Tag: faith

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Perspective in Suffering

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w4d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19; SOAP: verses 12-13

12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

1 Peter 4:12-13 Nlt

Peter makes it clear that as believers, we should not be surprised or caught off guard by circumstances of suffering. Actually, when we live lives that are “set apart” for God and we have “set apart Christ as Lord,” we must not only expect suffering but be on alert and ready for it! Peter will make this clear in the next chapter of this letter.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

We might wonder why God allows His children to suffer for following Jesus and doing good. This is a natural question, and Scripture repeatedly answers it – my favorite reference for this is found in James 1:2-4: Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. Suffering and times of testing stretch and strengthen our faith, and from my experience – each ‘episode’ prepares us for the next.

That being said, as I read and studied today’s passage, one question kept coming to mind: Do I really suffer because I follow Jesus? As I began praying and searching other passages, I found this helpful and encouraging commentary by gotquestions.org.1 I’ve only shared a snippet, but I implore you to take the time to read it in its entirety. I am confident that it will be a blessing in the days and years to come as we continue to live out our faith.

“The Bible talks a lot about suffering for the sake of Christ. In the era in which the New Testament was written, followers of Jesus were often ostracized by their own families and communities. …

Often those of us in free nations shudder at the thought, but we feel relatively safe. We understand that there are thousands who suffer daily for the sake of Christ and are thankful we don’t have to. But is there only one kind of persecution? …

Often our greatest suffering comes from within as we battle for control over a heart that must die to its own will and surrender to Christ’s lordship (Romans 7:15–25). In whatever form suffering comes, we should embrace it as a badge of honor and a privilege that we, like the apostles, have “been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Peter goes on to teach believers not only to expect suffering but to “rejoice” or “be very glad” in it. Now, you may be wondering, as do most, why on earth we should be glad about suffering.

It’s not about taking on a falsely spiritual attitude; it’s about correcting our perspective in the moment of suffering to fit our actual beliefs about who we are in Christ.2

bibleref.com/1 Peter 4:14

Peter’s explanation is that it is a badge of honor, so to speak, to suffer for the cause of Christ, saying: “If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.” It’s important to note that these words weren’t original to Peter – they were words Peter had heard Christ speak during the “Sermon on the Mount.” They were words he had undoubtedly learned represented a truth about the real and present suffering believers face when they are true and faithful followers of Jesus. -But, how and why can we rejoice? Both questions are answered beautifully in verse nineteen: “ So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.” – This isn’t to say that we won’t want the suffering to stop but that we must hold to the truth that it will be worth it all.

Peter is quick to say, though, that not all suffering is equally honorable. A Christian who experiences the natural consequence of sinful choices, including being punished by the state for criminal activity, should not make the mistake of thinking he or she is suffering for Christ.3 

bibleref.com/1Peter 4:15
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can you shift your perspective on the trials you are facing, viewing them not as burdens but as indicators that you are making an impact for God? How can this mindset prepare your heart for the joy that will come with Christ’s return?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, suffering or trials of any kind are not easy. The enemy is quick to use them to distract our attention from You and to prompt complaining or attitudes that do not reflect Your Spirit in us. Only by Your grace can we rejoice in the sufferings in this world, whether they are from the consequences of our sins or because we have chosen to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus, as true and faithful servants. I pray that You will help us bear every insult we receive for the name of Christ as a badge of honor. I pray that our responses to any suffering will always bring You glory. I ask that You will help us to encourage one another so that we can bear up under the pain of suffering and not grow weary in doing good and rejoicing in You – entrusting our souls to You, our faithful Creator God – who uses even our suffering for Your glory and our good. – In the name of Jesus I trust and pray! – Amen

Music for the Journey
THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight please visit lovegodgreatly.com

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Using our God-Given Gifts

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w1d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11 and SOAP: verses 10 and 11

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

1 Peter 4:10-11 NLT

Today’s post is borrowed and shared from the LGG, Triumph over Trials edition, p110

As believers, we are living in anticipation of Christ’s return — a reality that should profoundly shape our lives. In this waiting, we are not called to be idle but to be motivated to love and serve the body of Christ intentionally, especially during times of testing and persecution. A united, loving Christian community shines brightly in a dark world, like a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14-16).

