Guest Contribution by Joe Collingsworth

1 Peter 1:1-10

Great things are happening at the Immanuel Baptist Church! As we put an emphasis on “going and growing,” it is evident that the Holy Spirit is working through the faithfulness of His people. We are reminded on a daily basis that this world is in need of the Gospel. We are surrounded by people who are hurting, who are needing restoration, and who are bearing the burdens and trials of life.

As the Apostle Peter wrote to those who had been scattered throughout Asia Minor, he admonished them to be found faithful in bringing glory to God through the trial of their faith. It is here we find the words: …Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

When we consider these words, we come to the conclusion that they speak of our faith. Our faith speaks of the salvation that we have in the Lord Jesus Christ, for we are saved by grace through faith. Because of that grace, we can experience the peace of God.

Jesus says in John 16:33, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Though trials and tribulations will come, we can have peace because of His grace. Peter was not speaking of something needing to be added to our salvation. Instead, he was saying that the grace and peace of God can multiply in our lives—so much so that they overcome us, magnify in our thoughts, and overshadow our struggles, so that despite the heaviness and temptations in life, others might come to know Christ through us.

This is a reminder that, no matter what we are going through, God has placed us exactly where He needs us. We have a responsibility to share the message of His grace with a lost and dying world. It should be our desire that the grace of God we have experienced and preached be multiplied. …But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: (Romans 5:20)

We are also reminded that no matter where God might lead—whether that be on the mountain or through the valley—He is with us! Others can learn of the peace of God through the testimony of our faith.

While admonishing these believers, Peter reminded them that their multiplying peace was contingent on what they did with the truth. Obedience to truth multiplies peace. Truth without obedience is nothing more than a wasted treasure; but truth applied in the Christian life brings peace and, with that peace, unity.

As Christians, we are to be like-minded and in one accord, standing fast in one spirit and striving together for the sake of the Gospel. There is peace in trusting God to direct our steps and in having faith that He is in control. To continue to grow as the family of God and influence others for Christ, we must be willing to grow as individual members of that family. If we want to continue to see God do amazing things in the days ahead and to have grace and peace be multiplied, then, by faith, we must be obedient to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.

As the old saying goes, “God will not take you where the grace of God cannot sustain you.” However, it can also be said that when we walk with God, we walk with peace.

In a world in need of Christ, may it be our desire that, as we strive together for the sake of the Gospel, grace and peace be multiplied.