New Testament Thursday

Scripture of the Day:

1 Peter 1:5-12

5 Who are kept by the ^apower of God through ^bfaith unto salvation ^cready to be revealed in the last time.

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a ^aseason, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold ^btemptations:

7 That the ^atrial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the ^bappearing of Jesus Christ:

8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet ^abelieving, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

9 Receiving the ^aend of your ^bfaith, even the ^csalvation of your souls.

10 Of which ^asalvation the ^bprophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it ^atestified beforehand the ^bsufferings of Christ, and the ^cglory that should follow.

12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have ^apreached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the ^bangels desire to look into.

Historical Background:

The Bible Dictionary summary on the Epistles of Peter states:

The first epistle was written from “Babylon” (i.e., probably Rome) soon after the outbreak of the Neronian persecution, A.D. 64, and is addressed to Christians in the different provinces of what is now called Asia Minor.

Gospel Principles Outlined:

1) Life will always present us with opportunities to develop faith through adversity.

2) As we develop our faith, we will further prepare ourselves for salvation.

3) To understand how our adversities can help us develop faith, we must study the scriptures.

4) Revelation will come through the Holy Spirit as we work through this process.

5) The Savior loves us.

What I Learned Today:

Peter really emphasizes the relationship between adversity, faith and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. These all work together for our ultimate gain if we trust in the Lord's plan for us. As we press for in faith, these experiences will be valued more than gold and they will sustain us throughout our lives. It is critical for us to consistently study the words of the prophets so that we can better understand the things that we can do to overcome our adversity. I am so grateful for their faithful examples and the strength that it gives me. I think that Peter's perspective is especially interesting because this letter comes at a very difficult point in his life and his focus is on encouraging others. What an awesome example!

Other Resources-

"Refined in Our Trials" by President James E. Faust

"You Are Different" by Elder David B. Haight

"It Takes More Than Love" by Marian S. Bergin

Things I Will Implement:

I want to be a voice of encouragement like Peter. I will do a better job of being optimistic and helping those around me rejoice in the good things in life.