1 Peter 1:22-25

v.22- the main command in this text is found at the end of v.22, “love one another earnestly from a pure heart.”

In our relationship with Christ, He continually grows us and moves us more toward a love for Him and a love for others. You may recall that I’ve mentioned many many times that a true gage to how much you love God, is based on how much you love people! The Great Commandment fuels the Great Commission!

How is this relationship to love God and love people fanned into flame? It’s clear in this text and others that the Word of God fans that flame! Underline obedience to the truth in verse 22, and through the living and abiding word of God found in verse 23.

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Psalm 119:9 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.”

The Word Purifies v.22

 

v.23- Answers the why and how we can love- because you’ve been born again.

The power to love comes from hoping in God. When our sole desire is Christ, we run to His Word to learn to live in His ways. I believe Paul states this in Romans 10:17 “Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is the Word of Christ.” Initial faith is established by the Word and continual growth in faith is continually be built upon through the Word.

1 John 4:20 “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”

Turn to Romans 12:9-13. Love is birthed by the Holy Spirit and shows those who are truly born again. Love is the uniform that identifies the army of Christ!

The Word Procreates v.23 (The Word gives birth to life!)

 

vv.24-25- Everything dies but the all sustaining Word of God. Everything dies but your faith in Christ. If we hold on to anything but our hope in Christ, we will be very disappointed. Peter is just restating Isaiah 40:6-8.