Digging into Peter - Part 4: 1 Peter 4

 

Background to the Books of 1 & 2 Peter
The historical indications are that these two books of the Bible were written when the Apostle Peter was in Rome. Peter was writing to the Church, both Jew and Gentile converts that had been scattered through Asia through persecution. Paul was writing to those that were exiled in what today is known as Northwest Turkey.

Both letters are written in a very warm, loving and caring way – a Pastor taking care of his congregation.

Believing the Bible and putting it into practice – allowing it to change us.

1 Peter chapter 4 - ESV (the verses from 1 Peter 4 are in light italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in light, straight text with additional scriptures from other Bible books in bold italics)

Living for the will of God

1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.

In verses 1 and 2 above Peter tells us that because Jesus suffered and died for us, we should be like-minded and have the same way of thinking that He did, not living for ourselves but living for the will of God to be done in and through us. Let us ‘arm’ ourselves with Christ’s way of thinking!

Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

This way of thinking involves us dying to our flesh (our sinful desires), living in the Spirit, taking on the attitude of a servant to all and thus living to do the will of God only, just as Jesus did!

We have the Lord’s perfect example of this in Matthew 26:39 which is repeated in Mark 14:36 and Luke 22:42 when in the Garden of Gethsemane our Lord asks Father God if it is possible for him not to have to die for mankind! The Apostle John also speaks of Jesus doing the will of the Father in John 6:38.

Matthew 26:39 (NLT)

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Jesus the man, struggling with the flesh and overcoming by the power of the Holy Spirit – in Christ we have the victory!

John 6:38 (NLT)

For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.

Jesus, explaining why He came down to earth from heaven!

Looking at 1 Peter 4:1 in more depth we see that Peter tells us to “arm yourselves with the same way of thinking” as Christ. The key word in this phrase is ‘arm’. Here the Greek word for ‘arm’ is ‘hoplizó’ (hop-lid-zo – Strong’s 3695) and its full meaning besides to ‘arm’ is: to make ready or to equip oneself in a military way and be ready for battle.

Now we read that Jesus armed Himself for battle in His way of thinking, but what is the battle we need to be ready for?

It is of course, as Peter goes on to tell us in verse 2, the battle we have with our flesh, our human passions, our sinful nature! The battle of the mind where the devil’s voice is heard the loudest!

“arm yourselves with the same way of ……………..thinking……as Christ!”

Jesus was human in every way so that He could identify with us in every way, even in our struggles and battles!

Hebrews 2:17-18 (NIV)

17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

To read more about the battle of the mind please read my article ‘Satan Wants Your Mind’, published on 23 January 2021, here’s the link:
https://rayskilton.blogspot.com/2021/01/satan-wants-your-mind.html

When we become born again, not only do we receive eternal life in Christ Jesus, but we also become His soldiers – the army of God with Jesus as our captain!

2 Timothy 2:3 (ESV)

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Our battle is a spiritual battle, and we must clothe ourselves appropriately and arm ourselves with the correct spiritual weapons: prayer, the name of Jesus, humility, life in the Spirit, the authority given to us by Christ, cultivate an ever repentant and forgiving heart, be slow to anger and swift to bless, put on the full armour of God, be obedient to the Word and most importantly DO EVERYTHING IN LOVE!

"BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND THE STRENGTH OF HIS MIGHT"

Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

To find out more about a Christian’s weapons of war, please read my blog published in November 2020, “Spiritual Warfare: What are a Christians weapons of war?”
https://rayskilton.blogspot.com/2020/11/spiritual-warfare-part-4-what-are.html

3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 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. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

In verse 3 Peter tells us that once we are born-again our past lives are over, and we are no longer to live as the Gentiles do. For us today this means that we are no longer to live in the desires of the flesh as the unsaved do, but we are to live in the Spirit as Christ did. We are to resist the temptations of the flesh, the pull of the world, for in Christ Jesus we are new creations! 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

And when we don’t conform to the pattern of the world, Peter warns as that we will be much maligned – they (unbelievers) will criticise and abuse us and make fun of us!

Submit to God resist the devil and he will flee!

James 4:7 (NIV)

 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

Peter goes on to say in verse 5 that we are to ignore this maligning as the maligners will have to give an account to God for their lives and unlike the saved who were once like them, we will have an advocate who will speak for us on judgement day – our Lord and Saviour, Christ Jesus who paid the price for our sins. And because of this we are able to stand before God guiltless and forgiven!

1 John 1:2-3 (AMP)

My little children (believers, dear ones), I am writing you these things so that you will not sin and violate God’s law. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate [who will intercede for us] with the Father: Jesus Christ the righteous [the upright, the just One, who conforms to the Father’s will in every way—purpose, thought, and action]. 2 And He [that same Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins [the atoning sacrifice that holds back the wrath of God that would otherwise be directed at us because of our sinful nature—our worldliness, our lifestyle]; and not for ours alone, but also for [the sins of all believers throughout] the whole world.

The end of all things is near!

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

In verses 7-11 Peter tells us the end times are close at hand and so we must stay calm, clear headed and focused on the things of God so that our prayers will be according to His will. 

We must love each other sincerely and be quick to forgive others. He also reminds us to use the gifts that God has given us for the benefit of the body of Christ so that  everything we do, will glorify God through Jesus!

Eagerly desire the Spiritual gifts and use them for the benefit of the Church, to build up and edify each other in order to bring glory to Jesus.

1 Corinthians 12:31 (AMP)

But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal].

And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love].

Suffering as a Christian

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

In verses 12 – 19 above Peter once again reverts to what seems to be one of his favourite topics, and rightly so, the Christian walk and its trials and tribulations. We are told not to be surprised when trials come to test us – it is not a strange or rare  thing to the Christian walk, it is normal. He tells us to rejoice in the fact that we share in Christ’s sufferings!

James, the younger brother of Jesus, puts it this way:

James 1:2-4 (AMP)

2 Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.

Our trials and temptations, the testing ground of our faith, produces endurance and leads us on the path to spiritual maturity! Endurance and good works in Christ Jesus, produces the perfect result in our faith so that we will lack for nothing! Eternal life in Christ Jesus! Amen!

Write these words of Jesus indelibly on your hearts and let them always be with you. In Christ alone we wear the victor’s crown and have His perfect peace! Jesus is the prince of peace; He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. In Him we live and move and have our being and when God is for us no one and nothing can be against us – the Bible declares this so!

John 16:33 (AMP)

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Peter continues in telling us from verse 14 that if we suffer for Christ’s sake we are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon us! He assures as that we will not suffer as those that are evil do, as we receive the fulness of God’s love in eternal life in Christ Jesus whose name we glorify when we suffer for him!

In verse 17 Peter tells us that God’s judgement starts with the Church and if it starts with us then how much worse will it be for those that do not know Jesus! The true Church receives eternal life in Heaven – unbelievers receive eternal death (separation from God) in Hell!

Matthew 25:46 (AMP)

Then these [unbelieving people] will go away into eternal (unending) punishment, but those who are righteous and in right standing with God [will go, by His remarkable grace] into eternal (unending) life.”

And finally, in verse 19, Peter reminds us to entrust our lives to God while doing good even as we endure suffering for His name and in accordance with His will!

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that by your Holy Spirit, you would strengthen me to endure life’s sufferings and to keep my eyes on you for you are the author and perfecter of my faith. Help me keep my eyes on Jesus as I go through the trials and tribulations of life and help me to do the good things that you have predestined me to do, that I may bring glory to your name. Heavenly Father, I entrust my life to you! Lord, let your will be done, not mine! Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!

Digging into Peter - Part 3: 1 Peter 3

 

Background to the Books of 1 & 2 Peter

The historical indications are that these two books of the Bible were written when the Apostle Peter was in Rome. Peter was writing to the Church, both Jew and Gentile converts that had been scattered through Asia through persecution. Paul was writing to those that were exiled in what today is known as Northwest Turkey.

Both letters are written in a very warm, loving and caring way – a Pastor taking care of his congregation.

Believing the Bible and putting it into practice – allowing it to change us.

1 Peter chapter 3 - ESV (the verses from 1 Peter 3 are in light italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in light, straight text with additional scriptures from other Bible books in bold italics)

Godly Living:

Wives and Husbands

In the first seven verses of this chapter Peter addresses the relationship between wives and husbands. He first speaks to wives and then to husbands.

