NorthStar Church Blog

 

but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:16 (ESV)

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SINCE IT IS WRITTEN

 

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Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

 

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.

1 Peter 1:14-15 (ESV)

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THE GREAT EXCHANGE: IGNORANCE FOR HOLINESS

 

Peter, writing to the Jewish Christians in Asia Minor (v. 1), turns his epistle to matters of personal holiness, presenting a model upon which we should base our conduct: “Do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (v. 14-15). Thus, there are two objects that can serve as the basis for our conduct. The first is not to be imitated—the “passions of our former ignorance.” Our lives before Christ were guided by spiritual and moral blindness, or, as Peter says, “ignorance.” The Greek word agnoia shares the root of the English word “agnostic” (a = not, gno = knowledge) and conveys a condition of not knowing. The apostle Paul also uses this word to emphasize the ignorance of unbelievers, stating, “They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance (agnoia) that is in them, due to their hardness of heart” (Eph. 4:18).

When we confess Jesus as Lord and submit our lives to Him, we are called out of ignorance or “agnosticism”—for the knowledge of His Lordship can only be bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit (Mt. 16:17).

Peter then presents a second, better model that should serve as the basis for our Christian conduct: “As He who called you is holy, you also be holy.” We are called out of a life of estrangement from God into one of fellowship with Him, out of “not knowing” into knowing the Father. In this new, regenerate life, His indwelling Spirit enables us to imitate holiness. It has been said that the truest form of worship is imitation. Christ has given us the ultimate example, as He is the image of the invisible God. Pray that you imitate Him today, fulfilling the exhortation set forth in 1 Peter 1:14-15.

 

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Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

 

⁵ who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹ obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:5-9 (ESV)

 

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HOW DO I REJOICE IN SUFFERING?

 

As Peter begins to comfort his grieving (literally a “sense of heaviness”) audience as they are grieved by various trials, he begins verse 6 with, “In this you rejoice.”  I always thought that was an odd way to begin a message about suffering. No one enjoys suffering, much less rejoices (literally “jumps for joy”) over it. However, Peter is using the beginning of verse 6 to remind his readers what they have to rejoice in – being born again to a living hope; an eternal inheritance; guarded for their salvation (v. 3-5) – despite their current travails. As Poole comments, “How could they be in heaviness, and yet rejoice? Their grief and joy were about different objects; they might be in heaviness by reason of present afflictions, and rejoice in hope of future glory; they might grieve as men, and rejoice as saints; sense of suffering might affect them, and yet the faith of better things coming relieve them. If their heaviness did in any degree abate their joy, yet it did not wholly hinder it; and though their joy did overcome their heaviness, yet it did not wholly exclude it.” I love how Poole says that their joy can overcome their heaviness (grief in v. 6), but not necessarily eliminate their grief.

What then is the purpose of these “various trials” (v. 6b)? It is to “test the genuineness” of one’s faith (v. 7a). As Barclay notes, “every trial is another test to strengthen and to purify our faith, and because at the end of it, Jesus Christ is waiting to say, ‘Well done!’ to all his faithful servants.” If you are like me, I am sure there have been times when you did not perform at your best while experiencing life’s trials. We can’t imagine Jesus saying “well done,” based on our earthly standards. Fortunately for us, God sees us through the blood of His Son. As E. G. Selwyn writes, “If the eye of faith endures, the day will come when it will be the eye of sight, and we shall see face to face and know even as we are known.”  

The outcome of our genuine faith should result in “praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (v. 7b). We love and believe and rejoice and are filled with glory (v. 8). Hang in there. Keep trusting. Be encouraged that Christ has “overcome the world” (John 16:33). The prize at the end of the journey is well worth it – the “salvation of our souls” (v. 9)!

 

Diggin Deeper (er):

John 16:33; 2 Cor 1:5; Rom 8:18

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

 

. . . Death is swallowed up in victory. ⁵⁵ O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

1 Corinthians 15:54b-55 (KJV)

. . . to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

1 Peter 1:3b-4 (ESV)

 

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DEATH, WHERE IS THY STING?

 

Perhaps the most common fear among humanity is the fear of death. This fear stems not only from the finality of death, but from the uncertainty of what lies beyond the grave. We as Christians should not fear death, as we believe the Bible clearly states that death is only final for our earthly bodies, and there is a destination after death for all people. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians (passage above), death was defeated once and for all on the cross.

