based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w3d2
THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-14 and SOAP: verses 10-12
For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit.
1 Peter 3:10-12 NET
11 And he must turn away from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer. But the Lord’s face is against those who do evil.
Friends, never forget – ours is an active faith – filled with responsibilities and expectations which are made clear to us by God in His Word. In part, this is where Peter’s focus is in this section of chapter three.
He points out that we are to be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble. That’s a pretty big list of challenges, and they are followed by what seems to be a very specific set of “instructions.” The instructions aren’t suggestions but “must-dos and don’ts.” He highlights the challenges and explains what he means by these five goals for believers so that we know exactly what God expects.
I love it when God is specific and leaves no room for speculation of how we are to live.
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
If, as believers, we hope to enjoy the rich and satisfying life Christ came to bring then we MUST follow His ways and abide by His instructions.
- do not return evil for evil or insult for insult
- instead, bless others 1
- keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies2
- turn away from evil and do good
- seek peace and pursue it3
- be a person of righteousness and prayer4
Question FOR THE JOURNEY
How can you intentionally use your words to speak life into someone’s situation this week? How can you pursue peace in a current relationship?
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY
Father, our sinful earthly nature, which still lurks within us, is quick to return evil for evil and insult for insult. It bids us away from the good we want to do to do the evil we are meant to turn away from. It entices us to speak lies and hurts rather than blessings and truth, and to fight back rather than seek peace. Thank You for this reminder from Peter, that Your face is set against those who do evil but that Your favor is on those who live out Your righteous calling, and Your ears are open to our prayers – for this, we are grateful and seek to live accordingly. Help us to be devoted to what is good and right in Your sight, and if we suffer for doing what is right help us to remember You have promised blessing. In this, let us be confident so that we are neither terrified nor shaken. – In the name of Jesus I pray and trust – amen and amen!
Me From the Inside Out 