Growth

One of the greatest aspects of the Bible is its timelessness. There is as much wisdom for us to seek from it today as when the Bible was being written. This is why there are so many commentaries written about not just the Bible as a whole, but on the different books of the Bible, different chapters within those books, and even commentaries related solely to just a few verses. Current readers have the added benefit of the Holy Spirit to guide them in their studies, whereas prior to the Pentecost they did not. Additionally, because we are further along in the course of human history we can look back and examine much of Bible prophecy that has already come to past.  We are encouraged to seek out the Lord and grow knowing there is always something for us to relate to in our daily Bible study. I think this is why the first chapter in First Peter has always stood out to me.  

  After the initial greetings in which Peter encourages the reader to hold fast to their faith in God’s promise of inheritance which cannot be taken away and protection, Peter then turns to a group of believers that were forming in that day and have continued on to today.

“8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 

1 Peter 1:8-9

  We are that group that have not seen Jesus Christ in His physical form, but this has not stopped us from believing in Him and the power of His promise of salvation. With this knowledge we are filled with joy even in times when we are facing trials due to our faith as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:6. Peter was writing to a group of people who had never seen Christ but had placed their faith in Him, but Peter was also writing to you and I today. This passage holds the same value now as it did then because it also directs us toward what we should be doing.

“13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,”

1 Peter 1:13-15

  We need to ensure that our actions are fitting of the One who has called us. We are not to be conformed to this world but instead held to a higher standard and acknowledge the work that Jesus Christ did on the cross for the salvation of all. We need to continue to grow in our faith for only in faith can we succeed in our trials and resist temptation. When we grow in our faith we grow in our reliance upon Jesus Christ to save us. This reliance leads towards greater faith which makes us stronger as we learn to lean more on Him. 

  Our faith is not built on something that is perishable or requires works, a fact that Peter makes evidently clear, “23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23. A seed has one purpose, and that is to grow. When we become born-again believers, our faith is a seed planted in good soil just as described in Matthew 13:18-23. The purpose for our faith is to grow in the Lord which can only be done when we see that the Scriptures still hold value today. We need to have our foundation in good soil, which is knowledge of our faith and why we believe as we do. We need to make sure we are attached to the true vine, the source, and sustenance which we are totally dependent on for growth; Jesus Christ. Remember His own words, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bare much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” John 15:5-6. This is much more than just a salvation verse but also a practicality verse for those who are saved, our sustenance comes directly from Jesus Christ Himself. When in doubt cling to Him and watch what He can do. 

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex