Peter in these verses is calling us to take on the mind of Christ as we live as believers in the world. We are to set our minds to live for God knowing that will involve suffering. As we set our minds to live for Jesus, which will include suffering, he tells us that decision will lead to victory over sin. When we live for something greater in the Gospel sin loses its power. Peter in the rest of these verses will then contrast how the world lives with the way God has called us to live in the Spirit. God has invited us to a great hope of salvation and a great adventure living for his kingdom that will bear fruit in our lives now and eternal life in the future.
Life can be difficult and it is easy to focus more on the obstacles that confront us everyday over Jesus. 1 Peter is a book of hope that reminds us of what Jesus has done for us as believers to make our salvation sure. Peter wants to tilt our head up from the day to day problems of life to remember the hope of our salvation in Christ. He encourages us to have a forward lean to our faith that is looking forward to the completion of our salvation when Christ returns. His message to us is that if you can keep your eyes focused on what Jesus has accomplished and our salvation to come, you can face any obstacle in life-Firm in the Faith. Join us as we hear what God has to say to us as we explore this short and punchy book over the summer!
