1 Peter 3-5
Observe: Chapter 3 begins with Peter instructing how women ought to relate to their husbands and how husbands should relate to their wives (there is SO much I would like to dive into on this section alone, however the scope of these blogs isn’t geared towards such a volume of commentary!). Peter goes on to dictate that all those who are of the brotherhood of believers ought live with unity of mind, not repaying evil with evil but to bless instead. He adds encouragement here to those who are undergoing persecution on behalf of Christ, telling them not to fear for God cares for and blesses specially those who are suffering for the sake of His Son. He points out that Christ suffered, the righteous for the unrighteous, indicating that those who do the same are in the best company. Going on to the fourth chapter, Peter continues in teaching and encouraging them to stop living according to earthly passions but for God; for the time of living in sensuality, drunkenness, and lawless idolatry is gone. They are to be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of their prayers, not grumbling whilst showing hospitality to one another, but to be cheerful stewards of God’s grace. He goes on to say that no Christian ought be surprised when they suffer for the Gospel, for such things are happening to their brothers and sisters all over the world. Rather, they should glorify God in and through their suffering. The final chapter exhorts the shepherds of the flock to do their jobs willingly and cheerfully and with proper motives. It wraps up with one of my favourite verses: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” Interpret/Application: 1 Peter is easily the most underlined and circled book in my own Bible. There’s just something about the way Peter speaks that is clear, no-nonsense, and cuts to the core of our hearts as we read. He is obviously writing to an ancient audience in and around Asia Minor, however we know that these words carry with them truth unbounded by time and space. This entire book is meant to be encouragement for suffering and flagging Christians, bolstering them with the good news of Christs mission and how suffering engages them with it. My question today is simple – have you ever suffered for the sake of Christ? This may not actually be the simplest question to answer. Suffering doesn’t just mean having tomatoes thrown at you as you proclaim the Gospel on a street corner or being let go from your job because of your Christian beliefs. Though it very well may mean that for some, we generally don’t see that kind of reaction in our mild-mannered, lukewarm 21st century North American town of Winnipeg. But we can still suffer in other ways. For instance, when it comes to identifying sin in your life and taking action against it, that is a type of suffering. True, it isn’t exactly what Peter is talking about in this book, but we should start there today. Do you have any desire to seek sinful pride and action out in your own heart and mind and go to war with it? Have you owned up to a particular sin committed against a loved one? Have you had enough of secrets and lies and finally decided to drag them out into the light no matter the cost? Or does sin sit quietly in the corner, unbothered by any true conviction on your part? I mentioned our time and place these days as lukewarm and I level that warning at Christians in particular. How on fire for God are you really? I’m not talking so much an active feeling right this very second, rather I’m referencing the overall direction of your life and conviction of heart. Do you care for the things He cares about, or do little things get you twisted out of shape? Do you seek one more fight against that one sin, or have you given sin the keys to your heart and never fought to get them back? Does God’s word have any bearing on your life at all? My point is this – if you haven’t suffered in the fight against our own sinful nature, how could you ever expect to stand up to the sins of the time in which you live? The Gospel of Jesus Christ changes hearts and minds. It liberates the soul from the power of sin and death, dousing us in the Holy Spirit who works in us until the end of our days. Those who don’t stand upon the foundation of Christ, those who don’t put roots down in rich soil will only be swept away, and greater will be their fall. The fight against sin starts in our own hearts as we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit. It can’t come about any other way. In order to be of use in the world around us, in order to aid our brothers and sisters as government policy and cultural sentiment steadily becomes more hostile to the truth of God, we need to clear out our own houses first and now! We need to truly bend our knee to God Almighty and train up in His Word every single day, take action against our sin, and learn to fight the good fight in the armor of God. Prayer: Father God, teach us to wage war on the sin which runs rampant throughout our world. Teach us to care about the things that matter to you and break our hearts for the unsaved. Thank you for walking with us forever, for going first in our place and providing not only an example but eternal life after anything we face in this life. Make us uncomfortable with remaining comfortable and teach us to need you more. Amen! Song: His Mercy is More (Matt Boswell) 1 Peter 1-2 (Ps 33) Lynne McCarthy 12/9/21 Observe Peter’s letter offers hope for the church suffering under persecution. They will enjoy salvation in the end times, for God’s promise through Christ’s death and resurrection is a reality for them. The ‘elect exiles’ (1:1) are Gentile believers, God’s new chosen people, the Church scattered through the known world, known by God from the beginning. Peter acknowledges the Trinity and the atoning work of Jesus (2). Painful various trials test their love and faith, shot through with joy, salvation the outcome (1:6-8). Their faith-fiplled lives will end in praise and glory when Christ is revealed. As He suffered, so will his followers; as Christ sits enthroned in the heavens, so will his elect -- incentive to holy living as they set their minds on His grace. (13-16) God is Father, but on the last day He is also Judge (17). ‘Fear’ is not ‘terror’ but that reaction of sheer awe at His holiness. Taking His displeasure seriously, they will avoid sin. Peter urges a stop to hidden sins that spring from the heart (2:1; Mt 12:34). The Lord’s goodness sets up a longing for Him. They are becoming God’s house, stone by stone, priests in a life of sacrifice; the passage from Isa. 28:16 is a reminder of their source of strength. (5,9) But unbelievers stumble by their disobedience. For those who defy authority, Peter has crisp words: Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution… (13). Peter reminds his readers that they are free; in choosing to submit to authority, from emperor down, they serve the Lord and one another. They counter opposition by being mindful of God (19) while enduring injustice. (Being authors of their own suffering is also possible; there, punishment is just (20a).) Suffering without retaliation is a part of new life because Jesus suffered and died for His humanity (21-24) enabling a return to Christ, gracious Shepherd. (25) Interpret At this time there were sporadic, localized bursts of persecution by Rome against Christians, as they would not bow to the emperor as god. In this, there were opportunities for believers to articulate reasons for their faith, to practise what Peter was preaching. The priesthood of all believers is exactly that: all who submit to God’s authority and accept the Lordship of Christ in His sacrifice have access to Jesus, the great High Priest, humbly living under the constraints of this present life to witness to Christ’s Lordship . Peter references Isaiah 53:5c when he speaks of healing -- not physical (24), but Christ’s complete repair of all brokenness, His punishment enabling a confident return to the gracious Shepherd. (24-25). Apply We’re not under Rome, but the culture we live in bears much resemblance, ‘bread and circuses’ as distractions from resolutely remaining in Jesus, our model and true Centre. We as a believing church are counter-cultural, but we can’t stay the course without His grace, corporate worship and prayer in His Spirit who is our Advocate. We are meant to be witnesses, not just to our church enclave but to those far from faith. The way we live out our love for God and others will speak, as will gentle, persevering persuasion of the truth of the gospel. It takes grace and love, both abundantly supplied when we ask. Ask How should I then live among unbelieving family members, neighbours or friends who may be indifferent, offended, or hostile to the Gospel? As I consider what Jesus has done for me, what steps will I take towards holiness? Do I want to be holy, set apart, different? Pray Lord Jesus, in my short exile in this world, in the life You have bought for me by Your death and resurrection, You alone enable me to live Your life. I look to You as my High Priest, my Saviour, my King. Help me to humbly submit to human authority, however difficult, by grace submitting to Your authority. I entrust my life to You, with deep thanks. Sing Ps 33 Unfailing Love - Jason Silver youtu.be/hbuqv1z3SZA 1 Peter 1 I Want to be Holy - Matt Papa youtu.be/xiMeELH7fgA 1 Peter 1:1:9 (spoken) Shift Worship youtu.be/QL7D7Uv62PY 1 Peter 2:24 By His Wounds youtu.be/XVePxkoCsUs “Come near to God and He will come near to you……..Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up.”
James 4: 8a, 10 James 4-5 (Psalm 32) Observe
Interpret Conflict is a natural part of life and actually growth; some fear it, some relish it, most would rather not face it unless absolutely necessary. Conflict is unhealthy if it results in division, harm and regression. If handled correctly it leads to maturity, deepening relationships and a greater trust in God. James shows us the root cause of inappropriate conflict: selfish motives; judgement of others; infighting; slander; wrong desires; and inappropriate prayers. The solution and encouragement is to resist our old nature, Satan and pride. Instead we are to draw close to God and humble ourselves before Him. Fear can often be at the root of conflict. James warns of a tendency to counter this by having ill placed confidence in ourselves and what we will do; instead we are to simply trust God for His provision and all our tomorrows. Another source for false confidence is worldly riches. James condemns these rich unbelievers for their abuse of the poor and tendency towards injustice. Please note he is not addressing those within the Church who are wealthy. Rather this piece of advice is there to encourage all believers not to envy the rich or seek wealth as a solution. Instead we are to persevere and live in harmony with one another as Christ will return and judge accordingly; the long view is essential. James concludes with the encouragement for prayer, especially for the sick. The prayer of a believer who is right with God, through Christ, accomplishes much! Application With my first car I purchased a Haines Manual; it was the ‘how to’ book for vehicle maintenance that, if followed, led to trouble free motoring. Well that was the theory! The manual had to be read closely and applied properly and fully to achieve its goals. This beautiful letter from James is the ‘how to’ manual for Christian living within the Church. Yes you got it, for it to work it has to be read properly and applied fully. In today’s chapters James essentially identifies our hearts as being at the heart of most problems and conflicts. Wrong motives lead to wrong desires and damaging conflict. Conflict where we slander, judge and quarrel with our fellow believers. The antidote is a close, trusting relationship with God wherein we humble ourselves before Him. This leads to a healthy prayer life that bears fruit. Positive guidance and encouragement that will bless in these times of challenge if followed. The Question of Application Think of any fear or conflict that you are experiencing. What is at the heart of this fear or conflict? How might you submit to God, what might you pray and then what action could you take? Prayer Keep us, O Lord, while we tarry on this earth, in a serious seeking after you, and in affectionate walking with you, every day of our lives; that when you come, we may be found not hiding our talent, nor serving the flesh, nor yet asleep with our lamp unfurnished, but waiting and longing for our Lord, our glorious God for ever. Amen Richard Baxter (1691) Praise God of Grace and God of Glory sung by Megan Parks Gracefully Broken by Matt Redman December 7th – Les Kovacs James 1 - 3
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