1 Peter 5:12-14 "Standing Fast"

Read 1 Peter 5:12-14.

"... true grace of God. Stand fast in it." NIV

That phrase, "Stand fast in it" really caught my attention. What does it mean to "stand fast" in something?

Here are some definitions of "standing fast":

• to make firm, fix, establish
  
• to uphold or sustain the authority or force of anything
  
• to set or place in a balance
  
• to stand immovable, stand firm
  
• stand unharmed, to stand ready or prepared
  
• to be of a steadfast mind
  
• of quality, one who does not hesitate, does not waver
  

The grace of God is a gift that we must hold tightly to -- firmly, fixed, established -- never wavering and without hesitation. We must always be ready to defend God's grace and His authority in our life. His grace provides balance in a chaotic world. By His grace I cannot be moved or harmed, and I am prepared and ready to face whatever the enemy throws at me. By His grace I have a mind that is firm in belief, determination, loyalty, and faithfulness. All because of His true grace, I am sustained.

I can owe nothing to my own abilities or anyone else's. He is my hope and rock forever and forever. Amen.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do a word study of "grace."
   
2. Have you been wavering in your stand on grace? Why? Are you spending time with the Grace-giver? You can't spend time with Him -- good concentrated time -- and not be convinced of His grace.
   
3. Do you need to extend His grace to someone else?

1 Peter 5:5-10 "The To Be List"

Read 1 Peter 5:5-10.

"And the God of all grace... will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." NIV

Peter gives a whole grocery list of items to live by and come out strong in the Christian walk. 

Be submissive to elders: We have lost the value of the wisdom of our elders. The Lord says to submit to that wisdom. Let them lead as He has commissioned them to lead. Follow their direction and we will do better than wandering in our own ignorance.

Clothe ourselves with humility toward one another: Haughtiness and pride will not get us anywhere in the kingdom. If we are to work together as a community in the love of Jesus Christ, then humility must reign. If we humble ourselves before our Lord and before each other, God will recognize us in due time. Our society works so much for accomplishment recognition that we think we have to do that in the church as well. But if we are working for an audience of One, we don't need to look for the accolades of the masses, but seek the approval of the Master alone.

Cast all your anxiety on him: Oh, how I wish more people would get this one. There is absolutely nothing to worry about. Worrying serves no purpose but to waste time and cause high blood pressure and heart attacks. The Lord has everything under control and if we just diligently take concentrated time with Him, our perspective on life, God, our place in this world because strangely clear and the burdens and concerns simply lift off of our shoulders. He cares for me, so why would He not have my life under control.

Be self-controlled and alert: The enemy is like a crouching tiger just waiting for the right opportunity to pounce. His temptations come in not one at a time like a bullet, but more with the tenacity of a machine gun. I must remain alert and on my toes ready to duck from the barrage. And if I ever think I am suffering for my beliefs, I just have to consider my brothers and sisters in China and know my life is easy.

My strength, firmness and steadfastness is firmly rooted in Jesus Christ. Circumstances of life may try to distract me, but my hope never wavers from His amazing love and grace. I will continue to rely on Him and Him alone to hold me up as I humble myself before His throne.

Further Thoughts:

1. Humility is not a popular thought. Everyone is taught to look out for number one. What ways can you show humility in your family, work, neighborhood and church this week? 
   
2. Are you a worrier? Why? What have you gained by worrying? Ask the Lord to help you to surrender control and trust in Him alone. It's a daily burden to lay down.
   
3. Look up other Scripture on these different attributes of living a surrendered Christian life.
4. Is this list related more with what to do or what to be? Explain.
5. How do you remain alert to the enemy's temptations? How can you be proactive against him?

1 Peter 5:1-4 "The Elder's Responsibilities"

Read 1 Peter 5:1-4.

"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care...."NIV

Peter is appealing here to the elders among the scattered Christians to lead as God has commanded. What does it mean to be a shepherd? The KJV uses "poimaino" which means: to rule, to nourish, to cherish one's body, to supply the requisites for the soul's needs. An "overseer" was to "look upon, inspect, care for."

We all experience leading others in some way -- in our jobs, our homes, our families.... But the leaders of a church carry a weighty responsibility that many of us don't understand. We tend to honor and revere political leaders. But elders aren't protecting life and property. They are not assuring that economies don't fall or jobs are not lost. Elders are protecting something far more valuable -- souls. It's a job that cannot be taken lightly, but with gravity and reverence. The example to be set for those they are shepherding must be above reproach and the accounting to the Father is strict. It is not a glorious position, but one successful with humility and due diligence. Money and fame are not the earthly or eternal reward. But they will receive their crown of glory in the end. And for those who have run the race well, it will be well deserved.

Further Thoughts:

1. Who are the OT leaders? What did they do well? What did some of them do poorly? What can we learn from them in leading God's people?
   
2. Do you need to thank an elder for their work as your leader? Send a note today and encourage them. The responsibility is usually thankless. They could use your encouragement.

1 Peter 4:12-19 "Shining Sufferers"

Read 1 Peter 4:12-19.

"If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." NIV

I don't receive insults for being a Christian because I am doing it wrong. I don't receive insults because Christianity is not the way. I don't receive insults because I'm too much of a judgmental, right-wing, conservative fundamentalist. I receive insults because I have the Spirit of glory and of God resting on me. Isn't that an awesome thought? The enemy recognizes God's Spirit on me and he's ticked off. He will do whatever he must do to try to make me discouraged and doubtful of the One I serve and the purpose for serving Him. But he's really messed up because I know I serve the Most High. I know that God is in control. I know Jesus Christ is my Savior. I read the end of the book -- I'm on the winning side.

So let him send his minions to do their best. I am shining with the glory of the Almighty!

Further Thoughts:

1. Do you suffer persecution? Thank God that others see Him in you and that you can suffer as our Lord did.
   
2. If you ever think you suffer too much for your faith, check out this site. These people know suffering....and they have seen the glory of God. 
   

1 Peter 4:7-11 "The Time is Short"

Read 1 Peter 4:7-11.

"The end of all things is near." NIV

For hundreds of years these same words have been read by so many -- the end is near. And still the Lord hasn't returned. But the truth remains -- both for the world and for our individual lives. What is near for God? He is outside of time and space. So the end could be very near. "No man knows the day or time" so we should be living each day as if it is the end. But lately, the Lord has been impressing on my heart the shortness of time - time with those I love, time to do the right things, time to help someone in need, even my lifetime on this earth. (Maybe my mother passing away has something to do with this.) But parallel to the shortness of time, I am experiencing the vastness of God. He is huger than we ever think of Him. Too often we want to place Him in a little box and tie it up with a ribbon as if He is something we can know and control. But He is bigger than words or imagination can describe.

So with those two thoughts - the shortness of our time here and the vastness of our God -- look at the following verses.

"...be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." Most of the time if I am not clear minded or self-controlled, I will try to do everything on my own OR open myself to fall into sin. But if I keep my focus - on the shortness of time and the Almighty Creator that I serve -- I will stop to pray for His guidance in every circumstance; I will recognize temptation for what it is and run from the sin to follow.

"love each other deeply...." I need to do this so much better. I am such an introvert and can be drained by being with people so much that I tend to withdraw from spending time with others and giving them the love I need to give. It's all selfishness; I know that. But I am trying to do better and continue to ask the Lord to give me the same love for others that He has. I want to see others with the heart of Christ and not as my energy drainers. I'm thankful that others have shown me love and want to give back.

"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." This one kind of hits into the introvert problem again. (I'm not bemoaning how God created me; just learning to be a better citizen of the world in the midst of it.) I'm trying to open my home up to others more. I love having people over and want to do it more. As my husband always says, "It's all about relationships."

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others...." We don't have time to dink around. God made us each unique and special, and we need to learn what those areas of specialness are that God wants to use to "administer His grace." Whether we take gifts tests or just jump into different areas of ministry to "try on," we can serve Him and others. I believe God opens doors all the time - in small ways and large - to be His servants. It's our responsibility to "faithfully" step through those doors. And if we feel inadequate to fill those positions or duties, just remember, we serve a huge God who gives generously. He will not ask us to do anything that He will not also provide the ability to do it.

All we do for the Lord, we need to do it quickly and reverently. Our time is running out. The clocks ticking. What will my contribution to the ministry of Jesus Christ and the plan of the Almighty be? 

Further Thoughts:

1. From each of the points above, match an Old Testament person to them. How did they live it out?
   
2. Which area is God calling you to work on? Or maybe surrender to Him? If you are fighting Him on that, why?
   
3. How does God make us able to accomplish what He calls us to do? What is our responsibility and what is His? Support with Scripture.
   
4. Track your day and/or week. How much time is wasted? Doing what? What could you be doing instead?
   
5. Do you see our God as too small? Spend a day this week contemplating the vastness of God. Start with observing His creation - large and small. Then move on to His demonstration of His love, grace, mercy, etc. Now how big is He?
   

1 Peter 4:1-6 "Suffering For Sin"

Read 1 Peter 4:1-6.

"Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin." NIV

Have you ever read a passage and it grabs you? You're not even sure completely what it's meaning, but you are drawn. That happens often to me as I study, and this is one of those verses -- especially the last half. I've know many people who have suffered greatly because of their sin and were glad to leave it behind. But I've known even more who even though they've suffered, don't know how to get out of the sin, have their identity in it and don't want to leave, or in some strange way enjoy the suffering.

Masking the suffering of sin is a huge job for the enemy. He wants everyone to think sinning is much more fun than not sinning. He wants to discredit a straight path as being right- wing fundamentalism - said almost as a dirty word. He wants to make life without sin look boring and useless. But he is the great Deceiver, and we as believers must expose his lie. Oh, those sins may bring a temporary pleasure, but their consequences, both here on earth and in the judgement to come, far outweigh the momentary satisfaction.

How do we expose the Deceiver? By living our lives above reproach, by loving those who are stuck in the deception, by showing them the joy and freedom we have outside of a life of sin, by guiding them out of the lie. It's sort of like being in a dark tunnel, and you are the one in the front of the line with the only flashlight. You could just face the light forward so your path is clear. But it would be so much better if you'd stop and face the light behind you so others could see how to get where you are. You may not feel like you are capable of leading anyone else because you have not gone much farther than they have from their sin, but every little bit away helps. Just seeing a glimpse of a life free from the bondage of sin may be enough to encourage someone to take steps.

Further Thoughts:

1. What are some ways you have suffered because of sin?
2. Look up different examples of Jesus shining the flashlight for people to move away from their sin? How did He illuminate the pain of the sin? In what form did He present the hope?
   
3. Is there someone around you that you need to love out of sin and light the right path? What are some ways you can show them love? How are they going to see the right path?
4. Who do you need to thank for lighting the path for you?
5. How is the Old Testament a light for us?

1 Peter 3:13-22 "The Right Fear"

Read 1 Peter 3:13-22.

"Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." NIV

Peter has told us to live doing good, not evil. Show brotherly love. Here he cautions that we still may be harmed or persecuted for doing good. Then he says this line above from vs 14 -- do not fear what they fear. So what do they fear and why don't I need to have the same fears?

Fear is a very prevalent emotion in every generation. It may change from circumstance to circumstance, but always comes back around to the same reasons that someone at some time has been afraid. Today, I'd say we are afraid of financial ruin which could lead to joblessness, and homelessness. People have been at this same place before -- look at the depression. About a year ago, we were afraid that we would never be able to use our cars again because of gas prices. A few years ago, say in about 2004, we were afraid of the Iraqi's with the war and Iran and North Korea with nuclear weapons. In 2001, we were afraid of terrorists. And on and on it goes. There is always something to be afraid of. In the modern era, it's usually whatever the media tells us to fear. 

Everything people fear are things that could take away something we have -- possessions, power, security, family, their life.... All their fears are based on "me." But a believer, on the other hand, has surrendered all those things to the Lord to do with as He wills. We recognize where those blessings come from and allow Him to hold them in His capable hands. We don't need to fear losing our possessions; it's just stuff. We don't need to fear losing power; we serve the One with the ultimate power. We don't need to fear losing our security or our family; the Lord watches over His sheep. We don't even need to fear losing our life; this life we live here is not our final destination. It is merely a thin shadow of our true home. So if my life is taken, I'm going to a much better place. 

Now I say none of this to mean we don't use common sense or don't work hard to keep a roof over our heads. "Fools rush in where angels dare to tread." We must use the brains God gave us with the little wisdom we do possess. But none of it needs to be wrapped in fear. The only fear that the Bible encourages is a fear of God. He should be the One that we come crawling to on hands and knees with our faces to the ground seeking His mercy, grace, and guidance. It is in our hearts that we should "set apart Christ as Lord," not our fear. We don't have room for two lords.

Isaiah 8:13: "The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary...." NIV

Further Thoughts:

1. Compare and contrast fear and faith. Support with Scripture.
   
2. Is fear your lord? Why? Is that choice really working for you?
   
3. Saul lived in fear all the time. What was he afraid of? Is that a fear that lines up with the world or God?
   
4. Memorize some Scriptures on biblical fear.
   

1 Peter 3:8-12 "Good Over Evil"

Read 1 Peter 3:8-12.

"He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it." NIV

Peter speaks a lot about purity and turning away from evil. He talks about it in our relationship with God, with the authorities over us, in our marriages, and now in our relationships with each other. He admonishes us to do good, not evil. 

What are ways we can have good relationships?

Live in harmony with one another: This kind of living requires looking out for the other person more than you look out for yourself. I just finished The Shack. Although I don't agree with everything in the book, it's a great read and thoughtful concepts on the Trinity and our place in the world. But in the book, the Trinity work together so beautifully because there is no power struggle. They are each looking out for the other's interests. That is the kind of relationship we should be having with one another.

