March 23-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:13-14, Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
Observe what it is saying.
In verse 12, Peter said, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” With this in mind, Peter says who can harm you for doing good? The Lord is watching and listening so take comfort in His presence and protection. The word “eager” does not do justice to the original language. It is the word from which we get zealous or enthusiast. It is one who has the feelings or attitudes of deep commitment to a person or cause. In the New Testament this word technically referred to a person who belonged to the nationalist Jewish group that sought independence from Rome- the Zealots. One of the 12 disciples was named Simon the Zealot. This was not the Simon Peter who wrote this letter. Peter is saying that believers should love goodness with the same passionate intensity as the most fanatical patriot loves their country. It is only when we are zealous for what is Godly that evil loses its fascination and power. In a time when Emperor Nero was beginning to ramp up persecution against Christians, Peter said even if they should suffer for doing the right thing, they are still blessed with all the eternal benefits of God’s kingdom. So, there is no reason to fear because they are spiritually safe and secure in the arms of Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
Regardless of any opposition that might come, I must be zealous to do the right and good thing.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, give me an undying passion to do all the good You do. Amen.
March 24-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:15, But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord…
Observe what it is saying.
In contrast to not fearing the threats and suffering others might inflict upon us as Christians, we are to revere Christ as Lord. We are to set Him on the throne of our lives, elevated far above anything else we are tempted to worship. As Christians, we are not called to seek comfort, pleasure, possessions, or advancement at the expense of the Lordship of Christ. The things of this world will pass away, so if we hold them most dear and elevate them ahead of Christ, we will be disappointed at best and destroyed at worst. But if Christ holds the most loved place in our hearts, then nothing can steal the blessing of peace and joy that He provides. Even when the enemy of pain, suffering, and death reveals itself, we will rest secure in the holy loving presence of Jesus. It is when such tests come that we discover if Christ is being lovingly revered as Lord in our lives. Even though we do not seek such trials, when we share in the things of Christ, even in His sufferings, we find the blessings of Christ remain. None of us will escape troubling times, but for those who have established Jesus as Lord, nothing can touch that which matters most of all.
Relate it to your life.
When Christ is revered as the Lord of my life, I can expect the spiritual blessings of Jesus to hold on even in the midst of pain and suffering.
Do something.
Jesus, help to me revere and love You as the Lord of my life. May I hold on to Your loving leadership in all things and at all times. Amen.
March 25-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:15-16, Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Observe what it is saying.
In a world where Christians are often seen as suspect, we are called to defend our faith and offer reason for the hope that drives our passionate beliefs. Peter tells us what that we should always be ready to witness when called upon, either due to hostile circumstances or inquiring seekers. The word “reason” is literally the word “logos” which is the well-known description for “the spoken or written word.” Logos is “The Word” used as a title of Christ in John 1:1 that reveals Jesus’ deity and communicates who God is and what He is like. To be ready to share such a witness means we must know what we believe. We must go through the mental and spiritual work of thinking out our faith so that we can communicate what we believe and why we believe it. Our answer must be given with gentleness. In contrast to a climate of hot political rhetoric, the Christian is to be humble in all manner of speech, including communicating our faith. Having an arrogant belligerence is never a positive witness for the follower of Christ, regardless the topic, especially when sharing our love for Jesus! It is doubtful that anyone will ever be bullied into the faith through harsh language. In the same way, our witness must be with respect and reverence for the Lord. It should be lovingly communicated in the same way the Lord Jesus has given Himself to us. When we do this, it keeps our consciences clear as there will be no substance to anyone’s slander of our Christian behavior.
Relate it to your life.
Am I prepared right now to tell someone the reason for the hope I have in Jesus?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, make me aware of every opportunity to be courageous to tell others about the hope and joy I have in You. Amen.
March 26-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:17-18a, For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
Observe what it is saying.
If a Christian suffers unjustly for their faith, then they can take comfort that they are walking in the way the Lord Jesus has already walked. Peter then tells us that the suffering Savior died for our sins once. His sacrifice was unique and did not need to be repeated. It is often stated in the New Testament that Jesus died once and for all. At the cross, something happened that does not need to be repeated again, and that means sin is finally defeated. The cross deals with all sin for all persons for all time. Sin interrupts and destroys the relationship that God desires with mankind. Jesus’ sacrifice restored the possibility for that lost relationship to be restored. Let us not ever forget that this occurred by the one true righteous Man for all who are unrighteous. The great mystery is that God, through His Son who deserved no suffering, bore the suffering that we deserved. Only one priest could enter into the Holy of Holies once a year to come close to God. Now, because Jesus introduces us to the Father, we are all given full access into His most Holy presence. Nothing needs to separate us from God’s love any longer.
Relate it to your life.
I must remember what a great act and gift it was to bring me fully into the holy loving presence of God.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I give praise to You for what You suffered so that I can come near to the Father. Amen.
