Word@Work 1Pet 75 - 1 Peter 5:13-14
Published: Fri, 08/07/09
A new series will start on Monday as we commence the study of 2 Peter. Why not visit our online archive for previous W@W series in Mark, Ephesians, James and 1 Peter. You could use the messages as studies for your workplace Christian fellowship or church based study group.
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ENCOURAGING BELIEVERS
1 Peter 5:13-14 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. (NIV)
Peter now concludes his 1st letter writing from Rome, which he calls Babylon. The Bible identifies Babylon as both a real place, and as a symbol of evil (cf Rev 17:1-6). Babylon (in what is now, Iraq) had a proud and powerful reputation for oppressing and secularising the people of God; its society allowed all that God forbids. Rome's culture had also degenerated to allow every kind of moral evil -like many capital cities around the world today. Yet, people in Rome first trusted in Jesus after hearing the gospel from travelling believers - and that is still happening wherever people are courageous to tell others ... wherever they may move on business. Although they were persecuted, they wanted to join in Peter's encouragement to the churches in, what is now Turkey.
Mark wanted to encourage them too. Now, he had been a great disappointment to Paul in ministry. Although a cousin of Barnabas, Mark did not have the personal qualities to endure the rigours of Paul's missionary itinerary, and was dropped from the team. Even though Barnabas tried him on an easier ministry schedule, it was not his gifting. However, when he got alongside Peter in Rome, he proved to be the wonderfully clear writer of Mark's Gospel. Peter clearly greatly valued Mark's humble teachability, and called him his 'son'. That should remind us that, whatever our assumptions about other Christians, it is God's right to equip and use His people as He chooses.
Although Rome prided itself on establishing peace, the Great Fire of Rome in AD64 was wrongly blamed, by Emperor Nero, on the Christians. The vicious persecution of the church forced them to meet in underground catacombs, and many fled the country - including those to whom Peter was writing. But despite all their suffering, they learnt to find peace of heart through trusting in Christ. Even today, wherever believers are oppressed, they speak of knowing God's peace, despite the external threats, as they commit themselves to the Lord Jesus. Whenever you meet believers - encourage them; and whenever you hear of persecution - pray for them. I am sure Peter did.
Prayer: Dear Father God. Thank you for the abilities You have given to me, so that I might serve You. Although I live in a morally dark world, may I dare to shine the light of Christ into the darkness around me; by the way I live, and how I speak of Jesus. May I live in the peace you have provided for me, through Jesus, and help me to encourage those whose suffering is painful. I now pray that you will sustain, guide and comfort all those who are being persecuted today, for Your sake. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Peter now concludes his 1st letter writing from Rome, which he calls Babylon. The Bible identifies Babylon as both a real place, and as a symbol of evil (cf Rev 17:1-6). Babylon (in what is now, Iraq) had a proud and powerful reputation for oppressing and secularising the people of God; its society allowed all that God forbids. Rome's culture had also degenerated to allow every kind of moral evil -like many capital cities around the world today. Yet, people in Rome first trusted in Jesus after hearing the gospel from travelling believers - and that is still happening wherever people are courageous to tell others ... wherever they may move on business. Although they were persecuted, they wanted to join in Peter's encouragement to the churches in, what is now Turkey.
Mark wanted to encourage them too. Now, he had been a great disappointment to Paul in ministry. Although a cousin of Barnabas, Mark did not have the personal qualities to endure the rigours of Paul's missionary itinerary, and was dropped from the team. Even though Barnabas tried him on an easier ministry schedule, it was not his gifting. However, when he got alongside Peter in Rome, he proved to be the wonderfully clear writer of Mark's Gospel. Peter clearly greatly valued Mark's humble teachability, and called him his 'son'. That should remind us that, whatever our assumptions about other Christians, it is God's right to equip and use His people as He chooses.
Although Rome prided itself on establishing peace, the Great Fire of Rome in AD64 was wrongly blamed, by Emperor Nero, on the Christians. The vicious persecution of the church forced them to meet in underground catacombs, and many fled the country - including those to whom Peter was writing. But despite all their suffering, they learnt to find peace of heart through trusting in Christ. Even today, wherever believers are oppressed, they speak of knowing God's peace, despite the external threats, as they commit themselves to the Lord Jesus. Whenever you meet believers - encourage them; and whenever you hear of persecution - pray for them. I am sure Peter did.
Prayer: Dear Father God. Thank you for the abilities You have given to me, so that I might serve You. Although I live in a morally dark world, may I dare to shine the light of Christ into the darkness around me; by the way I live, and how I speak of Jesus. May I live in the peace you have provided for me, through Jesus, and help me to encourage those whose suffering is painful. I now pray that you will sustain, guide and comfort all those who are being persecuted today, for Your sake. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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