1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct.

In these first two verses Peter tells wives to submit themselves to their husbands whether they are believers or not. He goes on to say that if wives do this, they (their husbands) ‘may’ be won to the Lord by their (wives) behaviour. Note that Peter says ‘may’ and not ‘will’, there is a good chance that they will be won to the Lord but there is no guarantee!

3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewellery, 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.

In verses 3 and 4 we are told that a wife’s beauty should not stem from her outward appearance, but her beauty should come from the condition of her heart, a heart that is totally sold out to Jesus in obedience to the Word! This submersion in Jesus and the Word produces an imperishable beauty and a soft, gentle spirit; it will not age as the flesh does – it is a spiritual beauty born of the Holy Spirit; and which is precious in God’s eyes! This kind of gentle spirit is not only precious to God but is ‘very’ precious, it touches God’s heart in a very special way.

And let my say here too, husbands (myself included) we should endeavour to be like this too if we love our wives as Christ loves the Church!

Proverbs 31:10-12

10 A wife of noble character who can find?

    She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her

    and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,

    all the days of her life.

5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

Verses 5 and 6 tell us that when wives are adorned in this way, they are following in the footsteps of the holy women of old whose hope was in God alone. This is how Sarah was with Abraham and Christian wives are likened to her as her children.

I believe that verse six is far better explained by the Amplified Bible:

1 Peter 3:6 (AMP)

just as Sarah obeyed Abraham [following him and having regard for him as head of their house], calling him lord. And you have become her daughters if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear [that is, being respectful toward your husband but not giving in to intimidation, nor allowing yourself to be led into sin, nor to be harmed].

The Amplified Bible translation gives a perfect explanation of what ‘and do not fear anything that is frightening’ really means. Wives should not live in fear of their husbands and be intimidated by them and let themselves be led into sin by him or to be physically or mentally harmed by him in any form of abuse.

Husbands

7 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.

Here again the Amplified Bible translation of 1 Peter 3:7 gives the best explanation of how a husband should treat his wife. Husbands your wife is a co-heir with you in Jesus in everything God has for your marriage! When you love your wife in this way, your prayers will not be hindered or ineffective!

1 Peter 3:7 (AMP)

In the same way, you husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way [with great gentleness and tact, and with an intelligent regard for the marriage relationship], as with someone physically weaker, since she is a woman. Show her honor and respect as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered or ineffective.

And in the verse below from Ephesians, Paul also gives a very similar command to that of Peter of how husbands are to love their wives.

Ephesians 5:25 (AMP)

Husbands, love your wives [seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love], just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,

God made Eve from the rib of man so that she is always close to his heart, he did not make her from the bone of the foot so that she can be trampled on! Husbands love your wives as Christ loves the Church! Treat her with great respect, she is precious to you and the family. She, in Christ Jesus, is the glue that holds the family together - the wife of noble character! She was given to you by God - do not disrespect anything that God gives you!

Living in unity

8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

In verse 8 Peter commands us, the Church, to have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, and to wear a tender heart and humility as our Christian make-up and character. When we live in unity like this; when we have the same mindset as Christ and are thus in the unity of the Spirit; God blesses us!

Psalm 133:1 (NIV)

How good and pleasant it is

when God’s people live together in unity!

Philippians 2:5-9 (NIV)

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

Christian living

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. 10 For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

From verses 9 – 12 Peter is telling us how we should be living and acting towards our brothers and sisters in Christ and to others if we are to call ourselves Christians.

• We are not to repay evil for evil – we are called to bless instead and when we do this God will bless us.

• We are to keep our tongues from evil and lying.

• We are to turn from evil and do good.

• We are to seek peace and pursue it.

We reap what we sow!

Galatians 6:9-7 (NIV)

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Suffering for Righteousness' Sake

In verses 13-14 below Peter reiterates what he says in 1 Peter 2:19 about suffering for righteousness. It is commendable before God and when we do suffer in this way we will be blessed! We all need to be consciously active in doing what is good without holding back because of the fear of man. For what can mortal man do to us?

Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)

So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.

What can mere mortals do to me?”[Ps 118:6,7]

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

Honour Jesus as holy
In verses 15-17 below Peter tells us to honour Jesus as holy from the heart. It is only through Jesus that we are made holy! 

