Pastor Dale Eakes gave me my first big shot in ministry nearly fifteen years ago. He has since gone to heaven and received his heavenly reward. After serving as an interim youth pastor, he saw my potential and gave me an opportunity to serve as the associate pastor. Dale was one of a kind, a preacher amongst preachers and a competent pastor. Working alongside him was one of the greatest honors of my life and when he died it left a huge hole in my heart. Preaching with passion and conviction was a hallmark of his ministry. I sought to honor him with all I said and did and to be united with him in his vision for our congregation. By God’s grace, we stood firm in the true gospel and saw many lives changed.

The apostle Peter likewise urged his readers to “stand firm” in the “true grace of God” at the end of his first letter to the “elect exiles” scattered abroad (5:12; 1:1). There were many false gospels spreading like a cancer from the lips of false teachers during his day. Setting the record straight, the “Rock” of the church fixes our eyes upon Jesus Christ. The true grace of God is the true gospel of Jesus Christ who is returning to reclaim his bride. Peter envisioned the beauty of this day and led believers to long for it like ice cold water in the desert heat. Several key truths emerge from his teaching to stand firm. First, be ready. We are to be ready at all times for the return of Christ. Second, stay humble. We are to crave humility and despise the poison of pride. Third and lastly, live together. We are to live in unity with other believers.

Standing firm in the true grace of God is the heartbeat of Peter’s first letter. Just as the first century believers who faced persecution did, believers today are to shape their lives around the Master Potter. As he fashions us into the likeness of Christ, we face the fires of testing from the enemy. As chosen exiles, we are just passing through in this momentary flicker of earthly life. Peter had other brothers in Christ that worked alongside him in gospel ministry. Silvanus, or Silas was likely the carrier of Peter’s letter to the scattered believers (5:12). The apostle wrote: “She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings” (v. 13). This is a reference to the church at Rome. Babylon was a spiritual and symbolic reference to a world power which God opposed. Mark, a spiritual son to Peter, was John Mark who dictated the gospel bearing his name from the heart and mind of Peter (v. 13). Formerly useless to the Apostle Paul, he regained his favor and became an important part in the formation of the New Testament. 

Peter ends his letter with an appeal for the believers to greet one another in love and with a blessing of peace to all “who are in Christ” (v. 14). Living together in humility brings the unity that Christ honors. Furthermore, unity is forged in the fires of persecution. The “one anothers” of the New Testament are contingent upon self-sacrificial love. Jesus died to create unbreakable unity between believers of all ethnicities, backgrounds, languages and social statuses. We reflect the heart of Christ when we live together anticipating Christ’s soon return. May we be saints who are ready, humble and unified as we stand firm in the grace of God.

Application Questions:
1. How can you serve your church better as you eagerly wait for Christ’s return?

2. What sin in your life prevents you from being fully united with other believers?