Walk With God

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 5:7-14 

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Peter wrote this letter to believers, both Jews and Gentiles, throughout the known world to exhort and declare the true grace of God. He encourages everyone to stand firm in it. Peter also warns readers to “Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 

Peter had first-hand experience with the devil (see Luke 22:31-34). Resist him and stand firm in your faith. All believers worldwide will suffer. We know that after suffering, trials, heartache, and pain, God will accomplish His purpose (His will) in each of our lives. We can trust Him. He works to strengthen, to guide, and to grow the faith of His chosen ones. 

This epistle opens and closes with a prayer for peace (1:2 and 5:14). Our world needs peace. Battles and strife seem to exist on all fronts – cities and countries. Peter closes his letter with these comforting words, “Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”

SONG: "Because of Jesus" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfVEQJjbNXQ

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 5:1-6 (ESV)

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First Peter is a letter written to “God’s elect,” scattered in “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.” In his final chapter, Peter instructs the elders who are called to “shepherd the flock of God.” The pastoral leaders are to feed, lead, guide, guard, and provide for the believers in their local flock. 

Each of these elders serves the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. When Jesus returns, Peter wants his fellow elders to be found faithful. He urges leaders to cultivate a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and then encourage, lead, and guide the flock in their walks with God. 

This week's song, Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us, is sung by a musical group from Indonesia. The day is coming when we will worship the Lord with people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. We hope you will enjoy listening to the hymn.

SONG: "Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z64Pa6fpuiQ  

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 4:12-19

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Peter addresses his audience as “Beloved, dear friends.” He shares difficult truth with them about the suffering of Christians. We often view testing and persecution as strange and abnormal. Is God against us? We are surprised when we face times of suffering, and quickly become discouraged. But Peter warns us to expect difficult times, persecution, and suffering. 

Jesus spoke these words to Peter: 

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” 

– Matthew 5:11-12

God will leave something in each of our lives that we cannot fix. This will cause us to come to the Lord and seek His strength, endurance, and grace. God is our mighty fortress and strong helper. God’s truth abides and His kingdom is forever. 

SONG: "A Mighty Fortress" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-T7UbxF85g

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 4:1-11

SHOW NOTES: We invite you to visit and subscribe to our new ministry website – Discover God's Truth. 

On Good Friday, we remember Jesus’ death on the cross. He told His disciples that this time of suffering was ahead, and Jesus had to go to Jerusalem. However, suffering is not a concept we want to embrace or accept in this life. 

"Since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude."

1 Peter 4:1 

Suffering has different faces in each of our lives. Peter addresses issues of pain, suffering, and persecution for his readers. He wants them to know that this will become more severe for believers living under the rule of Emperor Nero, but Peter offers hope and encouragement. 

The end of all things is near. We must be alert and disciplined in our prayers. Peter provides two examples of using our spiritual gifts. First, we must share the Word of God. His Word is important and necessary for salvation and understanding God’s power and authority in our lives. We are also called to serve others and trust the Lord will provide the strength we need. 

Seek to glorify God every day. Serve the Lord and others faithfully and continue to walk with God. AMEN. 

SONG: "Come Jesus Come" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9NjB38sDvQ

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 3:15-22

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The Bible is filled with wisdom and insight to guide our daily walks with God. Each week, we open the pages of Scripture and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. In chapter one, Peter shares this promise given in Isaiah 40:8, “The word of our God stands forever.” Our words, attitudes, and actions should give evidence of our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. Peter reminds us to “honor Christ the Lord as holy.” 

Jesus was crucified and buried, and He rose victorious over death. Colossians 3:1 reads, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” Ask this question, “Where is my heart set?” Am I looking to the Lord in heaven, where Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Almighty Father? 

SONG: "The Jesus Way" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARSGgC9iQb0

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 3:8-14

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In this lesson, Peter summarizes his teaching from earlier verses in the letter. 

"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." – 1 Peter 3:8

What does that look like? What do we observe in others? What do others see in me? Do we walk away from situations when someone is rude or unkind? If we respond correctly, we get a deep sense that we have chosen the “godly, right way to act and live.” The Lord’s blessing in our lives will look different than we might expect, but He promises to bless us, may it be in this life and all of eternity.  

