1 Peter (Part 1): The Longing of a New Creation

I can remember back in high school hanging out with a group of friends who were of a different local church than I. We all ended up deciding that it would be fruitful to start a Bible/book study together. We brainstormed and I threw out Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem. Many of them were not even aware of such a book like this (because of its breadth and depth in theology) that they quickly became interested. We ended up picking this book for a study. We were all longing to gain a richer and deeper understanding of God’s word. What I thought was a great start to a new spiritual journey quickly led to confusion.

It wasn’t long before one of my friends went to her pastor asking if this book would be legitimate to study. Though I commend my friend for going to the shepherd of her church to get thoughts on an unfamiliar book, what led to the most confusion was what that pastor said to me. I will never forget it and as I read 1 Peter 2:2-3, it will always come to mind.

I met with her pastor and we sat down and discussed the issues with doing a group study on Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem. He looked at me and one of the first things he said was “Brian, do you know who this book is intended for?” I responded with “It is geared toward those in seminary, but as the book states itself, it is for any believer who wants to know God’s word better.” He looked at me and said, “It might say it is for anyone, but it is only for those who are in seminary. This book is too deep to do a study on and can do more harm than good.”

Though I disagreed with his response, the biggest disappointment was that he had faithful church members who wanted to know the Bible in a deeper way, but shot the idea down because “it was too deep”. Faithful church members who, as 1 Peter 2:2-3 states, “were like newborn infants, longing for the pure spiritual milk, that by it, may grow up into salvation – if indeed have tasted that the Lord is good.”

Marks Of A New Creation

If you are a new creation, you have tasted the goodness of God’s grace and you WILL long to know Him more through His word and prayer. There isn’t a category in the Bible that displays believers who are apathetic toward his Word and trample on the blood. Though we may go through winter seasons in our faith, the Holy Spirit does not refuse to convict us and shine a brighter light to the cross. The Christian life can be summed up into a simple love for Jesus and a hate for sin, whereas the former life switches the two around.

Application

As 1 Peter 2 states, we should all be seeking to grow deeper in God’s word if we are a new creation. There should be desire to put sin to death and a desire to vivify the word of God in our life.

One of the frustrating things as a believer is hearing from other believers that listening to sermons, podcasts, reading Christian books, reading theology, and/or even journaling through the Bible is for those who know a lot about the Bible. As if some were just born with a knowledge and desire for God’s word. I have always been looked at as a “Varsity Christian” because I have invested much of my time in these ways. My response has always been “I am a new creation and have tasted that the Lord is good, and I want more.”

You don’t just “get” knowledge of the Bible. Relationship with Christ is one of work, battle, and effort. If you don’t put in the work, you will be left with “Why don’t I know much about the Bible?” “Why is my relationship with Christ dry?” You don’t have to do any of the things listed to become a Christian, but it is no doubt that the knowledge and edification are there for the grabbing.

The Bible Always Comes First

It is very easy to become so enthralled with the newest Christian Living book, the next hip Christian podcast, or even the next sermon by your favorite pastor. The Bible and the local church that you should be plugged into should always come first. If you are reading more resources about the Bible than the Bible itself, your priorities are a little backwards. If you are following another pastor or getting plugged into various studies outside of the local church that you are a member of, your priorities are backwards.

What If I Don’t Have The Resources?

Many believers don’t have the resources to know how to journal through the Bible, what podcasts to listen to, or even what Christian books are sound in doctrine and edifying. I have listed resources below.

Pastors (Sermons)

• Eric Mason

• Matt Chandler

• J.D. Greear

• David Platt

• John Piper

• Mark Driscoll

• Paul Tripp

• Ben Stuart

• Leonce Crump

• Tim Keller

• Francis Chan

Women Teachers

• Nancy Leigh Demoss

• Susan Hunt

• Jen Wilkin

Recommended Christian Books for Every Believer

• Just do Something – Kevin DeYoung

• Desiring God – John Piper

• Knowing God – J.I. Packer

• The Reason for God – Tim Keller

• Church Membership – Jonathan Leeman

• What is a Healthy Church Member – Thabithi Anyabwile

• Spiritual Disciplines – Don Whitney

• Praying the Bible – Don Whitney

• When People are Big and God is Small – Ed Welch

• Systematic Theology – Wayne Grudem

• What is the Gospel – Greg Gilbert

• The Cross of Christ – John Stott

Websites For Articles

• DesringGod.org

• Thegospelcoalition.org

• Theblazingcenter.com

• TimChallies.com

• Mbird.com

Christian Blogs for Women

• Equipping Eve

• Chapter 3 Ministries

• Satisfaction through Christ

• Out of the ordinary

Podcasts

• The briefing

• AskPastorJohn (Soundcloud)

• Thegospelcoalition

• The blazing center

• The Village Church Podcast