May 9, 2023 – THE LIVING WORD

May 9, 2023 – THE LIVING WORD

 READ: 1 Pet. 1:20-25

… love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever. – 1 Pet.1:22-23.

Peter shows us by whom and how faith is worked and what it looks like. This is necessary in order to persevere in faith in a life that corresponds to it. We hear about God, who predestined Christ before the foundation of the world, to redeem us (v. 20). He ensures that our faith and hope are focused on God (v. 21). Isn’t He the living Lord now, raised from the dead by God? Didn’t God give Him glory and the name above all names?

He who gave His life for us now leads us on our way towards eternal salvation. Therefore, we must not be led by what is visible, the world with its temptations and trials – but we must focus on God and Christ. That hope must be perfect (v. 13, 21). But how do we achieve that? 

Peter points to God’s Word. It is living and enduring forever! The Holy Spirit works your rebirth through it and grants a new life in obedience. Through God’s Word , the Spirit enables you to persevere in faith and He produces fruits in you. These fruits  of love for God and your neighbor are especially for the brothers and sisters of God’s household.

The secret of our faith is that God works and strengthens it through His Word and Spirit. His Word is given to us as absolute truth for all time and as an indestructible power for true life and our salvation (Romans 1:16). In that Word, God and Christ come to you. God addresses you in it. As a result you will turn to Him and show that His love is at work in you by also loving one another fervently in the fellowship of Christ’s church (v. 22). In this way God is glorified.

How do you use the Bible as power for salvation?

Singing: Ps. 19:3