Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:1-2
Peter started his first letter with these words: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world…” As Christians, we don’t fit into the world. We are
different. People who have yet to come to a faith in Jesus Christ may ridicule us, reject us, or even want to harm us.
Even so, God created us to be involved with other people, to help each other, share with each other, meet each other’s needs. To do that, we need to keep current with what is going on in the lives of our friends and family. For many years, writing letters has been one way people have kept current in the lives of their friends and family.
Letter writing was even more valuable as a way of keeping current during New Testament times. The epistles, like 1 Peter, are letters that were written to keep the members of the early church informed – up on the current events and the lessons being taught.
Today we can use the epistles to help us to keep current with God and better understand His plans for us. During an upcoming devotional time, choose one of the epistles and read it through five times. They are all short reading them should only take a few minutes. As you read, ask the following questions about what the author wrote:
1st reading: Ask, “Who wrote this epistle?”
2nd reading: Ask, “Where was this epistle written?”
3rd reading: Ask, “To whom was this epistle written?”
4th reading: List and look up any words that you aren’t familiar with.
5th reading: Read the epistle straight through, applying your new knowledge.
When you’ve finished, ask, “What do I know about God now that I didn’t know before?”
This simple way of studying the letters in the Bible should help you become closer to God and to other believers.
Try it! Enjoy!
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to take time every day to keep in touch with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.