1 Peter - Following Jesus Sample

'Therefore …’ This is the next word Peter writes. In verses 1–12, Peter has been laying out some of the great truths of the Christian gospel. Now he will tell his believing friends what they should actually do in the light of all this.

Peter has told these believers who they are and where they are heading. They are God’s chosen people. They are on their way to a glorious future. These things are certain. Next Peter will tell us how Christians should travel to their glorious inheritance, their ‘promised land’.

First, Peter speaks about what goes on in our heads. This is vital. It determines everything else we do.

• What should our minds be like (v. 13)?

The Greek word that the NIV has translated as ‘alert’ has the idea of being in gear, ready to move. As believers in Christ, we need to get our thinking ready for action and change. God has rescued us, but we aren’t home yet. We have many trials to negotiate on the way home. We have a spiritual journey to make to our promised land. We can’t have our minds in bedroom slippers. Our thinking needs to be in tough, laced-up hiking boots. We need to be ready to move! Our thinking needs to be ‘fully sober’ too. We need to keep our destination clearly in view so that we stay on track.

• What is the destination we must ‘set [our] hope on’?

We don’t see Jesus yet, but one day we will. On that day, those who love and trust Jesus will receive his grace. By his grace, we will escape the judgment our sins deserve and will receive the glorious inheritance he has promised us. We need to keep that day constantly in our sights. That is our destination. We need to set our hearts on it.

How will we keep going as Christians? What happens in our minds is vital. We need to get our thinking geared up for action. We need to keep our focus on the finishing line and set our hearts on getting there. Then we will get moving, and keep moving. We will avoid distractions and pitfalls. We will stay on course.

What have you set your hope on? Whatever it is, it will shape how you live today.

Pray

Pray that you would set your hope on the grace that is coming.