God’s Word

1 Peter 1:3–5 NASB 2020

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Despite its brevity, 1 Peter contains significant theological content. In verse 3, Peter transitions from addressing the recipients of the letter to praising God. Verses 3-12 are sometimes referred to as a doxology. I know we are used to singing the Doxology, but to define it, a doxology is a hymn or formula which praises God.

Dennis Edwards said:

“Good theology gives rise to doxology.”

-Dennis R. Edwards, Associate Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary.

Peter writes to the church about the new birth, emphasizing a living hope, inheritance, and salvation. These themes recur throughout his letter. The concept of new birth also appears in John’s Gospel, where Nicodemus asks Jesus about being born again (John 3:3-7).

The concept of new birth links the writings of John and 1 Peter. This connection is discernible because we have access to Bibles that allow for thorough reading and study. Without Bibles, we would not be able to read 1 Peter, much less the rest of the Bible and understand how all the books are connected and point us toward God.

Two of the hymns my wonderful wife picked out for us to sing today are “Holy Bible, Book of Love” and “The Word of God Is Alive”.

The Word of God is a book of love. It is alive; it is a fire, it is a lamp and it is inspired.

How do people learn what love really is? Reading the Bible.

How is the darkness around us illuminated? Reading the Bible.

How do we get inspired in this life? Reading God’s inspired words.

Many people lack access to Bibles or do not consider reading them. The Gideons help by placing Bibles in accessible locations outside of churches, often reaching individuals who wouldn't seek a Bible themselves.

This morning, Jerry Allen from the Gideons will discuss their work and help encourage us to support them.