1 Peter 1:2

Reams of paper and digital ink have been spilled over the words at the end of 1 Peter 1:1 and the beginning of 1:2.  There's even been blood, unfortunately, spilled over this:

Who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.  1 Peter 1:1-2

 

Now, what's the problem?  Well, the problem comes in the "chosen" part.  We as people like to believe we're in control of our lives, that we're ultimately in charge of our own destiny.

Yet, how does this reconcile with being "chosen?"  I, for one, cannot fully answer you.  I firmly believe that God is more capable of ruling the universe than I am.  So, we'll pass on that.  It represents one of the pitfalls in Biblical study: you can bog yourself down trying to solve one argument and miss reading and doing what you can actually understand.

So, let's take a look at the rest:

1.  The foreknowledge of God the Father: this is God as we understand we are to pray to.  Without His foreknowledge, our prayers would be fairly useless.  If He has all resources, but not foreknowledge, where might that leave us? With a God who will be glad to do something about your problem, once He's had a chance to adjust to it.  Rather, God's foreknowledge means that He is able to supply what we truly need when we truly need it.  Now, you and I both know neither of us truly need that new Corvette.  Need.

2.  The sanctification of the Holy Spirit: we are being made holy by the power of God.  It is not something we can do by ourselves or for ourselves.  It must be done in us by God Almighty.

3.  To obey Jesus Christ: this is our responsibility.  We cannot make ourselves holy.  We can, however, obey Christ and His commands.  That is our responsibility.  Let God do the rest.

 

What ways do we get bogged down on arguments when we could be obedient?

 

Doug