Read my Week 1 Post.
About the Book**
The letter of 1 Peter was heard by women who knew times like these. This newest addition to the Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series digs into 1 Peter and takes a look at the stories of real women–past and present–to teach today’s woman how to stand faithful to God regardless of her trials, however severe.
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Week 2 – My Thoughts on Verses 1:13-2:3
God sets the standard for holiness and morality. These verses discuss a call to holy living. The notes in my study bible* state that “Our holy God expects us to imitate Him by following his high moral standards and by being both merciful and just.” Once we commit our lives to Christ, it is hard not to be tempted back into our old way of life. It is a constant struggle, especially when you live amongst non-believers (as I do), not to engage in behaviors and activities that you once did. I have to consistently ask God to help me through certain situations where I know I might be tempted to fall back into old patterns, especially gossiping and being judgmental of others. Peter tells us that we should be holy in everything that we do. I think that is extremely difficult in our sinful world. We must definitely strive to be holy, but know that even when we make mistakes, our Savior is there to forgive and to help us grow and learn from the experience. Because none of us are perfect. The only perfect One to have ever lived is Christ. And the more we lean on Christ, the more He helps us to become more holy and to become more like Him. We can lean on Christ by presenting our needs to him in prayer and by reading his instructions to us in the Bible.
In verses 2:1-2:3, Peter presents the concept of “spiritual milk”. In my initial read-through, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of this. My study note* says this: “The need for milk is a natural instinct for a baby, and it signals the desire for nourishment that will lead to growth. Once we see our need for God’s Word and begin to find nourishment in Christ, our spiritual appetite will increase, and we will start to mature.” Once I thought through this concept, I realized how true it is! I’m a fairly new Christian (about a year and a half) and I want to read my Bible now more than ever. I can’t get enough of it! I truly crave the nourishment that it provides me.
The questions Sue Edwards presents really allow me to think much more deeply about the verses we are studying. This week I was only able to focus on the Core questions, but I am really enjoying my study of 1 Peter. Join me next week for my thoughts on 1 Peter 2:4-10!
*Note: I use the Life Application Study Bible
**I received a free copy of 1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times by Sue Edwards for my participation in this blog tour.
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