Not Afraid of Anyone

Not Afraid of Anyone

1 Peter 3: ¹³ Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, how happy you are! Do not be afraid of anyone, and do not worry. ¹⁵ But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you,

 

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Afraid of bullies, I planned my route to school. I could avoid specific people if I went down certain blocks. But as I grew up, I was more confident to tell one of them about CHRIST. “Would you send out a message of faith-based encouragement?” was the question posed to me later in life. “No” was the answer. In the back of my mind I wondered “What would the higher ups, who don’t believe in GOD, think?”

 

• I was afraid to show my relationship with CHRIST because I wanted a title.
• I was trying to keep powerful bullies, who eventually lost their positions, pleased so I could get ahead.
• I was willing to hide my relationship with CHRIST to appease people who could care less about GOD.

 

Peter attempted to give encouragement to those “Chosen” believers who were scattered to many countries because of their belief in JESUS. They were ousted and sought after to be killed because of their belief. He tells all believers to “be ready.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to not be ashamed of my relationship with JESUS.
• Overcoming fear of relating to JESUS was a huge hurdle I needed to cross so I could be honest in what I do.
• Being ready to explain hope should be top of mind each day.

 

Perception is a friend or a foe. I mean, trying to be one way in front of people to please them when I should be bold for JESUS causes me to live in an unfruitful way. But the problem is when I try to be bold for CHRIST, worldly people get mad and may even try to harm me.

 

GOD sees all situations and rewards me when I am bold for HIM. HE doesn’t put me in bad situations all the time. HE simply wants me to “do what is good” so people who do not believe in JESUS, will ask. “why do you have so much hope?” I gladly am ready with an answer.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer urge the readers to “be ready?”
• Has anyone approached you about hope?
• Have you lost hope and are not showing the light and salt GOD has given you?
• Will you ask GOD for that bold hope that brings people back to HIM so you can be used for HIS purpose today?

Seeking Good Times

 

Seeking Good Times

1 Peter 3: ⁸ To conclude: you must all have the same attitude and the same feelings; love one another, and be kind and humble with one another. ⁹ Do not pay back evil with evil or cursing with cursing; instead, pay back with a blessing, because a blessing is what God promised to give you when he called you. ¹⁰ As the scripture says,

“If you want to enjoy life
    and wish to see good times,
    you must keep from speaking evil
    and stop telling lies.
¹¹ You must turn away from evil and do good;
    you must strive for peace with all your heart.
¹² For the Lord watches over the righteous
    and listens to their prayers;
    but he opposes those who do evil.”

 

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Wanting a better assignment, I lied about my age. I said I was two years older than I was so that maybe my years of experience would seem like more than they were. I was still considered a rookie and I wanted to shake that perception.

 

• I lied to get ahead.
• I didn’t consider my lie as harmful.
• I showed my immaturity when I argued, fussed and fought instead of being above negative conversations.

 

Peter continues to provide some difficult lessons. He knew there would be some who would do evil to those who did good. His advice was to be above evil by paying back with good. He also used a Psalm from David to change the mindset. “Keep from speaking evil.”

 

My Observations

• Striving for “good times” must include me telling the truth.
• For me to “enjoy life” I must be able to rest, which means telling the truth.
• Doing “good” and striving for “peace” gives me the makings for a life filled with good times.

 

Evil, brings on more evil. I mean, when someone does or says something bad to me or about me, I want to retaliate. I get my argument ready and maybe even think of ways to tear “that” person down. BUT GOD wants me to act different.

 

HE wants me above petty arguments to focus on HIM. HE wants “good” and “peace” to flow from me. This means I have to make a decision. I have to slow down, step away from the evil and speak the truth in live when the time is right. I am glad GOD gives me courage to speak truth.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention “pay back?”
• Have you ever been provoked by an evil attack and wanted to retaliate?
• Will you take the high road next time and seek “good times” by doing good in GOD’s sight today?

Respect Reminder

Respect Reminder

1 Peter 3: ⁷ In the same way you husbands must live with your wives with the proper understanding that they are more delicate than you. Treat them with respect, because they also will receive, together with you, God's gift of life. Do this so that nothing will interfere with your prayers.

 

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Name calling was my new found humor. I was able to tear down people by weaving a tapestry of insults together. But when I got married, I realized that maybe I needed to stop this.

 

• I found out there were many ways I could disrespect my wife.
• I had to consider that GOD was looking at what I said and did.
• I did not know that the answer to my prayers were based on my conduct.

 

Peter turns his advice to the husband. His advice was to use “respect” and “understanding” in order to have harmony, which leads to prayers being heard.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to use “understanding” to gain harmony.
• GOD wants me to use “respect” to gain HIS gift of life.
• GOD wants me to consider why my prayers may be hindered and make adjustments.

