Read 1 Peter 3
Highlights:
A believer's lifestyle should be a testimony of what Jesus is like (I Pet. 3:1-5), so treat each other as joint heirs (3:7). Be good stewards of the grace of God (4:1-11). Rejoice that we are partakers of Christ's sufferings (4:12-19). Pray for Church leaders to feed and strengthen the flock (5:1-11).
There is just One True and Complete Source of spiritual knowledge and strength. The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Peter to write: If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (utterances) of God; if any man minister (serve), let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever (I Pet. 4:11). In contrast to the Word of God are the opinions and traditions of mere men. We must not modify or ignore the only Guide to Life that God has given as the standard by which we must live.
The last recorded words that Jesus spoke personally to Peter were on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, when He asked three times: Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? . . . Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, Lovest thou Me? And he said unto Him, Lord . . . Thou knowest that I love Thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed My sheep (John 21:15-17). Feed indicated the Lord had need for Peter to provide Biblical nourishment to His sheep. Peter fulfilled that commission by passing the Word along to all of us. Caring for, defending, and guiding are needed by and for believers; but feed My sheep means to teach them all of the Word of God, from Genesis through Revelation. The Word of God has the power to change a person. All of us can be involved. Some write, edit, and print, while others support the distribution of the teaching ministries for Jesus, who also commands us: Feed My sheep.
The underlying principle of most worldly endeavors is: "How much is in it for me?" This spirit of greed, pride, and power permeates self-serving ambition. Because the Word of God is alive and never changes, the message the Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul to write to Timothy is still applicable to us today: Before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick (living) and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom; Preach the Word; be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort (encourage) with all longsuffering (patience) and doctrine (teaching) (II Tim. 4:1-2). The Lord is not slack concerning His promise . . . not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9).
Thought for Today:
Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart (Ps. 32:11).
Cross References:
For I Pet. 3:10-12: See Ps. 34:12-16. I Pet. 5:5: See Prov. 3:34.
Word Studies:
3:11 eschew turn away from; ensue earnestly pursue; 3:20 were saved by water were saved from the water by entering the ark (that illustrates Christ); 4:15 busybody one who interferes in other people's affairs that do not concern him.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Bill Posey (FL) • Country: Mauritius (1 million) 500 miles east of Madagascar • Major languages: English and Creole • Limited religious freedom • 50% Hindu; 27% Roman Catholic; 17% Muslim; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Express your gratitude for the loving-kindness of God (Jer. 32:17-18).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 2:21