QT 26 Dec 19, 2 Pet 1:14,-15, Why do we willingly disregard truth?

2 Peter 1:14–15 (ESV) — 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

NOTE: Peter knew his death was soon and he was not concerned. He called it the "putting off of my body" as if it was a very natural thing. Well, I'm not sure it is natural, but because of the rebellion, all but two people have gone through the same thing (at least as of 120 years ago). For the believer, it carries no fear, that is death carries no fear. We have a hope of eternal life that is based on the life, death, and resurrection of the son of God. An event, witnessed and recorded by many people. Despite atheists attempt to suggest otherwise, no historical scholar takes seriously the notion that Jesus did not exist. The evidence is overwhelming. Myths do not cause first generation eyewitness to die for a cause. It is easy to fool second and third generations, but first generation are not fooled. Eyewitnesses do not die for lies, especially when there was no material gain. Peter was an eyewitness to the events of which he writes. He knew the truth. He risked everything because of the truth. He now readily will die for the truth. He was a fisherman, but he was not stupid. And technically, he was educated by the most brilliant rabbi of all time, Jesus. His concern is that the second and subsequent generations recall the truths he and other eyewitnesses have taught.

PRAYER: Father, there is no doubt about the battle being waged against Jesus Christ. Non-truths are taught with vigor by the enemies of God without any basis except hatred. The world easily believes these non-truths, because truth demands a change that they are not willing to make. The would rather die in ignorance and in sin than to admit you rule. Father, forgive us. Heal us. Open our eyes to spiritual truth.

QT 25 Dec 19, 2 Pet 1:5-8, Growing in Christ in stages

2 Peter 1:5–8 (ESV) — 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

NOTE: I think there are seasons in life where we are growing in different aspects. I do see the list as increasing in maturity. But I also see that it is a list where we are always  going through it all over again. And then are areas where we just struggle. I think my constant struggle is in self-control. While I am not heavy, I am certainly 10 to 20 pounds heavier than I would like to be. My struggle is saying no to food, even when I have made up my mind to say no, I somehow allow myself to be tricked by my body into eating something I really don't need. This is another goal for the new year, to be increasingly stronger in self control.

PRAYER: Father, I pray for the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to be present in my life this year and to help me say no to the temptations of the flesh, especially as it comes to eating.

QT 24 Dec 19, 1 Pet 5:6-7, Don't use humility as a means to be exalted

1 Peter 5:6–7 (ESV) — 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

NOTE: God is the one who exalts another, not the person himself. God knows the proper timing. Of course, if the only interest is in being exalted, then I doubt the time is any time soon. We really need to let go of our selfish desires to be recognized. We need to be completely content in who we are, not caring how another might view my success or lack of success. I saw a movie where the rich ruler of the house pretended to be a pan handler. He submitted to a number of humbling experiences. In the end, he gained far more than he gave up.

PRAYER: I do pray that my humility would not be a means to exaltation. I want to be real. I don't want to have secret and wicked thoughts. I want to humbly serve.

QT 23 Dec 19, 1 Pet 5:5, Learning humility in the new year

1 Peter 5:5 (ESV) — 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

NOTE: This has always been my struggle. This new year, I am resolving to downplay myself. I am not going to talk about my accomplishments. I am not going to bring up things I have accomplished. I am focusing on other people. I have no reason to uphold myself. I am content with who I am. I am content with my relationship with God. I want to serve others.

PRAYER: Father, give me the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to withhold my speech in those opportunities I have to boast. Let me fade back into the woodwork. Give me the power to show true humility

QT 19 Dec 19, 1 Pet 3:9, Be a blessing

1 Peter 3:9 (ESV) — 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

NOTE: In other words, don't act like the world. Don't  get even. Don't nurse grudges. Don't play the games that the world plays. Be different. Bless people with your presence, your words, your actions, your kindness, and your grace. Do people avoid you? Do people enjoy having you around? Do people appreciate you? Do you tear things down or do you build things and people up? The question for myself is -- what kind of person am I? Am I the one who is always finding fault? Or am I the one trying to encourage others with a blessing or by being a blessing?

PRAYER: Father, I want to be a blessing to others. Help me today to see opportunities to bless someone with my words.

QT 18 Dec 19, 1 Pet 4:4-5, The Word is our guidepost

1 Peter 4:4–5 (ESV) — 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

NOTE: I think the world is surprised because deep down they feel the shame of their sin. The more people who join them, the better they feel. Almost like, misery loves company, except in the case it is, sinners enjoy more sinners. We will be maligned and attacked, because if the world does not attack, then they have acknowledged us right, and them wrong. The ways to avoid being wrong is to convince yourself you are right, involve yourself with people who think like you, attack those who don't, and most importantly, ignore God's Word. I say the latter because religious people can make the same above mistakes as the irreligious, and only the Word of God illuminated by the Holy Spirit can save us from our sinful flesh.

PRAYER: Father, protect us from the pride that makes us think we are always right. We are not right because we are believers. We are right when we truthfully follow the teachings of the Word of God.

QT 17 Dec 19, 1 Pet 3:21, Does baptism save?

1 Peter 3:21 (ESV) — Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

NOTE: Constable writes:

"The antecedent of “this” (sic) seems to be “water” (v. 20). Baptism saves Christians now as the water that floated Noah’s ark saved him and drowned his unbelieving antagonists. It does not save us by cleansing us from defilement, either physically or spiritually, but by announcing publicly that the person baptized has placed his or her faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism now delivers (saves) us from the consequences of siding with the world." (Expository Notes, 1 Peter, 2003)

I think Constable is right. Jesus has done all the work. Our response is threefold -- believe, repent, and choose. Those three verbs represent our mind, our heart, and our will. If any one of them is missing, I don't believe a person can become a Christian. While baptism is not necessary as the expression of our will, it certainly is a public expression of our will. Salvation is primarily internal, but the external element can be key in putting the stake in the ground. An unwillingness to publicly identify with Jesus' death raises doubt in regards to a person's actual conversion.

PRAYER: Father, help us not to be fooled by our emotions. "Knowing Jesus" is more than a feeling and is not confirmed by feelings. It is confirmed by a changed life with a deep love to get into the word of God for food.

QT 16 Dec 19, 1 Pet 3:15, Always be prepared

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) — but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

NOTE: Always be prepared. It is wise to develop some apologetic skills -- not that most people could ever expect to answer any and all questions from a scoffer. There are just too many scoffers and each one needs only a few to represent a huge amount of arguments. Many arguments do collapse to a few, but there are no lack of individuals who want to disprove the bible or God. But there are many useful answers. The first and best is our testimony. "I do not know the answer to that question, although I can look for you, but I have found that Jesus Christ completely transformed my life." The work of the Holy Spirit cannot really be disputed, only doubted. Another answer of mine, "I have a book that has hundreds of supposed errors in scripture that a little logic and science answer -- most of the errors start with the assumption that the text is in error to make their argument, not really looking into the alternatives. I would be glad to investigate your 'question' if you are really interested." But really the best response only requires one to read 1 Cor 15. There are many eyewitnesses to the fact of the resurrection. The onus is on the scoffer to dismiss 500 people in mostly separate situations. If he tries to make issue of the records written by man. Well, archaeology has shown that what was written in the first century is nearly exactly what we still have today.

PRAYER: Father, help me not to shrink back when questioned. You have given me great wisdom. May I use it for your glory.

QT 12 Dec 19, 1 Pet 3:7, The husband's duties for his wife

1 Peter 3:7 (ESV) — Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

NOTE: Two things stand out to me in this passage. First, men are called to understand your wife. Wow, that is not easy. Understanding anyone is difficult but especially the opposite sex, and for a man, especially a wife. Understanding requires active listening, but not just her words, but also her emotions, her non-verbal communications, and her thoughts. A man doesn't need to think about these things as much in dealing with other men, at least that has been my experience. I do know there are exceptions but they seem few. The second point is the comment on weaker vessel. Constable writes,

Both the husband and the wife are vessels, but husbands are more typically similar to iron skillets whereas wives resemble china vases, being more delicate. They are equally important but different.

 

Again, many would probably disagree, but in my experience (sample size of 2 - wife and a daughter), I would agree. It is considerably easier to damage a woman through our words than a man. I guess this means I'm a sexist pig, or that I am exactly right and our culture wants to hide God's truth from our knowledge.

PRAYER: Father, help me to truly listen to my wife and understand her. I want her to know that I care for her, that I love her, and that she is very special to me.

QT 11 Dec 19, 1 Pet 3:3-4, The real beauty of an inner heart

1 Peter 3:3–4 (ESV) — 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

NOTE: I suppose many women do not this verse and the culture has told them not to like it. But I can't think of a more appealing beauty than of the inner spirit. Clothes provide a certain beauty, but the inner person is so much more beautiful and long-lasting. It truly is captivating. God calls it precious, what could be a better compliment?

PRAYER: I thank you for my wife. I know she is not perfect, but I do see that inner beauty in her and I love her so much for it.

QT 9 Dec 19, 1 Pet 2:16, Freedom is a good thing, lawless is not

1 Peter 2:16 (ESV) — Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

NOTE: God wants us to be free. This verse follows an exhortation to submit to the secular governing authorities. You can be free and still subject to laws and rules. In fact, I'm not sure we can be free without laws and rules. Our very ability to do things (drive somewhere) would be inhibited by other's lawless actions (driving on whatever side of the road the person chose). So, it is a bit of false logic to assume freedom means no rules. Likewise, being free in Christ does not mean we are not under law. We certainly are still under the spirit of the law summed up in the statement to love the Lord your God with your whole being and your neighbor as yourself. Nearly all of our actions affect our neighbors, even the ones done in secret or private. I know that doesn't make sense but it is true. Our secret actions will reveal themselves in time -- they will. So, the application is to live as free men, and obey all the laws, because our witness to others (vs 2:15) is dependent upon our obedience. The only exception are laws in direct conflict with the commands of God.

PRAYER: Father, help me to live as a law-abiding citizen in all that I do. The standard is "what is the law," not "what can I get away with?" Change the mind and heart of believers because too many of us follow the world's view in these things.

QT 6 Dec 19, 1 Pet 2:11-12, Our witness is so important to the life of the Christian

1 Peter 2:11–12 (ESV) — 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

NOTE: Our witness is so important. Outside of glorifying God, there may be no more important aspect to our life. And part of the reason our witness is important is that it glorifies God as well. But our witness has an impact on others, and as a result, others may glorify God someday as well. When we compromise moral commands or try to fit in with worldly mores, we dishonor God as well as misrepresent the gospel. This is our primary mission. We are not needed in the kingdom if we are not willing to live according to the Spirit.

PRAYER: Father, I pray we might all understand why it is so important to live according to Christian morals. As believers, give us a strong and beautiful witness to those around us. May they see the love of Christ through our actions and through our choices.

QT 4 Dec 19, 1 Pet 2:4-5, Being a stone that can be built upon

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:4‭-‬5 ESV

NOTE: I am a living stone. I am part of a larger building. I stand upon the stones of others, men and women who lived lives that honored God. I now have a responsibility to build upon the stone of my life. I need to live in such a way that my life does not weaken the building.

PRAYER: Father, today help me to live a life that would be a witness to those around me. Help me to be concerned for others. Help me to look out for others. Help me to treat others as more important than myself.

QT 3 Dec 19, 1 Pet 2:2, Why don't we want to grow?

1 Peter 2:2 (ESV) — Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—

NOTE: It is such a simple truth, but having seen the struggles most committed Christians (attending IDGs) have in keeping a regular quiet time, I wonder if we really understand this simple verse. A baby would dies or be severely malnourished if it did not daily drink its mother's milk. And yet, so many "believers" skip the pure spiritual milk of the Word. How can we grow without nourishment? Are we fooling ourselves? Is our "growth" fake? Is it all a show? If we are not in the Word of God on a regular basis, we are malnourished believers, barely alive. I can't think of anything that discourages me more than seeing so many believers who do not regularly meet with God in his word. We are so weak spiritually.

PRAYER: Father, open the eyes of your church to their absolute need to meet with you regularly. Please, we don't want to live hypocritical lives. I know we choose. Help us to see our need for you.

QT 2 Dec 19, 1 Pet 1:24-25, The essentiality of the Word of God for life

1 Peter 1:24–25 (ESV) — 24 for

“All flesh is like grass

and all its glory like the flower of grass.

The grass withers,

and the flower falls,

25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

NOTE: Everything that I touch and see is temporary. It is all going to pass away. There are only two things that I can interact with that are eternal: people and the Word of God. I can influence people toward an eternity in heaven by my relationship with them and my witness to them. But, the Word of God is the only perfect eternal thing on earth (outside of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit). Everything I do with the Word has value now and beyond this life. It has eternal value. And it has power to change me now. I can fix a lot of things, but I can't fix the decay caused by sin in my mind. The Word of God can repair my mind and my heart and other parts of my body damaged by sin. It can't do it completely, I need a new body to completely rid me of my body of sin. But for all the effort we put into external things for our body, the one thing we ought to do more is to immerse ourselves in the word.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for your Word and the cleansing effect it has on my mind and body.