"He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it." – 1 Peter 3:11

Peter reminds us that suffering for the sake of righteousness will bring God's blessing. He also assures us we need not fear or be troubled because the Lord’s eyes are on the righteous. The Lord does hear our prayers.

SONG: "Peace" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW6xcmqfiY4

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 3:1-7

SHOW NOTES: We invite you to visit and subscribe to our new ministry website – Discover God's Truth. 

In our current study, Peter writes to encourage believers to show honor and respect to those in authority over us. This includes submitting to the emperor, government officials, and even servants to their masters. Jesus lived this example and submitted to the will of His Heavenly Father. 

“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands …” (1 Peter 3:1). 

This order was established by our Holy Creator, and there is no sense of inferiority. The practice of submission includes: 1) committing oneself to the Lord; 2) displaying gracious behavior toward others; 3) developing godly character; 4) conducting oneself in a right manner. 

“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way … so that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7). 

Peter continues to call believers, in every role or position of life, to surrender to the will of God regarding how we treat one another. 

SONG: "I Surrender All" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3u51j4W1vk

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 2:18-25

SHOW NOTES: Walt and I appreciate the ministry of The Awakening Worldwide. Three years ago, our weekly podcast, Walk with God, began, and there are now listeners in 60 countries. The Lord continues to bless this outreach, and it exists to encourage and strengthen believers with God’s Word. We invite you to visit and subscribe to our new ministry website – Discover God's Truth. 

Peter encourages his readers to “live as people who are free … living as servants of God.” Show honor to everyone. Honor God. 

“Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.”

1 Peter 2:18

He distinguishes between justifiable suffering and unjustifiable suffering. Some suffering is a result of wrongdoing and results in deserved punishment. You endure this discipline, but you don’t get credit. However, suffering when you have done right is gracious in the sight of God and follows Jesus’ footsteps. Jesus committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 

Isaiah 53:6-7 

Because of Jesus’ sacrificial death, we can experience a profound change in our lives. Believers, return to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls! 

SONG: "Man of Sorrows" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E5Ux9PXjso

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 2:9-17

SHOW NOTES: The purpose of Discover God’s Truth is to encourage and strengthen believers with God’s Word. We invite you to subscribe to our new ministry website – Discover God's Truth. 

Peter addresses his audience as “Beloved," my dear friends. We are bound together in Christ’s love. Each of us is called to do good deeds so His name will be glorified. 

And Peter continues this theme in verse 10, where he alludes to the Old Testament prophet Hosea. 

Once, you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 

We are chosen from all eternity. From our perspective, we were lost, hopeless, and helpless, dead in our trespasses and sins. Yet, our gracious God extends mercy to us. He calls us to be His people! 

Peter’s summary for God’s children (1 Peter 2:17)

1. Show proper respect to everyone – recognize each one’s value in God’s eyes. 

2. Love the family of believers – we are the children of God. 

3. Fear God – live in reverential awe of the Lord. 

4. Honor the emperor – respect those in authority over you. 

 SONG: "Children of the Living God" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6anpAf9EoY

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 2:1-8

SHOW NOTES: Our new ministry, Discover God’s Truth, is available to strengthen and encourage you in God’s Word. You are invited to subscribe to the website – Discover God's Truth. 

As we read and study the book of First Peter, this word comes to mind: “Rich. This book is so rich – verse by verse.” Peter is addressing the topic of our salvation and deliverance from sin. Our lives should be changed, and this is God’s work of sanctification in you and me. Peter continues with his instruction to believers in chapter two. Put away your negative behavior and change bad habits. The call is for positive action. You should crave the pure spiritual milk, and then you will grow in your personal walk with the Lord. 

Peter moves from “eating” to “construction.” Jesus is the Living Stone, chosen and precious. He is the solid rock and the Cornerstone. Verse five says, “You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” As living stones, we are called to serve and to worship. Christ is the Cornerstone, and we are the living stones. 

SONG: "The Solid Rock" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoPcyr2oYhg