Swept Away by Grace—A Study in I Peter (part 10)—A Life’s Testimony
Peter, the rough and rugged fisherman became an eloquent writer and teacher of the gospel. As we have noted in I Peter, he reminds us over and over again that it is by grace alone that we have been saved and called to be set apart in this pilgrimage journey. He tells us that in Christ we are set free from the chains and bonds of sin that surround us. Yet, as we noted in the previous verses; he does not want us to forget that God is righteous and God hates sin. God knows that our self-centered, pride-filled, pleasure seeking hearts draw us toward counterfeit joys that cannot fill the void within. He is the only one who can fill that void. Peter also knows the perils; after all, he was the one who after pride fully boasting to follow after Jesus had then denied Christ. Peter had also felt the grace of Christ’s forgiveness.
Artwork used by permission of Ronald Barba who owns the copyright—for further information on obtaining please click on the link
Peter’s heart had been broken of all the self-exaltation and had wondered if he would ever be “worthy” of being a teacher. Ahh, truth is: he knew he wasn’t worthy; but, was chosen anyway. Peter knew that it was Christ who could do the work through him and not himself.
That is the Peter who now writes:
I Peter 2: (TLB) “11 Dear brothers, you are only visitors here. Since your real home is in heaven, I beg you to keep away from the evil pleasures of this world; they are not for you, for they fight against your very souls.12 Be careful how you behave among your unsaved neighbors; for then, even if they are suspicious of you and talk against you, they will end up praising God for your good works when Christ returns.13 For the Lord’s sake, obey every law of your government: those of the king as head of the state,14 and those of the king’s officers, for he has sent them to punish all who do wrong, and to honor those who do right.15 It is God’s will that your good lives should silence those who foolishly condemn the Gospel without knowing what it can do for them, having never experienced its power. 16 You are free from the law, but that doesn’t mean you are free to do wrong. Live as those who are free to do only God’s will at all times.17 Show respect for everyone. Love Christians everywhere. Fear God and honor the government.18 Servants, you must respect your masters and do whatever they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are tough and cruel. 19 Praise the Lord if you are punished for doing right! 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong; but if you do right and suffer for it, and are patient beneath the blows, God is well pleased.”
Our lives are an open book for those who cross our paths to read. Too often, I fear that book may not portray Christ to the world. When we get frustrated with a teller at the store or when we have to wait in line or when we are accused falsely. So, often we react or respond out of our selfish hearts rather than to stop and think about “What would Jesus, do?” Yet, neither can we stay paralyzed by our mistakes of yesterday. Each day, we must lay our burdens, our sins and our failures at His feet and pray for wisdom for today. Though I am cleansed, redeemed by the blood—I must always be aware of my own nature and daily place it at the cross. Then, having done so; I must stand up again and trust that He can even use the mistakes of my yesterday to transform lives. I know He will complete the work He began in me. Therein lays my hope and my joy for today. He can take all my mistakes, all my own failures and all my bumbling –mold it in His loving hands into a beautiful testimony to Him as long as my heart is seeking Him. That is a Grace that can sweep you away.
My prayer is that you come to know Him more each and every day.
Living Bible (TLB)
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Artwork is used with written permission of Ronald Barba who owns the copyright. His work can be found at: http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/ronald+barba/all
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”