The Story: We hear in Peter’s exhortation the ancient words of God’s covenant with Abraham: blessed to be a blessing (Gen. 12.1-3). The Gospel brings the realization of those precious and very great promises (2 Pet. 1.4) in our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 1.20). Thus, we who have believed in Him should expect that, as we gain those promised blessings, and they begin to affect how we think and feel, we will act toward others as a blessing as well, beginning with the members of God’s household. Thus we must strive to “put on Jesus,” as Paul might say (Eph. 4.17-24) and work for unity, humility, longsuffering, and love. It’s not an easy row to hoe, but it is what we are called to as the followers of Jesus Christ. God blesses us with the riches of His grace and truth, and through us, He blesses the world – even though they may hate and revile us.

The Structure: In this time of restoration, therefore, the followers of Jesus Christ bring a new pattern of living into the world of self-seeking, self-interest, and every-man-for-himself. Christians are light, salt, and leaven, exerting transforming power gradually but truly, as they draw on the blessings of God and reach out to bless the people around them. Remember, the people to whom Peter was writing were experiencing hard persecution. How much more should we, in this freest of nations, make the most of every opportunity to join with fellow Christians and look for ways to be a blessing to the world!

How does that “blessed to be a blessing” formula affect the way you think about your life each day?

Each week’s studies in our Scriptorium column are available in a free PDF form, suitable for personal or group use. For this week’s study, “First, Be: 1 Peter 3,” simply click here.

T. M. Moore

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.