Peter continues to encourage his audience by reminding them of the promises of Jesus Christ. By the grace of God, through faith in His Son, we can be born again, to a living hope (v. 3b). That hope is based on the work of Jesus (his death and resurrection, v. 3b). It is not a hope such as the hope for a job, a relationship, or some other worldly accomplishment. This is hope that should encourage us in our valleys. We become heirs to eternal life (v. 4a). This inheritance cannot pass away, cannot be spoiled, and never fades (v. 4b). Barclay astutely reminds us, “On our journey through this world to eternity we are protected by the power of God through faith . . . It means that our life is garrisoned by God and that he stands sentinel over us all our days. The man who has faith never doubts, even when he cannot see him, that God is standing within the shadows keeping watch upon his own. It is not that God saves us from the troubles and the sorrows and the problems of life; but he enables us to conquer them and march on.”

I lost my oldest brother in the spring of 2023. He was a strong Christian husband, father, and man. He died of Alzheimer’s, and that was my first experience with that vicious disease. I saw him in his last days, and although he did not recognize me, I believe I saw some glint of recognition reflected from his soul in his eyes. I also believe that despite his physical and mental infirmities, his spirit inside was at peace, and in great joy. His journey was almost at an end, and he fought the good fight. All who loved him were discouraged, but those of us who believe (including his wife) knew that God promises to, “. . . wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21:4, ESV). We can all be encouraged by that promise!

 

Diggin Deeper (er):

Heb 2:14-15; Rev 2:10

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

 

¹⁶ “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (ESV)

. . . To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia ² according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. ³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again.

1 Peter 1:1b-3b (ESV)

 

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GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD

 

Peter calls his readers “elect,” chosen by the “foreknowledge of God the Father” (v. 1-2a). As Hiebert notes, “The opening characterization of the readers as elect was meant to strengthen and encourage them in their affliction. The doctrine of election is a ‘family truth’ intended to foster the welfare of believers.” Peter is addressing the exiles as one of the family of Christ; loved, and not forsaken.

If you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you are a member of the family of God. He loves us enough to send his only Son to die for our sins, to provide a bridge to span the chasm that exists due to our sinful nature. According to Peter, the Triune God is at work: the Father, who plans with purpose and foreknowledge; the Holy Spirit, who activates the plan (sanctifies/sets apart); and, Jesus, the object of our worship and instrument of our salvation, who sprinkles with His blood to bridge that chasm (v. 2b). As Barclay comments, “It is in the purpose of God that the Christian is called. It is by the work of the Holy Spirit that his life is hallowed towards God. It is by the sprinkling of the blood of Christ that he is cleansed from past sin and dedicated to future obedience to God.”

Peter reminds his readers that God, in His great mercy, causes us to be born again (v. 3b). Peter wishes them grace and peace (v. 2b), despite their trying circumstances. When we get discouraged, we should always remember that we are loved, immeasurably! God has shown us mercy (even in our sin), not punishing us with what we deserve. He has extended His infinite grace, blessing us with what we did not earn. How can we become discouraged knowing that blessed truth?

Think back to a time in your life when you experienced discouragement. Now, think of the person who came alongside you and loved on you. What sacrifice did they make to comfort and encourage you? What road did they walk enabling them to be the perfect person to encourage you? Now imagine how much infinitely more Jesus loves you, to give His life for you!

 

Diggin Deeper (er):

Gal 2:20; 1 Thess 1:4

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

 

¹³ These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 

Hebrews 11:13 (ESV)

¹ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia

1 Peter 1:1 (ESV)

 

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SOJOURNERS IN A FOREIGN LAND

 

Peter addresses the people as “exiles,” which also translates to strangers, pilgrims, and foreigners – a temporary “sojourner” in a foreign land. In the ancient manuscript The Epistle to Diognetus, the author gives his definition of what pilgrims are: “They inhabit the lands of their birth, but as temporary residents of it; they take their share of all responsibilities as citizens, and endure all disabilities as aliens. Every foreign land is their native land, and every native land a foreign land… they pass their days upon earth, but their citizenship is in heaven.” 