March 27-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:18b-20, He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,
Observe what it is saying.
Continuing with the thought of what Jesus’ suffering did for the benefit of mankind, we are reminded Jesus died a physical death on the cross. However, before He bodily resurrected, He descended to the dead, proclaiming the truth of the gospel to those imprisoned by death. In particular, to those living during Noah’s time whose disobedience was the cause of God flooding the earth. We remember that only Noah and his family escaped the deserved judgment that God cast upon the earth for its rebellion against Him. The Jewish concept of the world after death, called Hades, was a gray world of shadows and forgetfulness in which people were separated from life, light, and God. It became a prison-house in which these spirits were held until God’s final judgment would occur. Though interpreters have differing views on this passage, it appears we can take from it, at least, these three things: 1. Jesus’ identified completely with humanity all the way into the realm of the dead. 2. He descended before he ascended so that all the universe stands under His victorious reign. 3. Grace is proclaimed to all as theologian Justyn Martyr (90-165 AD) said, “The Lord, the Holy God of Israel, remembered his dead, those sleeping in the earth, and came down to tell them the good news of salvation.”
Relate it to your life.
All the universe is under the rule and reign of God’s grace found in Jesus Christ alone.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to Your reign and rule that stands far above and over all things. Amen.
March 28-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:21-22, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
Observe what it is saying.
After speaking of the eight who were saved through the floodwaters, Peter uses that imagery to speak of baptism which symbolizes our Christian salvation. This Old Testament event foreshadowed what was to come in Christ in rescuing mankind from condemnation. Peter gives three great truths for baptized believing Christians. 1. Baptism represents a spiritual cleansing of the whole heart, soul, and life of a person. We stand completely clean before the Lord. 2. The pledge of a clear conscience is like a contract where God asks, “Do you accept the terms of my service? Do you accept its privileges and promises, and do you undertake its responsibilities and demands?” Through the action of baptism, the pledge is signed that we do indeed accept the terms. This is no small decision. We are literally signing our lives away. 3. The effectiveness of baptism is totally dependent upon the doctrine that Jesus bodily resurrected and ascended to reign over all powers and authorities submitted to him. This being so, this is whom we lovingly make our pledge, follow, serve, and surrender our all.
Relate it to your life.
My baptism reveals I have been totally cleansed, have pledged my allegiance, and submit to Jesus’ rule.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I daily declare my pledge of allegiance to You as first professed at my baptism. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:13-14, Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
Observe what it is saying.
In verse 12, Peter said, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” With this in mind, Peter says who can harm you for doing good? The Lord is watching and listening so take comfort in His presence and protection. The word “eager” does not do justice to the original language. It is the word from which we get zealous or enthusiast. It is one who has the feelings or attitudes of deep commitment to a person or cause. In the New Testament this word technically referred to a person who belonged to the nationalist Jewish group that sought independence from Rome- the Zealots. One of the 12 disciples was named Simon the Zealot. This was not the Simon Peter who wrote this letter. Peter is saying that believers should love goodness with the same passionate intensity as the most fanatical patriot loves their country. It is only when we are zealous for what is Godly that evil loses its fascination and power. In a time when Emperor Nero was beginning to ramp up persecution against Christians, Peter said even if they should suffer for doing the right thing, they are still blessed with all the eternal benefits of God’s kingdom. So, there is no reason to fear because they are spiritually safe and secure in the arms of Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
Regardless of any opposition that might come, I must be zealous to do the right and good thing.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, give me an undying passion to do all the good You do. Amen.
March 24-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:15, But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord…
Observe what it is saying.
In contrast to not fearing the threats and suffering others might inflict upon us as Christians, we are to revere Christ as Lord. We are to set Him on the throne of our lives, elevated far above anything else we are tempted to worship. As Christians, we are not called to seek comfort, pleasure, possessions, or advancement at the expense of the Lordship of Christ. The things of this world will pass away, so if we hold them most dear and elevate them ahead of Christ, we will be disappointed at best and destroyed at worst. But if Christ holds the most loved place in our hearts, then nothing can steal the blessing of peace and joy that He provides. Even when the enemy of pain, suffering, and death reveals itself, we will rest secure in the holy loving presence of Jesus. It is when such tests come that we discover if Christ is being lovingly revered as Lord in our lives. Even though we do not seek such trials, when we share in the things of Christ, even in His sufferings, we find the blessings of Christ remain. None of us will escape troubling times, but for those who have established Jesus as Lord, nothing can touch that which matters most of all.
Relate it to your life.
When Christ is revered as the Lord of my life, I can expect the spiritual blessings of Jesus to hold on even in the midst of pain and suffering.
Do something.
Jesus, help to me revere and love You as the Lord of my life. May I hold on to Your loving leadership in all things and at all times. Amen.
March 25-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:15-16, Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Observe what it is saying.
