In closing his letter, Peter gives some final admonitions, greetings, and benedictions. He continues the theme of grace and assures his readers of God's promises.

For the third time, Peter tells his readers to be self-controlled (1:13, 4:7, 5:8). This is always an important attribute, but especially when facing trials. It is important to be alert because the devil is prowling around looking for prey. Peter encourages his readers to resist the devil by standing firm in their faith. He reminds them that they are not alone in their suffering: other believers were experiencing the same kind of difficulties.

The suffering they faced was, in eternal terms, only for a short time. After it passed, the God of all grace would restore them in his strength. As we have said before, going through trials does not mean that God's grace has disappeared. He is still the God of grace, even in hardship.

Peter closes by saying that he had written to describe the true grace of God. Let us review what this true grace of God is:

• the blessing of God that accompanies peace (1:2)
• salvation that came in Jesus (1:10)
• eternal bliss with God (1:13)
• strength to endure unjust suffering (2:19-20)
• the gift of life (3:7)
• the talents and gifts we have from God (4:10)
• God's gift to the humble (5:5)
• the blessings of which God is the true source (5:10)

These are indeed great blessings of grace, and they will enable us to endure whatever life throws at us. God promises to give us grace for troubled times. By living as his holy people in that promise, we can enjoy the victory of Christ both now and in eternity.

1. Why is self-control an important attribute for Christians? Why is it difficult to achieve and maintain?

 

2. How can we be alert to the devil's potential influence in our lives (5:8)?

 

3. When might you be tempted to give up on God? What helps to bring you back to the faith (5:9)?

 

4. How does Peter help you understand more fully what God's grace really is?

 

5. What makes God's promises real to you?

 

6. We are not sure who "she who is in Babylon" (5:13) is. Possibly Peter is referring to the church in the city of Rome (this depends on whether the designation of Rome as "Babylon," as is found in Revelation, was common in the church at this time in the first century). How might the church in Rome have been suffering persecution?

 

7. "My son Mark" (5:13) may be John Mark, who had also spent time with Paul. Describe what it would be like to sit at the feet of Peter and learn from him.

 

8. What have you learned from 1 Peter regarding the true grace of God, the meaning of suffering as a Christian, the need to be holy, the need to be humble and trusting, and our purpose as God's church? What other lessons have you learned?