Tuesday: Key Themes
Read 1 Peter 1:3-12. What is Peter’s main message in these verses?
In his greeting to his readers in 1 Peter 1:1-2, Peter has already mentioned the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (1 Pet. 1:2). The three members of the Godhead form the subject of 1 Peter 1:3-12.
Image © Review & Herald Publishing from GoodSalt.com
The Father and the Son are the topic of 1 Peter 1:3-9, and the Holy Spirit is prominent in 1 Peter 1:10-12.
As he writes about the Father and Son and the work of the Holy Spirit, Peter introduces many of the themes that he will come back to.
Christians, Peter begins (1 Pet. 1:3; see also John 3:7), have been born anew. Their whole life has been transformed by Jesus’ resurrection and the extraordinary inheritance that awaits Christians in heaven (1 Pet. 1:3-4). Here, as in so many other places in the New Testament, the resurrection of Jesus is key to the Christian hope.
This hope gives Christians a reason to rejoice, despite the fact that many of those reading 1 Peter are suffering. This suffering tests and refines their faith, just as fire tests and refines gold. Even though Peter’s readers have not seen Jesus during His earthly ministry, they love Him and believe in Him. And the outcome of their faith in Him is salvation and the promise of “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:4, NKJV).
Peter also lets them know that the prophets of old had predicted the “grace that would come to you” (1 Pet. 1:10). The prophets of the Old Testament “inquired and searched” (1 Pet. 1:10, NKJV) about the salvation that these people were now experiencing in Jesus.
As they suffer persecution for their faith, Peter points out that they are part of a much wider conflict between good and evil. In the end, he is seeking to help them stay faithful to the truth, even amid trials.
| 1 Peter 1:4 says that there is an inheritance “reserved in heaven for you.” Think about that on a personal level; there is a specific place reserved in heaven just for you, personally. Then how should you personally respond to this wonderful promise? |
(30)
It is so hard to understand that there is a place in heaven just for me! I feel overwhelmed when I think that 'Jesus paid it all' just for me.
I am even thankful for the trials that come my way so that my faith is strengthened and I pray that soon Jesus will come and take us home where we will praise Him forever more.
I also think like that, Jane. But I also think that this is the way God finds a manner to work in our expectations! And I'd say this is positive! But unfortunately, evil minds distort that. And some people live so much inside their expectations that they get blind to what is real! And God is real. God is present! He is here with me and with you. Thus, for me, this feeling is more important. Perhaps, and what a luck, if I get to the promised Land. But may this place not turn me blind for now. Heaven we can start here, even with all the crazy people around us! Even with all our own madness! Heaven is near when we get to turn completely to the understanding of God's (crazy, "seems to be") love. Have a heavenly day you all!
God is so faithful to give everyone a privilege to be saved
For this unspeakable promise, to reserve a place in heaven, just for me, I really have nothing to say. I know my Heavenly Father very well through the experience of my relatioship with Him. I know my Father, nothing is impossible to Him, to restore, to recreate and to make new creation.
I'm astonished because I'm a sinner. I don't deserve this marvelous promise of a reserved place in heaven. Because of God's love of mercy upon me, He accepts me just as I am to soon give His incredible new heavenly home that He is preparing for us.
All I can do is exalt His name, as well as dance for Him, just like David used to do all the time through his life.
Bless the name of the Lord, 3 times, Hosanna. This is my appreciation to God for our new future home in heaven.
I love that there is an inheritance for me there, and I believe that it's more than just a physical location. There have been so many times in my life when I have struggled to find my place in this world. It's awesome that my special place has already been reserved in heaven. I don't have to look; I will just belong.
We are evil humans but GOD has been merciful on us and has given us his love. We are walking in a great hope about salvation and dwelling in heaven.
Have you ever gone somewhere, where people are nice to you and make you feel welcome, but you really feel like you don't belong there. That is where we are right now. Can you imagine what it will be like when we get where we r-e-a-l-l-y belong? Gives me goose bumps.
The main message is about the Holy Spirit about it's capability. We have a hope that we should rejoice! Just rejoice in every thing!
When I think of the place God has given me in Heaven, I get homesick. I know where my Creator and Redeemer is, that's where I belong.
Not only me but I long to meet family. Not just the human family, but there are Angels who've protected me, there are created beings who've had an interest in the course of my life. There are wonders to see and a Savior to talk to.
There're the celebrations and songs of experience I will be singing and listening to. Most of all I can't wait to be a part of the Sabbath worship service.
Oh yes, Heaven is home, because of Jesus.
This earth...it's just a disappointing playground I choose to walk away from by the power of the Holy Spirit.
From Nancy Pierre
Hi Nanci, God bless you we have same thought for Tuesday lesson. It is beautiful when God's children have same mind.
The Holy Spirit communicates you and me in the same way.
Sometimes it seems hard, in these last days, "to run these last few miles." But It is so encouraging to know if we remain faithful, that God has promised that after the rain, at the end of the rainbow, not a "pot of gold" but the opportunity to spend eternity with Him, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and all of our family and friends who remained faithful as well. May God Bless!
I thank God for his grace, I cant wait to go to heaven... #countdowntoheaven
What a beautiful reminder that we are just, but pilgrims in this earth. A beautiful place in heaven prepared for me. I am not of this world. Heaven is incomplete without you and me.
Let us, all, by faith look up to the things above, there our treasure is!
God richly bless you all.