Category Archives: 1 Peter

Serving for God’s Glory

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1 Peter 4:7-11

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.  And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”  Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

 

Romans 13:11-14 – And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.  The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.  Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

That phrase from Peter, ”The end of all things is at hand…” and the other phrase from Romans “knowing the time,” simply refers to Christ’s return.  His return is nearer at hand than what we realize.  Oh, I know we have all heard that many times.  But it’s true. 

Satan has lulled the church world into a stupor, into an almost unconscious state where many are going through the motions, what the scripture calls “a falling away” and are only in a state of religiosity.  One of the ways Satan has deluded our minds about Christ’s return is keeping us occupied with other things. 

 Christ Jesus is returning and He is coming with His archangel, Michael, blaring a trumpet loud and clear.  Those who are in the grave, the dead in Christ, your loved ones and mine, all will hear that trumpet blast.  They shall rise from their grave, their mortal bodies that were racked with pain and sickness and lay undisturbed for months or years will suddenly come to life in a jolt more powerful than any electrical current.   They will burst through that concrete vault and that casket that is closed and secured tightly plus six feet of earth more powerful than any bullet train or atom bomb.  They then will burst through the atmosphere to meet Him in the air and continue on through the pearly gates into that abode promised for those who are His. 

At the same time those who are alive and in Christ will be caught up to meet them in the air.  I do not know how much of a time lapse between these two events but according to scripture I believe it is immediate.  In other words when the graves are bursting open for our loved ones, who have died, and may be even yet in the funeral home or hospital will be gone and those in Christ will be gone as well.  And we all know where they will have gone. 

In other words, those still living will not have time to ponder their fate if they are in a state of sin and will not have time to make ready.  His coming will be instantaneous and the ones who are not ready will not have a clue at that particular moment.  Some of man’s imagination pictures toppled tombstones, disturbed grave sites, cars and planes careening off the road driverless, doctors missing suddenly while in the middle of surgery, people talking in conversation and all at once one of the parties are gone.  Just as those who witnessed the flood in Noah’s day, there will be an almost immediate recognition around the world that something has happened, but many will be without a clue.

Right now, about one billion people around the world call themselves Christian.  How many of them will, in fact, be ready for lift off, is anyone’s guess.  But, Christ knows their name, because their names are in the book.  Is your name in the book, that is, The Lamb’s book of Life or is your name in the other book…the one who has the recorded names and deeds of all those who are not ready and who according to the Word must give an account?

That second phrase in Romans, chapter eleven, simply tells us to WAKE UP.  Are you spiritually awake?  Are you aware of any area in your life that might give you a hesitation of whether or not you will be ready or not?  The Bible tells us we have approximately 70 years of life on this earth.  Some of you have already passed that number.  But think of it, on a time line, 70 years is but a blip compared to the approximate 6000 years this earth has been inhabited since Adam and Eve were created. 

What is your eternal destiny?  Where you will spend eternity?  He that has an ear, let him or her hear?  What is the Spirit saying to you?  Is there an area of your life that does not measure up to what God requires?  It is not about the church or your friends or family.  It is about you. 

Inheritance in God

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1 Peter 3:8-9

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

God has chosen you.

1 Peter 1:1-2a – To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.

Ephesians 1:4 – Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

Ephesians 1:11 – In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

Revelation 22:17 – And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

God is sanctifying you.

1 Peter 1:2b – in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 4:22-24 – that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

God has shown mercy.

1 Peter 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Psalm 103:10 – He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.

Psalm 23:6 – Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

God has a purpose for our trials.

1 Peter 1:6-7 – In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

James 1:2-4 – My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

God’s goodness is Jesus

1 Peter 1:8-9 – whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Remember Who You Are

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1 Peter 1:13-21

So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert); set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed.  [Live] as children of obedience [to God]; do not conform yourselves to the evil desires [that governed you] in your former ignorance [when you did not know the requirements of the Gospel].  But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living.  For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy.  And if you call upon Him as [your] Father Who judges each one impartially according to what he does, [then] you should conduct yourselves with true reverence throughout the time of your temporary residence [on the earth, whether long or short].  You must know (recognize) that you were redeemed (ransomed) from the useless (fruitless) way of living inherited by tradition from [your] forefathers, not with corruptible things [such as] silver and gold, but [you were purchased] with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot.  It is true that He was chosen and foreordained (destined and foreknown for it) before the foundation of the world, but He was brought out to public view (made manifest) in these last days (at the end of the times) for the sake of you.  Through Him you believe in (adhere to, rely on) God, Who raised Him up from the dead and gave Him honor and glory, so that your faith and hope are [centered and rest] in God. (The Amplified Bible)

Let’s take a look at this passage verse by verse.

  • Verse 13 – So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert); set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed.

The word “brace” in this passage indicates that we should have support.  The church and the people that are a part of it is your support.  Just as a church has a Pastor, it also has a support staff, other people to fill other positions: trustees, treasurer, Sunday School teachers, musicians, people who pray, make calls, visit, etc.  Our minds and heart as well needs to be supported in a spiritual fashion through study, prayer, church attendance, Christian fellowship.  The word “sober” in this passage has nothing to do with drinking of alcohol.  It simply means that we must be morally alert and watchful in our daily walk.  We need to set our hope wholly, not partially, and unchangeably on Christ.  There is no turning back from the grace that He bestowed on us in salvation and is coming in its fullness when Christ returns.

