A Fisherman’s Life

Dear friends, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when He judges the world. (1 Peter 2:11-12 NLT)

Peter is one of these “temporary residents and foreigners,” right along with us.  He is fighting the same good fight that we face in his everyday life.  He encourages us to walk together with God so that our unbelieving neighbors will see something different in us that is not in the rest of the world.

For the Lord's sake, respect all human authority--whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. It is God's will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God's slaves, so don't use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king. (1 Peter 2:13-17 NLT)

Peter didn’t live in a democratic republic.  In other words, Peter didn’t have the right to vote, the right to participate in the process, and the ability to change the government every two or four years.  No, Peter was stuck with whomever was appointed as King (or Emperor).  These rulers, during Peter’s lifetime, would enact laws that put Peter and other believers to death for their faith.  Yet Peter worked to respect all human authority anyway.  How about you?  Do you respect human authority, even when you disagree?

You who are slaves must accept the authority of your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you--not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By His wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. (1 Peter 2:18-25 NLT)

I don’t think Peter was for the institution of slavery.  He was in a society where he could not change such things.  He was in a society where he would be put to death just for being a Christ-follower.  He was for following Christ in all circumstances, though – even when the circumstances are very, very bad.  How about you?  Do you follow Christ in all circumstances?

In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives. Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands. For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do. In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:1-7 NLT)

A husband-authoritarian system does not need to stop us from walking together with God.  Living a life of love knows no bounds.  When wives love unbelieving husbands or husbands love unbelieving wives, the love of God shines through.  The unbelieving spouse will recognize that something is changed.  Who knows, maybe they will come to follow Christ as well.  How about you?  Do you love your spouse?  Does your love help your spouse see Jesus?

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. (1 Peter 3:8 NLT)

Does this describe you?

A Fisherman, A Temple, and A Priest

So, let me ask you a question.  What do you think about when I use the term, “evil behavior?”  Does it match the list Peter gives?

So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. (1 Peter 2:1 NLT)

Lying, play-acting, being jealous, and saying mean things would have not topped my list.  This is one of the “ah-ha” moments for me when I first started pulling together the Scriptures for the “Bad Box” class I teach.  My list of bad and good simply did not match God’s list.  What God is calling “evil behavior,” I considered normal life for us today.

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness. (1 Peter 2:2-3 NLT)

But this is a part of our growth-process.  We must start seeing evil and good in the same way God sees it.  Until we do, God’s Kingdom will not come.  His Will will not be done on earth in the same way it is in heaven.  Our growth and Kingdom living begins by looking at things through the eyes of our Heavenly King.

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God's temple. He was rejected by people, but He was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple. What's more, you are His holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. (1 Peter 2:4-5 NLT)

In the Old Covenant days, no one could approach the throne of our King except the High Priest.  This priest went through an extensive cleansing ritual to cleanse himself from sin and to cleanse the community from sin.  Then he was able to enter the Most Holy Place in the Temple to be in the presence of our King.

As the Scriptures say, "I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in Him will never be disgraced." Yes, you who trust Him recognize the honor God has given Him. But for those who reject Him, "The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone." And, "He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they do not obey God's word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. (1 Peter 2:6-8 NLT)

Jesus is the cornerstone (first stone that sets the standard for the rest) of a new Temple being built by God.  We are living stones being put in place next to Jesus.  The result is that we are a living Temple where God dwells.  Not only does God take up residence in us as individuals, but God is worshipped as we are together in community with one another, praising Him.  We are the place where God dwells, if we are in Christ Jesus.  If we reject the cornerstone, though, we are not a part of God’s temple.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)

Not only are we the building that God is putting together stone by stone.  We are the priest who enters into the very presence of God.  The High Priest would cleanse himself through the blood of a bull or goat.  We cleanse ourselves by the blood of the pure spotless lamb: Jesus.

"Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God's people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God's mercy." (1 Peter 2:10 NLT)

A fisherman recognized that he was a part of God’s temple and a priest.  How about you?  Are you a part of God’s temple?  Are you a priest?  Do you identify yourself as one of God’s people?

A Fisherman’s Sermon

In seminary, I’ve learned how to prepare a 3-point expository sermon.  That’s a fancy way of saying that I was taught to read though a passage of Scripture and pull out specific points that the writer is trying to make.  Often times, like this passage with Peter, there are three.

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. (1 Peter 1:13 NLT)

Think clearly.  I’ve taught whole Bible-study classes expanding this very concept.  How do we think clearly?  How do we exercise self control?  It’s simple.  We take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).  We do not conform to the pattern of this world, but are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).  In other words, we think before we speak or act.  We don’t assume that a thought in means a thought should come out.  We look at the thought.  Sometimes we analyze the thought.  Then, we purposefully act on the thought.  Sometimes that means the thought is thrown away because it is simply not of God.  Other times, the thought is stored away for another day.  Other times still, we act on the thought.  This is what it means to exercise self-control.

So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:14-16 NLT)

Be Holy.  Holiness has to do with “otherness.”  God is Holy because God is so different from us – so far outside of our ability to even fathom.  “Otherness” happens when we walk with God, too.  That’s because this world is so messed up.  People go hungry to the point of death.  Others murder one another in the name of whatever good excuse the enemy has convinced them to use.  Others still prey on people, hurt people, and even destroy God’s creation all in the name of whatever they think is good.

