May 20
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BY THE SPIRIT, BELIEVERS CAN OBEY CHRIST
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To those who reside as strangers, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. – 1 Peter 1:1-5
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This letter is written by Peter, the apostle and is addressed to the believers who reside in Pontus, Galatian, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. He reminds these people that it was God himself who chose them in the beginning of time and by the work of the Spirit they are able to obey the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter continues to ensure that they must obey Christ since the Holy Spirit has given them the ability to do so. He greets them with the grace and peace that comes from the Lord Jesus himself.
According to ESV Global study bible, this letter was written in A.D. 62–63 Peter, probably writing from Rome (called “Babylon” in 5:13. These places mentioned as the recipient of this letter are all believers in places referred to Roman provinces in Asia Minor, north of the Taurus Mountains.
Peter is addressing the believers so that they can never forget how to be grateful to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He wants them to remember that if God the Father has not chosen them, they will not be able to be born again and have that living hope through the resurrection of Christ. It was God’s great mercy that we are able to obtain the inheritance that is eternal, holy and will never die. Peter wants every believer to never forget that everything comes from God and every protection they will ever receive is also from him.
Peter warns the believers that we can never do anything for ourselves because it is God who has chosen us ahead of time so we must never boast about anything for all things come from our Lord.
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REFLECTION
• Why should every believer always remember that we can do nothing because all things come from God?