Quiet Time: Our Calling Our Purpose

Our Calling – Our Purpose

21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;… - 1 Peter 2:21-22

This Thursday, our small group bible study will continue to work through "Living Victoriously in Difficult Times". Our focal verse is 1 Peter 2:21 which speaks to the Christian’s call to suffer. Now, we know that there is a time to stand up against the evil in the land (Psalm 82:4; Proverbs 24:10-11; Isaiah 58:6-7). However, there are also occasions when we must submit to suffering in Jesus name and for His glory.

(1 peter 2:21) tells us that believers have a calling, an invitation to suffer or be acted upon in such a way that our passions are aroused. It is at that moment, in the heat of our desire to strike back in righteous indignation for a wrong committed against us that we decide who’s servant (literally: slave) we really are (James 1:1). 

First century disciples understood that a Christ follower must be fully engaged in the hardships of the cross (Matt. 16:24; Acts 14:22). However, they also knew that Christ had secured their future (1 Pet. 3:9& 18) and that Jesus was their example of how the righteous respond to wrong (Matthew 11:29; 1 Pet. 2:21). 

Ironically, the benefit of being mistreated was the personal experience of a more holy walk for the believer (1 Pet. 4:1). 

The early church had first-hand experience of walking in such a way that the world was pushed aside in view of the greater glory of walking in, and anticipation of, Jesus name and soon return (1 Peter 4:13). We can walk with them in this day and age if we so choose.

Sometimes, it seems like believers today are looking for a hyper spiritual experience that will confirm the reality of God’s active participation in the now. We want to be “moved” in the spirit. I see no real harm in this; but, if we really want to experience God in our day to day walk, perhaps we should simply begin to act upon the truth of His word as we learn it. In this case, we are encouraged to respond to wrong with righteousness which will cause us to draw near to Jesus and away from worldliness. 

This is our calling –our purpose, to follow in His steps.