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The Hebrew word “shalom” means more than just “calm” or “no war”. It carries with it the idea of completeness, wholeness. Shalom is about all the pieces being together and in the right place. This Old Testament understanding serves as the foundation of the New Testament use of “peace” as well.
Jesus’ life wasn’t marked by tranquility and quiet all the time, and yet he had peace. The peace of Jesus flowed from his relationship with his Father.
Luke 4:28-30 – wild moment in the synagogue
Matthew 8 – a day in the life of Jesus
John 14:27 – Jesus gives us his peace.
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
The world we live in makes it hard to have peace and the devil wants to rob us of our peace – we need to fight for peace!
There are two parts of our fight for peace:
Colossians 3:15 – Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts
Philippians 4:6-9 – Peace of God will guard your hearts and minds
Romans 16:20a – “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet”
The post Fighting For Peace first appeared on Living Hope.5:1 “Therefore” relates back to 4:19. Suffering is a major theme in 1 Peter, so elders are instructed to shepherd the family.
1:1, 6 Those who first received the letter lived in a difficult situation and were suffering.
1:10-11 With Christ, we see the suffering followed by the glories.
2:19-23 Jesus is an example of suffering rightly.
3:14-17 We are blessed when we suffer for the sake of righteousness.
4:1, 13 Rejoice in the suffering because you will share in the exaltation.
4:16-19 God will do right for you if you suffer the right way as Christ did.
5:1, 8 The comparison to a shepherd is apropos. Psalm 23; 1 Samuel 17:34-37; Acts 20:28-31
We are to exercise oversight as a watchman. Ezekiel 3:17-21; 33:1-9
1 Peter 5:2 Godly motivation is mandatory. “Sordid” means ignoble action and motives arousing moral distaste and contempt.
4 There is reward for doing it right, just as there is reward dealing with suffering the right way.
6 Humble – 1 Peter 3:8; James 4:6; Micah 6:8; Matthew 18:1-4
7 Psalms 16:8; 21:7; 27:14; 37:5; 55:22; 62:2, 8
8 Romans 13:11-13; Ephesians 5:13-19; 1 Thessalonians 4:4-9
1 Peter 1:3-4
The post Stand Firm first appeared on Living Hope.1 Peter 4:1-2 As we saw in chapter 3, suffering is likely if you are faithful to Christ. However, when suffering comes, this is an opportunity to face it the way Jesus did. Stephen provides a sterling example of courageously paying the ultimate sacrifice with forgiveness rather than vengeance in his heart (Acts 6:9-7:1, 54-60).
1 Peter 4:3-5 As Christians, we no longer indulge in the harmful behaviors of the nations. Your old friends may criticize your new lifestyle, but that’s ok. God is your judge and theirs.
1 Peter 4:6-8 As important as self-control is for the Christian life, loving one another still reigns supreme. Rather than sticking it to brothers and sisters who offend you, you can let it go, “For love covers a multitude of sins” (Prov 10:12).
1 Peter 4:9 Understandably, hospitality is waning in our society today. It requires time, money, preparation, cleaning, cooking, and vulnerability. Still, it’s a key way you can show love both to the household of faith as well as unbelievers.
1 Peter 4:10-11 The basis of our service to God and His people is God’s generous gifting to us. Do what God has called you to do with zeal.
1 Peter 4:12-19 Once again, we return to suffering. Don’t be ashamed of suffering as a Christian; instead, glorify God in that name. As we suffer, let’s entrust our souls to our faithful Creator while doing good.
The post Authentic Christian Living first appeared on Living Hope.1 Peter 3:8 Peter lists out a phenomenal collection of virtues for us to live out in community. We should seek unity, sympathy, love, tender hearts, and humble minds. Living this way not only makes for a better life, but it also testifies to visitors that Christianity works.
1 Peter 3:9 Nonretaliation takes great strength. It’s easy to strike back, taking an eye for an eye. As the people who have received blessings because of Christ, we can afford to be generous in blessing others, even when they curse us.
1 Peter 3:10-12 Regardless of what others do, we are to keep our tongue from evil and pursue peace. This calling is nothing new. (See Psalm 34). However, it remains incredibly relevant and challenging.