A united, loving Christian community shines brightly in a dark world, like a city on a hill

The command is clear: we must work at loving each other well. Love is not passive; it’s active. It’s not a feeling, but a choice we make every day. It’s seen in the meals prepared for a new mom, the earnest prayers for a struggling friend, and the open doors of our homes.

God has not left us empty-handed in this high calling. He has generously given each of us unique gifts designed to serve and build up the church and others (Romans 12:4-8). These gifts are not for our own glory but given to us by God, fashioned to stitch His people closer together and reflect His love to the watching world (Ephesians 4:11-12).

When we see a need within the church, our hearts should be stirred to meet it. Whether it is encouragement, financial help, prayer, or a listening ear — let’s move towards those needs, not away from them. In doing so, we are faithful stewards of God’s grace, dispensing it generously just as it has been lavished upon us.

As we help others and employ our God-given gifts in service, the world catches glimpses of Jesus in us. Our love becomes a radiant beacon, pointing to the One who first loved us (1 John 4:19). In our serving, God is glorified, and His kingdom is tangibly expressed through our hands and feet.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
  • love and serve the body of Christ intentionally
    • watch for others who need help and seek to meet the need
  • work at loving each other well
  • know and use the gifts God has given you
    • use them for God’s glory and not your own
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can you use your God-given gifts to meet a need within your church community or Love God Greatly group this week? In what ways can you be more intentional about loving the body of Christ in anticipation of His return?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Dear Jesus, thank You for entrusting us with gifts to serve Your body. help us to love deeply and act decisively, especially when we see a need within our church family. May our lives, fueled by Your love, shine brightly and draw others to You. Amen.

THE MORE WE KNOW

Knowing that Christ could return at any time should affect our thinking.

Peter’s teaching on how Christians should love each other “strenuously”

For more insight on today’s passage visit lovegodgreatly.com/blog

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Gospel, Triumphs over Trials

A Heavenly Perspective

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w3d4

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6; SOAP: 1 Peter 4:5-6

They will face a reckoning before Jesus Christ who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 Now it was for this very purpose that the gospel was preached to those who are now dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh by human standards they may live spiritually by God’s standards.

1 Peter 4:5-6 NET

From the journal of Love God Greatly, Trials over Triumphs / p106

There is a profound reality that we, often conveniently, keep in the back of our minds: one day, we will all stand before the throne of God. That moment will be the most significant in our existence – a divine appointment where all people will be judged. For believers, this will be a time when we will be viewed, not by our sins, but through Christ’s atoning sacrifice and the faith and forgiveness we have found in Him (Romans 8:1). We will also receive the rewards for a life lived in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12). For unbelievers, it is a sobering reality of facing punishment for rejecting the free gift of salvation in Jesus.

Imagine standing there, in the presence of God, giving an account for every word, every action, and every thought of our lives. Peter’s words are not meant to paralyze us with fear but to ignite a holy urgency within us. He urges us to live our lives with a heavenly perspective, knowing that our time here is but a breath in light of eternity. We are to steward this life – every second of it – as a precious gift, intentionally living in ways that are honoring to God.

So, how are we spending our days? Are we investing in what is eternal – loving others, deepening our relationship with Jesus, and sharing the Gospel – or are we getting sidetracked by this world’s fleeting comforts and pursuits?

Peter emphasizes why the Gospel is preached. It stands as a beacon of hope, offering the promise of eternal life – a life with God and untouched by sickness, pain, or sin (John 17:3; Revelation 21:4). This message is the treasure we hold in our hearts and the very message the world desperately needs to hear.

Sweet friends, Jesus is returning, but His second coming will be vastly different from His first. He will not return as a helpless infant; He will come as a righteous Judge. In light of this impending reality, now is the critical time for us to share the Gospel – far and wide – with the precious days we have been given.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Invest in what is eternal:

  • loving others
  • deepening our relationship with Jesus
  • sharing the Gospel
  • live by God’s standards
  • turn away from the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.

This is not simply a list of sins to avoid but a list of addictions that entangle those who live for comfort and pleasure. Those who live for the will of God (like Christ)—with a willingness to experience physical suffering to accomplish it—set the course of their lives in a different direction.

Bibleref.com / 1 Peter 4:3
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can we shift our daily perspective to be more in line with eternity? What steps can you take to live a life that faithfully stewards the time you’ve been given in light of the coming judgment?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the life You have given me. Help me to live it with a constant awareness of eternity. Give me the strength and grace to live a life that is pleasing to You. Prepare my heart for that day when I will stand before You and give an account for my life. Let my life be an offering of love and gratitude to You—Amen.

