April 6-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:12, Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
Observe what it is saying.
Peter continues to speak about suffering and reminds his audience that they should not be surprised when such tribulations occur. Jesus clearly told his disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Peter was speaking to a largely Gentile audience who had little experience with suffering. However, Jews understood the nature of persecution because they have been oppressed throughout history. Most of us, reading this devotional, have not known persecution as the early church or as many Christians do today. Our Christian faith is unpopular in some circles and can cause us to feel left out and lonely. If we are authentic Christians, we speak and act differently than the majority of the world. However, that does not mean we have to go out of our way to be weird! Rather, being humble followers of Jesus will set us apart. Some may admire us. Others may torment us. It is human nature to regard with suspicion and dislike those who are different from us. Peter emphasizes it should not seem strange to us for non-Christians to oppose and oppress Jesus’ followers. In fact, how we handle such tribulations is a test of the authenticity of our faith. Do we hold to it regardless of any backlash that we receive? On the other hand, it is a test of faith that only true Christians will be persecuted. The substance of our faith is revealed either way. If we are not being persecuted, we can give thanks to God for the peace that we have, but we, also, may want to take serious inventory to ensure we are not compromising our faith.
Relate it to your life.
Some form of occasional suffering is needed because it is an effective test to the quality of my faith.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, in the easy times, and in the difficult times, may I always be found to be faithful. Amen.
March 31-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:13, But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Observe what it is saying.
Peter expanded on his theology of suffering. Yesterday, he told us that tribulations are important for the testing of our faith. They inform us of what we are made of spiritually. Do we respond with fear and anger or faith and assurance that God is working through all things? Today, Peter tells us to rejoice in our suffering. From prison, Paul wrote to rejoice in the Lord always and to give thanks in all circumstances. James said to consider it all joy when you face trials of many kinds. When we are opposed and oppressed because of our faith, we have spiritually entered into Christ’s suffering. This is the deepest fellowship we will ever experience with Jesus on earth. Our suffering is an extension of his horrific pain. Ours does not add anything to what He did on our behalf, but it does connect us to His full ministry and experience on earth. We can say we have shared in the suffering of Jesus. Such a full participation in the His life and death only adds to the joy we will experience when He comes again in all of His glory. Paul said it this way, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17)
Relate it to your life.
How deeply do I really want to share in the life of Jesus?
Do something.
Jesus, I must be honest, I do not want to suffer. But if I do, please give me a faith-filled attitude. 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 4:12, Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
Observe what it is saying.
Peter continues to speak about suffering and reminds his audience that they should not be surprised when such tribulations occur. Jesus clearly told his disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Peter was speaking to a largely Gentile audience who had little experience with suffering. However, Jews understood the nature of persecution because they have been oppressed throughout history. Most of us, reading this devotional, have not known persecution as the early church or as many Christians do today. Our Christian faith is unpopular in some circles and can cause us to feel left out and lonely. If we are authentic Christians, we speak and act differently than the majority of the world. However, that does not mean we have to go out of our way to be weird! Rather, being humble followers of Jesus will set us apart. Some may admire us. Others may torment us. It is human nature to regard with suspicion and dislike those who are different from us. Peter emphasizes it should not seem strange to us for non-Christians to oppose and oppress Jesus’ followers. In fact, how we handle such tribulations is a test of the authenticity of our faith. Do we hold to it regardless of any backlash that we receive? On the other hand, it is a test of faith that only true Christians will be persecuted. The substance of our faith is revealed either way. If we are not being persecuted, we can give thanks to God for the peace that we have, but we, also, may want to take serious inventory to ensure we are not compromising our faith.
Relate it to your life.
Some form of occasional suffering is needed because it is an effective test to the quality of my faith.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, in the easy times, and in the difficult times, may I always be found to be faithful. Amen.
March 31-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:13, But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Observe what it is saying.
Peter expanded on his theology of suffering. Yesterday, he told us that tribulations are important for the testing of our faith. They inform us of what we are made of spiritually. Do we respond with fear and anger or faith and assurance that God is working through all things? Today, Peter tells us to rejoice in our suffering. From prison, Paul wrote to rejoice in the Lord always and to give thanks in all circumstances. James said to consider it all joy when you face trials of many kinds. When we are opposed and oppressed because of our faith, we have spiritually entered into Christ’s suffering. This is the deepest fellowship we will ever experience with Jesus on earth. Our suffering is an extension of his horrific pain. Ours does not add anything to what He did on our behalf, but it does connect us to His full ministry and experience on earth. We can say we have shared in the suffering of Jesus. Such a full participation in the His life and death only adds to the joy we will experience when He comes again in all of His glory. Paul said it this way, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17)
Relate it to your life.
How deeply do I really want to share in the life of Jesus?
Do something.
Jesus, I must be honest, I do not want to suffer. But if I do, please give me a faith-filled attitude. 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