But, what is holiness? We are told in the Book of Hebrews that without holiness we won’t see God!

15 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, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

Holiness is from the Greek word ‘hagiotes’ meaning holiness or sanctity – holiness is God’s sanctification work in us once we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, in other words once we are born again. 

Sanctification is a process that we go through on our walk to Christian maturity, and it is achieved by being obedient to His Word and by being led by His Holy Spirit – living life in the Spirit (Romans 8). Hagiotes is derived from the Greek adjective ‘hagios’ which means set apart (for God) for the specific purpose of being holy and sacred.

From this we can safely conclude that God expects us, as Christians, to set ourselves apart to be holy because He is holy. In fact, Hebrews 12:14 states quite emphatically that we won’t see the Lord unless we pursue holiness.

Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Peter also tells us that we must always be prepared to defend the hope we have in Christ Jesus but to do it with gentleness and respect as when we do this it will silence the tongues of those who would revile and slander us for our belief in Jesus and it is they who will be put to shame!

No Bible bashing please!

Sometimes it is God’s will for us to suffer for doing good, after all Jesus did!

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.

Water baptism symbolises a Christian’s appeal to God for a good conscience thorough the resurrection of Jesus our Lord and Saviour!

21 Baptism, which corresponds to this (verse 20), 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, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

The apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 4 warns us that if we don’t develop a good conscience our faith will become shipwrecked and non-existent!

1 Timothy 1:19 (NIV)

holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that by your Holy Spirit, you would strengthen me to endure life’s sufferings and to keep my eyes on you for you are the author and perfecter of my faith. Help me Lord to develop holiness as you are holy. Help Lord, to study and apply the teachings of your Word to my life and to always be led by the Holy Spirit that I may glorify your name. Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!

Digging into Peter - Part 2: 1 Peter 2

We are living stones and a holy people!

Background to the Books of 1 & 2 Peter

The historical indications are that these two books of the Bible were written when the Apostle Peter was in Rome. Peter was writing to the Church, both Jew and Gentile converts that had been scattered through Asia through persecution. Paul was writing to those that were exiled in what today is known as Northwest Turkey.

Both letters are written in a very warm, loving and caring way.

Believing the Bible and putting it into practice – allowing it to change us.

1 Peter chapter 2 - ESV (the verses from 1 Peter 2 are in light italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in light, straight text with additional scriptures from other Bible books in bold italics)

Christian behaviour

1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

In verses 1 - 3 above Peter goes straight into telling us all the bad things we need to stop doing and saying in order to lead a loving, biblically correct life! These are things that we ll do or have done!

He tells us to put away all:

Malice: The Greek word for malice is ‘kakia’ (kak-ee-ah, Strong’s 2549) and its expanded meaning besides malice is, wickedness, spite, evil, viciousness and spite. This requires positive action to change on our part. It’s not what happens to you but how you respond to it that tests your mettle as a Christian!

Deceit: Greek word is ‘dolos’ (dol-os, Strong’s 1388) and it’s full meaning besides deceit is, treachery, to bait (somebody), trickery, guile and exploitation.

Hypocrisy: The Greek word is ‘hupokrisis’ (hoop-ok-ree-sis, Strong’s 5272) and the full meaning is, not practicing what you preach, expecting others to do what you will not, pretending to be something you are not, wearing a mask to cover up how you really feel, living a life of pretense.

Envy: The Greek word is ‘phthonos’ (fthon-os, Strong’s 5355) and its expanded meaning is, strong jealousy, spite, begrudging, displeasure when things go well for others, ill will towards others and bitter minded towards others.

Slander: The Greek word is ‘katalalia’ (kat-al-al-ee-ah, Strong’s 2636) and its expanded meaning is, evil-speaking, backbiting and defaming talk about others.

We need to watch how we talk to others and not to talk about each in a way that breaks down and doesn’t build up. Guard the tongue at all times or it will set you on fire!

James 3:6 (NIV)

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

We need to respond to all life's troubles events as Jesus would - in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Paul gives us a great reminder of this and tells us how it is done!

Romans 8:18 (NIV)

 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Galatians 5:19-26 (NIV)

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Jesus, a living stone

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 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.

