For the last several months, my church as been going through a 1 Peter series. We’ve dived into the history, gone verse by verse and even been challenged to ask the hard questions. After reflecting on the entire study, I’ve been able to solidify my 1 Peter promise of living a beautiful life.

There are four main purposes of the book of 1 Peter:

1. Remember what you have in Christ.
2. Practice what you profess.
3. Endure suffering.
4. Focus on Christ (love each other and impact the lost).

From this study, I’ve learned more about my heavenly citizenship and that the knowledge of this inheritance should bring joy (1 Peter 1:3-6). I’ve come to better understand that trials test the trustworthiness of our faith and it is an opportunity for God to refine out impurities to reveal a new me. (1 Peter 1:7-9).

Living a beautiful life, as detailed in this study, is a requirement not an option. We do it because we are loved by God, because this world is not our home and because we were created to stand out among the masses. I’ve learned that this beautiful life also calls for submission to authority (1 Peter 2:13 – 17) because it is God’s will. It’s about serving the Lord first and submitting with a voluntary attitude (1 Peter 3: 1 -12).

As Christians, our example is Christ and we have been delivered from damnation. But this freedom is not an excuse to cover up for evil in our lives. We are called to suffer for doing right (as Christ did) so we can show God in all we do (1 Peter 2:11 – 12). We should allow ourselves to not be guilty of what others accuse us of. But instead set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts and filter EVERYTHING through him (1 Peter 3:13 – 17).

In this book, Peter even detailed practical ways to live the beautiful life we’ve been given. As disciples, we will be persecuted for our beliefs and our life style. Our friends and family will criticize our new lives and doubt our change. 1 Peter 4:1-6, instructs us to have the same mindset as Christ daily and prepare ourselves for this inevitable battle with the world. We are living for God.

When the road gets rough, the answer is always to pray (1 Peter 4:7-11). God will always be there and tell you what to do if you listen. Use your gifts to glorify God and be hospitable especially when people don’t deserve it. The enemy is standing like a crouching lion waiting to pounce. But don’t fret. Stand firm in your faith and God will restore you.

Are you willing to live the beautiful life God is asking? I encourage you to read 1 Peter build your faith to live as God is calling you to.