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  • Identity and Mission (1 Peter 2:4-12)

    In our culture today, we are told identity is ours to choose. We have the right to identify as we see fit and how we feel. The reality, however, cannot be further from the truth. We are not sovereign over our identity. When we deny this reality the issues surrounding identity become a problem of idolatry. Why? Because identity is not ours to choose in a vacuum. Identity centers upon the person of Jesus Christ. In the midst of suffering, we can be prone to question who we are, our identity. We must review and remind ourselves where we find identity. Our identity is centered upon the cornerstone who is Jesus Christ (Isaiah 28:16). The one who was rejected by men but chosen by God was the one who is the living stone. This specific living stone is building a spiritual house made up of other living stones as they rest in the cornerstone. In other words, we who place our trust in Christ, find our identity in Christ. We can only “be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (2:5). Through Jesus Christ can we see our identity as living stones. But what about those who reject Christ? They disobey the word. Thus, their identity impacts their mission. Their mission reveals their identity and points to their destiny. And it all has to do with how one responds to Christ. He is the cornerstone. He is the One who gives us our identity, and He is the One who calls us to mission.

    Our identity transforms our relationships and shapes our mission. Becoming a Christian changes our relationship with God to the world. Our identity is no longer as enemies of God. Our identity is we are people belonging to God. 1 Peter 2 shows us this by using the four terms “a chosen race”, “a royal priesthood”, “a holy nation”, and “a people for His own possession” (2:9). God has chosen a community of people to be His people and to serve Him as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Our identity as God’s people means we reflect God by being set apart and living holy lives for His sake. By living this way, our identity informs our mission. As God’s people, we live to proclaim who God is and what He has done, namely in the gospel. 1 Peter directs us to this mission in calling to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you of darkness into his marvelous light” (2:9). The excellencies of God are seen clearest in His saving work by bringing sinners out of the darkness into His redeeming light.

    This salvation not only transforms our relationship with God but affects our relationship to the world. We are no longer friends of the world, although we still live in the world. Our identity to the world as exiles reminds us our ultimate home is with the Lord. This identity leads to a different life. For instance, we live in an overly sexualized culture where “feelings” dominate actions. However, the Apostle Peter urges his readers “to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul” (2:11). The life of a Christian should look distinct from the person who disobeys the Word of God and does whatever they feel. We must realize the Christian life is a spiritual war. We do not give in but we, who have received the Good News, must do good deeds so that even unbelievers will take notice. Honorable conduct in the midst of ridicule and suffering shine the light on the glory of God. They speak as a witness. That is why Peter devotes his time to elaborate more on this in the rest of his letter. Our relationship to the world is different because our identity and mission are different. Our identity and mission to the world are different because our relationship with God is different. Simply put, the gospel of God informs and transforms our identity and mission with God and to the world.

    Reflection Questions:

    1. Where do you often place your identity instead of Christ?
    2. Who are you living on mission with both for spiritual growth and gospel witness?

  • Viviendo a La Luz del Regreso de Cristo (1 Pedro 1:22-2:3)

    ¿Cómo debemos vivir a la luz del regreso de Jesús? En 1 Pedro 1:22–2:3, Pedro no pierde tiempo en adentrarse directamente en la respuesta. En el versículo 22, el apóstol les recuerda a los creyentes que “se amen unos a otros entrañablemente, de corazón puro”, una exhortación al amor fraternal hacia los demás cristianos. El amor fraternal es un vínculo familiar que va más allá de la sangre. Siendo un desafío diario, nosotros como cristianos debemos mostrar el amor de Cristo los unos a los otros para mostrarle al mundo perdido que nos rodea lo que el verdadero amor realmente es.

    Debido a que nuestro Salvador regresará pronto en gloria, debemos esforzarnos por honrarlo con todo lo que decimos y hacemos. Un buen punto de partida es buscar satisfacer las necesidades de otros creyentes. Tal vez haya un hermano o hermana que enfrenta un diagnóstico de cáncer, o que está abrumado por la ansiedad y la depresión, o una madre soltera que lucha por salir adelante. Tal vez tu pastor necesite una palabra de ánimo. Permite que el Espíritu Santo te guíe hacia oportunidades para mostrar compasión.

    Además, nuestro modelo para el amor cristiano es el amor sacrificial de Cristo. Nuestro Señor vino voluntariamente para ser asesinado en una cruz ensangrentada y así pagar la inmensa deuda del pecado que nos separaba de Dios. Como escribió Pablo en Romanos 6:23: “Porque la paga del pecado es muerte, pero la dádiva de Dios es vida eterna en Cristo Jesús Señor nuestro.” ¡Qué amor tan grande! Este amor semejante al de Cristo debemos manifestarlo tanto hacia los creyentes como hacia los perdidos, abriendo corazones al evangelio.

