Scripture: 1 Peter 1: 17-24

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,  Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.  Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away.

Scripture Commentary: God gave us His Son who was without blemish and without spot as a sacrifice for our sins

“Reverent fear” is not the fear of a slave for a ruthless master, but the healthy respect of a believer for the all-powerful God.  God is the judge of all the earth and we dare not ignore Him or treat Him casually.  It is vitally important to place your faith and hope in Jesus Christ who is the only one without blemish or spot.

We should not assume that our privileged status as God’s children gives us freedom to do whatever we want.  We should not be spoiled children, but grateful children who love to show respect for our heavenly Father.

During slavery, a slave was redeemed when someone paid money to buy his or her freedom.  God redeemed us from the tyranny of sin, not with money but with the precious blood of His own Son.  We cannot escape from sin on our own, only the life of God’s Son Jesus Christ can free us.

God’s love and forgiveness frees you to take your eyes off yourselves, so you can truly help others.  Everything in this life –  possessions, accomplishments, people, and more will eventually fade away.  Only God’s will, word, and work are permanent.

Let God prepare you and give you His gift of everlasting life.

Read the Entire Chapter:
1 Peter Chapter 1