Holding on to Hope - 1 Peter 5: 12-14
By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. 1 Peter 5: 12-14
Ladies, I find it so difficult to wrap-up a study like the one we've just completed. There's so much I want to say. First of all, congratulations to you for sticking with it to the very end. That's an accomplishment, and you should celebrate.
Secondly, we've finished a complete book of the Bible, and I'm praying it's lit a fire to do more of this. I'm hoping you've loved reading straight through a book of the Bible in a way that makes us all want to do this more and more. Any kind of study of the Bible is worthwhile and profitable. However, there's something different and special about studying straight from God's Word.
We've read so much from Peter to the persecuted church; joy in the midst of trial, the glory of God, and a variety of other instructions. I am most excited that Peter chose to end his letter with a message of peace, Peace to all of you who are in Christ (vs.14).
When chaos ensues from suffering, trial, or persecution, peace should be the mark of a Christ-follower. When faith is an anchor to our soul, our lives should be marked by a peace that surpasses all understanding. Yet, it's not a natural outcome. Since Peter chose to open his letter with a message of peace and then end the letter with the same focus, I can't help but believe the early Jesus followers were struggling with it just as much as we do. Without judgment or condemnation, Peter simply wrote his letter of encouragement and then invited believers to enter into peace with him.
The hope in this passage and throughout all of the passages that we've read is this.... no matter what happens, we get JESUS, and He is enough. The presence of Christ resides in the middle of our messes, girls. How amazing is that!
Warren Wiersbe wrapped up his commentary on 1 Peter with this simple paragraph, and I believe it's a fitting way to end our time together,
Peter has given to us a precious letter that encourages us to hope in the Lord no matter how trying the times may bbe. Down through the centuries, the church has experienced various fiery trials, and yet Satan has not been able to destroy it. The church today is facing a fiery trial, and we must be prepared. But, whatever, may come, Peter is still saying to each of us, "Be hopeful. The glory is soon to come," (Be Hopeful, page 161).
Jesus, You were, You are, and You will always be our living hope! We thank you for that. We confess that we lose sight of this truth that is Your very glory. We confess that we haven't always rested peacefully in the truth of Your glory. We ask that You awaken our hearts and minds to all we've studied in the past few weeks. Remind us that You are hope and peace and cause us to offer them to the world out of the overflow of our abiding in You.
