We are to pass the time of our sojourning here in fear (1Pt1:17).  For Peter the way we fear God is by abstaining from fleshly lusts which war against our soul and by loving the brethren with a pure heart fervently.  Husbands who obey not the word are won by the conversation of the wives as they behold their chaste conversation coupled with fear(1Pt3:1-2).  For he that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no evil (1Pt3:10) and for the Christian, the trial of our faith, being more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, honor, and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1Pt1:7) 

            The epistles of the New Testament are written for the born again, spirit filled, water baptized, blood washed Christians who still are living in a fallen world and still have to deal with the temptations of the flesh.  They have an adversary who like a roaring lion seeks those he may devour(1Pt5:8) and a pagan world which wants nothing less than to bring persecution to the church.  From Peter's perspective the only way to see good days is to have a holy fear of God which propels the Christian to be holy, for God is holy, and to have fervent charity, for charity will cover a multitude of sins(1Pt4:8)

            Fear God.  Unless we are willing to go all the way, to clean up our acts, to be at it for the body of believers, to have a sacrificial love, we may not receive what Christ died on the cross to achieve.  Too many Christians have a lackadaisical approach to God and a lackadaisical approach to his fellow Christian and for that he may be in for a big surprise when he reaches the end of his journey.  Peter was given the vocation to strengthen the brethren after his conversion and the way he chose to do it was to advocate a fear of God which would motivate the believer to press in and live the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We are not saved in a bubble.  We are saved unto good works.  We are saved to bring the good news to the world and to motivate our brothers and sisters in Christ to love and holiness.  Are we doing it?  Are we working out our salvation?  Have we succeeded in our battle with the flesh?  Do we see our responsibility to the body of Christ, to the poor, and to the lost?  Do we study to show ourselves approved unto God?  Do we meditate on the word of God?  Are we still on fire for God or have we lost our edge?  Is  Jesus Christ our first love?  Do we keep ourselves from idols?  These are the questions we must ask ourselves if we are to remain faithful to the end. 

            Peter's perspective is to fear God and honor the king.  To have more than just reverence for God but to recognize his power and his judgment: mercy to those who obey and punishment for the wicked. Peter was crucified for his faith, but he received eternal life.  We may not have to go that far but we must go farther than just saying a sinner's prayer and asking God for favors.  How far will you go?  How far do you think you have to go?  Peter gives us some of the answers.

amen