In verses 4 and 5 five Peter tells us that as Jesus is a living stone and God’s chosen one so we, His Church, are living stones too, that when built upon by Jesus becomes a spiritual ‘house’. We become a holy priesthood and that as we offer ourselves to Jesus and He becomes our Lord and Saviour, we become acceptable to God. It is through Jesus and Him alone that we are able to enter God’s presence to present ourselves to Him as a living sacrifice of worship!

Romans 12:1 (NLT)

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

6 For it stands in Scripture:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”

8 and

“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

In verses 6, 7 and 8 Peter quotes from three Old Testament scriptures. Verse 6 is from Isaiah 28:16, verse 7 is from Psalm 118:22 and verse 8 is from Isaiah 8:14.

In each of these verses the word ‘stone’ is used, and this word ‘stone’ is talking about Jesus the living stone upon which the New Testament Church is going to be built!

Verse 6 tells us that this stone is the cornerstone (Isaiah 28:16) that will hold the Church together. In modern building techniques the cornerstone is the stone upon which all the other bricks are alligned in order to make a solid and lasting building. Isaiah also describes this stone (Jesus) as chosen and precious just as Peter does in verse 4 of our text!

And to this very day this stone, Jesus, is still a stumbling block to mankind because of their unbelief. In today’s world, just as when Jesus walked the earth, people do not believe in Him or the Bible.

When we have Jesus we will never be shaken - He is a sure foundation, the cornerstone of the Church!

Today, even many who call themselves Christians are very selective in their belief, they do not believe all the Bible or consider it just allegorical or only believe what suits them. These people are not truly born again they are not true Christians!

Psalm 62:1-2 (NLT)

1 I wait quietly before God,

    for my victory comes from him.

2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,

    my fortress where I will never be shaken.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

In verse 9 and 10 we, the true Church of Jesus Christ, are assured of these things:

• We are a chosen race – new creations

• We are a royal priesthood

• We are a holy nation – the Kingdom of God

• We belong to God alone

• We are called out of darkness into His light so thay we can proclaim His excellence

• Once we were nothing, but now we are God’s people

• Once we received no mercy – now we receive mercy

11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

In verse 11 Peter urges us as foreigners in this world, we are in the world but not of the world, to stop indulging in the things of the flesh, the sinful passions of the flesh that lead our souls astray!

John 17:14-16 (NIV)

14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

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.

In verse 12 Peter commands us, as we live in a fallen world, to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of Jesus so that unbelievers will see His goodness in us which will bring glory to God!

Philippians 1:27-28 (NIV)

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

Submission to Authority

13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

In verses 13 – 17 Peter tells us to submit ourselves to all ruling authorities for it is the will of God, and to continue to do good in Christ Jesus so that the ignorance of the unbeliever, those that watch us and point fingers at us, will be silenced!

We are told to live as people who have freedom in Christ Jesus but to ensure that we do not use our freedom to cover up evil – no sin can be hidden from God! We are to live as true servants of God, obeying His Word and being led by the Holy Spirit so that we bring glory to Jesus! We are to honour everyone, love our brothers and sisters in Christ and fear God.

Be respectful to everyone

18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.

In verses 18 and 19 Peter again urges us to be submissive to those in authority over us. Whether they be governing authorities, work-place bosses, law enforcement officers or our Church leadership. In fact, in our local congregations we are told quite clearly to submit ourselves to each other out of reverence for Christ! 

Not one of us should consider ourselves greater than another as we are all equal in the eyes of God. We have different functions but we are all loved by God the same. We should be looking to serve others, putting their needs before our own, just as Jesus did when He hung on the cross for us!

Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

We have been called to suffer!

20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

In verse 20 – 25 Peter paints a picture for us that at first seems a grim tale of Christian suffering. But let’s have a look at what a Christian’s suffering means to God.

Right, verse 20, when we sin, we deserve to be disciplined by God but when we suffer for doing good, as Jesus did, it is a gracious thing in the eyes of God. This means we aren’t being punished but rather it means that God will pour out His grace and mercy upon us – what a great position to be in!

Verses 21-25, we have been called to suffer because Christ suffered for us as an example for us to follow in His steps. He too was not deserving of suffering as he committed no sin, and no deceit was found in him.

