Peter continues to connect the suffering of Jesus to the suffering
these believers are facing. As followers of Jesus, we are to take on his
attitude and put off the former way of living. Peter characterizes this
former way of living with several descriptions of out of control
responses. A lack of self-control often defines unbelievers, but it is
not supposed to define followers of Jesus. Instead, we should be living
in a self-controlled manner that allows us to live for God's will. In
this text, a significant part of living for God's will is living in a
self-controlled way.
Peter writes to believers who have been scattered because of the
opposition and persecution they are facing. These believers are now
scattered across Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Bithynia; which is
modern day Turkey. Peter addresses throughout this epistle the
appropriate response to suffering. Part of that response involves
understanding our connection as believers to Jesus and the suffering
that he endured on our behalf. We can follow the example of Jesus and
endure suffering and the various hardships that may come into our lives.
Peter writes to encourage these believers to endure because of the
living hope that we have through Jesus. You can endure today, as you
hope in Jesus.
Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose
of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers
and Engaging our Community.
