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A renewed look at the author: Peter

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It’s graduation week here in town. Hopes are high, celebrations abound, and many dreams are about to be followed.

Call me a cynic, but I get a bit sad for some of these graduates. I don’t know who will be who, but many of them will soon look back on High School as the golden years. They will find that life has not become better, easier, or more fulfilling.

Unfortunately, among these soon-to-be disillusioned students, there will be many of these Christians grads who will feel this way as well—particularly about their faith.

You see, I’ve seen them on the other end. I spent almost 10 years in college ministry with Cru, and I could spot them a mile away.  All excited about getting involved, sporting their Christian t-shirt, and full of ideas of how they did things back home. They have this Christianity thing down.

But, come 2 months into their first semester? They were no longer interested in discipleship and evangelism. Some went the route of the Pharisees, and found a group who would join in their holy-huddle pride, while others found themselves denying Christ through their poor choices, choices they swore they would never make…

sad bokeh friday

Photo Credit

I’ll Never Do That

Peter swore he would never.

He was sold out. On fire for Jesus. Ready to follow Jesus and take on whatever was to come.

But when the fire came, he melted. Troubles appeared and his “I’ll never” happened before he knew what hit him.

Jesus was seized, and Peter quickly deserted his Master and three times denied any association with Jesus—the same Lord who Peter had promised to follow to the death.

Though the crow of the rooster was still in his ears, I don’t think the weight of his betrayal hit Peter for yet another moment when something very significant happened.

Jesus turned and looked at Peter. 

The look that caused a grown man to weep

I have my own list of “nevers”. There are things I swore I would never do, that I did. Thoughts I would never have, I had. Moments I swore I would never pass up, but did.

I’m sure you have your list, too.

As frustrating and disappointing my own list of nevers is, I cannot imagine the deep remorse Peter felt as he caught a glimpse of the face of Christ.

Though I don’t know exactly what the face of Jesus looked at that moment, I do know the truth from His word.

There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Though Christ’s exact thoughts are unknown, His track-record for how he responded to sinners is well-known.

Forgiveness. Mercy. Grace.

So, I don’t believe that Peter ran away weeping because he caught a nasty glare from Jesus, and I don’t think he was overcome with guilt. I think Peter saw mercy alone in the eye’s of Christ, and it brought him to His knees.

Finally Getting It

It was only hours earlier Peter had dined with Jesus; he was excited and ready for all that was to come—the Kingdom was coming! Jesus had been teaching about it and, just like our glowing grads of today, Peter’s hopes were high for the future.

Those dreams were crushed the moment he witnessed Jesus be willingly arrested, and ultimately to crucifixion.

After encountering his nevers, then the great mercy of Jesus, I think that this was the point that Peter began to really get it. Who Jesus is. What He really came to do. What living for Christ really means.

Peter then became an unstoppable force for the Kingdom of God, as he walked in obedience in the power of the Holy Spirit, toward what Jesus himself had called him to do—feed His sheep.

As we dive into 1 Peter today, I hope that remembering Peter and this merciful moment with Jesus, will run in the background of our minds throughout our study this summer. As we encounter the Word  and it sheds light on the sin in our lives—as it is meant to—let us not see condemnation, but grace.

Bonus: Tips for Spending Time with God

My hope is to do a few bonus videos this summer, sharing a tip to help you in your pursuit of God. Here is tip #1 (and some cute “interruptions” from my four-year-old!)

Highlights:

  • :00 Intro
  • :36 Anna enters the scene.
  • :50 Find a time and a place.
  • 1:21 Anna sings her days of the week.
  • 2:28 “Take baby steps. Look at today; when can I spend 15 minutes today?”
  • 1:36-2:46 Anna makes silly faces at herself.
  • 2:40 Something to look at: “Where does all my time go?”
  • 4:06 Pay more attention to what it is you want, instead of all that you aren’t doing. Actions will follow your heart.
  • 4:50 The point is not to have the “perfect quiet time” its about connecting with God.

