1:17 How are we to understand the reference to fear here?.
1:17 How are we to understand the reference to fear here?
As the one whom we address as Father is the same one who judges His children impartially, we should order our conduct on earth with a wholesome fear of displeasing Him (cp Psa 2:11-12, 85:9, 119:120; Pr 3:7-8, 9:10, 14:27, 16:6, 19:23; Ec 12:13; Isa 66:1-2; Lk 12:4-5; 1Cor 9:26-27; Php 2:12; 1Pe 3:1-2, 3:15).
Sojourning in 1Pe 1:17: "… Pass the time of your sojourning here (on earth) in fear" means to be a stranger; to dwell at a place only for a short time; to reside in a foreign land without the right of a citizen.
This teaches us that earth is not our home and we should not settle down in an earthly way of life as though it were permanent (cp Psa 119:54; He 11:8-10, 13-16; 1Pe 2:11). The Christian's home is in heaven. We are merely pilgrims on earth.
(See also comments on Php 2:12-13; He 11:1; 1Pe 2:11).