Be sympathetic: I see grace coming in here. Whether it's sympathy for someone going through a hard time and needing comforting or it's ignoring harsh words directed at us and not about us. Again, this takes not saying to yourself, "What did I do to deserve that?" But trying to see life from another person's perspective and really understanding what they are going through. This one's tough because we tend to look at life through our eyes only. But a follower of Christ saved by grace needs to be denying self and extending grace whenever possible. Sympathy for a brother's situation is the beginning of building a strong relationship.

Love as brothers: Family. The body of Christ is a family. We watch out for family. We love them dearly. Even the most distant cousin is not a stranger to us -- they're family.

Be compassionate and humble: Here is where guarding the tongue can come in. Often we want to lash out with judgment against one another's actions or attitudes. It's easy to do. When we are not in the situation, our perspective can be clearer in distinguishing God's ways from man's ways. But with compassion and humility, we guard our tongue and speak in love and gentleness to one another. It doesn't mean we never speak "truth" into one another's lives. That is needed in a family. But it is done out of love and humility, not frustration and anger. Your brother may lash out at you, but never repay "evil for evil or insult with insult, but with a blessing."

Turning from evil and doing good is not easy. Only through the power of the Father can we walk humble and pure lives for His glory. Resist the power struggle. Shun the selfish desires. Put away the "me" filter and see others the way God sees them.

Further Thoughts:

1. Every time I want to find an exemplary person in the OT for doing good and for not repaying evil for evil I always come back to Joseph. He was an amazing man and knew how to live relationships through every step of his life -- wherever he was at. (Well, once he got past bragging to his brothers that they would one day bow down to him. But he was just a naive kid then. He had to grow up fast.) Reread about Joseph and list the relationships he had and how he exemplified a holy lifestyle.
   
2. Is there someone or someones you have difficulty relating to. Pray for them and try applying the above principles for one week. Then record what happens.
   

1 Peter 3:1-7 "Marriage Attributes"

Read 1 Peter 3:1-7.

"... purity and reverence,...gentle and quiet spirit...considerate,... with respect...." NIV

It's almost as if Peter is giving a formula for a great marriage. Look at the attributes I pulled out of this passage. 

purity and reverence: How we should live out our Christian life. Holiness and a reverence for the mightiness and awesomeness of God. Our God view affects everything in our life -- the way we worship, the way we do our jobs, how we parent, and how we have relationships. Therefore, this is where we begin in having a great marriage -- with our relationship with God.

gentle and quiet spirit: I am constantly working on this one. It does not come naturally to me. I have always admired older women (I mean in their 80s) who are so gentle and quiet that every time they do speak, you stop and listen because you just know words of wisdom are going to come out. Maybe if I keep surrendering my mouth and opinions to the Lord long enough, by the time I'm 80 I'll be that woman. In the meantime, I keep surrendering away. However, my marriage won't wait until I'm 80, so I must keep a reign on my tongue and temper. I must by God's power and Spirit, maintain a gentle spirit.

considerate: One of the things (of many) that my husband has taught me is if you take the time to meet other people's needs, your needs will be met. You don't have to always go after your needs. Giving to another person will bring about a reciprocal relation where they give back to you.

with respect: Respect is huge in a marriage and I think one of the hardest attributes to maintain. Here is a person that you know the best of anyone in the world. And your love and desire for them to succeed is great. You want them to always come out on top in whatever they try. So you tend to see not only all their strengths, but their weaknesses, as well. And since we are so familiar with one another, you automatically believe you have the right to point out those weaknesses. Hopefully, your motivation is because you want them to excel. Sometimes, it's because you are ashamed of them or feel superior to them. The caution is, you are not perfect, and they know your weaknesses, too. In a marriage, the same grace that Christ afforded to you so freely should be given to those we love and are closest to. Grace is probably the greatest forms of respect we can ever give.

Lord, first, help my relationship with you to be holy and reverent. Then through Your Spirit's filling of a gentle and quiet spirit, help me to be considerate and respectful of my husband. I commit, once again, my marriage to You.

Further Thoughts:

1. Look up the definition of each of the key words in this passage. Then find more Scriptures on each.
   
2. How did Queen Esther exemplify these attributes?
   
3. Which attribute do you already do well? Which attribute do you need to especially work on this week? 
   
4. Click on the label for this post of "the tongue." Read on ways we are to guard our tongue. How's does this apply to a great marriage?

1 Peter 2:13-25 "Respecting Leadership"

Read 1 Peter 2:13-25.

"Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." NIV

I really looked forward to the inauguration this year, not because I think the savior of our nation is in the White House now, but because I was getting so sick of Bush Bashing. I have not approved of all the presidents I've experienced in my lifetime, but I do my best to respect them as our leader. If they are elected in a democratic system, then the people have spoken, and I will move forward with that decision and support them in every way possible. Not only is this the toughest job out there, but God has allowed that person to be in that office and the Word says that I am to respect them. It doesn't say that I have to agree with every decision they make. It doesn't say that I have to throw parades to support them. It says that I show respect and live my life in honor of the leadership.

