March 30-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:1-2, Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
Observe what it is saying.
The theme of Christ’s suffering continues from chapter 3. Because Jesus did this for us so that we might be redeemed and given an eternal hope, then we are to be armed with the same mindset. The literal meaning to “arm yourself” is to do so with a weapon. The weapon is having the attitude of Christ. We are to think as Jesus thinks about the benefits that suffering brings into our lives. Look at this similar message in Hebrews 12:2-3, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Jesus’ suffering set before Him a joy of being able to see the redemption that would be brought for the whole world to experience. He knew that His suffering would result in great eternal gain as the kingdom of God came into this world. In the same way, we should view our suffering aiding in the destruction of our sin. As awful as it is, suffering for Christ purifies us and gives us a singular desire. We are done with subjecting ourselves to sinful thinking and activity. The refining fire of suffering elevates our desire to do only the will of God. Though we do not seek it, if and when it comes, suffering aids our spiritual development in being done with the far lesser things of this world.
Relate it to your life.
Suffering for Jesus is not on my top 10 list of things I want, but it is on the top 10 list of things I need to be done with sin once and for all.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me Your holy mindset so whatever suffering I encounter in my body, I receive it as a way to destroy the power of sin within. Amen.
March 31-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:3-5, For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
Observe what it is saying.
As redeemed followers of Jesus, we are solely focused on living for the will of God. Even though we may have participated in a vast variety of sins that the unredeemed continue to do, this is no longer who we are and what we desire. However, we should not be surprised if we get pushback from those with whom we used to indulge such behavior. They wonder why we no longer want to join in on “the fun.” They may call us names. They may try to guilt us by saying that we think we are too good for them. They may reveal that they are not true friends by the way they diss or disown us as we embark on our new life. However, regardless of what they say or how they treat us, we must remember we will all stand before God and give an accounting for our lives. The redeemed have no need to fear because we have confidence and peace as we are covered by the blood of Christ.
Relate it to your life.
I should expect pushback when I refuse to join in on the evil that is so prevalent in our world.
Do something.
Jesus, give me a single eye and desire to live the holy life that matches Your sacrifice for me. Amen.
April 1-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:6, For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
Observe what it is saying.
Through church history, this has been a challenging verse to interpret. There are a variety of meanings put forth concerning the gospel being preached to the dead. Some say they are those who are dead in sin. Some say it refers to those who died before the second coming of Christ, but heard the gospel before they died. Third, it is taken to mean all the dead from ages past. This seems to be the most reliable interpretation since Peter just spoke about the descent of Christ to preach to the imprisoned spirits. One interpretation of this whole verse indicates that death is the penalty of sin for persons. If there had been no sin, there would have been no death. Since, death itself is a judgment, all persons are judged when they die. In spite of that, Christ descended to the dead and proclaimed the gospel giving them another chance to live in the Spirit of Christ. If this interpretation is accurate, this becomes a beautiful glimpse of the gospel of the second chance. God’s love for us goes to great lengths to give us every possible opportunity to respond to the wonderful grace offered through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Relate it to your life.
God’s love for me is beyond imagination, and His desire for me to be in His family is beyond comprehension.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, You give me every opportunity possible to join you in the eternal kingdom that will never end. Do not let me miss it! Amen.
April 2-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:7, The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
Observe what it is saying.
The Christian mindset is to believe and live as though the end is near. This end must be viewed in two ways. 1. The end as when the Lord returns and brings judgment upon the earth. 2. Our own end as when we die. Peter has already spoken about both of these, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” (1 Peter 1:13) And then again, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, ‘All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:23-25) So, we must recognize the brevity of life and the swiftness that it can quickly come to an end. As a result of this, we must choose to be spiritually prepared at all times. Jesus said, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24:44) The purpose of such sober-mindedness is so that we can pray. Prayer is our direct portal to heaven. It is the source that gives us victory. It is the same message Jesus spoke to the disciples on this holy Thursday, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41) They did not pray and fell horribly. May it not be so with us.
Relate it to your life.
Life is short. Enjoy each moment. Love one another fiercely. Pray often. Always be spiritually prepared.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to have a healthy fear of my mortality and be spiritually ready at all times. Amen.
April 3-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:8-9, Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Observe what it is saying.