If you haven’t already, download the 1 Peter study guide here. We’re on 1 Peter 1:3-5 this week!

Do you have any questions about the study? 

What about your list of nevers? Have you experienced the mercy of Jesus in a life-changing way?

What do you think Peter saw in Christ’s eyes?

Let’s chat in the comments!

Comments

  1. Thank you so much for the encouraging video! I really struggle with the idea that if my time with God isn’t a perfect, uninterrupted, 30-45 minutes then I’m not doing it right. I’m going to commit to the 1 Peter Bible study this summer and know that if 15 minutes with little girl sitting right beside me is all I can do, that’s okay.

    I had kind of a revelation while I was watching the video. When you daughter was doing silly things, (she’s adorable BTW) I thought, you know, if a friend called me to have lunch, I wouldn’t say no just because my little girl with have to tag along. I’d take her with me, give her a coloring book, and spend some time with my friend. Sure, we’d get interrupted 639 times, but we’d still have fun laughing and chatting and catching up. And my friend wouldn’t mind. She’d understand. She’d rather spend time with me AND my daughter than have me say, “No, sorry I can’t come to lunch. I’m busy with my daughter.” It’s the same thing with God. He’d rather spend time with both of us than to have me say no to spending time with him because I’m afraid of bringing my daughter along.

    • Yes! That is so true! We can connect with God with our children at our feet. And we are also teaching them about the importance of Bible study and time with God. 

      Thankful He spoke to you today!

  2. I CAN do this!  Thanks for introducing me to eBible.  I just finished the lesson for today….reading the assigned passage and followed the ‘rabbit trails’.  It’s so easy!  Yes, I think God would rather we spend little chunks of quality time and not spending time with HIM because we can’t find several hours of quiet.

  3. I just finished a 1 Peter study with my ladies group last night and it was great. Due to sitting issues, one of our moms brought along her 11 month old. While there were times the little one was a bit loud, we all preferred to have this mom with us than staying at home because she felt she wasn’t welcome with the babe.

    Just as Beth said, I am sure God’s preference was to have our friend there.

    Thanks for your encouragement.

  4. Very excited about this! I had PLANNED on getting up at 5:15 (I know!) but my 2-year-old has been having issue sleeping through the night lately and he woke up at 4:00 and wanted me to rock him in the recliner. So, I did and ended up sleeping with him there until 6:00. Oops. But, I’m in my cubicle at work right now and plan on cracking open the study bible I brought with me and digging in during lunch. It’s usually pretty quiet around here, as most people leave the office, so I should have plenty of time to myself and God. My husband is even talking about doing it alongside me and then us discussing it throughout the week.

    • Way to be flexible, Leann! Glad you got some extra rest this morning!

      Love the idea for you and your husband to study alongside of one another!

  5. Hi, my name is Wendy Blight, and I am on the P31 Speaker Team and do on-line studies as well.  I love to stop by and visit women who join me in that passion.  Love that you are doing this book.  Praying the Lord will use you to take women to deeper, richer places in their walk with Him.  Hopefully we will meet at She Speaks!

    Blessings,

    Wendy

  6. oh, Katie — the thought of Jesus looking at Peter after he denied Him with MERCY in His eyes made me cry! I don’t know why I never thought of that.Thank you for your words & for being sensitive to the Lord’s leading today.  Is there anything more precious than our sweet Savior?  Praising Him.

    • Me too! Me too! I know… The extending of grace and peace on Christ’s part! He didn’t withhold forgiveness. He didn’t show bitterness. He still felt love for His close friend, even after the ultimate betrayal, even though…

  7. Just so relieved! Am getting to view your video and all just now, at 2:18pm, and am grateful for your realistic take on all this and time interruptions and mommyhood! Had a play date this morning, previously scheduled, and was feeling guilty about not getting my study done first. But you took my guilt away and I realized that play date was so refreshing for me. I needed to be with my friend and have adult talk and enjoy letting my kids romp at the park. And just found out about this study yesterday!! But I’m so glad for this and can’t wait to fully dive in. Thanks for keeping it doable and breaking down what’s really important about all this – making time and knowing He will meet us right where we’re at. Thank you.