In a world where Christians are often seen as suspect, we are called to defend our faith and offer reason for the hope that drives our passionate beliefs. Peter tells us what that we should always be ready to witness when called upon, either due to hostile circumstances or inquiring seekers. The word “reason” is literally the word “logos” which is the well-known description for “the spoken or written word.” Logos is “The Word” used as a title of Christ in John 1:1 that reveals Jesus’ deity and communicates who God is and what He is like. To be ready to share such a witness means we must know what we believe. We must go through the mental and spiritual work of thinking out our faith so that we can communicate what we believe and why we believe it. Our answer must be given with gentleness. In contrast to a climate of hot political rhetoric, the Christian is to be humble in all manner of speech, including communicating our faith. Having an arrogant belligerence is never a positive witness for the follower of Christ, regardless the topic, especially when sharing our love for Jesus! It is doubtful that anyone will ever be bullied into the faith through harsh language. In the same way, our witness must be with respect and reverence for the Lord. It should be lovingly communicated in the same way the Lord Jesus has given Himself to us. When we do this, it keeps our consciences clear as there will be no substance to anyone’s slander of our Christian behavior.
Relate it to your life.
Am I prepared right now to tell someone the reason for the hope I have in Jesus?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, make me aware of every opportunity to be courageous to tell others about the hope and joy I have in You. Amen.
March 26-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:17-18a, For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
Observe what it is saying.
If a Christian suffers unjustly for their faith, then they can take comfort that they are walking in the way the Lord Jesus has already walked. Peter then tells us that the suffering Savior died for our sins once. His sacrifice was unique and did not need to be repeated. It is often stated in the New Testament that Jesus died once and for all. At the cross, something happened that does not need to be repeated again, and that means sin is finally defeated. The cross deals with all sin for all persons for all time. Sin interrupts and destroys the relationship that God desires with mankind. Jesus’ sacrifice restored the possibility for that lost relationship to be restored. Let us not ever forget that this occurred by the one true righteous Man for all who are unrighteous. The great mystery is that God, through His Son who deserved no suffering, bore the suffering that we deserved. Only one priest could enter into the Holy of Holies once a year to come close to God. Now, because Jesus introduces us to the Father, we are all given full access into His most Holy presence. Nothing needs to separate us from God’s love any longer.
Relate it to your life.
I must remember what a great act and gift it was to bring me fully into the holy loving presence of God.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I give praise to You for what You suffered so that I can come near to the Father. Amen.
March 27-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:18b-20, He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,
Observe what it is saying.
Continuing with the thought of what Jesus’ suffering did for the benefit of mankind, we are reminded Jesus died a physical death on the cross. However, before He bodily resurrected, He descended to the dead, proclaiming the truth of the gospel to those imprisoned by death. In particular, to those living during Noah’s time whose disobedience was the cause of God flooding the earth. We remember that only Noah and his family escaped the deserved judgment that God cast upon the earth for its rebellion against Him. The Jewish concept of the world after death, called Hades, was a gray world of shadows and forgetfulness in which people were separated from life, light, and God. It became a prison-house in which these spirits were held until God’s final judgment would occur. Though interpreters have differing views on this passage, it appears we can take from it, at least, these three things: 1. Jesus’ identified completely with humanity all the way into the realm of the dead. 2. He descended before he ascended so that all the universe stands under His victorious reign. 3. Grace is proclaimed to all as theologian Justyn Martyr (90-165 AD) said, “The Lord, the Holy God of Israel, remembered his dead, those sleeping in the earth, and came down to tell them the good news of salvation.”
Relate it to your life.
All the universe is under the rule and reign of God’s grace found in Jesus Christ alone.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to Your reign and rule that stands far above and over all things. Amen.
March 28-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:21-22, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
Observe what it is saying.
After speaking of the eight who were saved through the floodwaters, Peter uses that imagery to speak of baptism which symbolizes our Christian salvation. This Old Testament event foreshadowed what was to come in Christ in rescuing mankind from condemnation. Peter gives three great truths for baptized believing Christians. 1. Baptism represents a spiritual cleansing of the whole heart, soul, and life of a person. We stand completely clean before the Lord. 2. The pledge of a clear conscience is like a contract where God asks, “Do you accept the terms of my service? Do you accept its privileges and promises, and do you undertake its responsibilities and demands?” Through the action of baptism, the pledge is signed that we do indeed accept the terms. This is no small decision. We are literally signing our lives away. 3. The effectiveness of baptism is totally dependent upon the doctrine that Jesus bodily resurrected and ascended to reign over all powers and authorities submitted to him. This being so, this is whom we lovingly make our pledge, follow, serve, and surrender our all.
Relate it to your life.
My baptism reveals I have been totally cleansed, have pledged my allegiance, and submit to Jesus’ rule.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I daily declare my pledge of allegiance to You as first professed at my baptism. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals