Monthly ArchivesMay 2020

1 Pet 2:24–25 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we may cease from sinning and live for righteousness. By his wounds you were healed. 25 For you were going astray like sheep but now you have turned back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.   One thought:   We were like sheep doomed to die, lost, bleeding and broken, with no hope of finding safety.     Three questions:   What do you think Peter (quoting Isaiah) means – by His wounds you were healed? Healed from what?     Do you see yourself as lost outside of Christ?     Reflect on your sinful nature and what your life might ...

1 Pet 2:21–23 2:21 For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was maligned, he did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened no retaliation, but committed himself to God who judges justly.   One thought:   We are never asked to do anything that God hasn’t done first, and to a greater degree.     Three questions:   Who did Christ submit to in His suffering on the cross?   Do you feel/see Christ’s suffering as comparable (worse even) than any you are facing/will face?   How could you ...

1 Pet 2:13–14 2:13 Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, whether to a king as supreme 14 or to governors as those he commissions to punish wrongdoers and praise those who do good.   One thought:   My initial response to words such as ‘be subject’ or ‘submit’ reveals the sin that is at the root of my heart – I wish to be subject to no one but myself.   Three questions:   What do you think about governments? What would anarchy look like?   How do you feel about submission to authorities?   Write down one great thing about our current government and give thanks to God for it.   Prayer:   Acknowledge God ...

1 Pet 2:11–12 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul, 12 and maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when he appears.   One thought:   We are like those who are waiting to be sent to our real home. This should change how we live.   Three questions:   How would others around you see your life? Would they speak to your good conduct?     How do you see this world? What ties you to it most?     What fleshly desire is waging war on ...

1 Pet 2:11–25 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul, 12 and maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when he appears. 13 Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, whether to a king as supreme 14 or to governors as those he commissions to punish wrongdoers and praise those who do good. 15 For God wants you to silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. 16 Live as free people, not using your freedom as a pretext for evil, but as God’s ...