In light of the coming of the end, we were told to be alert and sober-minded so that we can keep praying for spiritual success. In addition, we are to place the highest priority on loving each other as we wait for Christ’s second coming or our going to Christ. The word translated “deeply” has two meanings. It is an ongoing love that does not fail. It also means stretching out as one who runs. It is the strong muscle of an athlete gained from strenuous and sustained training. Our love must powerful. It is not an easy, sentimental kind of affection, but demands all of our mental and spiritual resources as we demonstrate it to the most challenging persons. In fact, this kind of love covers over many sins as Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross did for me that I so cherish on this Good Friday. In the same way, I choose to overlook others’ sins and offer Christ’s love just as they are. I choose patience, kindness, and forgiveness. I do not make excuses or explain away their sin, but acknowledge it and chooses to love them anyway. It is the same kind of love that opens up our homes and hearts to one another by warmly welcoming then in. Hospitality was necessary for the traveling missionaries which led to the rapid expansion of the church. Churches also met in homes which required extravagant generosity. Jesus spoke how we do this for Him, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” This love is positive in nature so that we do so without grumbling but with absolute joy. Such Holy Spirit energized love keeps going and growing in all our relationships.
Relate it to your life.
When I love like Jesus, it prepares me spiritually for His coming.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to love like You. It is not easy. It requires tremendous Holy Spirit energy. Amen.
April 4-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:10-11, Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Observe what it is saying.
As another expression of loving one another deeply, we are given these instructions on serving. We find that grace not only saves, but it empowers us with God’s gifts to effectively function in the Body of Christ. As the redeemed, we have been given a gift or gifts to be used for building up the church. If we want to be found faithful in our redemption, then we will generously employ our gifts. All gifting is a meant to be a means of serving for the sake of the kingdom. Peter offers two large categories of gifting. If we are gifted to speak, then we should understand how influential our words are and thoughtfully speak as though we are doing so on behalf of God for that is, in fact, what we are doing. Scripture speaks over and over of the value and weight that our words bear upon one another. When we serve by doing acts of goodness and kindness with each other, we do so with God’s strength so that He receives all the praise in Jesus. As faithful stewards of God’s gifts, we view ourselves as tools in His hands so He receives all the glory.
Relate it to your life.
My love for the church is expressed when I faithfully practice my particular spiritual gifting.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, may all glory and praise be given to You as I serve others in Holy Spirit power. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:1-2, Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
Observe what it is saying.
The theme of Christ’s suffering continues from chapter 3. Because Jesus did this for us so that we might be redeemed and given an eternal hope, then we are to be armed with the same mindset. The literal meaning to “arm yourself” is to do so with a weapon. The weapon is having the attitude of Christ. We are to think as Jesus thinks about the benefits that suffering brings into our lives. Look at this similar message in Hebrews 12:2-3, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Jesus’ suffering set before Him a joy of being able to see the redemption that would be brought for the whole world to experience. He knew that His suffering would result in great eternal gain as the kingdom of God came into this world. In the same way, we should view our suffering aiding in the destruction of our sin. As awful as it is, suffering for Christ purifies us and gives us a singular desire. We are done with subjecting ourselves to sinful thinking and activity. The refining fire of suffering elevates our desire to do only the will of God. Though we do not seek it, if and when it comes, suffering aids our spiritual development in being done with the far lesser things of this world.
Relate it to your life.
Suffering for Jesus is not on my top 10 list of things I want, but it is on the top 10 list of things I need to be done with sin once and for all.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me Your holy mindset so whatever suffering I encounter in my body, I receive it as a way to destroy the power of sin within. Amen.
March 31-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:3-5, For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
Observe what it is saying.
As redeemed followers of Jesus, we are solely focused on living for the will of God. Even though we may have participated in a vast variety of sins that the unredeemed continue to do, this is no longer who we are and what we desire. However, we should not be surprised if we get pushback from those with whom we used to indulge such behavior. They wonder why we no longer want to join in on “the fun.” They may call us names. They may try to guilt us by saying that we think we are too good for them. They may reveal that they are not true friends by the way they diss or disown us as we embark on our new life. However, regardless of what they say or how they treat us, we must remember we will all stand before God and give an accounting for our lives. The redeemed have no need to fear because we have confidence and peace as we are covered by the blood of Christ.
Relate it to your life.
I should expect pushback when I refuse to join in on the evil that is so prevalent in our world.
Do something.
Jesus, give me a single eye and desire to live the holy life that matches Your sacrifice for me. Amen.
April 1-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:6, For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
Observe what it is saying.