I've had some leadership positions, and they are tough. No one can fully understand a particular leadership position until they have walked that walk. Leaders carry a weight on their shoulders that no one else can share. They often have hundreds if not thousands of people they are responsible for. Do they all do it well? No. Are some leaders corrupt? Yes. But that doesn't diminish the responsibility they carry every day.

The Word says that we are to submit. Christ had to submit to corrupt religious leaders and then to the oppressive Roman rule. He was crucified under this kind of authority. And if they had not been in place at that time in Christ's life, God's plan for the salvation of the world could not have happened.

For what ever reason that is beyond our comprehension, God is in control of the authorities that are set in place -- the good and the bad. Probably because we have chosen independence from Him as a people when we chose sin. Therefore, He allows some of our choices to go through. But He can take those choices, however bad they may be, and make good out of them. We may set up systems where the tyrant or the corrupt can lead, but He can take the bad and make something good come out of it. After all, He took Christ from the crucifixion to the resurrection and thus, the redemption of mankind. It all occurred under submission to the authority God had in place.

Further Thoughts:

1. Look back through the OT at the authorities in God had in place. How were even some of the corrupt leaders' decisions brought around for God's good plan?
2. Do you have a problem with showing respect to authority? Why?
3. Do a word study of "loyalty." How does loyalty honor the authorities over us and ultimately, God?
4. How can you better show respect to our present leadership in our country? Your city? Your work? Your home?

1 Peter 2:4-12 "Living Stones"

Read 1 Peter 2:4-12.

"...you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." NIV

Peter has been telling us that we have received God's mercy through Jesus Christ and will receive our inheritance. Now, we need to prepare our minds for action and as purified followers, love one another deeply from the heart. As strangers in this world, we do not conform to its ways, but put off malice, envy, deceit, hypocrisy, etc. All of these actions lead us up to the fact that we are being transformed into a spiritual house for our Lord. He resides in us and we must surrender our "home" to Him as a holy residence. My acceptable sacrifice, therefore, is allowing Him full reign and use of my being. I may be dealing with the Almighty Creator of the Universe here, but He is a gentleman and will not overstep the bounds of free will. So it's my job to, through His power, overcome the enemy that battles for my soul and allow God to use me in any way He chooses. I do so not out of the law, but out of love for my Lord and Savior. I am in relationship with the Almighty and choose to do nothing less than serve Him with my entire being.

That idea and all it encompasses is overwhelming to me, yet at the same time very simple. Consider the vastness of the universe; God spoke it into existence. Then realize that He wants to use you for His honor and glory. That is so humbling. Who am I? The answer is "No one." But I was chosen by huge God who is the I AM. And that's all I need to know.

Further Thoughts:

1. How precious are you to God? Read Psalm 139 and then read Luke 23:26-46 and give thanks.
2. How big is your God? Read Psalm 33 and then watch this amazing video from Louie Giglio's tour, "How Great Is Our God."

1 Peter 1:22-2:3 "Unselfish Love"

Read 1 Peter 1:22-2:3.

"...have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." NIV

The last half a year or so I have been praying that God would help me love others and Him more and myself less. He's given me many opportunities to live that out, but it begins not so much with actions, but with an attitude of the heart that then leads to actions. That's exactly what this passage is talking about.

Getting rid of self is 2:1. Think about that list -- malice..., deceit...., hypocrisy..., envy..., slander of every kind. All of these sins center in selfishness, power over another, my way. None of these actions center on others and their needs. None! As the child of the Almighty, I am called into relationship first with Him, and secondly in relationship with others. Perfect relationship looks to meet another's needs before my own and that only happens with a pure love. Pure love can only come from the One who is pure love -- our Heavenly Father. As I surrender my own selfish desires and perspectives to embrace Him and His love, that love can flow through me to others. That is all that matters in this life -- living out the love of Christ so others see Him through me.

My heart has been breaking more and more for other people. I don't know what God is doing in me, but I do know I can't keep doing life as I have been. Our time here is just a speck and a lot is still to be done. The grass and flowers are going to die, but God's plan will endure.

Lord, continue to break my heart for others. Use me to be a light in the darkness. Direct my path daily and shine through me, for I am nothing but Yours.

Further Thoughts:

1. How am I actively surrendering my will to God every day?
2. Do I love with an unselfish love? Am I allowing God to love through me? If not, why?
3. Spend an entire day consciously moment by moment paying attention to everything you do -- is it a selfish attitude/action or are you looking out for others first?

