Our Father’s Children
Posted by Pastor on February 8, 2010
Bible Text: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3
Peter gives us five commands in yesterday’s passage:
- Set your hope fully on the grace
- Be holy in all your conduct
- Conduct yourselves with fear
- Love one another
- Long for the pure spiritual milk
You’ll have to read the passage for yourself to see what he means by each of these, but the main thing that seems to tie them all together is the view of the Father-Son relationship of the ancient world.
For most of human history, across societies, it was expected that a son would do what his father did. Professions ran in family lines. A wise son, or a good son, would be one who learned from and obeyed his father.
Peter encourages us to act like our Father in Heaven, who has chosen us to be His Elect Exiles, and guards us for the salvation that has been secured by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. This inspires us to be wise children who learn from God and act according to his character, rather than our own passions.
Whenever we face challenges, trials, or difficult decisions, we can gain a lot of confidence and direction by remembering to ask ourselves, “Am I my Father’s Son?” or “Am I my Father’s daughter?” Peter says the answer is “By the mercy of God, Yes!” So be of good courage, if indeed you love Jesus and believe in him. God has given us everything we need to make decisions that glorify His name.
