“May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”
I love the way that Peter intros his epistle. This little sentence is a great prayer to pray or blessing to speak on behalf of those we care about.
In chapter one, Peter reminds his readers of the importance of God’s Word. He wants to make sure they are paying attention “as to a lamp shining in a dark place…” (v.19) He is not convinced that they are paying attention and he has several reasons for his concern.
- He wants to help them to be fruitful and effective in their walk with the Lord and to equip them to live godly lives. (chapter 1)
- He wants to make sure they can discern truth from the false teaching that is prevalent. (chapter 2)
- He wants to make sure that they are ready for “the Day of the Lord.” (chapter 3)
All of these concerns are appropriate for 21st century believers. Not so much has changed. We still need help living godly lives. We are still susceptible to the false teaching that tickles our ears. And we are still ill-prepared for the coming of the Lord.
In verse 4 of this chapter Peter references God’s “precious and very great promises” as he seeks to encourage the saints to be men and women of the Word. Here are a few of God’s precious and very great promises that are well worth the time pondering so that when life is hard we have a sure and steady anchor to help us get through the storm. Note that the first promise is that there will indeed be storms to endure.
- “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
- The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24
- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
- But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
- And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
- If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
- Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
- Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
- The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
John Piper says that “we must day by day go to the Word of God and search for great promises. Fix one or two in your mind and hold them there before you all day. And use them to overcome temptation to sin and to incite you to daring acts of righteousness and love.
May this brick help you to search God’s Word daily knowing the value that it provides in helping you navigate your way through this life and in preparing you for the life to come.
Virtue – moral excellence