For In Thee, O Lord, Do I Hope, Thou Wilt Hear O Lord my God! - Part 2368

"Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee: let such as love Thy salvation say continually, "The Lord be magnified." But I [am] poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks upon me; Thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God!" (Psalm 40:16-17)

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ is writing to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia; the elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Herein, Peter is speaking about the Lord our God's abundant mercy which hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

"To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time ... wherein ye greatly rejoice ..." (I Peter 1:1-6)

Herein, Peter is giving timely instruction to believers, alluding to the importance of rejoicing (even in persecution) because we are partakers of Christ's sufferings, so that when His glory shall be revealed, we may be glad also with exceeding joy. (I Peter 4:13) Similarly, that we should not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.

By I Peter chapter 5, Peter is instructing the body of Christ church how to be ensembles to the flock, so that whey the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that will not fade away.

"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you]. To Him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (I Peter 5:1-11)

Peace [be] with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen. Stand in the offering plate.