Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 38
1 Peter 1: 13-16 Live as strangers
Scripture 1 Peter 1:17-21 New International Version Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 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 ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
Crumbs In verse 17 the word to call is the same word used by Paul when he appeals to Caesar. Christians appeal to a heavenly ruler for heavenly justice. But we are guilty, so the theme moves on to redemption. When problems arise in human affairs leaders tend to throw money at them. The divide between a perfect God and an imperfect humanity is not solved that way. God’s solution is sacrificial love. Outrageous rebellion meets spotless perfection . The perfect God reaches out and a man dies on a cross, life blood for a dying race
The questions that confront 21st us are “ Is the world of the senses all there is?” “Is there hope?” Christ’s coming tells of a deeper reality . His miracle filled life, His wonderful teaching and His moral purity all call for a supernatural explanation. The New Testament makes no sense unless the re is another realm beyond and within to take into account.
One of us humans has gone through death and emerged into life. His resurrection gives us hope that we too may have eternal life his self sacrificing death deals with human im perfection. Within these four verses we have the answer to our deepest needs all found in the being and work of Jesus Christ. These truths challenge us to live utterly different lives with a culture alien to the contemporary culture and with respect for standards of which others have little inkling. We should know the fear of God.
Queries ( for private thought or joint discussion)
1. What does this passage teach us of our salvation and our Saviour ?
2. What is meant by “live as strangers” ?
3. What changes should 21st century Christians make to live as strangers?
Please note that this is also published on my blog along with poems and other items on https://pmgsblog.blogspot.com
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