 

Arguments and disagreements happen in marriage. I mean, two people who come together with unresolved baggage will run into disagreements. BUT GOD desires understanding and respect to come to resolution.

 

HE listens to me more when I can demonstrate understanding and respect. The goal is for all to have GOD’s gift of life by revering HIM. I gladly trade in my insults for a controlled tongue.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer discuss “understanding “ and “respect?”
• Have you ever felt a person deserves to be disrespected?
• Will you consider using “understanding” and “respect” to gain GOD’s ear today?

Heard From Inside

Heard From Inside

1 Peter 2: In the same way you wives must submit yourselves to your husbands, so that if any of them do not believe God's word, your conduct will win them over to believe. It will not be necessary for you to say a word, ² because they will see how pure and reverent your conduct is. ³ You should not use outward aids to make yourselves beautiful, such as the way you fix your hair, or the jewelry you put on, or the dresses you wear. ⁴ Instead, your beauty should consist of your true inner self, the ageless beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of the greatest value in God's sight. ⁵ For the devout women of the past who placed their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful by submitting themselves to their husbands. ⁶ Sarah was like that; she obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are now her daughters if you do good and are not afraid of anything.

 

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Ugh! Another tough message.. Here goes from a male… Ogling at body parts, they guys discussed what they would like to do and who they would like to do it with. I was scared to join in, but wanted to “fit in.” So I did. After a while, I was like the other guys.

 

• I discussed looks before discussing heart.
• I talked about sex before talking about service.
• I made jokes about body and never considered the soul.

 

Peter provides instructions to wives and husbands. He begins with the wife, stating a foundation that would address insecurity, namely inner beauty. He used a term “submit” that is hard to grasp because of its misuse and abuse. But his plea was written to women leaders who are in charge and maintained self-control given by the spirit.

 

My Observations:

• Serving GOD from the heart shows.
• My heart needs to look for the heart that serves GOD.
• I should desire what GOD wants versus fulfilling the lust of the eyes.

 

Communication goes both ways. I mean when a message is sent, the message needs to be received and understood in order to have good communication. GOD’s heart can be heard loudly when that message is sent.

 

HE lives inside us and provides the means for us to deliver unselfish messages that further HIS kingdom that external beauty cannot. I am glad GOD sees the heart first and wants me to do the same.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer make this plea?
• Has the world become more divided in different ways?
• What suggestion do you have for unity?
• Will you seek to love one another by looking at the inside of people as GOD sees him or her today?

Brought Back

Brought Back

1 Peter 2: ²¹ It was to this that God called you, for Christ himself suffered for you and left you an example, so that you would follow in his steps. ²² He committed no sin, and no one ever heard a lie come from his lips. ²³ When he was insulted, he did not answer back with an insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but placed his hopes in God, the righteous Judge. ²⁴ Christ himself carried our sins in his body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by his wounds that you have been healed. ²⁵ You were like sheep that had lost their way, but now you have been brought back to follow the Shepherd and Keeper of your souls.

 

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After fulfilling my desires, it got old to be out in bars and clubs with loud music and drunk, inhibited people. “You want to hang out” was the request posed to me. “Nah” was the strange response I provided. Something inside me was changing and I no longer craved the night life.

 

• I was getting tired of trying to have “fun” but remaining empty.
• I got tired of chasing a fantasy when reality was not even close.
• I needed something more than a surface relationship.

 

Peter talked about the suffering JESUS went through to redeem sinners. JESUS committed no sin, and while trying to teach people how to truly love one another, was murdered by HIS own creation. Peter then compares us to lost sheep, helpless, defenseless and illogical.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees when I am trying to fill the hole in my heart with the world’s emptiness.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS gift of love, which is JESUS, so I can have a filled heart.
• JESUS is my “Shepherd” who guides me to places of peace, wisdom and love.

 

Only GOD can truly fix the hole in my heart. I mean, when I try to fit in the world, I remain lonely, jealous, lustful and sad. After momentary sin, I feel even worse. BUT GOD has a better way.

 

JESUS gives my life purpose. HE opens my eyes to the tricks of the world that leave me in worse shape than following GOD. JESUS guides me back to a place of true security, peace and love. I am glad GOD cares for me to bring me back to HIM with welcome arms.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the analogy of “lost their way?”
• Have you ever felt great about serving GOD and then felt you needed to leave HIM to pursue “fun?”
• Will you consider returning to GOD so HE can guide you to a fulfilled life that is no longer empty today?

Underserved Suffering

Underserved Suffering

1 Peter 2: ¹⁸ You servants must submit yourselves to your masters and show them complete respect, not only to those who are kind and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. ¹⁹ God will bless you for this, if you endure the pain of undeserved suffering because you are conscious of his will. ²⁰ For what credit is there if you endure the beatings you deserve for having done wrong? But if you endure suffering even when you have done right, God will bless you for it.