  8. Knowing that Christ was ” in all points tempted as we are,” I have always felt He looked at Peter with disappointment but also understanding compassion. He had already explained His expectations and prayers for Peter’s future.

    As I read I Peter 1:3-5, I was awakened to the phraseology “through faith” in verse 5 in connection with Peter’s earlier declaration, “Thou art The Christ, The Son of The Living God.”

    Thank you for planning, preparing, and sharing this encouraging Bible Study.

    • Yes, I am sure he felt disappointment, just as we do. Good point. I don’t think He was shocked though, as He knew it was coming. He also knew the rest of the story!

      I can’t imagine knowing the end result of it all, but still having to go through it all. Brings new light to the word longsuffering, huh?!

  9. In digging in and following the “rabbit trails” today, I really started focusing on the idea of Eternal Security. This is such a touchy, debatable topic among Christians and I find that it is almost split 50-50 with half of us believing that you cannot lose your salvation and the other half believing there are things you can do to lose your place in Heaven. Even my parents are split on this idea (my Father is a pastor and he believes you can lose your salvation).  This topic is an issue that I have struggled with over the years – unsure of what to believe, but from what I read today, the passages all point to eternal security. One of the trails led me to John 10:28, in which the second part of the verse Jesus himself states, “No one can snatch them out of my hand.” 
    While this might be an issue that will never be answered fully here on earth by man, today’s studying helped me feel a little more secure in my own personal feelings that God’s mercy is enough to cover us no matter what we do and that He will always keep us secure in His love for eternity with Him. 
    Also, as a side note – I enjoyed your video. Anna reminds me of my daughter in that she also sucks her first two fingers 🙂

    • Hi Janelle,
      I agree, this week’s passage absolutely points to our eternal security. I firmly believe that Scripture does teach that we can, and do not lose our salvation. 

      I find that often with “debatable” topics like this, people tend to think of situations and individuals that they know, then try to fit what the Bible says into the “box” of their experience. This is backwards.

      I believe we must always go first to the Bible, and do a thorough study of the topic, and THEN place our situations in that Biblical box. 

      Now, I will say that there are many out there who may have looked as if they believed, but never truly had a saving faith in Jesus as the only solution to their sin problem. So, their seeming falling away from salvation was really proof that they were not truly saved to begin with. The hard thing about all of this is that you and I cannot see the heart.

      I encourage you to continue to follow the rabbit trails! That is a great way for you to develop what it is that you believe, and WHY. 

      • Sorry, it should read “I firmly believe that Scripture does teach that we cannot, and do not lose our salvation”. Sorry. 

  10. just enjoyed my first day, my son is sick so he is sleeping and so I had a lot of quiet time which is unusual.  I decided since the verses were short that I would write out everything in my notebook, including the cross references.  Took longer then 15 mins but since I had extra time I took advantage.  It really helped to have it all written out so I could go back over it several times instead of just taken it in once.  Helped open my eyes to something I hadn’t seen before.  

  11. In response to your question about Christ’s mercy and my “nevers”  I had gotten pregnant before I was married and it was hard to one,  live with my parents at the time(Pastor family), and two, still attend church knowing that I was being talked about.  I felt like I was living through my one thing I said “I will never” and I didn’t know if God would still want to use me.  I certainly felt like I was unusable.  He has shown me so much mercy despite my failings, He continues to speak to my heart and He has used me to speak His words into other ladies lives.  I love that He never gives up on me and that He still wants me to be part of His Plan to reach others for Him:)   

    • Yes Angel, YES! God takes even our poor choices and redeems them for good, and He longs to use our stories to encourage others who are without hope! I too love that He never gives up on us, even when we have our “Peter” detours, His grace meets us and His mercy finds us right exactly where we are. Keep sharing your story!
      ~Blessings
      Jacque

    • Angel, thank you so much for sharing a bit of your journey! I know He is and will continue to use every bit of your story for His glory! 

  12. Yes! Forgiveness, grace and mercy…I’m so very thankful. And your video is just so sweet and helpful. May we all enjoy our connecting with God and His Word as we make Him a priority each and every day!

  13. Thanks for this study guide and your encouragement. And the video is a nice tip.

  14. Thank you so much for this study and this site. I am unbelievably blessed by the love and encouragement and have even made a few new friends :0). Fellowship is a challenge for me as we had a challenging church experience that left us wounded and wary of believers. Sad but true. Studying 1 Peter is a reminder of how God’s grace and mercy extend so much further than our human scope. I believe Peter saw the unconditional compassion of Christ especially when Peter thought he knew “Peter” better than Jesus did! Of all NT people I am more like Peter than any other (except the Centurion “I believe,Lord, help me in my unbelief”). I would be the one reacting instead of responding…lopping ears off along the way. He changes, softens, strengthens, each moment. That is mercy. That is grace!

  15. Finally had a chance to read through the Bible study materials and 1 Peter this morning. I’m really looking forward to the ‘digging deeper’ part of the study. Though I’ve been a Christian for most of my life a lot of my Bible reading has been on a superficial level, or through devotionals…I’ve been desiring to learn to use some of the “tools” to go deeper, but with little kids running around haven’t made the time to do it! Am excited to try this…and to have a community of women all doing it at the same time! 

    Love your words…”Though I don’t know what Jesus’ face looked like at that time, I do know the truth from the word…There is no condemnation…”  Wow! I know I’ve always believed that on a “head” level, but then tend to believe that there are things we can do to make God mad at us…and so I don’t internalize this truth on a “heart” level sometimes…What a beautiful reminder. 

    Thanks for taking the time to put this all together!

  16. Thank you for this study & for introducing eBible — this is a wonderful resource!  I’m a day late (no excuses, just didn’t do it!), so I just did two days of the study.  The Matthew Henry commentary was especially meaningful regarding the joy we can have if we set our hearts on things above instead of worldly things.  That’s my prayer!  Blessings to you for your devotion to this study for us!

  17. Just curious…are there daily posts or weekly? I know we are studying small portions of 1 Pet each week, I just was not sure how often there would be a post. 

    • Hi Donna! There will be weekly posts. Though, I am trying to check the comments frequently, so if you have anything to share or a question you can come back to the lastest post!

  18. Hmmm…just came back to view video and wasn’t able to see the plug in? Maybe that’s a software problem on my part? I’m on day 2…playing catch up already!  Lisa Littlewood

    • Lisa, did you get it to work? I am not sure why it is not working for you. Here is the direct link to the video, if you need it: http://youtu.be/BS2r7jlSjUc

      • Thanks for the link…just watched it there!! funny…I think God wanted me to watch that today and not last week. I’ve been trying to do the Bible study stuff all week and have had a really hard time fitting it in…and on many days did JUST read the passage and pray. It’s also a challenge to have all the “tools”– the concordance, and the commentary, and my computer and to be organized to know where everything is…but I know that God will reward the work.
         My life is so busy with my girls and  seeing your daughter there and you doing that video brought tears to my eyes because i knew you too are right in the thick of things as a mom too!!! Thanks for a great video. 

  19. I loved spending time on Day 1 and Day 2 looking up and writing out all of the cross references and looking up some of the words in my Greek dictionary. In fact the best thing I found so far was that ‘grace removes guilt and mercy removes misery’. That is so powerful! However, I struggle with Day 3. I always had a hard time with interpretation of literature in school. For me, I really didn’t find any commands in these verses. Also, should the truths and promises be the same phrases? For example, would ‘we are protected by the power of God’ be a truth and a promise?