    Luego, Pedro escribe en el versículo 23 que, porque hemos sido “nacidos de nuevo” por medio de la “palabra de Dios que vive y permanece”, debemos amar bien a los demás. Nuestra salvación debe producir un afecto hacia los hermanos que crece con el tiempo. La palabra del Señor “permanece para siempre” y perdura, a diferencia de la carne humana que se marchita y muere como la hierba (v. 24–25). Este pasaje habla del poder de la Palabra de Dios, la cual produce en nosotros un deseo de santidad. Además, esta palabra es “el evangelio que os ha sido anunciado.” El mensaje del evangelio nos lleva a la fe en Cristo, y la Palabra de Dios nutre esa fe hasta llegar a una madurez semejante a la de Cristo.

    Al pasar al capítulo 2, Pedro continúa con su exhortación práctica a los creyentes. A medida que vivimos nuestra fe, debemos desechar la ira unos contra otros, la mentira, la doble vida, la envidia y las palabras que difaman a los hermanos (v. 1). Tales acciones invalidan nuestro testimonio cristiano y ofrecen un mal ejemplo a los perdidos. Hermanos y hermanas, debemos esforzarnos por acercarnos más a Jesús cada día, leer la Palabra de Dios y orar para que podamos amar bien a los demás.

    Además, debemos anhelar la “leche espiritual no adulterada” de la Palabra, así como un bebé recién nacido ansía la leche de su madre. Solo así podremos “crecer para salvación”. Cuando Jesús regrese, seremos glorificados con Él y recibiremos la plenitud de nuestra salvación. La obra redentora de Cristo en la cruz, su resurrección y su regreso son la base de nuestra salvación. Y cuando Él regrese en gloriosa majestad, nuestra fe se convertirá en vista. En verdad, como dice el versículo 3, si hemos “gustado que el Señor es bueno”, desearemos crecer en nuestra fe, amar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas, y compartir el evangelio con los perdidos.

    Preguntas para reflexión:
    • ¿Deseas crecer en tu fe y anhelar la “leche espiritual no adulterada” de la Palabra de Dios?
    • ¿A quién puedes mostrarle el amor de Cristo dentro de tu comunidad de fe?

  • Living in Light of Christ’s Return (1 Peter 1:22-2:3)

    How should we live in light of the return of Jesus? In 1 Peter 1:22-2:3, Peter wastes no time in diving right into the answer. In v. 22, the apostle reminds believers to “love one another earnestly from a pure heart,” a plea for brotherly love for fellow Christians. Brotherly love is a familial bond which goes deeper than blood. A daily challenge, we as Christians must show the love of Christ towards one another in order to show the lost world around us what love truly is.  

    Because of our Savior returning in glory soon we must strive to honor him with all we say and do. A good starting point is seeking to meet the needs of fellow believers. Perhaps there is a brother or sister that is facing a cancer diagnosis, or is wrecked with anxiety and depression, or is a single mother struggling to get by. Maybe your pastor could use a word of encouragement. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to opportunities to show compassion. 

    Moreover, our model for Christian love is the sacrificial love of Christ. Our Lord came voluntarily to be murdered on a bloody cross to pay the insurmountable debt of sin which alienated us from God. As Paul wrote in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What love!? This Christ-like love we must display towards believers and the lost alike, opening hearts to the gospel.

    Moving forward, Peter writes in v. 23 that because we have been “born again” through the “living and abiding word of God,” we are to love others well. Our salvation should produce a warmth for the brethren which grows over time. The word of the Lord “remains forever,” and endures unlike human flesh which withers and dies like the grass (v. 24-25). This passage speaks to the power of the Word of God, which produces in us a desire for holiness. Additionally, this word is “the good news that was preached to you.” The gospel message brings us to faith in Christ and the Word of God nurtures that faith into Christ-like maturity. 

    Progressing to ch. 2, Peter continues his practical exhortation to believers. As we live out our faith, we are to forsake anger towards one another, lying, living a double life, desiring what others have and speaking out against the brethren (v. 1). Such actions invalidate our Christian witness and provide a terrible example to the lost. Brothers and sisters, we must strive to draw closer to Jesus every day, read the Word of God and pray so that we can love others well.

    Furthermore, we must crave the “pure spiritual milk” of the Word just like a newborn baby longs for his mother’s milk. Only then can we “grow up into salvation.” When Jesus comes back, we will be glorified with him and receive the fulfillment of our salvation. Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, his resurrection and his return are the basis of our salvation. And when he returns in blazing glory, our faith will be made sight. Indeed, as v. 3 states, if we have “tasted that the Lord is good,” we will desire to grow in our faith, love our brothers and sisters and share the gospel with the lost.

    Reflection Questions:

    Do you desire to grow in your faith and crave the “pure spiritual milk” of the Word of God?

    Who can you display the love of Christ to in your faith community?