 

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After working hard for years, I ran into that boss. He said and did all the wrong things and was slippery enough to make his employees scapegoats. I was warned about working for him, but I thought I could win him over by being “nice.” I was wrong.

 

• I ended up suffering while working under him.
• I questioned GOD for having me go through suffering.
• I wondered if there would be any relief from suffering.

 

Peter turns to some more difficult words to hear. He suggests that believers understand that they would suffer, just like CHRIST, who had to endure  shame, blame and being murdered. Peter suggests that believers endure so GOD will see the endurance and bless the believer.

 

My Observations:

• Abuse is not acceptable, BUT GOD sees your suffering and will bless you and I for it.
• Harsh environments are never welcome, BUT GOD sees the environment you and I have endured and will reward our endurance.
• Difficult situation are never wanted, BUT GOD allows you and I to go through them to understand a tiny glimpse of what JESUS went through.

 

I don’t know why we have to suffer. I mean, can’t GOD just snap HIS fingers and make everything easy? Yes, but HIS decrees allowed Satan to try to oppose HIM. The enemy wants to cause pain and suffering to steal people away from GOD. He uses temptation to make people want power, riches and fame. They will stop at nothing to gain it. They will even make people suffer.

 

GOD wants me to value HIS way and turn away from the world’s way. When I do, I will be labeled as weird. I may be mocked, lied upon and suffer undeserved hardships. GOD sees the pain and keeps track of how much I showed respect to those who are harsh. I am glad GOD sees the heart and has  a better plan for my suffering.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention suffering?
• Have you ever come out of suffering and become stronger?
• Will you rethink the suffering you are going through at work and know GOD sees your suffering and has great rewards for your endurance?

Respectful Character

Respectful Character

1 Peter 2: ¹³ For the sake of the Lord submit yourselves to every human authority: to the Emperor, who is the supreme authority, ¹⁴ and to the governors, who have been appointed by him to punish the evildoers and to praise those who do good. ¹⁵ For God wants you to silence the ignorant talk of foolish people by the good things you do. ¹⁶ Live as free people; do not, however, use your freedom to cover up any evil, but live as God's slaves. ¹⁷ Respect everyone, love other believers, honor God, and respect the Emperor.

 

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“Rolling my eyes at what was said, I listened to the speech, but did not believe a word. I clapped at the end of the leader’s speech, but huddled with others to tear down what was said. “What an idiot” we said as we scoffed at the leadership of the day.

 

• It was easy for me to see the flaws in leadership.
• It was easy for me to complain about the style of leadership.
• It was easy for me to continue in my own sins because the spotlight was on someone else.

 

Peter suggests something radical. He knew government officials of the time may or may not believe in JESUS as their Savior, however he warns believers to “respect” those in authority. He knew that world systems would clash with belief in JESUS so he gave a remedy. Live with character and respect.

 

My Observations:

• Living with flawed people can be difficult, BUT GOD wants me to look at my own flaws when looking at other’s.
• Following terrible leaders can be hard, BUT GOD wants me to respect their authority and live for HIM in spite of their seemingly poor decisions.
• GOD wants me to not think more highly of myself and HE wants me to constantly think of ways to be an example by loving other people.

 

Having purpose for GOD means loving and respecting others in public and in secret. I mean, it’s one thing to pretend to love people, yet turn around and say mean and harmful things about him or her. GOD wants me to have character and say respectful things about people whether I agree with them or not.

 

HE sees my heart and if I have disrespect in it, HE is willing to remove it if I ask. HE will then fill that area with love for others that is missing from the way I think. This heals my relationships so I can become a magnet for JESUS intentionally. I am grateful that GOD places people in authority and wants me to respect people to show them the way back to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer urge believers to have respect?
• Have you ever examined your words to see if they contain any disrespect?
• Will you examine your relationship with GOD and ask HIM to repair any character holes so you can be used by HIM to love those who are more difficult to love today?

Strangers and Refugees

Strangers and Refugees

1 Peter 2: ¹¹ I appeal to you, my friends, as strangers and refugees in this world! Do not give in to bodily passions, which are always at war against the soul. ¹² Your conduct among the heathen should be so good that when they accuse you of being evildoers, they will have to recognize your good deeds and so praise God on the Day of his coming.

 

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Trying to fit in again, I listened to the crowd. They suggested the type of “fun” I should have by getting people drunk enough to have sex. I thought this was a good idea. My words sounded better when everyone was drunk.

 

• I thought I was having “fun.”
• I felt I was fitting in.
• I did not know I was damaging the way people viewed me and the way GOD viewed me.

 

Peter gives a very stern warning to not give in to bodily passions. He then gives a reason, namely reputation. He knew that people would lie and accuse the followers of JESUS of doing evil. One day they will recognize.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to enjoy life by following HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to have an abundant life by seeking what HE wants me to do.
• GOD wants me to reduce the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life, trading them in for the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness and self-control.

