March 9-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:11-12, Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Observe what it is saying.
Peter returns to the image that believers are foreigners and exiles in this world. Heaven is our home. We are citizens of the kingdom of God. This is a temporary stop along the way until the new heaven and earth are married together forever. Because this is true, then we should not act upon the sinful desires that come from our old unredeemed nature. Redemption is a point and a process. We are declared righteous by Christ’s redeeming work and then we spend our earthly life increasingly becoming righteous in all of our thoughts, words, and actions by the power of the Holy Spirit. However, we must understand there is a war that has been declared against authentic Christians. As we live in this world, in which we do not belong, we can expect fierce opposition by the evil desires that linger within that are continually influenced by the ploys and pressures of the devil himself. This is why we should expect it to be difficult to live out our faith in this world, just as it was for them, who were facing slanderous charges of doing wrong by unbelieving pagans. The way to battle such lies is to live pure and holy lives that will put their false accusations to shame and cause them to bring praise to God when Christ returns.
Relate it to your life.
Because I am a walking advertisement for Christ, I am either making others think less or more of Jesus.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me safe from the warring sinful desires that well up within me. Make me a positive witness so others will have no grounds to accuse me of wrongdoing but instead give glory to You. Amen.
March 10-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:13, Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
Observe what it is saying.
These are some challenging words for us in our highly divided political climate. What is even more amazing is that Peter wrote these words when Emperor Nero was known for his awful persecution of Christians. Needless to say, Peter did not have warm and cozy feelings for the leaders of his day, but understood that government, as much as we might not like the leaders or their policies, is a necessary structure within our broken world to provide law and order. Paul said this in Romans 13:1-2, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” We may like these words if our political preference is in power, but these words are also true when our political affiliation is not in power. These are some stinging words if we elevate politics above faith. We must remember that God is greater than any one leader. His kingdom that is coming into the world is supreme. History has shown that God’s purposes always prevail through the worst of rulers. No ruler can thwart God’s kingdom from fully reigning on earth! (Part 2 tomorrow)
Relate it to your life.
How I respond to this passage tells me a lot about my own priorities.
Do something.
Father, help me to know how to submit to human authority for Your sake. Amen.
March 11-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:15-17, For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Observe what it is saying.
The larger conversation around submitting ourselves to governing authorities is to understand it is God’s will that we live such good lives that we cause those who talk evil against us to be quiet. If we live in right relationship with everyone then there is no room for them to talk evil against us. As the free people of God, freed from sin and condemnation, we cannot use that as an excuse to sin. Instead, we have become free to be slaves to Christ. Ironically, our ultimate freedom comes when we are fully surrendered to Christ. In that submission, we are to demonstrate respect to everyone. Those who we agree with and those we do not. Christians are to rise above the fray of this world and demonstrate the high road for all relationships. This includes loving one another in the family of God. Christians were known for how they demonstrated such sacrificial love to one another which made their faith attractive to outsiders. Of course, we are to have a healthy fear of God’s eternal authority for He is the ultimate judge over all. Again, Peter tells us to honor governmental leadership. This is included in our overall witness as Christians to be good citizens of God’s kingdom. Obviously, if we are ever forced to make a choice between fearing God and honoring the government, we should always obey God. Peter and Paul spoke of showing respect for governmental structure, even though its performance is often an imperfect expression of God’s law and order, so that we might have the most positive witness and peace possible.
Relate it to your life.
If I am going to be a positive witness for Jesus, then I must live at a much higher level than the world.
Do something.
Lord God, give me Holy Spirit power in all situations to be a witness who is pleasing to You. Amen.
March 12-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:18-20, Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
Observe what it is saying.
Peter continues his theme of submission by stating believing slaves, out of holy reverence for the Lord, are to submit themselves to their masters, even if they are harsh. This may seem to be a bit outlandish for our counsel might be to rebel, run away, and gain your freedom. It was largely because of Christianity that slavery became abolished throughout the land. However, Peter speaks of a deep discipleship that few ever achieve. Slaves find themselves in a unique position to have a huge advantage when it comes to living at the highest level that places them below others. As Jesus Himself endured pain, suffering, and death for doing no wrong but, instead, saving mankind, so slaves identify most closely with Jesus when they are punished for doing good. This truth speaks to all who endure unjust and undeserved harsh treatment as you, too, are a positive witness who stands commendable before God.
Relate it to your life.
When I endure harsh treatment for doing good, I join Jesus in the deepest levels of discipleship.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me strength to endure the pains of this world in a way that glorifies You. Amen.
March 13-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:21-23, To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Observe what it is saying.
In speaking to slaves, and I might add to all who suffer injustice for no reason, Peter reminds us that Jesus experienced the same kind of unjust and painful treatment at the hands of those in authority. As was prophesied about Him in Isaiah 53, Jesus was totally innocent. He spoke no deception. As we find in the Gospel accounts of His death, when Jesus was under the most intense verbal and physical abuse, He did not speak or fight back. In His horrific suffering, He refused to make threats. Though He had all power at His disposal, He remained humble and quiet and endured His pain. He knew there was an eternal plan at work so He could trust His life and death into the hands of His Father who knows and doles out perfect justice. This is the example we are called to follow when we find ourselves in circumstances where we are innocent yet are treated unjustly. We must also put our trust in God that He is present and at work in ways that we may not understand to accomplish His greater purposes.
Relate it to your life.
As difficult as it might be, I must follow Jesus’ example in all matters of life.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, You give me the perfect example of how to respond to unjust and unfair circumstances. I need supernatural strength to model Your pattern because it goes against my natural inclinations to respond humbly and quietly as You did. Help me to put my full trust in You. Amen.
March 14-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:24-25, “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Observe what it is saying.
Jesus’ suffering was prophesied by Isaiah to occur just as it did for a greater purpose to bring mankind to God. As He died for our sins, so we, too, are to die to our sins and live the righteous life that reveals our true redemption. His deadly wounds are the source of our healing today. In the context of slavery, it was a slave, not the Roman citizen, who only could be crucified. As Jesus identified with them, Peter urges slaves to identify with Jesus, who suffered an unjust judgment. By encouraging slaves to see their suffering in light of Christ’s crucifixion, Peter highly elevated their status and gave their suffering purpose. For all who act like sheep by straying away and getting themselves into trouble, it is no surprise that shepherd is a favorite and fitting description of God A shepherd had to ceaselessly and sleeplessly be on guard for any harm that might come to the flock as they led them to new and fresh pasture. The name Overseer is the same word as bishop that includes the images of guardian, protector, guide, and director. This is what Jesus has become does for us as we return to Him from our spiritual waywardness. He is the caretaker of our souls watching over us, providing what we need, and protecting us from spiritual demise. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who freely gave up His life to save us from eternal peril.
Relate it to your life.
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have no reason to want for He provides all I need.
Do something.
Shepherd Jesus, lead me along the right paths for Your glory and purposes. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:11-12, Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Observe what it is saying.
Peter returns to the image that believers are foreigners and exiles in this world. Heaven is our home. We are citizens of the kingdom of God. This is a temporary stop along the way until the new heaven and earth are married together forever. Because this is true, then we should not act upon the sinful desires that come from our old unredeemed nature. Redemption is a point and a process. We are declared righteous by Christ’s redeeming work and then we spend our earthly life increasingly becoming righteous in all of our thoughts, words, and actions by the power of the Holy Spirit. However, we must understand there is a war that has been declared against authentic Christians. As we live in this world, in which we do not belong, we can expect fierce opposition by the evil desires that linger within that are continually influenced by the ploys and pressures of the devil himself. This is why we should expect it to be difficult to live out our faith in this world, just as it was for them, who were facing slanderous charges of doing wrong by unbelieving pagans. The way to battle such lies is to live pure and holy lives that will put their false accusations to shame and cause them to bring praise to God when Christ returns.
Relate it to your life.
Because I am a walking advertisement for Christ, I am either making others think less or more of Jesus.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me safe from the warring sinful desires that well up within me. Make me a positive witness so others will have no grounds to accuse me of wrongdoing but instead give glory to You. Amen.
March 10-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:13, Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
Observe what it is saying.
These are some challenging words for us in our highly divided political climate. What is even more amazing is that Peter wrote these words when Emperor Nero was known for his awful persecution of Christians. Needless to say, Peter did not have warm and cozy feelings for the leaders of his day, but understood that government, as much as we might not like the leaders or their policies, is a necessary structure within our broken world to provide law and order. Paul said this in Romans 13:1-2, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” We may like these words if our political preference is in power, but these words are also true when our political affiliation is not in power. These are some stinging words if we elevate politics above faith. We must remember that God is greater than any one leader. His kingdom that is coming into the world is supreme. History has shown that God’s purposes always prevail through the worst of rulers. No ruler can thwart God’s kingdom from fully reigning on earth! (Part 2 tomorrow)
Relate it to your life.
How I respond to this passage tells me a lot about my own priorities.
Do something.
Father, help me to know how to submit to human authority for Your sake. Amen.
March 11-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:15-17, For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Observe what it is saying.
The larger conversation around submitting ourselves to governing authorities is to understand it is God’s will that we live such good lives that we cause those who talk evil against us to be quiet. If we live in right relationship with everyone then there is no room for them to talk evil against us. As the free people of God, freed from sin and condemnation, we cannot use that as an excuse to sin. Instead, we have become free to be slaves to Christ. Ironically, our ultimate freedom comes when we are fully surrendered to Christ. In that submission, we are to demonstrate respect to everyone. Those who we agree with and those we do not. Christians are to rise above the fray of this world and demonstrate the high road for all relationships. This includes loving one another in the family of God. Christians were known for how they demonstrated such sacrificial love to one another which made their faith attractive to outsiders. Of course, we are to have a healthy fear of God’s eternal authority for He is the ultimate judge over all. Again, Peter tells us to honor governmental leadership. This is included in our overall witness as Christians to be good citizens of God’s kingdom. Obviously, if we are ever forced to make a choice between fearing God and honoring the government, we should always obey God. Peter and Paul spoke of showing respect for governmental structure, even though its performance is often an imperfect expression of God’s law and order, so that we might have the most positive witness and peace possible.
Relate it to your life.
If I am going to be a positive witness for Jesus, then I must live at a much higher level than the world.
Do something.
Lord God, give me Holy Spirit power in all situations to be a witness who is pleasing to You. Amen.
March 12-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:18-20, Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
Observe what it is saying.
Peter continues his theme of submission by stating believing slaves, out of holy reverence for the Lord, are to submit themselves to their masters, even if they are harsh. This may seem to be a bit outlandish for our counsel might be to rebel, run away, and gain your freedom. It was largely because of Christianity that slavery became abolished throughout the land. However, Peter speaks of a deep discipleship that few ever achieve. Slaves find themselves in a unique position to have a huge advantage when it comes to living at the highest level that places them below others. As Jesus Himself endured pain, suffering, and death for doing no wrong but, instead, saving mankind, so slaves identify most closely with Jesus when they are punished for doing good. This truth speaks to all who endure unjust and undeserved harsh treatment as you, too, are a positive witness who stands commendable before God.
Relate it to your life.
When I endure harsh treatment for doing good, I join Jesus in the deepest levels of discipleship.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me strength to endure the pains of this world in a way that glorifies You. Amen.
March 13-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:21-23, To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Observe what it is saying.
In speaking to slaves, and I might add to all who suffer injustice for no reason, Peter reminds us that Jesus experienced the same kind of unjust and painful treatment at the hands of those in authority. As was prophesied about Him in Isaiah 53, Jesus was totally innocent. He spoke no deception. As we find in the Gospel accounts of His death, when Jesus was under the most intense verbal and physical abuse, He did not speak or fight back. In His horrific suffering, He refused to make threats. Though He had all power at His disposal, He remained humble and quiet and endured His pain. He knew there was an eternal plan at work so He could trust His life and death into the hands of His Father who knows and doles out perfect justice. This is the example we are called to follow when we find ourselves in circumstances where we are innocent yet are treated unjustly. We must also put our trust in God that He is present and at work in ways that we may not understand to accomplish His greater purposes.
Relate it to your life.
As difficult as it might be, I must follow Jesus’ example in all matters of life.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, You give me the perfect example of how to respond to unjust and unfair circumstances. I need supernatural strength to model Your pattern because it goes against my natural inclinations to respond humbly and quietly as You did. Help me to put my full trust in You. Amen.
March 14-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:24-25, “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Observe what it is saying.
Jesus’ suffering was prophesied by Isaiah to occur just as it did for a greater purpose to bring mankind to God. As He died for our sins, so we, too, are to die to our sins and live the righteous life that reveals our true redemption. His deadly wounds are the source of our healing today. In the context of slavery, it was a slave, not the Roman citizen, who only could be crucified. As Jesus identified with them, Peter urges slaves to identify with Jesus, who suffered an unjust judgment. By encouraging slaves to see their suffering in light of Christ’s crucifixion, Peter highly elevated their status and gave their suffering purpose. For all who act like sheep by straying away and getting themselves into trouble, it is no surprise that shepherd is a favorite and fitting description of God A shepherd had to ceaselessly and sleeplessly be on guard for any harm that might come to the flock as they led them to new and fresh pasture. The name Overseer is the same word as bishop that includes the images of guardian, protector, guide, and director. This is what Jesus has become does for us as we return to Him from our spiritual waywardness. He is the caretaker of our souls watching over us, providing what we need, and protecting us from spiritual demise. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who freely gave up His life to save us from eternal peril.
Relate it to your life.
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have no reason to want for He provides all I need.
Do something.
Shepherd Jesus, lead me along the right paths for Your glory and purposes. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals