1 Peter: Odd Life, Good God ናሙና

There is an incredibly important concept in this section of Scripture for every Christian to learn in every area of their life. There is a massive difference between ownership, and “stewardship”. Since God is the maker of everyone and everything, technically He is the owner of all. Since God entrusts some of what He owns for us to manage, we are His stewards who will give an account to Him for how we treated the people, things, and opportunities in this life that He entrusted us to. Our body, our mind, our wealth, our relationships, our family, and our spiritual gifts are all from God and to be used by us in the ways that the Owner wants.  

Most non-Christians see Christians as odd. Giving your money to God is odd. Not having sex outside of marriage is odd. Not getting drunk or high is odd. Forgiving your enemy is odd. And, having a personal relationship with someone you cannot see sounds like kids having an imaginary friend, and that’s really odd.  

Conversely, living in this world as a Christian is odd for us. Paying taxes for policies that Jesus taught against is odd. Paying public schools to not teach our kids about Jesus is odd. Seeing the symbol of the rainbow used by culture as a symbol that certainly doesn’t represent God’s faithfulness in the Noahic covenant is odd.  Many aspects of how our lives as citizens of our countries intersect with our faith are odd.

The good news however is that, like a gardener, God uses the manure of this world as fertilizer to increase the fruitfulness of our lives in four ways:  

1. Your test is for your testimony.  

- “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12)   

2. When people judge you, don’t worry as Jesus will judge them and vindicate you. 

- “They will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” (1 Peter 4:5)  

3. Don’t treat them as they treat you, treat them as He treats you.

- “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23)  

4. This is as close to hell as you will ever get, so keep going until you are Home.  

- “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)  

Reflection: 

1. What gifts and abilities has God given you, and how can you use those for meaningful ministry in your local church (verses 10-11)?   

2. What are the various ways that Peter is teaching that the quality of our relationships truly reveals the sincerity of our Christian faith?  

3. Is there any area of your life that you need prayer and support to improve your stewardship in (e.g. physical health, financial generosity, service to others, etc.)?