1 Peter 1:17-21 "Reverent Fear"

Read 1 Peter 1:17-21.

"...live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear." NIV

What an interesting imagery here in these few words. Because we are of the redeemed and no longer of this world, but citizens of heaven, we are strangers in this world. In other words, we are on temporary assignment in this time and place with an emphasis on the temporary. So we have a lot of work to do in a very short amount of time. And to do it effectively and wisely, our lives must be purified by the Spirit of Jesus Christ and our minds ready for action.

But how do I live in reverent fear? This is not the fear that a scary movie invokes. It's not the fear of something bad happening such as a car accident or a loved one dying. Those kinds of fears are not of God. That is the enemy tempting us to live in a way that God did not design. That type of fear is the opposite of trusting God.

The original word for "fear" is phobos which means
fear, dread, terror
that which strikes terror
reverence for one's husband

That is why the later translations added "reverent" before the word, fear. Reverent meaning submissive; humble; respectful. A respectful fear of the almighty, omniscient, omnipotent power that you are addressing and working for. That is Who you serve and Who lives within you. Therefore, do not set your mind on the things of this world, but as a stranger living in it, set your mind on God and His work for He has the power to save or to destroy and will judge what you have done with your time here.

The English Standard Version says:
"And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, "

The scattered believers were going to be judged by God according to their work, and since their freedom and future were bought at such a high price, the Father's expectations are high. We need to live in respect and yes, fear, of the wrath that we have been pardoned from. We can never forget that it is the Almighty Creator of the Universe that we serve and we must diligently pursue the things that God would have us pursue. We must do the work that He would have us do. If we lose our respectfulness for the power of the Almighty, we not only are toying with the wrath of the Almighty, but we are also missing out on tapping into the power. He is our source and sufficiency to do anything. Without Him, we become no longer strangers, but owners of this world. And I for one want to just visit for a while. I've been promised an upgrade.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do a word study on fear. What other Scripture do you find concerning it?
2. Do you live in fear? Of what? Why? What does Scripture say about living in fear of events or people?
3. In what ways did the Hebrew children lack reverent fear of the Almighty? What did that cost them?
4. Does your fear of God paralyze you or lead you to respect, honor, and trust His power? If it's the former, why? What hold does the enemy have on you to keep you stuck in that wasteland? Claim victory over a worldly fear and embrace a reverent fear of the Lord.
5. Look up passages on "strangers and aliens." I was amazed at how many times we are called that in the Word.

1 Peter 1:13-16 "Mind Preparation"

Read 1 Peter 1:13-16.

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action...." NIV

Well, there's a "therefore." Peter has just been reminding the scattered Christians about the salvation they have been given through Jesus Christ through His mercy into a living hope. Now he is saying, since you know the gift you have been given and the future in store for you, this is how you are to live. It doesn't say go get your house cleaned. Nor go earn some more money. There's nothing about upgrading your computer, car, or buying the latest video game. It doesn't even say you'd better take a vacation first. They are told to prepare their minds for action. Why the mind?

The choice to follow Jesus Christ is a conscious decision. God gave us free will to choose Him over evil. In the same way, following evil is a choice. Choices come from a mental decision to move in one direction or another. So if we have chosen to follow Jesus Christ and receive the hope He gives as our Savior, then we must be prepared to choose to walk in obedience to Him as Lord, as well.

Peter first talks about being self-controlled. How are we self-controlled with our minds? We know there are positive things we can fill our minds with and negative ones. The negative things fall under the "evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance." Choosing activities that promote falling under temptation to our old way of life would be the things we should avoid. Subjecting our minds to raunchy TV or movies, listening to certain types of music, reading trashy literature, or even involved in gossip in the workplace can all open our minds to areas where the enemy can lure us back into our old ways. As an athlete prepares their body for a race, our minds must be prepared for the battle the great tempter will wage against us.

So we "set our hope fully on the grace" and live "holy lives in all we do." The word "holy" comes from the Greek word, Hagios, which means "most holy thing, a saint." Verse eighteen tells us what holiness is -- being obedient, not conforming to evil desires. Anything that is in opposition to God's laws and ways is disobedience. It may come in the form of an action or an inaction. But either way, we must prepare our minds. Actively choose to guard the part of us that could be tempted to stray from the path and example of Jesus Christ and move us back into our old ways of disobedience. Choosing holiness is not bondage as some may view it, but freedom to be who God created me to be in the fullest sense. I am His child and walking His path.

