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Today's Scripture

Peter begins his letter stating his relationship and identity with Jesus Christ. It’s noteworthy that the term 'servant' is listed first, ahead of Peter’s role as an apostle. Peter is patterning his life to be like Christ when he states that he is a servant (see Philippians 2:7). We, as believers, are also called to be servants of Christ.

In Biblical writings, the word “righteousness” was a legal term meaning “to be declared in right standing with God.” Our verse tells us where righteousness comes from—it is the righteousness of our God & Savior Jesus Christ. Our sin separates us from fellowship and “right standing” with God. Our Holy God cannot be in the presence of sin. Therefore, we are all separated from the God who created us and desires to be have a relationship with us as our Heavenly Father. The GREAT news is that we can have eternal life with God if we receive “right standing before God” (Christ’s righteousness). This “right standing” is given us by accepting Christ’s death on the cross as payment for our sins, which separate us from God. And, it’s all FREE. We can’t earn it, we don’t deserve it, and we can’t lose it. That’s what I call GOOD NEWS!



STUDY QUESTIONS:

1. Do you think faith in Christ’s sacrificial death for you on the cross is a gift from God? What words from this passage lead you to think this way?

2. What must you, or anyone, accomplish to receive God’s forgiveness for your sins?

3. What will be different for you if you choose to follow the example of Christ and Peter to live as a servant?