Rightly understanding our identity as citizens of God's kingdom and aliens in the kingdom of darkness will equip us to love our fellow Christians well.
Peter tasked his readers to live holy and love others.
The book of 1 Peter carries all of the pastoral warmth of an apostle who'd seen just what the world thought of those who followed Jesus and learned to live well despite it. It's a message of hope in the midst of darkness, encouragement in the midst of exhaustion, and a promise in the midst of this world of struggle. Our hope is not in this world.
- Peter's letter was not written to instruct believers if they experience suffering, but when they experience it. Suffering is a guarantee for the Christian life, but that should not be a source of discouragement for those who follow Christ. As Kyle explained in the video, opposition provides opportunity to speak of God.
Peter doesn't tell us that soon our faith will bring us reprieve, that God will reward us with worldly comfort. Pe, he makes it clear that suffering and joy can and should co-exist.
Life with Christ is one of both Joy and suffering. The trials we face remind us that this is not our home. Because of his sacrifice, our hardships are temporary, but our hope is eternal. Even more, through faith in Christ the holy Spirit has transformed us such that we can face suffering with joy. Our hope is no longer rooted in circumstances, but in the unchanging faithfulness of God.
Kyle ended the video by reminding us that our identity always drives our behavior. Who we are determines how we will live. If you have trusted in Christ, and you are a new creation and hardship provides the opportunity to reflect that to the world. So, take heart in the difficult days they are not a surprise to God and he allows them to refine your faith and bring glory to his name.
1 Peter 1:13
With minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.