    • Yes, there will be some overlap. Things that are true about God, He is merciful, can also be something true about me, that I have received mercy, for example. Your example is correct, as well. God is guarding us—the promise of all that is to come—and, a truth about us is that we are guarded by God!

      There are no commands in this passage. You may not find all three in each passage, but these are three important components (Truths, Promises, Commands) you should learn to look for in every passage. Even seeing that there are no commands means something. He is laying a foundation for what is to come. Paul writes this way, as well. Most of his books are truth-heavy at the beginning, then command-heavy afterward. 

      Sounds like you are doing great!

  20. I sat down to do my Day 4 study and have to confess I had an “I don’t want to do this” attitude… identifying the parts of a sentence…yuck! But my type-A personality wanted to follow our guidelines/recommendations/wisdom of our leader and so I looked up the parts of a sentence to be sure I remembered them correctly. I’m so glad that I did and have learned this new way to study scripture! I’ve never broken scripture down this way and I would encourage anyone who is reluctant to do this: Don’t be deterred! ~ you won’t be sorry you did this.

    I saw that God was so VERY intentional in our salvation and inheritance that he actually guards(verb!) 🙂 it and keeps it waiting for us in heaven.  I’ve always believed we can’t lose our salvation and this solidified it even more in looking at how our inheritance is “imperishable”(endures forever)…”undefiled”(pure,without sin)…”unfading”(never losing value or effectiveness). 

    The anticipation of this is where joy here on earth can come from in times of trials and difficulty remembering that it’s not the defining part of my life as a believer and in the end Jesus is waiting(imagine that…a picture of Him waiting for each of us, like a Father waiting anxiously for a child to come home) to give to me this beautiful inheritance that will endure forever!  So grateful!!

  21. I would not be able to dissect the sentences of this portion of scripture as I do not really know how! I mean, I can find the nouns, pronouns, a verb here and there but modifiers? Um? No :0). However I did pick at it like a piece of fried chicken…down to the bones :0).

    The end of verse 4 into verse 5 was really stumping me as I could not “read” it clearly! I even called 2 friends to help me out and then FINALLY the Holy Spirit sheds some light!

    “…kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded…”

    Somehow I could not connect the 2 thoughts. I kept reading it with varying emphasis when it clicked! OH! I get it….By God’s power *I* am being guarded until such time that He would reveal to me the eternal salvation He has bestowed on me by faith.

    DUH! It was that simple but I was confused.

    Sometimes that happens…our minds want to get it but there is a block. Since God is NEVER the author of confusion, I knew I just had to wait it out for Him to decode it for me.

    PTL that He chooses to do that…for me…for us!

  22. Today I was determined to get my study accomplished. I had so many interruptions it is not even funny. And I was not very “funny” about it. I allowed my frustrations to get the better of me and lashed out at the ones I should be the best example to…my kids. After all, they are my biggest sphere of influence. Of course I need to be a good example of Christ to all, but somehow, being around the kids so much truly affects many areas and drains the peace from our home. My kids are older at 14,15,18, and 20. None the less they are affected :0(.

    Sigh…they are forgiving and resilient. I despise that side of me and pray that God, in His mercy would help them overcome the short comings I so regularly demonstrate before them. 

    Digging into God’s words in 1 Peter is encouraging me. Grasping verse 5 is illuminating and encouraging. He “guards” me.

    “The true disciples of Christ are under the continual watchful care of God, and the inheritance is guarded for them.” from http://bible.cc/1_peter/1-5.htm .

    I know this is in reference to our heavenly inheritance, but what stood out to me is the way God protects me…even from myself and my selfish ways. I should be separated from God. My deplorable sin requires it, yet His mercy prevents it. And more than that, He welcomes me to partake in the inheritance He has set aside for the Son and those that follow Him. Then, he guards me through faith for an eternal salvation.

    I don’t know if what I am saying here makes sense really. It is just what God put on my heart. A reminder of His great mercy and protection…and forgiveness.

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