Lord, if there is anything that I am doing or not doing that is weakening my mind, reveal it to me. I want to live a self-controlled, holy life for Your honor and glory.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read Numbers 15:37-41. God is instructing Moses to have the people put tassels on their garments to remind them to obey. Right now I am wearing a blue tasseled bracelet on my arm for a Bible study I am in to remind me to be obedient. What visual reminder do you have to remain holy through obedience to the Lord's commands?
2. Look up the word holy in the dictionary. Find Scriptures with the word holy.
3. Does holy leaving mean living a perfect life? Why or why not?
4. Can you have holy actions and not have a holy heart? Explain and support with Scripture.
5. What should the impetus for holy living be? What does holy living look like? What does it not look like?
6. Can it be taught to our children? How? Is it possible to teach holy living without actually living it?

1 Peter 1:10-12 "Prophesy Fulfilled"

Read 1 Peter 1:10-12.

"It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you...." NIV

The prophets knew that they would never see the Messiah on this earth. There job was to report to the people what was to come, not what they would themselves live. In an instant gratification culture, this is a difficult one to grasp. The prophets were being told by the Lord the most important event in the history of man. They "saw" visions of the hope for their people and actually all mankind, and yet they knew they would not live to see it happen. It's difficult to have passion and drive about something we will not see fulfilled. Think about it, you write a book knowing you will never see it published. You build a car knowing you will never drive it. You start a company knowing you will never receive any profit from it. You find a cure for cancer knowing your cancer will not be cured by it.

The prophets watched their people wandering in hopelessness knowing that hope was coming -- but not yet.

We still have the return of Christ that we are looking forward to -- and may never see in our lifetime. But the greater difference is that we already have the salvation that has come. When we promise hope, it's now. When we share joy, it's now. When we tell of a cure for sin and the destruction it brings -- it's now.

Live joyfully in the salvation we have today. We are the of the prophesy fulfillment, so we should be living victorious. Christ has come!

Further Thoughts:

1. Are you living out the joy of your salvation? If no, why not? If yes, how?
2. Is your faith wavering? How can knowing we are living in the fulfillment of the prophesy increase your faith?
3. Listen to this song by Hillsong United, Salvation is Here and be thankful.
   
   

1 Peter 1:6-9 "Thus Far"

Read 1 Peter 1:6-9.

"In this you greatly rejoice...." NIV

How often in the midst of our trials we forget the things we are rejoicing about. The gold in the furnace is not thinking about how shiny and purified it will be when it's pulled out of the fire. It's thinking about how stinking hot it is in that furnace! It burns, hurts, and seems very unfair to have to undergo that kind of treatment.

That's where our time alone with the Lord comes in -- refocusing on what's outside the furnace. Looking toward the hope ahead and being thankful for what has been done for me through Jesus Christ so I even have a hope. I just don't know how people without Christ do it. Their furnace is forever. They don't have a hope for an end. No sooner do they overcome one trial than another is thrown at them. No wonder so many live without hope or joy. What do they have to be hopeful or joyful about?

But if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus...if somehow when the flames are leaping high, we can just have presence of mind long enough to look to the hills and see our Lord high and lifted up...we can hang on through the trials. He has been faithful before; He will be faithful again, and again, and again.

Look at 1 Samuel 7:12. Samuel takes a stone and sets it up as a testimony to God's faithfulness. He names the stone Ebenezer which means, "stone of help" and says, "Thus far has the Lord helped us." In those times of suffocating trials that seem to never stop coming, I pray that I will remember to set up my Ebenezer and declare, "Thus far has the Lord helped me. And tomorrow, He will help me again. And the next day. And the next day."

My life will never be perfect. In fact, Jesus promised us that it would be difficult. But I have a hope and a joy that have proven faithful to today and will continue tomorrow because I serve a big God, who does big things, and still loves me.

Further Thoughts:

1. Three young men were stuck in a furnace and were not alone. Read the story of the three Hebrew boys in Daniel 3.
2. What were the circumstances that caused Samuel to set up a memorial stone? Maybe you need to set up a physical memorial stone to remind you of God's faithfulness.
3. Find ways to refocus your heart away from your troubles and back on God several times a day. (I set my phone alarm.) It's amazing how taking our eyes off of the problem and putting them on God changes everything. See Psalm 121:1-2.
4. Write a faith list -- how has God been faithful to you to date. What has He already brought you through? Spend time praising Him for those blessings.
5. Write a list of how you have been and will be faithful to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you remain faithful.

1 Peter 1:3-5 "His Amazing Grace in a Sentence"

1 Peter 1:3-5.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." NIV

I don't think there are many sentences in the Bible that stretch out over three verses. And I don't think there are many sentences in the Bible packed with as much richness to ponder as this one. I could spend all day meditating on this one sentence and not fully grasp the power and graciousness packed into these words.

First, look at "His mercy." We were dead in our sins. Hopelessly bound for eternal punishment for the selfish and destructive choices we had allowed to infiltrate our lives. Then He not only graciously gives us a new birth, raised up out of our dead state, but also toward a living hope. Because of Jesus Christ's power to overcome sin and death, we are freed from present bondage, and given hope for a bright future.

Then on top of that, we have an inheritance. And not just any inheritance. We have the hope of heaven - a place kept especially for me. And no one can take this inheritance away from me. There's no probate or inheritance tax. I have a mansion and streets paved with gold illuminated by the glory of God waiting for me. Now we are really into something our minds cannot even wrap around.

And as if that is not enough, until Christ comes again, we are, by faith, "shielded by God's power." Can we even begin to understand the meaning of that in its fullness? God is our protector, provider, advocate, guide and guard. If we surrender to His covering, there is nothing and no one that can get to us. The enemy has no power over me that I do not give him because I have the Almighty Creator of the Universe as my Jehovah-Jireh and Jehovah-Nissi. My heart is full of praise.

Further Thoughts:

1. List ways in your life you experience God's mercy, inheritance, and shield. Support with Scripture.
2. Read through the passage a couple more times and meditate on the amazing gift our Lord has given us. What should be our response?

1 Peter 1:1-2 "Being the Church"

Read 1 Peter 1:1-2.

"Grace and peace be yours in abundance." NIV

Peter, like James, is addressing the Christians from Pentecost that have scattered throughout Asia Minor. How this letter was passed, I don't know, but it traveled to several provinces.

Peter refers to these Christians as "God's elect, strangers in the world." Interestingly, that title has not changed. We are still God's chosen people, set apart for His purposes and work. And we are still strangers in the world. Maybe we are even becoming stranger.


The question is, are we strangers because we are different from the world, set apart or because we are not acting as the church should act? Are we living in "obedience to Jesus Christ?" Are we living out the "grace and peace" that is ours "in abundance?"


I was at an MLK celebration last night. What a wonderful time of worshipping with The Body of Christ. The speaker, Dr. Cynthia James, brought up the point of are we ready to set aside our materialism, envy, doctrinal differences, and bigotry and take up our sword and spear and cross over to the enemy camp together? Is the Church being the Church or are we individual social clubs doing our own little thing? Is the life we are living as individuals and as individual bodies appealing to the world, or are we repelling them because we're just not doing it right? Do they see us as judgmental or grace-filled? Do they think of us as Bible thumpers or compassionate problem solvers? Are we the hope of the world or a hopeless group of weaklings? Do we live out the joy we have through Jesus Christ or are we just a mirror of the anger and frustrations of everyone else around us? And if the latter, how does that happen if we are the benefactors of the most amazing grace ever given and a peace that passes all understanding?

I'm asking all of these questions of myself. As I've studied Ephesians, Matthew, and now James, I'm challenged to look at the role of the Church in the 21st century and it seems to me that it's the same role as in the first.

When Peter sent this letter to the believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, he didn't specify which group of believers he was sending it to. There weren't Baptists, Wesleyans, Assemblies, and Non-denoms to separate them. They were all saved by grace and sanctified by the Holy Spirit to do the work of obedience to Jesus Christ. Maybe we have become too comfortable in our individual structures and programs and have forgotten how to be the Church united to those living right around us. Now not all have. Many churches are reaching out to the lost, helping the widows, orphans and oppressed. I'm not oblivious to the good being done. But is it enough and can it be better?

I believe it can be better, but transformation must begin in our individual hearts before our churches can change. We must gain a new love for people. Hearts must seek to reach out to those around us everyday in our jobs, neighborhoods and communities. Making a difference while living the victorious life.

How is this all accomplished? I can't come up with all the answers:) But as for me, I will start finding ways to reach out more in my community to make an impact for Christ right where I live.

Lord, guide me in my choices for my involvement in my community while I continue to work on my relationship with You. Help me to meet the people I need to share Your love and grace with.

Further Thoughts:

1. Look on a map for where this letter was being sent. A map of Paul's journeys will show it. Besides Asia, the provinces are just north of his missionary trips.
2. What were some of the things the New Church of Acts was reaching out to people with the love of Christ?
3. Brainstorm a list of ways you can make a difference in your community. Pray for God's direction, then actively take a step toward accomplishing at least one of them this year.
4. Do others know you are a believer? How might they know? Do you show yourself as a person of hope and a future or one who is depressed and frustrated most of the time? If the latter, do a study of "grace" and "peace."

1 Peter 1-5 "Intro. Reading"

Read 1 Peter 1-5.

Spend your time today getting an overview of the entire book. It's only five chapters, so very manageable. Then do some research on the author, date and place of writing, determine the recipients of this letter and themes covered.

We will begin to break down the book tomorrow.