THE MORE WE KNOW

1And yet, God is paying attention. Pleasure-seekers will stand before God and “give account” of their lives at the final judgment. God—More insight on 1 Peter 4:5

2More insight on 1 Peter 4:6

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Be Ready With an Answer

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w3d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15-22 and SOAP: verses 15-16

 But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. 16 Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you.

1 Peter 3:15-16 NET

Just prior to this passage, Peter wrote these words:  “But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken.” – “But,” he goes on to say, “set Christ apart as Lord in your heart …” Peter understood the surprising ease of being terrified and/or shaken, he also knew the importance of being ready with an answer for the hope that believers possess through/in Christ. Peter had learned and was passing on to other believers the need to be intentional in their relationship with Christ and the role He played in their lives. Peter wanted them to understand the relationship is meant to be personal; it is multifaceted – for when we know Christ as our Savior – we also know Him as friend, brother, Redeemer, teacher, and as Peter suggests – “Lord”. On top of that, it is an ongoing, neverending, ever-evolving (deepening and root-growing) relationship in the good and in the difficult seasons of life – which, I imagine, is why Peter instructs us to “always be ready to give an answer for the hope we possess.”

Don’t miss the phrase at the end of verse fifteen, “the hope you possess.” What a hidden gem this is! A treasure that should stir hope in every believer, the reminder that Christ lives in us! Or, as the NET translation so beautifully puts it: “the hope you possess.” – We are assured of this throughout the Scriptures but one of my favorite references to this truth is found in 1 John 3:24, where we read:

Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.

1 John 3:24 NET
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Set Christ apart (in your heart) as Lord—that is, intentionally make Him more important than anything or anyone else in your life. Be ready with an answer for the hope His Lordship brings to your life. Have a good attitude when presenting your answer, being careful that it doesn’t come across as smug or defensive but rather points others to Christ and quiets not only the accuser but also their accusations. – Suffering comes into everyone’s life, whether we are believers or not, however, when we have intentionally placed Christ on the throne of our heart when the crises come – be it a cancer diagnosis, marital problems, financial struggles, family feuds, aging parents, death, household disasters or other catastrophes – they may disrupt our lives and bring much sorrow but they will not – and cannot destroy us when we have set Christ apart as Lord of our life!

When we set apart Christ as Lord, it will change us. Peter says those who observe us will notice the difference. That difference is hope. Even in the midst of our suffering, our hopefulness should be apparent. So, Peter instructs us to be ready to answer the question our life should inspire: “How can you be so hopeful in such difficult circumstances?”

Bibleref.com1

Believe it or not – while setting apart Christ apart as Lord is important, being ready with an answer for the hope that is within us is also vital – since we have been called to not only know Christ but to make Him known. This is why Peter encourages us to be ready with an answer for the Hope that is within us. Hope that allows us to stand strong in the storms of life is meant to be shared- it is meant to change not just our lives but to impact the lives of those around us. Consider these words of encouragement from today’s LGG Journal entry:

When we walk through life with Christ enthroned in our hearts, our reactions to crises — like a destroyed home — become opportunities for testimonies. They make people stop and wonder, and that wonder cracks open the door for us to point them to Jesus our everlasting hope.”

Love God Greatly Journal Enthr / w3d3
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can you prepare your heart today so that your hope in Christ shines through in times of crisis?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father make us instruments of Your love and peace. Let us neither murmur nor complain when troubles are near but let us keep Jesus firmly established on the throne of our heart so that our struggles become opportunities for testimonies. May they be testimonies that make people stop and wonder, and may that wonder crack open the door for us to point others to Jesus, our everlasting hope. When the opportunity arises, let us speak of You with gentleness, love, and respect. Father, You are my true hope and comfort, and I want others to know this peace that You so freely give to all who trust in You – all who fix their eyes and thoughts on You. – Amen! (borrowed in part from the “Triumph and Trials, journal – p102

THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight be sure to visit Lovegodgreatly.com for today’s blog post

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Responsibilities of Faith

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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.
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.

1 Peter 3:10-12 NET

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!