Jesus did not retaliate in any way!

No matter what was happening Jesus did not retaliate in any way, He continued to trust in God the Father even to death on the cross. This is the example that we His Church are commanded to follow for it is the path of salvation and eternal life, the highway of God’s perfect love!

Because Jesus died for our sin, we become righteous in the sight of God. Because He died for us, we are healed!

Verse 25, we had gone astray but Jesus bought us back with His own life – He paid the price for our sin – He ransomed us from the grasp of the devil, we are now under His care as He is the shepherd of our souls! Amen!

James 1:2-3 (NIV)

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

It is our responsibility to follow Jesus in every way!

The testing of our faith produces perseverance!

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that by your Holy Spirit, you would strengthen me to endure life’s sufferings and to keep my eyes on you for you are the author and perfecter of my faith. Help me Lord, to put the needs of others before my own! Help me Lord to work out my salvation with fear and trembling. Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!

Digging into Peter - Part 1: 1 Peter 1

Dear Readers

This article is the first in a series I will be doing over the next few months entitled ‘Digging into Peter’! I will be examining the books of 1 and 2 Peter chapter by chapter and by small bites of verses at a time. Each week’s article will be on one chapter.

I do pray that you will be as spiritually fulfilled, encouraged and edified in reading them as I have been in writing them!

God bless you all!

Background to the Books of 1 & 2 Peter

The historical indications are is that these two books of the Bible were written when the Apostle Peter was in Rome. The second letter was written after Peter had been imprisoned by the Roman Emperor Nero! Peter was writing to the Church, both Jew and Gentile converts, that had been scattered throughout Asia due to persecution by the Romans and the Jewish Zealots of the Law. Peter was writing to those that were exiled in what today is known as Northwest Turkey.

Both letters are written in a very warm, loving and caring way. A true example of a shepherd nurturing his flock!

1 Peter chapter 1 - ESV (the verses from 1 Peter 1 are in light italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in light, straight text with additional scriptures from other books of the Bible in bold italics).

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

In his opening address to the Church in verses 1 and 2 above, Peter encourages the Church right from the start by reminding them that they are the elect, the chosen ones of God because they have received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and are now walking in obedience to him in the sanctification work of the Holy Spirit.

He also pronounces a blessing of the Lord’s grace and peace over them. Something we should always remember to do whenever we gather together! It supernaturally paves the way for the Holy Spirit to move upon us.

Born Again to a Living Hope

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

In verse 3 Peter reminds us that our salvation, being born again, comes only from the great love mercy of the Father and through His son Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only name by which we can be saved.

Acts 4:11-12 (NLT)

11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,

‘The stone that you builders rejected

has now become the cornerstone.’[Ps 118:22]

12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

Jesus is the firstborn from among the dead, His was the first everlasting resurrection and it is through this, the resurrection of Jesus, that we obtain our resurrection hope when He returns.

Colossians 1:18 (NIV)

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Philippians 3:20-21

20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

In verse 4 Peter tells us that our inheritance and heavenly citizenship, like that of Jesus, is to be clothed in an imperishable, undefiled (without spot or blemish) and unfading (everlasting) body which is kept in heaven for us until His return. Then we will be changed in the twinkling of an eye! As born again believers, we will be immediately clothed in our imperishable, heavenly bodies to spend eternity with the Father. Death has lost its sting!

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (NIV)

51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”[Isaiah 25:8]

5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

In verses 5-9 Peter focuses on our faith and salvation in Christ Jesus, which is sustained and guarded by God’s power through the Holy Spirit. Verse 5 tells us that it is only this kind of faith that will keep us until Jesus returns. The Holy Spirit is the key to our safe-guarding - beings led by Him and living life in the Spirit is a necessity for us!

In verse 6 we are encouraged to rejoice in our faith even though we will go through life’s trials and tribulations because they help us to develop endurance! This is the kind of endurance we need to embrace as mature Christians!

Romans 5:3 (NLT)

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

James 1:2-3 (NLT)

2 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.

