Grace in Focus – "The Salvation of Your Soul in Relation to God and to the Brethren"

Podcast: Grace in Focus
Host: Grace Evangelical Society (Bob Wilkin & David Renfrow)
Date: January 7, 2026
Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 1:13-25
Duration: 13 minutes

Overview

In this episode, Bob Wilkin and David Renfrow delve into 1 Peter 1:13-25, exploring the concept of "the salvation of your soul" (psuke) and its application in relationships—first to God (vv.13-21), then to fellow believers (vv.22-25). They distinguish issues essential to justification from those regarding sanctification, emphasizing the distinct roles each plays in the Christian journey. The episode encourages listeners to embrace both holiness and mutual encouragement, especially in times of suffering, with an assurance grounded in God's enduring promises.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Salvation of the Soul in Relation to God (1:13-21)

• Call to Holiness (vv.13-16)

  • Christians are to "gird up" their minds and be "sober," setting their hope on grace (01:33).
  • Holiness is portrayed as living set apart for God, for His purposes and as a testimony to others.
  • Quote:
    "The word holy, what's the basic meaning of holiness? It's the idea of being set aside for a specific purpose.” (B & C, 02:28)

• Obedience and the Example of Israel

  • Like Israel, believers are set apart to both glorify God and witness to others about His grace.
  • Quote:
    “…not only that, but also to be a testimony to the other nations about the Lord and his grace and the offer of salvation…we are set apart to serve him." (C, 02:42–03:04)

• Godly Fear (vv.17-21)

  • "Fear of the Lord" is reframed as “reverential awe,” not terror (03:31–03:52).
  • Faith and hope in God are underscored as believers anticipate sharing Christ’s glory.
  • Quote:
    “If we retain that godly fear, it will result in sharing in the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (B, 04:40)
  • The suffering believers’ comfort rests in God’s eternal plan and the assured hope of resurrection.
  • Quote:
    “…it’s not happening to me by chance. And I can feel comfort in going through these trials because I am with Christ and I have this hope of resurrection.” (C, 05:20)

• Encouragement in Suffering

  • Suffering for Christ is seen as something that is rewarded, not random.
  • The hosts note contemporary and historical global persecution, urging readiness and faithfulness.
  • Quote:
    “We today are not immune to suffering for Christ. We experience a lot of it. And so as long as we are suffering in this world we're in, that's rewardable.” (B, 05:54)

2. Salvation of the Soul in Relation to the Brethren (1:22-25)

• Transition to Brotherly Love (v.22)

  • Peter shifts to emphasize purification and fervent love among Christians—both "Philadelphia" (brotherly friendship) and "agape" (selfless love) (07:22–08:22, 10:06).
  • This mutual love supports the “salvation of the soul,” especially amid persecution.

• Assurance through God’s Word (vv.23-25)

  • Peter highlights the incorruptible, eternal nature of God’s Word as the foundation for hope and encouragement (09:55–10:46).
  • Quote:
    “The grass withers, the flower fades. But the word of God…is permanent. Therefore the promises are permanent.” (B, 10:38–10:46)
  • Eternal promises outlast the temporary sufferings and trials of the present world.

• Endurance and Comfort from Scripture

  • Old Testament quotations (from Isaiah) reinforce the message: the world is fleeting, but God’s blessings and Word endure (11:43–12:26).
  • Quote:
    “But you stay faithful to me because this stuff is not going to…the world is not going to last forever. But my blessings will last forever.” (C, 11:54)
  • Encouragement and mutual support among believers are vital for perseverance.

• Gospel—Broader than Initial Salvation

  • The "gospel" here is broader than "how I’m born again," encompassing all biblical teaching (11:26–11:32).
  • Quote:
    “This is one of many places…where the word gospel simply means Bible teaching…of various Bible doctrines.” (C, 11:26–11:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holiness Defined:
  "The word holy…it's the idea of being set aside for a specific purpose." (B & C, 02:28)
• On Suffering and Hope:
  "We today are not immune to suffering for Christ…as long as we are suffering in this world we're in, that's rewardable." (B, 05:54)
• Permanency of the Word:
  "The grass withers, the flower fades. But the word of God…is permanent. Therefore the promises are permanent." (B, 10:38–10:46)
• Encouragement among Believers:
  “We need to encourage one another with those kinds of words that the Lord allows us to go through these difficult times, maybe even to the point of physical death. But it is a time where we can serve one another by encouraging one another and concentrating on the Word of God.” (C, 09:41)
• On the ‘Gospel’ in Context:
  “…where the word gospel simply means Bible teaching…of various Bible doctrines.” (C, 11:26–11:32)
• Lasting Blessings:
  “My blessings will last forever.” (C, 11:54)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:59] — Beginning discussion of 1 Peter 1:13–21
• [01:33] — Call to holiness and what it means
• [03:18] — Shift to godly fear and reverential awe
• [04:45] — Glory as the reward for perseverance
• [05:54] — Suffering for Christ and its purpose
• [07:16] — Transition to relationships with fellow believers (1:22–25)
• [08:22] — Love amongst brethren and mutual support
• [09:55] — The enduring nature of God’s Word
• [10:46] — Impact of the Word’s permanence on Christian hope
• [11:26] — The gospel as broad biblical teaching
• [12:27] — Comfort and lasting encouragement from Peter's exhortation

Tone & Style

Conversational, encouraging, and pastoral. Bob Wilkin and David Renfrow blend theological precision with practical encouragement, addressing both doctrinal depth and the lived experience of suffering believers.

Summary for New Listeners

This concise yet rich episode unpacks how believers are both set apart for God and called to love each other deeply, especially when enduring hardship. Anchored in the unwavering promises of God’s Word, listeners are encouraged to pursue holiness, exhibit brotherly love, and find their hope in Christ’s assured resurrection and glory. The conversation provides both theological grounding and practical comfort, making it a valuable listen for anyone seeking to understand 1 Peter’s call to perseverance and mutual care within the context of Free Grace Theology.