THE MORE WE KNOW

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Beauty of the Heart

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Trials and Triumphs / w3d1

The Journey(Scripture and Observation)

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-7 and SOAP: verses 3-4

Let your beauty not be external—the braiding of hair and wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes— 4 but the inner person of the heart, the lasting beauty of a gentle and tranquil spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

1 Peter 3:3-4 NET

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water”? According to Wikipedia, it’s an old saying or “expression for an avoidable error in which something good or of value is eliminated when trying to get rid of something unwanted.” In full disclosure, this is what I found myself doing as I began reading today’s passage. Why? Because I’m no longer a wife, and because I’m not – I find myself mentally eliminating the portions of passages where husbands and wives are mentioned. The problem with doing this is that God’s Word is not meant to be diced up or thrown out according to what we deem necessary or unnecessary to/for our lives – for all Scripture has been breathed out by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that we, as God’s servants, may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

So, while the photo we want to snap of this particular day’s journey is Peter’s emphasis on the comparison between external and internal beauty, we must be careful not to throw out the rest of the passage simply because it seems insignificant or makes us feel uncomfortable. Since the Love God Greatly journal entry1 today does such a wonderful job of explaining the entirety of the passage, I am sharing it with you (in its entirety, including the prayer) with the encouragement to take in the whole passage and allow God to use it to equip you for every good work.

In ancient Rome, societal norms dictated that husbands held absolute authority over their families. Imagine being a woman whose newfound faith in Christ wasn’t shared by her husband. While husbands who became Christians would bring their whole family to church, women did not have that authority. Wives who became Christians would likely have to walk a delicate path, navigating their way to church alone, possibly against the wishes of their spouse. For many women around the world, this is still a reality.

Peter emphasizes the fleeting nature of external beauty – a beauty that is meticulously crafted with the latest fashions and trends with the goal of impressing others. Instead, he encourages us to cultivate a beauty that radiates from within a beauty marked by the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This beauty doesn’t fade; it matures and deepens with time.

Being “submissive” can be a touchy and misapplied topic. It’s often misunderstood and sometimes misused yet Jesus Himself exemplified it perfectly. He submitted to God’s plan, demonstrating immense strength and profound love. As Peter teaches, submission never compromises our obedience to God. It does not mean being a “doormat” or remaining in an unsafe or abusive situation or enduring harm or doing things that violate God’s Word or our conscience. But it does mean being meek enough to follow our husband’s leading (except into sin, of course). It is a resilient, godly posture motivated by love and done out of respect for God and others.

While there is not a specific list Peter gives of how a wife is to submit to her husband, he mentions Sarah, who submitted to Abraham, calling him “lord.” This showed an inner attitude of respect out of obedience to God’s commands. As Peter writes, women who did this well had their hopes resting in God, not on their own cleverness, charm, or beauty – not even in their own husbands. That’s why they could be fearless and strong, while at the same time having a quiet and tranquil spirit.

Living the Journey (Application)

Let’s ask God to help us have an inner beauty that points to Christ and leads others to know Him.

Prayer for the Journey

Dear Lord Jesus, teach us to prioritize the inner beauty that You cherish. Help us take care of the body You have entrusted to us, not out of vanity but as an act of worship to You. Amen.

The More We Know

For more insight check out today’s Love God Greatly Blog post

  1. Love God Greatly Digital Journal, Triumph Over Trials, p 94  ↩︎
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

For The Lord’s Sake

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w2d4

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17 and SOAP: verses 15-16

 For God wants you to silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. 16 Live as free people, not using your freedom as a pretext for evil, but as God’s slaves.

1 Peter 2:15-16 NET

Peter continues his instructions on remembering that what we do matters—certainly with respect to the unbelievers but also, as he points out here, to those in authority over us. He breaks it down a little more in verse seventeen. From his focus on unbelievers witnessing our good conduct in our previous session, Peter’s focus broadens to include all people, the family of believers, God, and the king. The NLT translation says it like this:  “Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.“

Granted, there may be many times we are tempted to question or, at the very least, wonder why we should respect or honor the ‘king’/governing authority over us; after all, they don’t always lead well. Bibleref.com addresses this very natural question by believers something like this: Though we are foreigners here on earth, we have not been granted immunity, but instead, we are called to submit to every human authority—why? Peter clearly answers this question in verse thirteen of chapter two, when he says: – “for the Lord’s sake.” That’s right, we submit to all authority on earth for the sake of our Sovereign God – and we do so because we love Him and we understand that “the reputation of Christ is built by us, His followers.“

Peter makes it clear that we are not to submit to the world authorities simply because we deem them to be good or right – neither are we to rebel against them simply because we find them full of flaws; but rather we are to submit to their authority over us because God calls us to and to show that Christ is good. By doing so, the good that we do will silence the foolish people. Thus, Peter encourages us to live as the free people we were created to be—doing what God wants and not the evil we would otherwise do.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.  For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.

