Life as 'foreigners and exiles' may involve oppression from our surrounding culture — it may also involve temptation, as our hearts are drawn to the treasures of this passing age.
In some contexts it can be easy to rail against the moral collapse in our nation rather than the love of mammon that ensnares the hearts of many Christians in good, Bible-believing churches.
Peter makes three references to gold in his first epistle, suggesting that, for at least some of his readers, the main danger was from possessions rather than persecution.
The danger of possession, not persecution
The first reference to gold in 1 Peter is a contrast: 'faith is of greater worth than gold' (1:7). Peter tells us that gold perishes, even though refined by fire. We need an eternal perspective to make sense of this.
Gold is famously resistant to corrosion, but it will have no worth for our souls when Jesus Christ is revealed. Faith, however, is refined by trials and suffering and results in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. A vault of gold with your name on the door might be a great pension investment but, from the perspective of eternity, it is far better to have a Saviour with your name on His heart. Perhaps you are retired — does your conversation with grandchildren or great-grandchildren reveal the real treasure that fills you with hope?
Rich in Christ
The second reference tells us that 'it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect' (1:18-19).
We are surrounded by emptiness. Each generation hands to the next various forms of emptiness — values and goals that shape our life choices but do not give us the fullness of life. For some, the emptiness is the pursuit of wealth. For others, the desire for wealth comes because it seems to promise a better life than they one they currently experience.
But we have fullness in Jesus Christ. We have the joy and meaning that comes from our redemption by His precious blood. Every Egypt offers gold and delivers slavery. True freedom and life comes from Christ our Passover Lamb. He Himself is the source of our 'inexpressible and glorious joy' (1:8). When low-level discontentment haunts the corners of our minds, what do our hearts respond with? 'If only I had a bit more money' or 'If only I could know Jesus more deeply'? Pray for a heart that yearns for more of Christ!
Worthy in Christ
Finally, Peter counsels wives that their beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as 'the wearing of gold jewellery' (3:4). As an aside, here is proof that the suffering faced by Peter’s readers was not necessarily direct persecution; in such situations there is no possibility of having a fancy hairdo and showing off your expensive clothes. The desire for beauty is the desire to feel worthy, to receive admiration that boosts your feeling of self-worth. Gold jewellery might draw the eye of friends and passers-by but holy living — 'the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit' (1 Peter 3:4) — draws the eye of God, for it is of 'great worth in his sight.' Whose opinion matters the most?
Are you being seduced by gold and all it represents? Our glorious Lord Jesus Christ offers more. He is a redeemer who gives fullness of life; His teaching gives us a character of true worth in God’s sight; faith in Him gives praise, glory and honour that cannot perish, spoil or fade.
How would you characterise a Christian?
Every preacher should love 1 Peter 3v8. The verse begins, “Finally”, but he is only half-way through chapter three: you …