Tag: 1 Peter

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1 Peter 5

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Read 1 Peter 5 – Treasure’s galore – There is great godly wisdom in this short passage.  

Elders, lead well, with a willing heart. Jesus has entrusted these people to you.  Young ones, accept their authority (youth is so full of pride), live humble.  And then, two of the my favorite morsels of wisdom: 

First, cast all your cares upon the Lord, for he cares for you(5:7).  Isn’t that awesome?  Over and over the bible instructs to fear not.  But when worry does creep in, what does one do?  That’s right – hand it right over to the Lord!  

Second, Peter states the fact, so there is no need to be surprised, but prepared and alert because the devil prowls like a lion, looking for someone to devour.  He instructs believers to stand firm against him and be strong in the faith(5:8-9).  There is something empowering about being ready.  So, be ready.  

Peter closes with a summary, “My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you.  Stand firm in this grace.(5:12).”  

Friends, will you stand firm in His grace?  Write that on your heart today.  Stand firm in His grace.  It’s a great calling.

Tomorrow we will pick up in the life of King David with 1 Kings.  It is the book after 2 Samuel, around the ⅓ mark of the Old Testament.

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1 Peter 4

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Read 1 Peter 4 – Jesus, Jesus, Jesus –

Whenever you are deciding right from wrong, look to Jesus.  Whenever you are in a season of trial, and Satan starts whispering doubt, look to Jesus.  He is the Author and Finisher of our faith(see Hebrews 12:2 “Looking to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”) – Jesus is like no other, for he has literally “been there, done that” in terms of suffering, betrayal, and temptation. There is nothing you may face that Jesus did not encounter.  

In verse 4:2 we get a picture of freedom that may be a challenge to imagine to the immature of faith, yet when you take on the attitude of being anxious to do the will of God, life takes on a delightful, powerful, purposeful dynamic! 

 “The end of the world is coming soon.  Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.”(4:7)  Talk about a call of duty!  What does your prayer life look like?  Don’t keep it on hold for desperate situations – No, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.  

Use your God-given gifts wisely(4:10).  If you don’t know what yours are, volunteer for everything; they will rise to the surface.  And again, Peter stresses that suffering will happen.  Trust your life to the God who created you, for he will never fail you(4:12-19). 

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1 Peter 3

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Read 1 Peter 3 – Godly living – It is so different from what human nature wants to do.  

But if you read through verse one – Wives must accept the authority of their husbands – and unwrap what that truly means, you will find the beauty of a new way of living.  You can trust the Lord with all those battles and animosity that might be in your heart as you lead with that gentle quiet spirit that is so beautiful to Jesus.  

And husbands must give honor to his wife… for she is equal(2:7). The world would make you think less than, but that is not how God designed marriage.   When both do as they ought, it is a beautiful marriage.  And each must do their part regardless of the other… no saying, “Well, when he/she…”  

Beyond marriage, Peter instructs that all of us should be of one mind, tender hearted and humble.  He quotes Psalm 34:12-16 when he says, “For the Scriptures say,” (3:10-12).  He reminds once more that suffering for doing good has eternal purpose, and that Jesus led the way in this for ultimate good.  

We end with a mystery.  Did you catch it?  “So he went and preached to the spirits in prison -” speaking of those who died during the flood of Noah.  What was that like?  Have they been waiting all this time?  Was redemption then possible for them?  I like to think so, but none of us will fully know until we get to heaven, if it matters at all then.  I LOVE a good mystery – I love how this draws me into the fullness of 1 Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.  Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”  Live right, the best is yet to come!

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1 Peter 2

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Read 1 Peter 2 – YOU are God’s chosen people – now clean it up!  Beloved, recognize the amazingness of who you are in Christ and do everything you can to live up to it – everyday.  

Peter is giving such solid advice to the region, and it is timeless wisdom for us too.  Get rid of all evil behavior – crave spiritual milk – grow into the full experience of Salvation (2:1-2)!  Jesus is our cornerstone and anyone who trusts in Him will not be disgraced (2:6).  Keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very soul(2:11).  Remember, these people were facing persecution and Peter instructs them to submit to it.  

God calls us to do good and represent Him well, even in suffering.  Look to Jesus as your example in 2:22-25.  Live like you are God’s treasure, because you are!  No matter the circumstances, guard against insecurity, pride, fear or anything that would dim the light of Jesus in you.💖

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1 Peter 1

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Read 1 Peter 1 – May God give you more and more grace and peace. 

Peter is writing to the people of modern day Turkey (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia 1:1) to comfort and encourage them in a season of persecution.  This letter was written around 63 A.D. – Jesus was crucified in 33 A.D.  It is a mere 30 years later and Christianity is still considered fringe by the masses…. And common people tend to treat non-conformists with hostility, much like today. 

Peter reminds them of their hope due to God’s mercy, Jesus’ resurrection and their Salvation(1:3).  He assures them by their faith, God is protecting them (1:5).  He doesn’t sugar-coat the truth that there will be trials, but encourages them to take joy over the fact that these trials reveal their faith to be genuine and will ultimately result in great praise, glory and honor when Jesus is revealed to the whole world(1:6-7). 

Beloved, read these words, pray for the Holy Spirits lead as you navigate the trials of life in this world.🙏🏻🕊📖🤗📖🕊🙏🏻