1 Peter: Closing Thoughts And Greetings

It’s fitting that the apostle describes Yahweh as “the God of all grace” because He is indeed the source of the grace which saves us (Eph. 2:8). It’s even more appropriate that Peter reminds these disciples who were undergoing persecutions that brought severe suffering and hardship that none of it was in vain because the God they serve has called them “to his eternal glory.” It would likewise do us good, brethren, to force our eyes away from the trials of this life which bring us down for “a little while” and remember that as Christians we have “eternal glory” waiting for us!… Read More 1 Peter: Closing Thoughts And Greetings

1 Peter: The Devil, The Roaring Lion

“Sober-minded” comes from the Greek term nepho. Literally, nepho means “to be free from the influence of intoxicants” (Vine) and to “abstain from wine (keep sober)” (Strong). This is relevant because, as Peter says above, we are to “be watchful” or “vigilant” (NKJV) as we keep an eye out for our “the devil,” our “adversary” whom Peter compares to a dangerous predator stalking its prey, so that we can “resist” his temptations to sin. Think of the many sins committed by those who have their self-control and inhibitions lowered by social drinking. How can anyone have the cognitive mental control necessary to “be watchful” and “resist” Satan if their “reasoning, judgment, and social restraint” are “impaired by very low concentrations of alcohol” in their bloodstream due to drinking even small amounts of alcoholic beverages?… Read More 1 Peter: The Devil, The Roaring Lion