But when we think clearly, things change.  When we exercise self-control, our God-thoughts turn into action.  People start to see something different in us because we start to see God more clearly and walk with Him.  It gets noticed.  Folks start to pay attention.  God starts to shine through.  It makes us different.  This difference is described as holiness.  We are set-apart.  We are noticeably different.  We are walking together with God.

And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of Him during your time as "foreigners in the land." For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom He paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose Him as your ransom long before the world began, but He has now revealed Him to you in these last days. Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because He raised Christ from the dead and gave Him great glory. You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. (1 Peter 1:17-22 NLT)

Show Love.  Our thoughts, our self-control, and our holiness do not tear people down.  We never end up with a holier-than-thou attitude.  Instead, we become, more and more, a people of love.  Love casts out all fear.  Love covers a multitude of sins.  Love is the greatest command.  And love is our design.  God is love.  When we walk with God, we are love, too.

For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the Scriptures say, "People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever." And that word is the Good News that was preached to you. (1 Peter 1:23-25 NLT)

Love is the only part we can take with us.  Our souls will last forever.  We will have new bodies that will not decay.  But sin and death will not be allowed through the gates of heaven.  The healing of the nations will not just be a physical healing.  We will be healed from the hurt, the pain, the struggle that is the result of sin – even our own.  We will be healed from every thought and action that was not done out of love.  Only love will remain.

You want something you can take with you when you leave this life?  Think Clearly.  Be Holy. Show Love.  Not bad for a fisherman.  Peter knew how to preach it.  (He knew how to live it, too.)  How about you?  What will you take with you?

A Fisherman’s Picture

Today, we are going to begin looking at Peter’s letters to the Church.  Since we are God’s Church, these are relevant words for us even today.  I will be quoting from an easy-to-read and understand translation today, the New Living Translation.  Consider having your own favorite translation at hand as we begin this journey through a letter written by an uneducated fisherman who spent time with Jesus.
This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God's chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. (1 Peter 1:1 NLT)
Peter starts his letter listing the churches to whom he expects this letter to be sent.  This is like the “To:” box in an email.  The letter wouldn’t have gotten to them nearly as quickly, though, since there was only one copy and it would have been rotated around from place to place.  Writing letters back then was expensive and time consuming.  How would you respond if you knew you only had this letter available for a short time before it was sent on to the next church?
God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and His Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed Him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. (1 Peter 1:2 NLT)
Peter then continues his greeting by reminding us all what is most important – not just for this letter, but for life.  God chose you.  His Spirit is in you.  Christ’s blood has cleansed you.  May God continue to give you gifts like these and the resulting peace.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by His great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance--an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by His power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. (1 Peter 1:3-5 NLT)
I wonder when I read passages like these if they were originally intended.  Did Peter plan to talk about reasons to praise God, or did his greeting just take him to a place of unexpected worship?  I’m not sure that we will ever know in this life.  Take some time to look at verses 3-5 again.  What reasons did Peter find to worship God?  Do you worship God for the same reasons?  Do you have others?  What would you write in a letter like this.
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT)
Peter moves from from worship to encouragement.  He moves from a focus on God to a focus on God’s people.  They are hurting.  They are struggling.  Peter reminds them that there is more to this life than just this life.  Not only that, their choices in this life are being watched and will be reviewed in the next.  When we go through struggles, they burn off the impurities of our lives just like a refiner’s fire burns off impurities from gold.  Persevering through these trials make us and our walk with God more pure.  Our faithfulness through those trials will be celebrated in the next.  Does that change the way you face struggles in this life?  How?
You love Him even though you have never seen Him. Though you do not see Him now, you trust Him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting Him will be the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9 NLT)
I end up thinking about Jesus’ statement to Thomas: "You believe because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing Me" (John 20:29 [NLT]).  You and I have not had the opportunity that Thomas or Peter had.  We do not see Jesus face to face, yet we still believe.  Does that help you to know that you are more blessed than Thomas or even Peter in this way?  Do you look forward to the reward?
This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when He told them in advance about Christ's suffering and His great glory afterward. They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. (1 Peter 1:10-12 NLT)
I wonder if Peter was thinking about the day of Pentecost as he wrote these words.  He was one of those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven on that day.  Peter almost sounds in awe of his place in God’s plan.  This uneducated fisherman was chosen to be an apostle, sent out by God.  He received the Holy Spirit and spoke as one in a long line of prophets that God has chosen to be His mouthpiece.  How humbling it must have felt to think about angles eagerly watching Peter live out his part of God’s plan.
How about you?  How does it feel to know the angles are watching you live out your part of God’s plan?  Is it humbling?  Is it encouraging?  Is it “all so wonderful” to consider?

A Day of Grace

Today, I am asking you for a day of grace.  As I am writing this, I would also like to ask you for just a moment of prayer.  Another week of intensive class has arrived and, despite my best efforts, I find myself not as prepared as I (or my class syllabus) would like.  Nonetheless, I will forge on to the classroom and face the day whether ready or not.  I’m trusting God to equip me through this process anyway.  After all, “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 [NASB]). 

So, I ask for your grace and your prayers.  Tomorrow, I expect to begin posting Garden Walk devotions once again.  Until then, I am praying for you as well.

Blessings.