When I consider who God says we are, one book of the Bible especially stands out to me: 1 Peter. All throughout the book are scattered truths about our standing before the father and a champion call to live and be who God has declared us to be, in the midst of trials and tribulations. While we are not suffering like the persecution of the early Christians who were put to the test by Nero, we must acknowledge the truth of 1 Peter 5:8. We have a great enemy whose intent is to devour us. The champion call of Peter isn’t to compare our circumstances with each other, but rather to stand in confidence with who he says we are and live a life that pleases our creator, despite the challenges we endure along with all of humanity.
Take a moment to consider who God says we are in the book of Peter. He says we are known, we are chosen, we are holy, and we are cleansed (1 Peter 1:2). Peter reminds us that we are born again (1:3) and we are possessors of a priceless inheritance (1:4). Peter has a no-holds-barred expression of our standing before God in the very beginning of his book. In preparation for 5:8 and the introduction of our great enemy, he declares that we are protected by God‘s power (1:5), and we are temporary residents of this world. He foreshadows the day when Christ will make all things new. Peter declares that we are ransomed (1:18), cleansed from many sins (1:22), and born again to a new life (1:23). The whole chapter is full of amazing truths about those who have said yes to Christ.
Peter doesn’t stop there though. I personally feel encouraged by the great gift God has bestowed upon us. In chapter 2, Peter continues establishing our identities as God’s people. Peter declares that our lives are purposeful and meaningful when he explains that we are living stones being built into God’s spiritual temple and designated as Christ’s holy priests (2:5). We are intended to show the world God’s greatness - similar to Israel’s champion call in the Old Testament. Peter declares us to be God’s chosen people, his royal priesthood, a holy nation, thus echoing the call of God to Israel, to be a people that are examples of his goodness (2:9). This truth is built upon and fortified by the declaration that we are God’s very own possession (2:9). We are able to show others the goodness of God (2:9). We are called out of the darkness with the intent of being visible, expressed examples of his wonderful light (2:9). We are God’s people, receivers of his mercy (2:10). As such, Peter declares our freedom but identifies us as voluntary slaves of God, love-servants, who have chosen to live our lives for God and his glory. Because of this, we are cared for by the shepherd; the guardian of our souls.
At this point, Peter encourages us to consider how we should live in the midst of persecution, suffering, and the rejection that many of us might face at being lovers of God (1 Peter 3). It’s a challenging and insightful read, I encourage us all to meditate on the response to such wonderful truths. But I want to focus explicitly on who God says we are. To further express this point, Peter picks up again in chapter 4 with follow-up truths about who we are. We have been given a spiritual gift from God (4:10), redeemed partners in Christ’s suffering (4:13), and are adorned with Christ’s glorious Spirit who rests upon us (4:14). We have the promise of being called by God’s name (4:15), are his handiwork, created by him (4:19). We are ultimately called to share in his eternal glory (5:10).
What an honor, such humbling and precious truths about our identity. Peter calls us out and calls us up as he sets a foundation from which we can rise and receive our calling as God’s. He then takes these truths and gives us a means by which we can live, and a framework by which we can walk out these truths as God‘s chosen people (1 Peter 3). We have a God who has actively, purposefully, and practically saved us, redeemed us, set us free, and gave us new life so that we can live before him and others, as a witness of his goodness. Let us encourage each other to do so every day henceforth. Peter’s thoughts about who we are echo the thoughts of Jesus and our church’s namesake scripture Matthew 5:13-16. We are salt called to flavor the world and make known his goodness. We are a city on a hill, a lamp to those who abide in darkness. We are called to express the light he has given us so the darkness of this world will experience it and might also experience God’s invitation to be redeemed and refined. What God has freely given us he longs to bestow on others and our lives have the ability to be a sweet testimony to others of his extreme kindness and generosity.
Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT)
13“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
14“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
About the Author
Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and four kids. He loves Jesus, art, music, and poetry. He currently works as the Manager of Learning Technology Solutions for Los Angeles Pacific University and is passionate about adventuring outdoors.