Peter Guided by the Trinity

(1 Peter 1) Peter’s introduction “To those...” begins the Trinitarian teaching.
1 To those...who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood:
[the elipisis: (who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,) We will catch that some other time. ED.]

“They” were chosen by God the Father, sanctified by the Spirit, and obeyed the Son. The tripartite nature of God comes through. Peter had seen Jesus come out of the water, receive the sign of the Holy Spirit, and hear the voice of God. That was indelibly impressed upon his consciousness. But that is not all he said.

After addressing them, he notes their condition: Trouble. But the trouble has helped, rather than harmed them by increasing their faith. Seems like we have heard that refrain before. Maybe he was thinking of Andre Crouch’s song, “Trials only come to make me strong.” (“Through It All.”)

There is a good rabbit hole there, but let’s push on. Peter reports the result.
9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
That is a pretty good result for a little discomfort.

Then look at v. 10.
As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ (italics added) within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.

The prophets...heard the Holy Spirit of Christ and they spoke as moved by God. Did you catch that? Christ and the Holy Spirit are one and the same. And God “moved” the prophets to speak.  Christ the Holy Spirit predicted His own suffering, death, and (amen) the glories to come. (Time for a little shoutin’ I think. ED.)

Now back to the prophets:
12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.

Their message was from God, by Christ the Holy Spirit, about Jesus for us. (The “you.”) And, the angels are curious. It was revealed to us and they want to know what it means. Do we value it enough? But I digress. Nope, not really. Peter continues with the application. How do we react?

13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Here are our instructions. “Prepare your minds....” Notice the mind, again. Our minds lead, and the emotions will follow along. “Keep sober.” This is serious business in which we engage. Then, “...fix your hope on the grace...of Jesus.” And we can add, put on your “dress,” holiness.

The sovereign, triune God directs Peter to write to the strangers and “pilgrims.” (Depending on your translation.) And he gives us our marching orders. “Be holy.”