1 Peter 2:15-16 NLT

God wants us to live honorable lives, lives that are obedient to His Lordship over us. He intends for us to live as the free people he arranged (John 3:16) for us to be. For through the death of Christ on the cross and His victory over the grave, those who have placed their faith in Christ have been set free from the law of sin and death, (Rom 6:14-15). God even sent His Spirit to live in us so that we would be equipped to live the holy life He has called us to live. (2 Peter 1:3-4).

Pardon the redundancy, but Scripture says it many times, so I believe it’s worth repeating here one more time. What God doesn’t want us to do is use our blood-bought freedom as an excuse to do evil, saying as I have heard many say: It is my Christian liberty to do what I want, go where I want, say what I want, and the list goes on. However, to believe these statements is to misunderstand the freedom we have in Christ. Paul said it like this in his letter to the Galatians: For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another. Remember, God wants us to live as representatives of our Lord Jesus Christ. God wants the good we do to reveal Him and His Spirit in us. This is why we are commanded to love others, just as Jesus has loved us, John 13:34-35 — “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

  • Honor all people.
    • That’s a broad statement, but it also makes life very simple for believers. Instead of picking and choosing who is worthy of our respect, God’s will for us is to give respect to every single person. Will everyone deserve such treatment? Obviously not. But Christians are supposed to be known as people who give respect to others because of our obedience to Christ. Period. Bibleref.com
  • Love the family of believers.
    • Second, love the brotherhood or the family of other Christians. Again, this is a blanket statement. Peter doesn’t mandate strong feelings here. He does not say, “like each other.” He describes action—an act of the will to give love to every other Christian. Jesus said that the world around us would know we are His disciples by our love for each other (John 13:35). Peter likely has that in mind here. Bibleref.com
  • Fear God.
    • When used in reference to God, the word fear is not necessarily a command to live in shrinking terror of God, afraid that at any time He may decide to crush us. God has already demonstrated His love for us and promised us an eternal place in His family. But Peter’s command reminds us to continue to hold His power, majesty, and sovereignty in awe and wonder. We are to continue to fully submit to Him as humble servants, or “slaves,” as in the previous verse. Bibleref.com
  • Honor “King”.
    • Finally, honor the emperor, or king. Again, the emperor or king may not be an honorable person. In fact, the emperor at the time Peter wrote this was probably Nero, a definitively evil leader who persecuted the people of God. Still, the command stands. As Paul wrote, there is no authority not established by God (Romans 13:1). We give honor and respect to the king as free and foreign citizens answerable to the authority who allowed the king to come to that throne. Bibleref.com
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can you use the freedoms and resources that God has entrusted to you to be a blessing in your community and reflect God’s love and grace to others?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, we are your servants. We do not belong to ourselves for you bought us with a high price, even the price of Your only begotten Son’s life. We are forever indebted to You for the freedom You purchased and the love You have lavished on us. It is by You and for Your sake that we live and have our being and we are to reflect You in all that we do. As Paul said, we are representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we are to give thanks to You through Him. Thus, we are to live as He lived, love as He loved, and obey/submit to Your will as He did – and in doing so – Peter says we will silence the ignorance of foolish people. Father, help us to live as the free people You have created us to be, not using our freedom for evil but for the good, You have called us to do, which is to honor all people, love the family of believers, live in reverence to You, and honor the authority over us, for in this Christ will be seen and You will be glorified! – In Jesus’ name – Amen.

THE MORE WE KNOW

Wonderful insight on these verses is available at the following links by biblerefcom:

https://www.bibleref.com/1-Peter/2/1-Peter-2-13.html

https://www.bibleref.com/1-Peter/2/1-Peter-2-14.html

https://www.bibleref.com/1-Peter/2/1-Peter-2-15.html

https://www.bibleref.com/1-Peter/2/1-Peter-2-16.html

https://www.bibleref.com/1-Peter/2/1-Peter-2-17.html

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

What You Do Matters?

