In verse 10 Peter says > In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. When he says ‘in his kindness’ the word kindness is grace. In his grace God called us and enabled us. God’s grace grew Peter up and changed him. That is how he could write verses 1-11. God same grace will enable us to carry out these scriptures written by Peter. Let’s look at each verse and how Peter reacted before he allowed the grace of God to work in his life. The Christian life is all about grace and no one knew this better than Peter. I owe all of the following insight to Pastor Jon Courson.
In verse 1 Peter declared himself a witness of the sufferings of Christ. Yet when we read the Gospel account, we see that Peter was not present when Christ was led away to be tried by Caiaphas. He was following far off in the shadows. When Christ was on the Cross, he viewed His suffering from a distance, if at all, for of all the disciples, only John was at the foot of the Cross (John 19:26).
Peter also says he was a partaker of glory. He fails to mention, however, that he was reprimanded by God for placing Jesus on the same plane as Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5).
Peter also says he was a partaker of glory. He fails to mention, however, that he was reprimanded by God for placing Jesus on the same plane as Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5).
In verse 2, Peter says pastors are to feed the flock of God. Yet when he initially heard these words, Peter wasn’t waiting for the empowering of the Spirit with God’s people as he was supposed to be. Instead, he was fishing on the Sea of Galilee (John 21:3).
Peter also tells pastors not to be lazy. When Jesus asked Peter to pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, what did Peter do? He fell asleep (Mark 14:37).
Peter also tells pastors not to be lazy. When Jesus asked Peter to pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, what did Peter do? He fell asleep (Mark 14:37).
In verse 3, Peter tells us we are not to be lords over God’s heritage. We are to be an example. Yet in the garden, what did Peter do? Far from being an example, he took out a sword and chopped off the ear of Malchus (Mark 14:47).
In verse 5-6 Peter says “Submit yourself unto the elder,” . When Jesus said He had to suffer many things in Jerusalem, Peter rebuked Jesus, saying, “Be it far from thee, Lord” (see Matthew 16:22). Submission? Hardly.
Peter went on to say we are to be clothed with humility. Yet as he sat in the Upper Room with the other disciples, it was not Peter but Jesus who humbled Himself to wash feet (John 13:3, 4).
Peter went on to say we are to be clothed with humility. Yet as he sat in the Upper Room with the other disciples, it was not Peter but Jesus who humbled Himself to wash feet (John 13:3, 4).
In verse 7, Peter tells us we are to cast our care upon God. It is an interesting choice of words, for when Jesus told Peter to cast his net on the other side of the boat, Peter was fishing for fish rather than fishing for men as he had been called to do (Matthew 4:19; John 21:6).
In verses 8, 9, Peter tells us to be sober and vigilant in light of our adversary. Yet when Jesus warned him that Satan desired to sift him like wheat, what did Peter say? “Not me, Lord. I am ready to go to prison with You. These other guys might fail you, but You can count on me.” Hours later, seduced by Satan, Peter denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69–74).
Peter failed at every point. But here’s the good news—he was used mightily even after all his failings, because he understood that which he shares with us in verse 10: It’s not impeccability that is necessary; It’s “teachability.” I have failed. You have failed. Yet if, like Peter, we learn lessons from our failures, we can speak with authority. We can say to others, “I’ve been there. I’ve done that. I’ve made mistakes. You don’t have to.”
If as a dad or mom, a bible teacher, elder, or leader at work, you are aware of your shortcomings, if you’re not careful, you will think they disqualify you from sharing with others. Take hope from Peter. He failed at every point. Yet when he learned his lesson, he didn’t fall again. It’s God’s grace that will establish, settle, and strengthen you as long as you learn the lessons God has for you.
Be Inspired Hilltop!
In verse 10 there is a warning and a promise. It warns that there will be suffering but that it will last a relatively short time and something better will follow.