Introduction
You are beginning a journey reading the entire Letter of first Peter. It can be read in just 15 minutes. This process is much slower, meditating on short sections each day. This is a six-week, daily journey (omitting Sundays) to read and reflect beyond your worship times.
Set aside at least five minutes for the daily exercises. This can be done as individuals or a family group. In groups make sure everyone has time to meditate before talking together.
Read the Bible verse one or more times. Before you go to the reflection questions, ponder what the Spirit of God is saying. The Word of God is powerful! Expect the Spirit to inspire you, teach you, and grow you with new insights into the love of God in Jesus.
The “Reflect” segment asks questions and/or provides an activity to follow you throughout the day. Keeping a journal can be helpful for later review. “Taste and see the Lord is good!” May you grow deeper in Hope through the resurrection of Jesus (c.f. 1 Peter 2:2-3).
Monday
Read:
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. (1 Peter 1:1-2)
Reflect:
What are all the connections you see for these people scattered in several cities? How do these words encourage, support, and strengthen your connection to other Christians scattered in these days?
Tuesday
Read:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)
Reflect:
What are the blessings you have through the resurrection of Jesus? How will these gifts empower you to bless your Heavenly Father today?
Wednesday
Read:
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Reflect:
Reflect on how your faith has been tested in previous trials. How was God at work then… and now? What offering of praise and glory and honor can you practice today?
Thursday
Read:
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9)
Reflect:
Since you cannot see Jesus, what reminder of His inexpressible and glorious joy can you position around your daily activities? (Some examples: a card or memory verse, Christian art, music, photo)
Friday
Read:
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12)
Reflect:
Angels envy you, because God inspired the Biblical writers to make sure you always see Jesus! How do you take the Word of God for granted? How is the Word of God treasured in your life?
Saturday
Read:
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)
Reflect:
How is the resurrection of Jesus changing your thoughts and actions? Where are temptations and sins pulling you back? Turn to your Hope: Jesus! Ask for His forgiveness and grace to train you in holiness.