1 Peter 3:13-17 When living in an antagonistic society, it’s important to be zealous for doing good deeds and prepared for those who question us. Still, when we give others our reasons for belief, we must be careful to communicate with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:18-22 Jesus is our example. He too suffered. We can look to his heroic journey and take courage realizing that God vindicated him and enthroned him above the angels, authorities, and powers.
The post Suffering Well first appeared on Living Hope.1 Peter 2:11-12 As Christians we are “sojourners and exiles” from this world. Like immigrants, we have our own unique culture and way of doing life. Since the “Gentiles” are watching, we should live honorably and do good deeds so they will glorify God.
Peter covers three categories of submission. All Christians should be subject to the government; slaves, to their masters; and wives, to their husbands.
1 Peter 2:13-17 The apostle commands Christians to be subject to the government. We know from other Scriptures that in certain situations it’s right to disobey the government (Acts 4:5-6, 18-20), but our default should be obedience and honor, even if the leader is sinful.
1 Peter 2:18-25 Slavery was a normal part of the ancient world. Peter’s focus is not on the injustice of slavery, but on the practical question of how Christian slaves should live. Amazingly, he compares suffering abuse from a bad master to the suffering of Christ himself.
1 Peter 3:1-7 Wives are to be subject to their husbands, even if they are not Christians. Rather than focusing on their looks, they should develop their character. Christian husbands must live with their wives in an understanding way and show them honor.
The post Christian Submission first appeared on Living Hope.1 Peter 1:23 & Isaiah 40:1-11 – God is indicating to Israel that amidst their bondage, God will be victorious over these nations of captivity. (Psalm 37:1-2)The announcement of the “coming” of the LORD to intervene and deliver the people from bondage brings hope!Romans 8:16-18 – The greatest act ever completed for God’s glory and the world’s salvation was a sacrificial act of suffering by Jesus. We too can join in & glorify God during sacrifice/suffering.1 Peter 2:9-10 – You are chosen, set apart, to proclaim the excellencies of God.Ex. 28:36-37; Numbers 6:22-27; Deut. 26:18-19 –High Priest was set apart, holy belonging to YHWH and “bears His name”; Israelites are then also called to bear (carry) God’s name & represent Him in holiness.We too are called to bear God’s name, to represent Him in holiness. Called to be holy as He is holy! 1 Peter 2:2-3 – The start to this is tasting and seeing God’s goodness. (1 Samuel 18-21)1 Peter 2:4-8 – God’s goodness and mercy is best tasted through the cornerstone of Jesus (2 Samuel 7:1-14, Psalm 118:21-25, Isaiah 28:16). 1 Peter 2:10 – We have become God’s people through mercy alone. (Hosea 2:23)“The Hebrew word for “holy” literally means “separate” or “set apart.” (Not a cultural fit in)1 Peter 1:13 – We are to put off our former lusts & conformity to the world and grow in holiness.1 Peter 2:1 – We are to put aside the “old man” and conformity with the world.1 Peter 2:11-12 – Keep excellent behavior; abstain from fleshly lusts. The time has passed for these things.Mark 12:1-11 – To reject this calling of holy living is to reject the chief cornerstone of Jesus.Titus 3:5 – Only by the washing of regeneration & renewing by the holy spirit are we able to live holy.Galatians 5 – God’s holy spirit should generate fruitful living from us that will testify to the world.
1 Peter 1:1 Aliens from another country or foreigners in the world because of our faith (1 Peter 2:11). Our true citizenship is in heaven awaiting God’s Kingdom.
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ – Romans 15:6; 2 Corinthians 1:3; 11:31; Ephesians 1:3; 3:14; John 20:17; Matthew 2:15; 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; 9:7; Luke 3:22; 9:35; Acts 13:33; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 1:5; 2 Peter 1:17
4 This living hope is not subject to decay, destruction, or deterioration in any way. It is completely free from any form of contamination, impurity, or sin and is eternal and unchanging.
5 Already, not yet salvation. We have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved when Christ returns.
6 We greatly rejoice even though we have various trials.
7 We will receive praise, glory, and honor from Jesus if we remain faithful.
8 We greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible.
13 Prepare your minds; Christ is coming back.
14 We are not like everyone else in the world.
15 We are saints (holy ones), so we live holy.
17 Everyone is subject to judgment, so live accordingly.
22 Sincere, fervent love
25 We are born again by the living and enduring Word of God.
The post Living Hope first appeared on Living Hope.There are different kinds of investments—financial, physical, relationships, business, etc.