In the book of Hebrews, chapter 11 (colloquially known as the “faith hall-of-fame”), the writer notes that the heroes of the OT were “strangers and exiles on the earth” (Heb 11:13). The writer is referring to Abraham and Sarah, who were sojourners in a foreign land. They had every reason to be discouraged, as they had to wait many years for the promised-son from God to arrive. They never lost hope, and kept their faith even in the depths of discouragement.

Jesus reminded his disciples that, ¹⁹ “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19, ESV). Jesus is trying to warn his disciples of their coming persecution. He knows that they will be deeply discouraged at times, and all but one will be martyred for their faith. However, as Dods notes, “The hatred of the world, instead of being depressing, should be exhilarating, as being an evidence and guarantee that they have been chosen by Christ.”

Being a follower of Jesus is no guarantee of an easy life (quite the opposite, actually). We are “in” the world, but we are not “of” the world. Obviously, we are called to engage in this life, which at times can be a discouraging journey. We are also to keep our eyes focused on the life to come, which should serve as a source of encouragement as we face the inevitable storms. In my former life as an airline pilot, I kept my suitcase at home always partially packed, only changing out what was needed for my upcoming trip. We should treat our Christian journey on earth in a similar fashion. Always be packed and ready to travel – this is not your home!

 

Diggin Deeper (er):

Ex 23:9; Eph 2:19

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

 

¹ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia

1 Peter 1:1 (ESV)

 

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ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE QUINTESSENTIAL DISCOURAGED

 

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion…” Thus begins a letter written by Peter (probably in the mid-60s AD) to believers (mostly Gentile, some Jewish) who had dispersed (Greek: Diaspora) due to persecution because of their faith. The five geographic locations mentioned in verse 1 were all provinces in what is modern-day Turkey. He is writing to encourage and reassure his audience as they struggle with continued persecution and suffering. I find it ironic that the apostle who most likely experienced the worst depths of discouragement could now lift up these people experiencing similar lows.

Let’s jump back in history thirty years or so from the time of this letter. Simon (Peter): fisherman, brother of Andrew, one of the first of the “twelve” to be called by Jesus, and the first of the disciples to boldly (no surprise there) declare Jesus as the “Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16, ESV). He was nicknamed Cephas (Aramaic for “rock”) by Jesus—the rock on whom Jesus would build His church. You may ask how this “rock” of faith could be discouraged, especially after spending three years following the Son of God.

Peter was never afraid to speak his mind, and he often got out “over his skis.” He walked on water (Matt. 14) until he looked down, took his eyes off Jesus, and down he went—discouraged. He declared Jesus the Son of God (Matt. 16:16). Yet a few verses later in the story, he brashly “rebukes” Jesus, to which Jesus replies, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me” (Matt. 16:23)—discouraged (and probably stunned)! Finally, despite declaring just hours earlier that he was ready to die with Jesus (Luke 22), Jesus’ words rang true in Peter’s ears as the rooster crowed following Peter’s denial of Jesus—discouraged (and crushed)!

Fast forward: the resurrected Jesus appears to His disciples on the beach while they are offshore fishing. John recognizes Jesus, and Peter jumps into the water to get to shore (always the first to act). After breakfast, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, using a different form of the word “love” each time. Peter adamantly and repeatedly answers yes (John 21). I believe this is Jesus’ way of telling Peter he is forgiven, three times. Each time Peter says yes, one of his denials gets erased. The discouraged becomes the encouraged!

I don’t know the road you have traveled to discouragement, but I do know (from experience) that Jesus knows. He knew Peter’s heart was heavy, and He encouraged him with pure love. Peter had to walk that road to be the “rock” of the future church, with Jesus’ encouragement. We all have walked that road. Let Jesus encourage you with His love! Use that discouragement to become an encourager for others.

 

Diggin Deeper (er):

1 Thess 5:11; Deut 31:8

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

 

⁵⁶ “Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. ⁵⁷ As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. ⁵⁸ This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”

John 6:56-58 (ESV)

 

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THE HUNGRY FEEDING THE HUNGRY

 

I know some of this passage is a little difficult (and a little creepy) to comprehend. How do we “feed” on Christ’s flesh, and “drink” his blood? Barclay uses this analogy to try and explain:

