With his readers possibly under intense persecution, Peter writes in order to comfort them and challenge them not to quit. Instead of dwelling on their current circumstances, Peter encouraged them to look forward to the time of Christ’s return and in the meantime live consistent, holy lives before all people. In the previous few verses (1:18-21) Peter had reminded his readers about the redemption which had taken place through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus’ act of taking the punishment for our sin resulted in salvation from the bondage of sin and eternal life spent in the presence of God. But again, what else could help them cope with adversity but also drive them to spiritual growth? In the verses we are examining today, Peter reveals another factor in enduring hardship while sustaining a holy life -the word of God. The Holy Spirit has been given to all those who have faith in Jesus Christ’s sufficient sacrifice for sin, but this knowledge came through God’s written word. So the Holy Spirit of God together with the word of God has the ability to bring spiritual life to the believer. What is even more amazing about this fact is that the word of God “lives and abides forever” (1:23). This means that Scripture is a stable, unchanging, and permanent force which guides us to follow the ways of God. Quoting from Isaiah 40:6-8 Peter reminds the reader that “the grass withers, and the flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever” (1:25). Spiritual growth takes place when an individual puts away sin (2:1) and feeds on the word of God (2:2). So the question needs to be asked, “Can spiritual growth take place outside of spending time getting to know and understand God’s Word?” I believe the answer in “no.” Our hearts and minds are being filled each day with the knowledge of that which is earthly and carnal; however, we must seek to combat the world’s philosophies by filling our mind with the unchanging word of God. These words carry life because they are the very words of God. Peter gives some very simple advice for believers – put away sin and desire the word of God “that you may grow” (1:2).
Dear God, may Your word be valuable to me as I search it each day for the “nourishment” I need to live and grow in You.