Through church history, this has been a challenging verse to interpret. There are a variety of meanings put forth concerning the gospel being preached to the dead. Some say they are those who are dead in sin. Some say it refers to those who died before the second coming of Christ, but heard the gospel before they died. Third, it is taken to mean all the dead from ages past. This seems to be the most reliable interpretation since Peter just spoke about the descent of Christ to preach to the imprisoned spirits. One interpretation of this whole verse indicates that death is the penalty of sin for persons. If there had been no sin, there would have been no death. Since, death itself is a judgment, all persons are judged when they die. In spite of that, Christ descended to the dead and proclaimed the gospel giving them another chance to live in the Spirit of Christ. If this interpretation is accurate, this becomes a beautiful glimpse of the gospel of the second chance. God’s love for us goes to great lengths to give us every possible opportunity to respond to the wonderful grace offered through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Relate it to your life.
God’s love for me is beyond imagination, and His desire for me to be in His family is beyond comprehension.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, You give me every opportunity possible to join you in the eternal kingdom that will never end. Do not let me miss it! Amen.
April 2-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:7, The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
Observe what it is saying.
The Christian mindset is to believe and live as though the end is near. This end must be viewed in two ways. 1. The end as when the Lord returns and brings judgment upon the earth. 2. Our own end as when we die. Peter has already spoken about both of these, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” (1 Peter 1:13) And then again, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, ‘All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:23-25) So, we must recognize the brevity of life and the swiftness that it can quickly come to an end. As a result of this, we must choose to be spiritually prepared at all times. Jesus said, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24:44) The purpose of such sober-mindedness is so that we can pray. Prayer is our direct portal to heaven. It is the source that gives us victory. It is the same message Jesus spoke to the disciples on this holy Thursday, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41) They did not pray and fell horribly. May it not be so with us.
Relate it to your life.
Life is short. Enjoy each moment. Love one another fiercely. Pray often. Always be spiritually prepared.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to have a healthy fear of my mortality and be spiritually ready at all times. Amen.
April 3-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:8-9, Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Observe what it is saying.
In light of the coming of the end, we were told to be alert and sober-minded so that we can keep praying for spiritual success. In addition, we are to place the highest priority on loving each other as we wait for Christ’s second coming or our going to Christ. The word translated “deeply” has two meanings. It is an ongoing love that does not fail. It also means stretching out as one who runs. It is the strong muscle of an athlete gained from strenuous and sustained training. Our love must powerful. It is not an easy, sentimental kind of affection, but demands all of our mental and spiritual resources as we demonstrate it to the most challenging persons. In fact, this kind of love covers over many sins as Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross did for me that I so cherish on this Good Friday. In the same way, I choose to overlook others’ sins and offer Christ’s love just as they are. I choose patience, kindness, and forgiveness. I do not make excuses or explain away their sin, but acknowledge it and chooses to love them anyway. It is the same kind of love that opens up our homes and hearts to one another by warmly welcoming then in. Hospitality was necessary for the traveling missionaries which led to the rapid expansion of the church. Churches also met in homes which required extravagant generosity. Jesus spoke how we do this for Him, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” This love is positive in nature so that we do so without grumbling but with absolute joy. Such Holy Spirit energized love keeps going and growing in all our relationships.
Relate it to your life.
When I love like Jesus, it prepares me spiritually for His coming.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to love like You. It is not easy. It requires tremendous Holy Spirit energy. Amen.
April 4-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:10-11, Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Observe what it is saying.
As another expression of loving one another deeply, we are given these instructions on serving. We find that grace not only saves, but it empowers us with God’s gifts to effectively function in the Body of Christ. As the redeemed, we have been given a gift or gifts to be used for building up the church. If we want to be found faithful in our redemption, then we will generously employ our gifts. All gifting is a meant to be a means of serving for the sake of the kingdom. Peter offers two large categories of gifting. If we are gifted to speak, then we should understand how influential our words are and thoughtfully speak as though we are doing so on behalf of God for that is, in fact, what we are doing. Scripture speaks over and over of the value and weight that our words bear upon one another. When we serve by doing acts of goodness and kindness with each other, we do so with God’s strength so that He receives all the praise in Jesus. As faithful stewards of God’s gifts, we view ourselves as tools in His hands so He receives all the glory.
Relate it to your life.
My love for the church is expressed when I faithfully practice my particular spiritual gifting.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, may all glory and praise be given to You as I serve others in Holy Spirit power. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals