based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w4d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:12-14 and SOAP: verse 12

Through Silvanus, whom I know to be a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, in order to encourage you and testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

1 Peter 5:12 NET

It is obvious from much of this first letter that Peter’s “encouragement” is provoked by the suffering (persecution) he knew believers were facing. Peter understood how weary the struggles and suffering can make us, so he cheered them on so that they would not grow weary in doing good. This is a great example of encouragement or building others up in the faith.

According to Peter, the whole point of his letter was to encourage the people, especially knowing the persecution and suffering they had been facing, to stay committed to their profession of faith—faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ—which, as Peter reminds them, is the “true grace of God.”

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Stand firm in God’s grace, which is His undeserved favor, namely through Jesus Christ – God’s only begotten son.

Build each other up (1 Thes. 5:11). Encourage others whom you know are struggling so that they don’t grow weary and lose heart.

Side note: Don’t miss that Peter didn’t work alone. He partnered with Silvanus to do the work God had called him to do. Whether he wrote the words as Peter dictated or simply delivered them to the people – Silvanus is a picture of partnering with others in the work of the cross. Look for others to include in work God has called you to or simply to walk along side of and encourage.

Question FOR THE JOURNEY

Who in your life could be uplifted by hearing your testimony? How can you step out in boldness this week to share your story of God’s grace and encourage a sister in Christ?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, thank you for the Gospel of Jesus Christ—the message of salvation, the hope of eternity. Help us to be faithful stewards of it so that, like Silvanus, we might be known as faithful sisters or brothers. Help us to faithfully encourage others and testify to Your true and present grace, who is Jesus Christ. Then I pray You will help us to stand fast in it.

THE MORE WE KNOW

But encourage one another daily as long as it is called today, so that none of you may become hardened by sins deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13

For more insight be sure and visit lovegodgreatly.com for today’s blog post