  • Verse 14 – [Live] as children of obedience [to God]; do not conform yourselves to the evil desires [that governed you] in your former ignorance [when you did not know the requirements of the Gospel].

We are to be obedient to God.  At the same time we are to live life, enjoying what God has blessed us with and also being a blessing.  We are to behave as Christians, not like we used to be before we came to know Him as Savior and Lord.  Our lives must be a testimony of His great work in our lives when He poured out His Spirit upon us and bought us and brought us into this marvelous life.

  • Verse 15 – But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living.  

Down thru the years Christianity has changed.  The verse says “holy in all your conduct and manner of living.”  ALL!   ALL!   Do I need to say it again?  In some ways those changes are for the good and in some ways for the bad.  But the Christian walk (or life) has not changed.  For the most part, the change that has occurred, is our reinterpretation of certain dogmas (beliefs) of our faith.  I remember the time when no one calling themselves Christian would ever come to church unless they were fully clothed.  In some churches “casual” has become “almost naked”.   I’m glad we don’t have a dress code anymore but at the same time some have gone too far.  I believe holy living demands that we keep our body covered, and not just in church.  It is not appropriate for the men and women to flaunt their sexuality publically.  There are some clothes we need to wear at home only.   

Verse 16 – For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy.

Holiness is not restricted to dress.  It includes the TV programs we watch, the books we read, the thoughts we think, the jokes we listen to and then possibly repeat, the friends we associate with, the places we go and much, much more.  Holiness is a lifestyle.

  • Verse 17 – And if you call upon Him as [your] Father Who judges each one impartially according to what he does, [then] you should conduct yourselves with true reverence throughout the time of your temporary residence [on the earth, whether long or short].

Reverence, now there is a word we really don’t understand.  You should live your life to glorify God.  I could probably conjure up several examples here.  But, simply speaking, glorify God in your thoughts, words and actions.

  • Verses 18-19 – You must know (recognize) that you were redeemed (ransomed) from the useless (fruitless) way of living inherited by tradition from [your] fore-fathers, not with corruptible things [such as] silver and gold, but you were purchased] with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot.

You are redeemed, ransomed, born again, changed by the precious blood of Jesus….So talk like it, act like it, live like it!

1 Peter 2:11 – Beloved, I implore you as aliens and strangers and exiles (in this world) to abstain from the sensual urges (the evil desires, the passions of the flesh, your lower nature) that wage war against the soul. (The Amplified Bible)

This world is not my home, I’m just a passisng through. My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me, from heaven’s open door and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

  • Verse 12 – Conduct yourselves properly (honorably, righteously) among the Gentiles, so that, although they may slander you as evildoers, [yet] they may by witnessing your good deeds [come to] glorify God in the day of inspection [when God shall look upon you wanderers as a pastor or shepherd looks over his flock].

By your actions and by your words and lifestyle how do you measure up!  If He calls your name right now and you have no more breath left in you, what is going to be your new address?  If you do right and talk right and behave right and live right you may not be the most popular person around but ultimately, is that what you really want? When it comes to eternity, do you really care what Joe Smoe or Sally Smuck really thinks?  Or would you rather hear from God what He thinks?  One of two choices:  Well done or depart from Me!

Remember who you are!   Our conduct should cause others to glorify Christ.

Have you ever felt like your life wasn’t really important in the grand scheme of things?  Have you ever wondered if it was possible to make a difference in the world around you?  First, think about who you are.  Christians need to be different than those who do not know the Lord.  Your godly lifestyle, priorities, and outlook should set you apart from nonbelievers.

Are you making a difference?  We are not to isolate ourselves from the world.  God has placed us in this world so that our lives can have an impact on the people with whom we come into contact.  Our Christian character and lifestyle will expose those who are living an ungodly life and confront them with the life-changing message of the gospel.

In many ways, the holiest moment of a church service is when God’s people go out the doors of the church and into the world.  That is when your godly living will cause people to ask, “What makes you different?”  Some people may criticize, ridicule, or persecute you for living a godly life.  Others, however, may come to know Jesus as a result of your faithful obedience to God’s Word.  If they do, they will glorify God for your testimony and their newfound salvation.

Go and be a living epistle read by all you come into contact with.

 

 

 

What’s in a Name?

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1 Peter 1:1-10

1 Peter 1:1- 10 – Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,

The prophecy of this grace.

Isaiah 7:14 – Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:23 – Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, “God with us.”

Grace – what does it mean?

G     It is a gift – Ephesians 2:8-10 – For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

O     It calls for an offering – Romans 12:1 — I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

D    It caused God to dwell among us – John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

W   This “Word” is powerful and His life on earth was verified by many witnesses – Hebrews 4:12-13 – For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

1 Timothy 3:16-17 – And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:  God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.

I    Because of this “Word” we have an inheritance – Romans 8:16-17 – The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

T   Because of what God has done, we are His temple.  – 2 Corinthians 6:16 – And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:  “I will dwell in them and walk among them.  I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

H    It calls for us to be holy in our lives – 1 Peter 1:16 – because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

U    It calls for faith in God.  However, it also tells us when we have doubts we can honestly cry out to God for His help – Romans 11:19-21 – However, it also tells us when we have doubts we can honestly cry out to God for His help – Romans 11:19-21 – You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Mark 9:24 – Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

S  It provides for us a Savior – Luke 2:11 – For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

What’s in a name?  Everything, if the name is the one above every name – the name by which we must be saved!  Introduce your friends to Jesus (God With Us)!!!