NT in 2024: 1 and 2 Peter

25 May 2024

Snippets from my handwritten devotional notes

Favorite insights

• Christ’s imputed righteousness is what enables one to obey (1 Peter 1:2).
  • We are set apart to be like him (1 Peter 1:16).
  • We are saved from, not in one’s empty life (1 Peter 1:18).
  • We are called out of darkness into his light (1 Peter 2:9).
• As we believe, Christ keeps us from falling (1 Peter 1:5).
  • My Savior is the Guardian for my soul (1 Peter 2:25).
• The source of sustainable joy is rooted in eternity (1 Peter 1:6-7).
  • I’m safe in Christ’s arms; nothing can separate me from him (1 Peter 3:18).
• Faith amidst trials and setbacks brings commendation (1 Peter 1:7).
  • The trials of this world are temporary; the fleeting pleasures cannot compare to the eternal glory we will share with Christ (1 Peter 5:10).
• The vision is revealed progressively (1 Peter 1:10-11).
  • The Bible is our primary source of direction and guidance until he returns (2 Peter 1:19).
  • Greater confidence in the Word is established when we hear from him directly — when the LOGOS turns into RHEMA (2 Peter 1:18).
• Some Christians do not grow into the full experience of salvation (1 Peter 2:2).
  • Our shared identity must be in Christ (1 Peter 2:10).
• A godly life is not about effort. We receive what we need to live godly at salvation (2 Peter 1:4).
  • However, we as Christians should be particularly careful not to yield ourselves to the power of sin (2 Peter 2:20-22).
• God did not spare the people of Noah’s day, but he always warns and leaves a remnant. Just as OT accounts of redemption point to Jesus, early manifestations of destruction point to eternal judgment — “made an example” (2 Peter 2:5-6).
  • The response to the reality of heaven and judgment is holy living (2 Peter 3:11-13).

Recommended songs

These songs by Charity Gayle touch on a lot of the themes in 1 and 2 Peter:

Favorite prayers

• Father, thank you for not withholding your precious Son (1 Peter 1:19-20).
• Lord, may I always see things from the perspective of eternity. May by temporary residence here on earth be devoted to you knowing that this is all that matters (1 Peter 1:17).
• Lord, give me a heart like that of Christ, one that is not driven by bitterness and resentment (1 Peter 2:23).
• Lord, take away my worldly worries but instead make me anxious to do your will (1 Peter 4:2).
• Lord, may the lure of money never lead me to do what is not right (2 Peter 2:15).

Favorite list

Why we are careful to live properly (1 Peter 2)

1. Worldly desires wage war against our souls
2. Our honorable behavior is a testimony before the unsaved world
3. For the Lord’s sake — how we live reflects upon God
4. We are called to do good, even if it means suffering
5. Christ’s life is given as an example for us to follow — he who had no sin

Favorite questions

• How is the dispensation of grace “just” and “fair” — don’t we deserve death? Isn’t this a result of mercy and grace instead (2 Peter 1:1)?