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, humble us today under Your mighty hand.

“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!

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 the wonderful operating mechanic that God has graciously built into this life 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 of God is good for us.

Let us do this today.

* Dear God,

Thank You for all You have given to us.

Thank You for Jess.

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

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

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.

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, for sober minds, so that our conversation with God is not hindered.

* Father God,

Please strengthen us today from Your word.

Please write Your word on 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 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 was someone who had denied his King instead of confessing.

Peter learned the truth of this matter!

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

This can be a hard thing to take hold of in the moment.

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

This reminds us of earlier in this letter, Peter pointing us to God’s words,

“You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

We are to be holy, and we are to remember and bring light and proclaim the holiness of God.

“… Yet do it with gentleness and respect,”

We can often respond 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 the way of thinking that we are called to.

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

* God Almighty,

Please prepare our hearts to give the reason for our hope.

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

Hallelujah, what a Saviour You are!

Amen.