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w2d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-12 and SOAP: verses11-12

 Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul, 12 and maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when he appears.

1 Peter 2:11-12

Have you ever wondered if what you do matters? Let me clarify, I’m not necessarily talking about vocation but rather the conduct of your life. Your words, actions, reactions, thoughts, behavior, choices, activities – do they matter? God makes it crystal clear through Peter that these things most certainly matter. It isn’t a grey area of the Christian life. It is black and white; our conduct matters greatly! Translation after translation warns, urges, and even begs believers to maintain good conduct or, as some translations say – honorable behavior- either way – the way we live matters; and I dare say from Peter’s words that the way we live can have either a good or adverse reaction upon the unbelievers who are watching.

Peter wasn’t concerned here about how other believers saw us or judged us. Instead, his specific and expressed concern was for the “non-Christians” or “unbelieving neighbors.” He explains that while they may malign or accuse believers of being evildoers they may also see the good and honorable behavior of the believer and glorify God when He appears. I love the way bibleref.com summarizes it: “Our good works will attract unbelievers to our Father.” I’m not sure there’s a better reason than this for committing to and maintaining good and honorable behavior. From the things we think to the things we do and say may we speak and live in alliance with God.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
  • We are to avoid worldly desires and abstain from anything that does not align with God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.
    • We cannot serve man and God, for we will choose one over the other— likewise, we cannot serve our fleshly/worldly pleasures and God.
  • We are to live as representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17
  • We are to be salt and light in this tasteless world of spiritual darkness. Matthew 5:13-14
  • We are not to live to please man (Galatians 1:10 and Acts 5:29) but to glorify God in all we do and say, which will glorify God in the end, and that is our chief goal.
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can you navigate the tension of being in the world but not of it, living in a way that both honors God and authentically engages with those who don’t know Him yet?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, we want to please You. We want to be salt and light in this world so that our unbelieving neighbors, friends, and family will see our good and honorable behavior and give You glory. We want to serve you and not our own desires for we know that we cannot serve two masters. We know that satan is working against us and we long for Your help to stand firm against his fiery darts and wicked schemes.

THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

A Royal Identity

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THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture:  1 Peter 2:4-10 / SOAP: 1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:9

I would venture to say that most, or at least very few, of us, count ourselves among the royals or consider ourselves to be priests. However, in today’s journey through the Word, we read a message from Peter, who declares that we, as believers, are indeed – a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people!

When we believe in Jesus, who is Christ the King, we are given a new identity. In Peter’s words from today’s Scripture, a portion of that identity includes being part of a royal priesthood.

Peter’s words give believers today the same qualities or attributes that were used to describe the tribe of Israel, God’s natural-born children, and particularly the Levites who served as priests, “Very few held the honor and responsibility of actually coming into God’s presence. But in and through Christ, the King, all believers are priests with direct access to our Father. We need no other mediator.”

Christians, together, are a royal priesthood. In Israel, under the Law, one tribe was given the task of serving as priests, performing the duties of mediators between God and the rest of the nation. Very few held the honor and responsibility of actually coming into God’s presence. But in and through Christ, the King, all believers are priests with direct access to our Father. We need no other mediator.1

Bibleref.com/1 Peter 2:9

While Peter’s words do identify us as God’s chosen people, “a chosen race,“ there is a difference that must be noted and appreciated. “Unlike Israel, – we are not a race in the sense of our family, ethnicity, skin color, or country of origin. We are a spiritual race, in the sense that, in Christ, we share a single spiritual Father. In that same meaning, we are a “holy nation,” a specific group of people called out and set apart from all other nations.”

God has formed this nation, this race, this priesthood to take possession of us. We are His people in a very real way. It’s not just that we pledge our allegiance to Him; it’s that He has taken ownership of us. We belong to Him.

