1 Peter 1. Today we pick up reading someone else’s mail again – this time it is a letter from the Apostle Peter to various churches in modern day Turkey. 1 Peter is what we call a “circular letter” meaning it would have been more generically written to a group of churches and then circulated among them and read aloud for everyone’s instruction and encouragement. We know from the letter itself that the congregations were primarily non-Jewish Christians who were at odds with the culture they lived in and therefore suffering persecution.

Peter tackles the issue of challenges and persecution among the churches in this chapter by offering a perspective on suffering, reminding them of their great salvation, and encouraging them to conduct themselves well, even in the face of trials.

Peter presents a different perspective on suffering. 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 (1:6-7). Peter recognizes their suffering – essentially saying “I see you and I feel your grief” – but he reframes the situation as an opportunity for spiritual growth. Doesn’t this message sound like James 1? Faith that has been tested is refined and grows stronger, in the same way that muscles are tested in a weightroom and grow stronger!

How are we to endure trials and persecution? Peter draws our attention to the amazingness of the salvation we have inherited through the work of Jesus Christ. These truths help ground believers as they struggle through challenges: 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, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1:3-5)… you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. ²⁰ He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you ²¹ who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God (1:18-21).

Because of these great truths, we have hope, even if life seems difficult now.

Finally, Peter calls believers to not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance… but be holy in all your conduct (1:14-15). Sometimes challenging situations tempt us to act in ungodly ways or to return to our old way of life and patterns that are familiar (but not helpful). Peter calls believers to endure and to live lives of holiness, with purified souls, who love one another earnestly (1:22).

Are you in a challenging season of life now? What “faith muscles” are being stretched and made stronger because of your suffering? What truth can you hang onto in hope?