Friday, November 20, 2009

1 Peter 5 provides some further guidance for men who work in the shepherding of God's people. We are encouraged to "care for the flock of God" willingly without grudge and with eagerness in service to God. We are called to lead by example, serving in humility under the mighty power of God. Finally, we are warned to be watchful and alert of the enemy, resisting him and standing firm in the faith with confidence that our God of grace will himself "make you strong, firm, and steadfast".

Thursday, November 19, 2009

1 Peter 4 teaches that when we submit to suffering for Christ, we actually "arm ourselves with the same attitude" of Christ's suffering on the cross. With this attitude of submission, we no longer live for our sinful desires, "but rather for the will of God". Peter says this requires us to be clear minded , self-controlled, loving each other deeply, serving others with whatever gift God has given us, speaking the words of God and serving with the strength God provides, to His glory and praise.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

1 Peter 3 teaches some principles regarding right Christian living. Our lives witness to unbelievers more than our words, so be careful that our behavior is pure and godly. We should value the attitude and inner spirit of a person more than their outward appearance, since only these are valued in God's eyes. Behave rightly toward others with honor and respect and understanding, since otherwise "your prayers will not be heard" (3:12 also). Peter lists five aspects that should characterize believers 1) one mind (pursuing the same goals), 2) sympathy (responsive to others) , 3) love ( treating each other as family), 4) tenderness ( caring and sensitive), 5) humility ( encourage and rejoice together). Lastly, Peter reminds us again that we may suffer for doing what is right, but God will reward us for it. He says "don't be afraid" then, and "don't worry", since we can trust in our "Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls".

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

1 Peter 2 teaches that He has chosen us that we "may grow up in our salvation" and we "are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood" now that we have "tasted that the Lord is good". We are called therefore as people belonging to God, to get rid of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and abstain from sinful desires "which war against your soul". We have received His mercy and have been called "out of darkness into His wonderful light". Before pagans and also every authority, we must live good lives full of good deeds and in submission, bringing glory to God and silencing "the ignorant talk of foolish men". We are to show proper respect to others, love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, and honor the king. Finally, we must "entrust ourselves to Him who judges justly", just as Jesus did when he suffered and bore our sins on the cross.

Monday, November 16, 2009

1 Peter 1 teaches us to praise Him for His great mercy and to rejoice in the hope we have in the resurrected Jesus for an imperishable inheritance, since we are "shielded by God's power" for our salvation. We are told therefore to "be holy in all you do" by setting " your hope fully on the grace" given by "He who called you". Lastly, we are purified by obeying the living and enduring word of God, giving us sincere, deep love for one another and genuine faith in our God that results in His praise, glory and honor.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

James 5 teaches three basic lessons: store up only eternal treasures since earthly treasure will soon rot and disappear, be patient in suffering , and be honest in speech. Also, James reminds us of God's infinite power of healing (both physical and spiritual) available through prayer and communion with Him.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

James 4 reminds us that selfish, prideful, covetous, and quarrelsome attitudes are derived from motivation by pleasure and desire for the ways of the world. James says that this "friendship with the world" is hatred toward God. In order to do avoid these behaviors, God calls us to continually humble ourselves before Him, submit to Him , and draw close to Him. Finally, we are reminded that we are only "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes". So we shouldn't boast about tomorrow but instead acknowledge God's omnipotence and condition our plans on His willing.