the world were the final destination. We pour our life resources and energy into things that will barely last 50 years, let alone eternity. We frequently cave in to the old sinful desires. We struggle to remain faithful in the midst of great suffering. We’ve lost sight  of the glorious inheritance waiting for us.

God calls us to live as “strangers” in this world, spiritual sojourners that are just passing through. As children of the living God, our focus should be on eternity as we point people to the living Christ who paid it all for us. Our priorities and lifestyle should undergo a radical transformation.

In 1 Peter, Peter unpacks what this transformed life looks like and how it should interact with this world. In 1 Peter 4:12-19, as Peter wrote to the Christians scattered across Turkey, many found themselves under intense persecution for their faith. The apostle challenged them to trust God and continue doing good despite there suffering. The same question should be on our minds today: are we willing to suffer for Jesus? Continue Reading…