Over the course of the last week we have been reading through the first chapter of 1st Peter. Peter writes to the believers who have been scattered and are without a place. He writes to them about hope and a better tomorrow filled with things that will not perish. A love that will last forever, things "more precious than gold" the scripture says.
Moving on in this next week we journey toward a new section in this text pointed toward growth and moving forward in our walk with Christ. When reading chapter two I'd like you to see where Peter speaks of how the Lord was rejected by men and yet chosen by God. There is also a parallel made in this chapter to people who are following the Lord being made into a spiritual house of living stone. Just as He is a living stone.
Again as you read, take notice to the concept of honoring authority so that God may be glorified. Doing good works is not for our own sake but for His.
There is so much to talk about in this chapter and we are so very eager for you to comment here and share your hearts but more importantly we want you to share your thoughts and beliefs with those around you in your life. Those who are also reading through this scripture. Challenge each other to think and talk about new ideas. Dig in with each other on this and share what comes out of it here by commenting on this blog. Again, we are eager to hear it.
- Corey
Thursday, March 11, 2010
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In the NLT translation, 1 Peter 2:16 says "Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves"
ReplyDeleteThis verse kind of stuck out to me because it says to live as free people, and then it says live as God's slaves, which sounded weird to me at first, because how can you be a free slave? but then i kind of thought about it, when you are God's slave, you are free. When you live for him, and when you are a servant for Him, you are a free person. I don't know if that made any sense at all, but that's what a verse that stuck out to me.
I thought this chapter was really good, and I want to focus on the 'Submission to Authority' section.
ReplyDelete"Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, ..." 1 Peter 2:13 (ESV)
I really like this scripture because I feel that in a lot of situations, we do not live up to this when we so easily could. It's so important that we submit to all authority God has placed in front of us, for the sole purpose of Glorifying God. It kind of makes think of certain president's who people cannot stand..
1 Peter 2:16-17 is what speaks to me the most out of the chapter:
2:16 - "Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God." (ESV)
I just really think it's cool that by dying to the sinful desires of our flesh (denying ourselves 'worldly freedom'), that we in turn receive more genuine freedom than the the members of the world could ever have. Ever since I decided to surrender my life to God, I have never felt more free and filled with joy. The hole that God fills in your heart gives you more freedom than anything this world can offer you. It's just amazing.
2:17 - "Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor." (ESV)
I feel that this is key to every believers life through salvation. We are called to love God and love others, and through love we will honor those around us. I know that love and encouragement from my brothers and sisters is so helpful to my walk with God. We should also be obedient to God due to our love and fear of Him, knowing that he is the beginning and the end.
There's a lot of things that stood out to me in this chapter.
ReplyDeletev2 "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby," (NKJV)
When I read this my first thought was, "Hey! That's what we're doing with this devo!"
v10 "Who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy."
I thought this verse was really cool. To me, it's saying that we as Christians, the "chosen generation"(v9), were not "a people". We're not from just one nationality or race. We're all different types of people, different labels, different stereotypes. But now, we are the "people of God." We all may be different types of people, but we're all umbrella’ed under, I guess you could say, the label of God.
I found those parts interesting but I think what hit me the most was v. 18 - 23
"18. Servants be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer for it, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God."
It's basically saying, if life treats you unfairly, don't complain about it. Just take it. Because God thinks this is better than only taking punishment for what you deserve.
"21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 'Who committed no sin, Nor was guile found in His mouth,' 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; When He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;"
Christ suffered. So much. And He did nothing wrong. NOTHING! And He didn't complain or fight back. So we should follow his example.
Unfortunately I'm very guilty on the whole complaining about life being unfair thing, maybe that's why this part stuck out to me so much.
The discussion so far in these comments has been incredible. We are super excited to see what everyone has to say about what the Lord continues to stir up in your heart.
ReplyDeleteRemember to share the things you are reading and discovering with each other through face to face interaction in your everyday relationships as well as through these comments.
Great insight so far. Keep it up. - Corey
I've been thinking about submission a lot lately, and I've come to one important realization:
ReplyDeleteAs Christ suffered in His submission, why do we think that we might not suffer in our submission, as well?
Dwelling on that thought, I've been working on submission in the work place. I feel that when I am submitting to even those who I do not consider above me, I am doing something in return for God - letting my light shine before men. Although my reward may not be here on this Earth, I can hope in some way that my submission may glorify God.
Love you, all.
1 Peter 2.12 says "Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge."
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading this I couldn't believe how much it related to me. I only got saved about 6 months ago so this concept of really living my life for God has been so new to me. At first I was so excited and filled with his love that I tried to bring everyone I knew to church and I talked about God constantly. The first day that I wore my "love god love others" shirt to school i sat down at lunch and one of the guys I hang out with started telling me how dumb I was for believing and how much God doesn't exist. I couldn't believe it. I was so hurt and confused as to how to react to him. I didn't want to stop talking about God around him because that would be giving up. But I knew if I talked too much it would completely turn him away from any thought of believing. After lots of prayer I settled on the idea of living so that people can see God through me. And that's where this scripture comes in. This same guy was talking to me, trying to help me through a bad day, and as I asked him how he could know I was going to be Ok he told me it was because I believed in God. He told me how much he respects me because I honestly care about people and he knows its because I've been saved. I couldn't believe someone who denounces Christ on a daily basis could be telling me that he knows having Christ in my life has made me a better person. I feel like this scripture is telling me that I'm on the right track. Like is written confirmation that I'm working for God the way he wants me too. Its so cool how God communicates. <3