Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 45:13‐46:24, 1 Pet 1:13‐2:10, Psalm 119:33‐48, Proverbs 28:11
Context: To begin his letter, Peter talks of parenting and discipline to illustrate the importance of believers responding to their new position in Christ with an obedient lifestyle.
1 Peter 1:22 “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart…”
Observations:
- Having purified your souls
- By obedience to the truth
- For a sincere brotherly love
- Love one another earnestly
- From a pure heart
- Love one another earnestly
What a cool verse. We learn here that we purify our souls (not in a saving way – read verse 23) through obedience. The result of that soul purification is the ability to love others deeply from a pure heart. As a father, I am constantly seeking to train Anna to obey. Over the thanksgiving break, as I talk, discipline and guide Anna, I want to be reminded of this verse.
Apply: 1. Seek ways that I can walk in obedience to the truth – aggressive obedience. 2. Love others earnestly.
Is there anyone that you will spend time with over thanksgiving that is hard to love? Pray that God will help you to love them earnestly from a pure heart.