 

Following GOD has to be intentional. I mean, when I fall to temptation, I do nothing but harm. I harm myself and possibly others. BUT GOD has a remedy. Follow HIS ways. GOD knows I feel guilty when I fall into sin. HE also knows HIS forgiveness is important.

 

GOD not only forgives me, HE provides a plan that includes a life of actively pursuing people to bring them back to HIM. HE gives me the right words at the right time. I am grateful GOD is willing to guide me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer sound so serious?
• Have you ever desired to do something that your heart is telling you “this is wrong?”
• Will you seek GOD and ask HIM to reveal the awesome plan HE has for you today?

Called Out of Darkness

Called Out of Darkness

1 Peter 2: ⁹ But you are the chosen race, the King's priests, the holy nation, God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light. ¹⁰ At one time you were not God's people, but now you are his people; at one time you did not know God's mercy, but now you have received his mercy.

 

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Desiring to be “on my own”, I pursued “fun” the way others defined it. “Come on, it’s not so bad” was the statement before doing everything I tried. Soon I found myself in trouble because of the “fun” I was having. Everyone who was having “fun” did not provide any help.

 

• I did not know how I ended up where I was.
• I did not know that I was stepping into darkness a little step at a time.
• I did not know that when trouble hit, those who were in the dark would not help me.

 

Peter provides a pep talk to those chosen by GOD. HE stated that being called out of darkness is equivalent to being enlightened in the knowledge of JESUS and HIS wonderful acts. He also said the chosen were supposed to proclaim these wonderful acts.

 

My Observations:

• GOD chose us to come out of darkness so we can proclaim JESUS as the Savior.
• GOD chose us to have abundant life while we proclaim JESUS as LORD of the living.
• GOD chose us to follow HIS ways so others can be saved.

 

Darkness seems innocent. I mean, when I am asked why I did something people would consider “bad” or “wrong”. My childish response was usually “I don’t know.” This means I was doing things without knowing if there were any consequences to my actions. BUT GOD wanted me enlightened.

 

HE called me out of ways that seem innocent, yet carry consequences among humans and HIM. HE wanted me to see that I was on the wrong path and gently nudged me back to HIS path, namely following JESUS’s examples. I am glad JESUS called you and me out of darkness.

 

Challenge

• What darkness is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever wanted to do what “everyone else” is doing, yet felt there was something wrong with it?
• Have you lost your sense of consequence?
• Will you seek to follow GOD’s ways by learning what they are today?

Living Stone

Living Stone

1 Peter 2: ⁴ Come to the Lord, the living stone rejected by people as worthless but chosen by God as valuable. ⁵ Come as living stones, and let yourselves be used in building the spiritual temple, where you will serve as holy priests to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ For the scripture says,

“I chose a valuable stone,
    which I am placing as the cornerstone in Zion;
    and whoever believes in him will never be disappointed.”
⁷ This stone is of great value for you that believe; but for those who do not believe:
“The stone which the builders rejected as worthless
    turned out to be the most important of all.”
⁸ And another scripture says,
“This is the stone that will make people stumble,
    the rock that will make them fall.” 

They stumbled because they did not believe in the word; such was God's will for them.

 

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Knowing there was something wrong with the decision, I felt kind of nervous. A friend of mine found a way to get some groceries without using his money. I thought it was not right, but volunteered to drive him to the store and threw in my list of items. On the way home, my car broke down. Coincidentally, the cost of the repair was almost half the amount we spent on groceries.

 

• I rejected the warning thought and went with the bad decision.
• I thought that I could participate in something partially and not be guilty.
• I could have said “No” and walked away from the bad decision.

 

Peter invites everyone to give their lives to JESUS. He mentions that JESUS was overlooked as the one and only solution to all problems. The world has a better way than JESUS so therefore they reject HIM as valuable. BUT GOD has chosen HIM as the most valuable.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is more pleased when I ask HIM, “What would YOU like me to do?”
• When I make decisions that do not include GOD, I tend to stumble and fall.
• JESUS is the cornerstone of my faith and I can build HIS kingdom without ever being disappointed.

 

Disappointment, blame and fear develop when I leave GOD out of my decisions. I mean, there is a way that seems right to me, but I end up falling down and hurting myself. GOD gives me a decision, I can be a stone for HIM or fall on the stone, which is JESUS.

 

Being a stone means, life’s challenges will not move me from believing in HIS power. It also means I totally rely on HIM to resolve my problems HIS way and in HIS time. HE then makes me a holy servant simply because of my belief in HIM. I am glad JESUS stands firm for me.

 

Challenge

• What rejection does the writer mention?
• Have you ever thought that some things that GOD wants are worthless?
• Will you become a living stone for JESUS today and live by HIS example today?