Hope and Holiness

Backstory:
About the same time that the apostle Paul was imprisoned and executed, the apostle Peter wrote this letter. It was addressed to believers scattered throughout the Roman provinces north of the Taurus Mountains in what is today Turkey. The churches were no doubt composed of Christians from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds, though a majority of them had been converted out of paganism, rather than out of Judaism. Because they were being persecuted, Peter’s pastoral purpose was to help these early believers see their temporary sufferings in the light of the coming eternal glory.

God’s Story:
There is so much more beyond the world in which my people live. I have promised them a joy and a future, a new birth, and a living hope that no one can take away from them. To experience my love to the fullest, they must live holy lives and keep their faith and hope in me.

Read 1 Peter 1:1 – 2:3

Your Story:
Suffering and everyday difficulties have a tendency to drain away joy, peace and hope. They sap you of energy, leaving you with little thought of being holy. Peter’s upbeat talk is a great encouragement when you’re feeling down. It helps you regain perspective about the fact that the troubles of this world are all for just “a little while”
(1 Peter 1:6).