Peter uses phrases that may make us feel uncomfortable. He uses phrases like "submit to your masters," "submit to the authorities," and "abstain from sinful desires." It is important to remember that God is on the side of those who are oppressed as demonstrated throughout the Scriptures. He is the God who freed the enslaved Israelites. There is an entire letter in the New Testament about ending slavery (Philemon)!
Peter is not affirming dictatorships and tyrants. Those reading this are enslaved and being persecuted. The path out is not violence or revenge but kindness, peaceful nonviolent resistance, and trusting God.
We should live such godly lives among those oppressing us that they see us, notice the difference in how we live, and want what we have found in Jesus.
Even in the midst of the most awful circumstances, God is with us. We can experience His peace even when our society lacks peace.
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April 21, 2024
The apostle Peter offers hope and encouragement for a group of believers experiencing persecution. They have a hope in Jesus that can help them endure. Suffering can actually help them grow to become more pure and holy.
The word “elect” means they are chosen by God. This does not mean others are rejected. Other passages declare that “all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” When we read a passage that is unclear, we can interpret them with clearer passages. When God chooses someone, He blesses them to be a blessing to others. God is inclusive not exclusive.
“If you need hope, borrow it from someone else.” - John Burke, founding pastor of Gateway Church in Austin and author of Imagine Heaven
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April 20, 2024
James rebukes wealthy people who were causing others to suffer. He encouraged those who were suffering to persevere.
God never promised a life without suffering but to be with us in our suffering.
If you are overwhelmed with guilt or fighting an illness, we are to come to others for help and prayer. The prayer of person right with God is effective!
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April 18, 2024
When we covet we have impure motives. When we do this we are aligning ourselves with the ways of the world. Rather than being proud we need to humble ourselves so that God can lift us up.
James encourages followers of Jesus to avoid destruction through slander, judging, and other sins but instead submit to God and resist the devil. When we come near to God, we will discover His presence drawing near to us. When we reject the darkness and lean into our faith, we experience more of God in our life.
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April 17, 2024
James warns us that the tongue is a dangerous part of the body that remains difficult to tame. An untamed tongue can do a great deal of damage like how a tiny spark can become a forest fire.
Followers of Jesus should avoid selfish ambition, bitterness, and envy. Instead we should seek God for His wisdom which is “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
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April 16, 2024
We should not show favoritism by treating those who are wealthy differently than those who have very little. Followers of Jesus love our neighbors as we love ourselves. When we refuse to do the right thing, it’s like breaking all of the law.
Faith without works is dead. We cannot earn our way into God’s presence. Jesus often rebuked the religious leaders because they believed they deserved God’s blessings. When we are humble and acknowledge that we need God’s help, He will be with us, empower us, and send us out to do the good works that are motivated by our faith.
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April 15, 2024
The half brother of Jesus and leader of the church in Jerusalem was one of the first martyrs for his faith. James shares wisdom for how to live in our broken world.
He shares that we should have a different perspective when facing trials. Some trials come because we live in a fallen world, but God can bring good from this such as developing perseverance. We can avoid trials by not falling into temptation. God does not tempt us. It is our own evil desires that lead us astray.
We don’t have to struggle with doubt like a wave going up and down with the wind. Instead we can develop a faith greater than our circumstances.
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April 14, 2024
The author of Hebrews ends the letter with important reminders on how followers of Jesus should live. We are to love each other as brothers and sisters, to show hospitality to strangers, to live pure lives by keeping our marriage bed pure, to avoid the love of money but remaining content, and to remember our leaders by imitating their faith.
We can trust God because He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.. There is no reason to fear people. “What can mere mortals do to me?”
In light of this, we should continue to do good out of gratitude for all He has done for us.
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April 13, 2024
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV)
The Lord disciplines those He loves because we are His children. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later though, God’s discipline produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (Hebrews 12:14-15 NIV)
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”” (Hebrews 12:28-29 NIV)
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April 12, 2024