For the last couple of days, we have looked at 2 Peter 1:1 – 9 (here @ Bible Gateway) to see how Peter begins to instruct us in dealing well with suffering. We have seen that all that Peter is covering is under the umbrella of the foreknowledge of God. Further, we have looked at the actions of the Lord and the purpose of those actions.
Today we will consider the means He has provided to navigate suffering well, for His glory. First though, look at 1.3 (here @ Bible Gateway). You will note that there is another “according to” in the text. If you will review the first post were we considered the Greek word κατὰ (kata) we have here another criterion, standard, or norm – in other words, an umbrella under which we, in this case, are caused to be born again. So, the two operative umbrellas for this letter are the foreknowledge of God and His great mercy.
What then do we have to make it through suffering?
In verse 4 (here @ Bible Gateway) we are promised an inheritance. In verse 5 (here @ Bible Gateway) we are protected for a salvation. Note when we will realize both the inheritance and the salvation. The inheritance is reserved in heaven and the salvation will be revealed in the last time.
Wait!
I am experiencing suffering now! However, Peter is telling us that the means to glorify God through that suffering is to focus not on the suffering but on the promised inheritance and our certain salvation for which we are protected. There is not a sense here that the suffering will be lifted. It may be. But that is not the promise.
We are to trust the foreknowledge and great mercy of God, knowing that He has promised an inheritance and that we are protected for a certain salvation. It is not the suffering, it is the promise of eternity to which Peter directs our focus.
Verse 13 (here @ Bible Gateway) reinforces this focus. As do several other sections of the first three chapters.
Consider this, ponder it, let me know how you are processing it. We will conclude this tomorrow.
Today we will consider the means He has provided to navigate suffering well, for His glory. First though, look at 1.3 (here @ Bible Gateway). You will note that there is another “according to” in the text. If you will review the first post were we considered the Greek word κατὰ (kata) we have here another criterion, standard, or norm – in other words, an umbrella under which we, in this case, are caused to be born again. So, the two operative umbrellas for this letter are the foreknowledge of God and His great mercy.
What then do we have to make it through suffering?
In verse 4 (here @ Bible Gateway) we are promised an inheritance. In verse 5 (here @ Bible Gateway) we are protected for a salvation. Note when we will realize both the inheritance and the salvation. The inheritance is reserved in heaven and the salvation will be revealed in the last time.
Wait!
I am experiencing suffering now! However, Peter is telling us that the means to glorify God through that suffering is to focus not on the suffering but on the promised inheritance and our certain salvation for which we are protected. There is not a sense here that the suffering will be lifted. It may be. But that is not the promise.
We are to trust the foreknowledge and great mercy of God, knowing that He has promised an inheritance and that we are protected for a certain salvation. It is not the suffering, it is the promise of eternity to which Peter directs our focus.
Verse 13 (here @ Bible Gateway) reinforces this focus. As do several other sections of the first three chapters.
Consider this, ponder it, let me know how you are processing it. We will conclude this tomorrow.
I appreciate your sharing, 1st Peter has been a long favorite of how to process suffering as part of God's bigger and eternal purposes. Great balance to the prosperity gospel!
ReplyDeleteGreat observation. I could not agree more.
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