In the first dozen or so verses of First Peter, we studied that the apostle Peter wrote about discipleship, obedience and hope. In the remaining verses Peter addresses fear, faith, love and salvation.

Peter tells us to live in reverent fear as strangers of the world. The author points out that God's judgment is without partiality. Peter also tells us that God's judgment will be according to each person's work for no one can escape God's eye.

"17 Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God." (1 Peter 1:17-21)

In these verses Peter reminds us that we were not redeemed by silver or gold but through the precious blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross as He died for our sins.

Peter writes about the fact Christ was without sin, without blemish. He also reiterates Christ was preordained to die even before God created the world, that through Him and His resurrection from the dead, we would be given hope by faith in Jesus Christ the son of God almighty.

As we close the first chapter of this letter from the apostle Peter, we find compelling scripture that serves as a guideline for all Christians. Peter writes about 'sincere love' which is a demonstration of true discipleship based on the biblical command to love one another just as Jesus loved us.

One of the most important reasons why we should obey this command involves the validation of God's love for us to be witnessed by all those who are watching. Acting as living sacrifices in reflection of God's love we are driven to convince skeptics that love leads to faith which in turn leads to salvation.

"22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you." (1 Peter 1:22-25)

Peter writes about believers which have been reborn of imperishable seed that abide forever through the word of God. Too often underestimated, the word is at the root of spiritual rebirth. The bible has the potential to redirect someone's life and lead them to the way everlasting, to pull someone from darkness into the light.

This is why all believers are called to live by the word and not by the world. Disciples of Jesus Christ grow in His likeness through scripture, through praise and more importantly, through spiritual growth according to the word.

The word purifies the soul, sculpts one's life according to the gospel, the truth that leads non-believers to Jesus Christ.

I invite you to set aside time spent in God's word which will allow you to gain wisdom and strength in tune with God's plan. As you dwell in God's word, pray. Prayer has the power to move mountains, acting as a double edge sword, prayer brings forth God's almighty power and immeasurable comfort that comes along a growing relationship with God. Let's pray!