An investment is the “commitment of finances, assets, or resources toward a future benefit or advantage that you believe will result in a positive return.”
An investor is someone that believes in the work of the company and is willing to give significant effort or contributions in order to support the launch of the company.
1 John 4:7-10a
God made the first move. He was the one who invested in us. We didn’t deserve the investment, but God believed that we were worth it; we were worth the cost of his Son.
1 Peter 1:19-21
Our investments in life are not as costly as God’s investment in us.
But God has also invested in us in various other ways as well.
1 Peter 4:10-11
Each person has received a gift from God (e.g., an ability, skill, or competency).
Acts 11:19-24
Barnabas (“Son of Encouragement”; Acts 4:36)
Acts 9:26-30
The key about investing in people like Barnabas did is that sometimes people need a little help getting past a hurdle. They need a little support to overcome some obstacle that seems to be blocking their way forward.
2 Timothy 2:1-2
Titus 2:1-8
Titus 2:7
Part of how we can invest in others is to be a model of Christ-likeness.
“Sermon’s We See” by Edgar Guest
1 John 4:10b
1 Thessalonians 2:10-12
Judges 2:6-10
God has invested so much in you directly by specials giftings to serve him and through others who have invested in you. You have so much to give to others! Don’t let it go to waste.
The post Investments That Really Matter first appeared on Living Hope.Luke 4:31–37 Right from the beginning of his ministry, Jesus encountered the spirit of an unclean demon. Strangely, the demonized man asked Jesus, “Have you come to destroy us?”
Luke 4:40–41 Jesus was able to cast out demons hour after hour. Apparently, this was a common affliction in this time and place. They recognized him and cried out, “You are the son of God,” but Jesus made them be quiet.
Luke 8:1–2 Some people fell victim to the infestation of multiple demons at once.
Luke 8:26–33 The Gerasene demoniac lived among the tombs, naked, crying out night and day, and cutting himself with stones. (See Mark 5:5.) This poor man had no peace, no community, and no future. In a moment, Jesus set him free.
Luke 9:37–43 In this case, the demon caused convulsions and foaming at the mouth. Although the disciples couldn’t cast it out, Jesus could.
Luke 11:14–26 Demons are part of Satan’s kingdom. After a spirit leaves his “house,” it can return with several others, making the final state of the person worse than the first.
Acts 16:16–19 This spirit enabled a slave girl to tell fortunes. Paul had no problem taking authority and casting it out.
Acts 19:11–17
11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled.
The post Demonology first appeared on Living Hope.Three titles: the tempter – Matthew 4:1-3; the deceiver – 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9; and the accuser – Revelation 12:9 -12
2 Corinthians 11:3; Ezekiel 28:11-19 He is called the serpent, not to describe his appearance, but rather his craftiness. He is the master of disguise and the master of illusion who presents that which is evil as beautifully good.
2 Corinthians 11:13, 14 He cannot make us sin but can present sin as a beautiful allurement as he did with Eve, so that we willfully participate.
Ephesians 2:1-3 Three fronts: 1) the devil and demons; 2) ungodly world; and 3) our sinful flesh
Three realisms: 1) we need help; 2) God can and will help; 3) we must ask for help
Matthew 6:9-13 Daily ask God for help. Psalm 35:1-3; Psalm 18:1-3
Satan’s most effective weapons are subtlety and secrecy.
Matthew 4:1-3 Jesus’ responsibility was to join God in what He was doing in the world and never insist that God join him in what he was doing. John 5:19 and 30; Deuteronomy 8:3
Matthew 4:4 Jesus believed in the power of God’s Word and that it would neutralize the temptation.
Matthew 4-8 Identifying our vulnerabilities to a specific temptation happens when we examine our behavior and ask God for help. Once you have ascertained your weakness, then select the appropriate Scripture to combat the temptation.
1 Corinthians 10:13 God will help.
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The post God Will Help first appeared on Living Hope.From the publisher's feed