“Here in a bookcase is a book which a man has never read. It may be the glory and the wonder of the tragedies of Shakespeare; but so long as it remains unread upon his bookshelves it is external to him. One day he takes it down and reads it. He is thrilled and fascinated and moved. The story sticks to him; the great lines remain in his memory; now when he wants to, he can take that wonder out from inside himself and remember it and think about it and feed his mind and his heart upon it. Once the book was outside him. Now it is inside him and he can feed upon it. It is that way with any great experience in life. It remains external until we take it within ourselves. It is so with Jesus. So long as he remains a figure in a book, he is external to us; but when he enters into our hearts we can feed upon the life and the strength and the dynamic vitality that he gives to us. Jesus said that we must drink his blood. He is saying: ‘You must stop thinking of me as a subject for theological debate; you must take me into you, and you must come into me; and then you will have real life.’ That is what Jesus meant when he spoke about us abiding in him and himself abiding in us.”

By taking in the body and blood of Jesus Christ, we are now connected to him. He abides in us, and we in Him (v. 56). Jesus again reiterates that He is the bread come down from heaven, and that unlike the bread given to the Israelites in the time of Moses, His bread will completely satisfy our hunger, for life eternal (v. 58). But that is not all – Jesus explains how he was sent by the Father, and he feeds off the Father. We are to have that same relationship with Jesus (v. 57). As Mike frequently reminds us, if salvation were the endgame of Christianity, then the instant you put your faith in Jesus, you would be brought home to heaven. We too were hungry, beggars searching for our daily bread. Once we find the “bread of heaven,” we must use that strength to help other beggars like ourselves find the bread of life. As Phillips Brooks comments, “To feed on Christ is to get His strength into us, to be our strength. You feed on the cornfield, and the strength of the cornfield comes into you, and is your strength. You feed on Christ, and then go and live your life; and it is Christ in you that lives your life, that helps the poor, that tells the truth, that fights the battles, and that wins the crown.” Eat your fill! Live with Christ in you! Help others! Fight the battles, in truth!

Diggin Deeper (er):

John 17:21-23; John 14:23

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

 

³³ For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” ³⁴ They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” ³⁵ Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. ³⁶ But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.

John 6:33-36 (ESV)

 

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THE BREAD THAT SATISFIES ETERNALLY

 

Jesus now explains to his audience what (or in this case, whom) is this “bread of God” (v. 33). He has earlier revealed himself as being sent by the Father, and descended from heaven (John 3:13). He is telling the people that the bread of life from God is not manna from heaven, but the one who is standing in front of them. How does the crowd react to such an earthshaking revelation? They ask for this bread, “always” (v. 34). Unfortunately, as is often the case in Scripture, the people are mistaken. They are still seeking fulfillment for their physical needs, and not their spiritual needs. It, “is about faith, but these people wanted food. Jesus talked about spiritual relationship, but the crowds were interested in physical showmanship. They focused on the lunch, not the love; on their bellies, not their beliefs” (Gangel).

My favorite Jesus-encounter in the Bible is the Samarian woman meeting Jesus at the well (John 4). She was searching for water to quench her physical thirst — Jesus was offering her “living water” that would quench her eternal thirst. In our current context, Jesus offers himself as the “bread of life” (v. 35). This bread is not like bread that dries out, crumbles, and molds. Bread was an essential staple of the diet during the time of Jesus. It could be life-sustaining, and Jesus is offering himself as the sustainer of eternal life. How does one receive this sustaining bread? By coming to Jesus, and believing. Without Jesus, the physical bread that the people were seeking might sustain them physically, but Jesus is the only way to be sustained eternally. As Barclay notes, “The restless soul is at rest; the hungry heart is satisfied.”

Taken from Our Daily Bread – “Riding along with my husband on some errands, I scrolled through emails on my phone and was surprised at an incoming advertisement for a local donut shop, a shop we had just passed on the right side of the street. Suddenly my stomach growled with hunger. I marveled at how technology allows vendors to woo us into their establishments. As I clicked off my email, I mused over God’s constant yearning to draw me closer. He always knows where I am and longs to influence my choices. I wondered, Does my heart growl in desire for Him the way my stomach did over the idea of a donut? . . . The donut shop’s advertisement targeted my body’s craving, but God’s continuous knowledge of my heart’s condition invites me to recognize my ongoing need for Him and to receive the sustenance only He can provide.” I added this anecdote for all you Krispy Kreme lovers!!

Diggin Deeper (er):

John 4:13-15 (woman at the well); 1 Cor 10:3-4

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.