A Family Affair
Read: 1 Peter 3:1-7 . . . so that nothing may hinder your prayers. (v. 7 NRSV) How we need the encouragement and moral direction Peter offers husbands and wives
Tim Brown September 10, 2024
When you feel alone, or isolated in your faith, you may feel like an exile. To those who choose to follow him, God offers peace.
All believers in Jesus are people living in exile—if you are a follower of Jesus, your citizenship is in the eternal kingdom of heaven, and everything you do is a reflection of your new life in Jesus.
The book of 1 Peter was written to early Christians who were experiencing persecution, and who had become discouraged in faith. This letter is rich in encouragement to people who felt like exiles, encouragement to hold fast to faith in Jesus Christ.
The apostle Peter reminds us of our place in the family of God—not alone anymore, but chosen and beloved by God. As a result, we are changed, inside and out, to reflect Jesus and share that faith with others.
This devotional series takes us through the book of 1 Peter, and looks into the mysterious way that God grants grace and peace in the midst of exile.
Read: 1 Peter 3:1-7 . . . so that nothing may hinder your prayers. (v. 7 NRSV) How we need the encouragement and moral direction Peter offers husbands and wives
Read: 1 Peter 3:8-22 Always be ready to make your defense . . . (v. 15 NRSV) Among the finest students I have ever taught are the brave and zealous
Read: 1 Peter 4:1-11 The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. (v. 7 NRSV) Every biblical author addressing
Read: 1 Peter 4:12-19 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you. (v. 12) If you are reading this devotional somewhere
Read: 1 Peter 5:6-14 Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (v. 8) Christians often make two equal and opposite mistakes with respect
Dr. Timothy Brown is the Henry Bast Professor of Preaching and President Emeritus at Western Theological Seminary where he served from 1995-2021. Tim continues to actively coach and encourage former students and pastors who seek help in their preaching life and he has become a certified public school substitute teacher so that he can continue investing in the lives of young people. He is married to Nancy and together they have three children and ten grandchildren.