Category: 1 Peter

Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 4:1-11 (day seven)

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. vs 10

When we begin to talk about stewardship, people shut down, assuming that we are talking about money.  Financial conversations can feel uncomfortable. We don’t like people telling us what to do with “our” money. However, stewardship goes beyond a paycheck and tithe. Most people who enter a church understand that the giving of money is a command from God. Yet, most people who enter a church do not have any desire whatsoever to serve in that church. They simply want to come, observe, give a little money in the plate as it passes, and go about their business. They neglect that God has gifted them with special talents and He commands them to use those gifts in the church. A good steward does not hoard their gifts, they use them wisely.

You have a gift. What is your gift?

God did not design you with that gift to only bless you professionally. He gave you that gift to steward it and give back to Him with it. So how can you use your giftedness in our church?

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Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 4:1-11 (day six)

“The end of all things is near.”

I imagine when that rings true, it has a way of putting everything into perspective. That’s what Peter was doing after all, helping these churches put things in proper perspective.

How about you? If you were convinced the end of all things was near…let’s say, in a month, would your perspective change? Your priorities shift? Would you pray more earnestly? Would you zero in on your most important relationships? Would you try to help others along? Would you be generous? Would you live for what mattered most?

See, that’s what Peter is trying to do here.

Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 4:1-11 (day five)“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another”

What does love look like?  Let me ask a more specific question…. What does Christian love look like?  Pastor Peter gives us a few snapshots in our Re:verse passage.  First, Christian love shapes how we think and act towards others- looking for the best in others and standing ready to forgive others. This doesn’t mean we ignore sin or that we don’t take it seriously. It means we always seek to find grace as we interact with each other.

Second, Christian love prompts us to welcome others- into our hearts and even our homes.

One last picture from Peter- Christian love serves others as the voice and hands of the Lord. Words are extremely important in God’s economy. Oh, that we might use them as He intends. In addition, God’s strength and attention are on display as we serve others.

The call to love others is an opportunity to resemble Christ most and best.

Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 4:1-11 (day four)

Today, our church has been called to a time of fasting and prayer.  In our passage, Peter has emphasized that because Christ experienced sufferings, we too can expect them.  He goes on to say that several things should characterize our lives, because the end of all things is near.  Foremost in character is to be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

As you fast and pray today, how do you exercise sound judgment and sober spirit?  Sound judgment suggests praying intelligently…accurately discerning the circumstances in light of biblical truth.  A sober spirit describes one who is focused and alert.  Prayer should not be approached with nonchalance or in a flippant manner.  Prayer is serious business…coming before a holy God to hear His voice and petition His mercy and grace.

Peter’s second admonition is to have forgiving love…our culture today certainly does not encourage that.  Make the most of your prayer today, because the end of all things is near!

Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 4:1-11 (day three)

“The end of all things is near.”

The might possessed by the powers-that-be has a shelf life, and there is nothing to be done about that fact. No suffering meted out by any powerful person or state can outrun the time God has set for the end of all things. Let that reality encourage you to keep company with him who is eternal, Peter says. This comforting statement can also invite unbelievers to reconsider the commonly held notion that the world will go on as it always has. Peter’s audacious remark can lead someone to a crisis of confidence, which can then lead to faith in Christ. May we recognize that the world systems are winding down, and may we invite people to join us in awaiting the age that’s coming, when Christ appears and renews all things.

Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 4:1-11 (day one)  Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. vs. 8

There are so many things that are out of your control on a daily basis. Situations arise that you are unprepared to handle. There may be financial crises that seem to never allow you to get ahead. Many things will happen to you, but what matters is your ability to manage what you can control. You are in control of your response, particularly to other people. No matter what comes your way, allow no one to say that you lacked charity or grace. Make people marvel at the way you handle difficult people, adversity, or stress. Focus on what the Lord has blessed you with, and start there. Sometimes all you have is all you need.

Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 3:18-22 (day seven) 

… so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit. vs 18

There is only one way to get to God. The New Testament is abundantly clear that there is no other way to the Father except through Jesus Christ. You would think that John 14:6 would be enough to convince people that there is no other way, but still, people find ways to circumvent contextual interpretation to appease their beliefs. The purpose of the Incarnation was to provide a way for humanity to dwell with God for eternity as well as in this world. God wouldn’t have needed Jesus to become flesh if His plan was to save the world universally. God needed Jesus to provide a way for us to die in our flesh now in order for us to know God now. Jesus died in His flesh in order to bring us to God and also to bring God to us. God is with us because Jesus made the way… the only way!

Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 3:18-22 (day six)

¹⁹ So he went and preached to the spirits in prison—²⁰ those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat.

Have you ever wished God would hurry things along? Or wonder why he delays his judgement? I imagine Noah felt the same way. It likely took he and his family around 40 years to build the ark, all the while his neighbors became increasingly volatile and wicked.

What we feel as slowness, is actually a demonstration of God’s patient grace towards unbelievers. Paul wrote, “Don’t you know, God’s kindness (delay of judgment) is intended to lead you to repentance?”

So while we may ache for Jesus’ return, may we also recognize God’s desire for all men and women to come to saving faith. All the more reason to do good in the face of suffering.