Faithful Under-Shepherd
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adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he
may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith.”
Thus Peter wrote to the believers at a time of peculiar trial to the
church. Many had already become partakers of Christ’s sufferings,
and soon the church was to undergo a period of terrible persecution.
Within a few brief years many of those who had stood as teachers
and leaders in the church were to lay down their lives for the gospel.
Soon grievous wolves were to enter in, not sparing the flock. But none
of these things were to bring discouragement to those whose hopes
were centered in Christ. With words of encouragement and good cheer
Peter directed the minds of the believers from present trials and future
scenes of suffering “to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and
that fadeth not away.” “The God of all grace,” he fervently prayed,
“who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that
ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle
you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
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