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1 PETER
1 Peter 1:1-2
I, Peter, am writing this letter to Jewish believers who have been scattered throughout five provinces in Asia Minor. I wish that God will bless them.
Godhasdonegreatthingsforyou. Althoughyouarenowenduringtrialstotestyourfaith, youarerejoicingaboutyoursalvation. Thatsalvationissomethingthattheprophetswholivedlongagodidnotfullyunderstand.
Youmustliveholyand reverent livesandloveeachother, because Christ hasboughtyouandgivenyouanewlife.
Do not act maliciously or be hypocrites. God is joining you together into a holy group in which his Spirit lives, to do things that are pleasing to him.
Avoidobeyingyour self-directed natures. Conductyourlivesinagoodwayamong unbelievers.
Submityourselvestohumanauthorities, andactasservantsofGodshould.
Youslavesmustsubmityourselvestoyourmasters, eveniftheymistreatyou. Imitate Christ inthewayinwhichhesufferedunjustly.
You women should submit yourselves to your husbands, even if they are not believers, and make your inner beings/hearts beautiful with qualities that will not fade away.
Youmenmustliveinanappropriatewaywithyourwives, sothatnothingwillhinderyourprayers.
Agreewitheachother, loveeachother, behumble, andblessthosewhodoevilthingstoyouinsteadof retaliating.
Dogoodthingstoothers, evenifyousufferfordoingit, asChristdid.
Think as Christ did when he suffered, and conduct your lives as God wants you to, not doing the immoral things that you used to do.
Keepthinking sensibly. Loveeachotherearnestly. Provide hospitality toothers. Useyourspiritualgiftswell. Bekindtootherswithalltheenergythatyouhave.
DonotbesurprisedwhenyousufferforbeingChristians, anddonotbeashamedwhenthathappens. Instead, commityourselvestoGod.
You elders must care for your congregations with enthusiasm, not being greedy for money or acting like bosses. Instead, be examples to them.
Resistthe devil byalwaysbeingalertandtrustingin Christ’s message, rememberingthat believers everywherearealsosufferingasyouare.
Ihavewrittenthisshortmessagetoencourageyou. The believers here, includingMark, greetyou. MayGodgiveyouinnerpeace.

© Copyright © 2008-2017 Ellis W. Deibler, Jr.