Bibleref.com/1 Peter 2:9

We are “God’s chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Yes, I realize I have already said this – more than once – it is not a mistake but rather a repetition that I hope will stick with us as we go about our day(s). We are sons and daughters of the KING, chosen by God – not because He had to – but because He wanted to make us His own. Because He did, we not only have bold access to His throne, but friends – we have the hope of eternity through the blood of God’s only begotten Son.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

As God’s chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of His own – we have been given the privilege of proclaiming God and Christ to the world (Mark 6:15). We are called out of the darkness, which means we are no longer to live like those of the world (Rom.12:2) who chase after their own pleasures and give no consideration to God. We are to love and honor Him above all else and we are to love others as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). We are to bring Him honor and glory in all that we do and say (Col. 3:17). Our choices are to reflect His presence in us and lead others to see and follow Him (Matt 5:14-16). We are to live as the royals we were made to be not the slaves (Romans 6:14-15) and orphans (Galatians 4:4) we once were. We have the honor(Hebrews 4:16) and responsibility (1 Thessalonians 5 16-17) of coming into His presence, and we should do so faithfully(Colossians 4:2) – not just on behalf of ourselves but as mediators for others (Ephesians 6:18).

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, we are Your Children, sons and daughters of the King of Kings. You have chosen us to be Yours – a spiritual race, in the sense that, in Christ, we share a single spiritual Father. In that same meaning, we are a holy nation, a specific group of people called out and set apart from all other nations. Help us to walk in the light for you have called us out of the darkness. Help us to love You more than anyone or anything and others as ourselves. Help us to be salt and light to the world around us, to live in ways that make You known and bring You praise. Help us to remember whose we are and to faithfully live as representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to You through Him. You have graciously given us a beautiful identity, help us claim it with joy and live it out loud – in Jesus’ name – amen.

Question for the Journey

How can you live this week in a way that reflects your identity as a chosen, royal, and holy child of God? How can you contribute to the harmony and unity within the body of Christ?

THE MORE WE KNOw
  1. In and through Christ our King ↩︎
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Where’s the Milk?

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w2d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-3/ SOAP: 1 Peter 2:1-2

So get rid of all evil and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation,

1 Peter 2:1-2

Having just instructed the people to love others and cling to the word that had been proclaimed to them, Peter dives right in with a direct instruction, a first step so to speak, to believers to get rid of things that don’t belong in their lives. As a follower of Christ, Peter has learned and, at times, struggled with these things. He knew that loving others and following Christ meant there was no room for selfish intent, ways, or focus. Each of the five things that Peter says to get rid of “represent a choice to focus on my benefit over and above the interest of someone else.”1 Focusing on self – does not and cannot promote love for each other or obedience to God, nor will it allow us to digest the pure, spiritual milk that Peter says we should crave.

Remember, Peter just reminded the believers that they were ‘born again’—or ‘new creations’, as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17. As such, we are like newborn babies who crave, or yearn for, milk. The nourishment from the milk causes them to grow strong and healthy. Peter says this happens for believers through “pure spiritual milk.” This ‘milk’, which is the undiluted, uncontaminated Word of God, will help us grow strong and healthy in our faith and relationship with God— just like newborn babies grow close to the one(s) who feed and care for them.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

So get rid of all evil and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

1 Peter 2:1 NLT

The term “Get rid of” (1) is a very common statement in the New Testament and critical to the life of a Christ follower. Here, Peter names five things to get rid of, five things that work against them: living a holy life, loving others, and all other instructions they had been given. Why? Because anything that causes our focus to be on self diverts our loyalty away from God and His ways. Here Peter includes:

  • all evil (or malice) – a wicked ill-will, hoping for another person to be harmed.
  • all deceit – intentional dishonesty
  • hypocrisy – another form of falseness, holding others to standards we don’t live up to for the sake of pride.
  • all envy which has been called “resentful discontent,” – focusing our angst on someone who has what we crave.
  • all slander – using false or misleading words to harm another’s reputation.

The next step of Peter’s instructions includes:

  • a call to yearn for the “pure spiritual milk,” which is the undiluted, uncontaminated Word of God,
    • We must intentionally seek out pure spiritual milk and set dates/times with God to dwell with Him and drink in the spiritual nourishment He alone can provide.
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father God, help us to get rid of all evil, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander so that we might live the holy lives You have called us to, setting our focus on You and loving others as Christ has loved us. Help, even cause us – to yearn for and immerse ourselves in Your Word, the pure spiritual milk that Peter spoke of, for by it we will grow in wisdom and truth and the roots of our faith will grow deeper and stronger against the winds of temptation and troubles in this world. – In Jesus’ name – Amen

Question for the Journey

Do you hunger for God’s Word as nourishment for your soul? What steps can you take this week to deepen your appetite for its rich and sustaining truths?

THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight please read today’s LGG Blog @ lovegodgreatly.com