Peter reminds the believers that as Christians they are temporary sojourners on this earth and that they ought to live in awe of God. After all, who are we that we should have an intimate family relationship with the Judge and King of all earth?
Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. (I Peter 1:17)
It is an awesome privilege to call God, who is the Judge over all, our Father. It means we cannot ignore God or treat Him casually, or live as spoiled children. Rather, we are to be grateful and show respect to our heavenly Father. God does not play favorites and therefore judges impartially according to each one's deeds. However, His judgement is ultimate, and because of this there should be a holy reverence for God by living in obedience, and shunning evil.
Sojourners, or strangers in a foreign land, do not have the rights of citizenship, but are only temporary residents, such as Israel was in Egypt. In that same manner, Christians are only temporary residents on this earth, and must live as though they do not belong here...nor do they plan to stay.
to be continued...
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