View source for 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).  

[[1 Peter]]