Category: 1 Peter

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

While we apply these verses to both sexes, think about their especial relevance to men – young and older. Can you see good reasons for these words to men especially? Paul is not being sexist here, but realistic. What applies to you?

SJA Notes

* Dear God, thank You for this Your word to us today.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you; casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

We can often buck under God’s mighty hand. Our pride and self-assurance can rear up and we struggle against the will of the Almighty.

Peter’s word to us here is … To be HUMBLE under God’s will.

This is a hard thing to do!

But joined along-side that by Peter is something equally as hard – When worries and concerns threaten to overwhelm us, as we often struggle against God’s will – We can forget so quickly this truly amazing mechanic that God has graciously built into our lives for us.

To cast our cares, our concerns and worries, our anxieties, on Him.

Why?

BECAUSE HE LOVES US.

Humbling ourselves under God’s will is good for us.

Casting our cares on God is good for us.

* Dear God,

Thank You for all that You have given to us.

Thank You for Jesus.

Thank You that in humble submission under Your will we find worth and identity.

Thank You that in casting our cares on You will find Your grace and mercy, You love that is real.

Hallelujah Lord, what a God You are!

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Write out Christ’s attitude in your own words. How can you apply this attitude today? What affect should it have on your worship?

SJA Notes

* Dear God, thank You for Your word to us today.

“… Therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”

What a clear conviction this is for us today.

Our prayers, our conversation with God, are best served when we are full of self-control, when our minds are sober.

It is hard to be disciplined in this world. It is hard to commit to a daily walk with the Lord. It is hard to carry our minds clear and control our selves.

But the Lord Jesus suffered for us. He was forsaken at the cross for us. HE descended to the grave, for us.

Let us be convicted today to strive for self-control and sober minds, so that our conversation with God is not hindered.

* Father God,

Please strengthen us today from Your word.

Please write Your word upon our hearts, that we might be convicted to be holy as You are holy.

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

What practical action will you take as these verses sift your life, thoughts, behaviour?

SJA Notes

* God Above, please teach us today from Your word. May we be the good soil today.

“… Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;”

This is a deep exhortation to us from Peter.

Peter who was not prepared and instead of confessing his King, instead he denied Him.

Peter has learned the truth of this matter!

“Have no fear of them, nor be trouble,”

This can be a hard thing to take hold of, in the moment. But we remember that we have Jesus as our King, and because of Him we can fear _not_.

“… But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy,”

Back in the first chapter of this letter Peter points us to God’s words,

“You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

So not only are we to be holy, but we are to remember and bring light and openly proclaim the holiness of GOD.

“… Yet do it with gentleness and respect,”

We often respond in defense with sharp words and anger. Peter instead encourages us to be gentle and respectful.

How upside-down this logic is to the world, to humanity.

But it is what we are called to.

Jesus is our rock we stand on. Our foundation is firm. Though the storms rage, we stand in Him, His strength.

* God Almighty,

Please prepare our hearts to give defense of our hope.

Our great hope that rests solely in You.

Please strengthen us in Your strength.

Thank You for saving us and setting our feet on the Rock.

Hallelujah, what a Saviour!

Amen.