The Weight of Grace
In the first half of 2010, we are going to walk through a study of 1 Peter. We’ll begin with looking at the life of Peter who was one of Jesus’ disciples. Peter was famously/infamously known for denying Christ three times. And yet, he moved from a place of prideful failure to a place of humble service. His life ended with crucifixion because he wouldn’t deny Christ. The transformation was significant as he learned what it meant to follow Christ. His first letter, 1 Peter, was written to a group of Christians who were dispersed around Asia Minor – present day Turkey. These Christians were apparently undergoing suffering – as was most of the church in the mid to late first century. Peter’s letter was written that they might “stand fast in the true grace of God” (5:12). Literally, Peter was encouragement was this: “anchor yourself in the authentic grace of God.” There is a weight and substance to grace that allows us to find strength, meaning, hope, and rest. Suffering is the way that we experience those blessings. Peter elaborates upon the theme of suffering in three ways: personal sanctification (1:13-2:12), personal submission (2:13-12), and personal suffering (3:13-19). Personal sanctification is a suffering that we allow when we actively put our flesh to death – this is indeed a suffering; cf. Jesus’ admonition to take up one’s cross. Personal submission can lead to a suffering we endure when we actively submit to those who are in authority over us. Finally, Peter discusses personal suffering as something we cannot control and is often inflicted because we are living for Christ. Don’t miss a week of our study through 1 Peter! Catch up online when you’re out of town or not able to join us on a Sunday AM.