In verse 7 we are told that when we go through the trials and tribulations of life it is to test the genuineness of our faith! Do we really trust in Jesus and are we firmly rooted in the Word, or will we fall by the wayside? Do we live life in the Spirit? The more we read and study the Word, the more we put the Word into practice, the stronger we become in our faith in Christ Jesus and we become mature, continually Spirit filled Christians.

Romans 10:17 (NIV)

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

In verse 8 Peter commends those of us who have not seen Jesus yet love Him anyway, we rejoice in Him with inexpressible joy and in this way, we are filled with His glory! Be encouraged by this my dear readers - Peter is talking to you too!

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

In verse 10-12 Peter tells us something about the Old Testament prophets, the prophets who prophesied about the coming of Jesus and the love, mercy and grace that God would reveal to us through His suffering and crucifixion, that today’s Church doesn’t realise, and this is the fact that their prophecies were serving the Church that Christ would establish, including the Church today today! Prophecy fulfilled reveals the truth and authenticity of the Bible that nobody can deny!

2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)

For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

We are called to Be Holy

13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

In verse 13-21 Peter is exhorting us to prepare our minds for action and for us to be holy just as God is holy. He tells us to be sober minded which means to remain cool, calm and collected in our Christian walk and to stay focused on the hope we have in Jesus and not be distracted by the things of the world that are around us and the trials of day-to-day life!

As God’s obedient children we are instructed not to return to our former ways but to always conduct ourselves in the reverent fear of God, because we belong to God and we were ransomed from sin by the precious blood of Jesus, His Son, which gives us everlasting life in Heaven and saves us from eternal death in Hell.

Through Jesus we are born-again and receive everlasting life and so our hope is in God alone and our lives to Him are more precious than gold or silver. Because of the blood of Jesus, we become spotless and sinless in the eyes of God!

As God's children we are called to love one another

22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 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.” (Isaiah 40:6)
And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

In verses 22-25 Peter very appropriately ends this first chapter urging us to ‘love one another earnestly from a pure heart!’

Something in verse 22 that I find very interesting is the fact that two different kinds of love are mentioned right next to each other, just separated by a comma in our modern day grammar.

The first use of the word in this verse relates to brotherly love, “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love,” The Greek word or this kind of love is ‘philadelphia’ and it means to have a proper affectionate love for fellow believers – our brothers and sister in Christ.

The second word for love follows directly after the use of the first love, “love one another earnestly from a pure heart,.” The Greek word used for this love is the word ‘agapó’ and is very closely related to the ‘agapé’ love of God used in 1 John 4:8 (and in many other New Testament verses when the writers are talking about God’s love), “God is love.”

1 John 4:8 (NIV)

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Now, let’s take a look at the full significance of why these two words for love are used here.

I believe Peter is saying to us that because we have ‘purified’ our souls (the flesh) by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour – being born-again, we are now able to love our brothers and sisters in Christ in the correct manner as human beings. 

Then he takes this love to the next level and encourages us to love each other with the love of God. This is a pure spiritual love, a love that is selfless unconditional and requires nothing in return. 

This is the love that Paul refers to in 1 Corinthians 13. This is the love of God that we receive from Him through continually being filled by the Holy Spirit. This is an empowering love! It is this love in us that draws people to Jesus for their salvation and it is a love that never fails!

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails.

This is a love that we can only emulate through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us – living life in the Spirit - being continually filled with the Holy Spirit.

In verse 22 Peter tells us that we have a pure heart because we are born again of imperishable seed by the living word of God that is alive within us through the infilling of the Holy Spirit. The Word and the Spirit alive within us working in perfect unity so that in all we do we will do in love and this will bring glory to Jesus!

Ephesians 1:13 (NIV)

13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

John 6:63 (NLT)

The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

And last but by no means least, in verse 24 Peter quotes from Isaiah 46:10 and reminds us that all flesh like flowers, withers away but the Word of God lasts forever!

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that by your Holy Spirit, you would strengthen and increase my faith in Christ Jesus. Help me Lord to be holy as you are holy. Strengthen me, Lord, to meditate on your Word day and night and help me to endure the trials and tribulations of this world so that I can fulfil the purpose that you created me for and remain faithful to you until the end of my life on earth. Amen!

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

My prayer for you, dear reader, is that while you are reading this article that the Holy Spirit will reveal His Rhema word for you on a much greater personal level. Amen.

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!