PODCAST
The Bottom Line
March 5th, 2016
1 Peter 1:1-12
“What if we could get you into this car for under $200 a month; would that work?” The salesman patted the hood of the shiny new car. “But how much would it cost?” I asked again. His eyes widened, he blew out his cheeks, scratched behind one ear, and said, “Well, we would have to figure that out. It will take a little while, if you would want to come into my office.” Suddenly the whole tone of the conversation had changed. Now we were talking price, the bottom line.
Peter had run a family fishing business before Jesus called him to “fish for people.” He knew what it meant to negotiate the best price for his catch. The Greek word he uses for “the end result of your faith” in 1 Peter 1:9 is telos, which can mean “end, outcome, or result.” Peter was speaking of the final outcome of the believer’s faith in Christ, “the salvation of your souls,” through the “living hope” found in Christ’s resurrection. This hope is imperishable, more valuable than gold and “kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3, 4). Is it any wonder we are filled with “an inexpressible and glorious joy”?
Author: Duane Brush
