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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 6, 2019 0:04:23 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 1:17, 5 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2019 Saturday, 5 October 2019 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 1 Peter 1:17 In the previous paragraph, Peter spoke of being prepared for the coming of Christ, keeping free from the stain of this world. He then explained why this should be by citing Leviticus 11:44 – “Be holy, for I am holy.” As the character of the Lord God does not change, He expects us to emulate Him – whether under law or under grace. With that in mind, he now reveals why this is necessary for us. To do so, he begins with, “And if you call on the Father.” The translation is not acceptable. There is no “the” before “Father” in the original. It should read, “and if you call on Him as Father.” The reason is that anyone can call on the Father – whether in Christ or not. The difference is that it is Jesus who brings us into the Father/Son relationship (as will be noted in verse 19). For those not in Christ, they are not recognized as sons through faith. Further, the words are connected to the idea of Him as Judge. As Vincent’s Word Studies says, “the point being that God is to be invoked, not only as Father, but as Judge.” Understanding this slight, but important change, we can understand Peter’s words clearly. We have called on God as Father because we have come to Him through Christ. However, how was that accomplished? It was through His death. There was judgment on sin involved in Christ’s work. Can we expect anything less after coming to Christ? No! And so, Peter says, “who without partiality judges.” There must be judgment rendered for not being holy, even after calling on Christ. He died for our sins, and the expectation is that we will live in holiness because of what He did for us. If we fail to do this, judgment must (not “might” or “may”) come about. One cannot violate the holiness of God in their conduct and come away free from judgment. And this judgment is without partiality. As Peter himself said in Acts 10:34, “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.” God has one standard which must be met for Jew and for Gentile, and He will ensure that each deed is evaluated without bias and in a perfectly fair manner. As Peter says, it will be “according to each one’s work.” This is exactly what Paul speaks of in both 1 and 2 Corinthians concerning our judgment. In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, he says – “Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” And again, in 2 Corinthians 5:10, 11, Paul says – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” The message of both Paul and Peter is consistent, and it is one which shows that what is coming should be considered by each of us as we walk in this current body. As Peter admonishes his audience, so “conduct yourselves through the time of your stay here in fear.” The word Peter uses for “stay” is found only elsewhere in Acts 13:17. It indicates sojourning in a strange land. The idea is that we are no longer of this world, even though we live in this world. This is not to be taken to the ridiculous extreme that many take it to. Some close themselves off in monasteries. Some refuse to serve in the military of whatever country they reside in. Some will not vote in the elections of the land in which they live. And so on. The problem with this logic is that they are still in this world. They are still eating food which comes from the ground, and they are still being protected by whatever government of the land in which they dwell. They still pay taxes (you bet they do!), and they still benefit from the roads and other infrastructure of the land. The idea of sojourning is that we are to live in this world, but not to conform to its morals. We are to be a part of whatever situation we are in without violating the holy standard, which Peter cited in the previous verse, and as he explicitly states again in this verse when he says, “conduct yourselves.” He is tying the “be holy” of the previous verse to “in fear” from this verse. When we fail to walk as we should, we should fear. However, and as Paul made perfectly clear in the verses from 1 and 2 Corinthians cited above, this is a fear concerning judgment which is not for condemnation, but for rewards. It is that of rewards and losses only. Life application: In this verse from Peter, we see two obvious overlaps in the duties of the Godhead. Compare what it says with these two verses – “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’” Romans 10:13 “For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 4:4 When we call on Jesus, we call on God, who is the Lord (Yehovah of the Old Testament); when we call on the Father, we call on God. Likewise, the authority for judgment rests with Jesus, and yet the authority for judgment rests with the Father. Everything must be taken in context, but it is obvious that God the Father is revealed to us in God the Son. Note that judgment is “according to each one’s work.” Salvation is eternal, and it is from the first moment. However, our judgment will be based on the work we do after that moment. This then is not a judgment for condemnation, but for reward. If you desire a greater heavenly reward, then you need to “conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.” Further, this is not a fear of condemnation, but a reverent fear. God is ever-present with us, and we simply cannot hide our wicked actions. Instead, we need to fear that they will be exposed, and loss will result. As it says in Acts 17:28, “…in Him we live and move and have our being.” Let us act as if we really believe it – in reverence, in holiness, and in gratitude for all good things. Remember what is promised for those whose works are acceptable! Lord, it is so easy to get distracted and forget that You are right here with us. When we do, of course, we fail You and we act in ways that aren’t as holy as they should be. For this, we are sorry. We ask that You give us the wisdom to know Your word, to act in accord with it, and to be filled with Your Spirit in order to remind us of our obligations to You. Help us in this, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 6, 2019 19:02:59 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 1:18, 6 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019 Sunday, 6 October 2019 …knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 1 Peter 1:18 Evaluations of this verse tend to miss the point of what Peter is conveying. The focus is normally on the idea of being holy, and of living a holy life. This was stated in verse 1:16. It is true that those who are in Christ are to live holy, but that is not actually what Peter is focusing on. The next verse, verse 1:17, focused on judgment and living our lives in fear. As noted, this is not a fear of condemnation, but a fear of the judgment for reward and loss at the Bema Seat of Christ. Though condemnation is not a consideration, there is still judgment ahead, and for this, we are to fear. The Father will judge without partiality, and He will do so as Peter said, “according to each one’s own work.” Because of this, he said we are to fear while we stay here in this life. Understanding that, we can then insert the thought of living in a holy manner. If we fear, we will do what will keep us from the effects of the fiery judgment we would expect to face. With this in mind, we can better understand Peter’s thought concerning fear and why he is focusing on it. And so, he says, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things.” The word translated as “redeemed” is found only here and in Luke 24:21 and Titus 2:14. It signifies to release by paying a ransom. It gives the idea of restoring something back to its rightful owner, having been rescued from an alien possessor. Man originally belonged to the Lord God. He was taken over by the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), and he fell under the devil’s control. However, for those who are in Christ, they have been rescued from this alien possessor. This thought alone speaks of eternal salvation. We were lost, we were bought back, and we now belong to the Lord God once again. There is no provision in Scripture that speaks of how that reacquired state could somehow be lost a second time. The transfer is made, and it is effective for all time. In Peter’s words, he also states that the redemption is not with corruptible things. It is with something incorruptible, and thus it can never be diminished again. The incorruptible nature of that which effected the purchase likewise speaks of an eternal salvation. Peter then speaks of that which is corruptible in order to set up a contrast to that which is incorruptible. The corruptible things he chooses are “silver and gold.” The things that man tends to put the highest value on are those things which can buy other things. Here, the “silver and gold” are described in words which signify pieces of money. This isn’t just silver or gold, but it is silver or gold which is fashioned into that which is then used for currency. It has the power and the right to be used to make purchases, including the redemption of slaves, for example. But it is still corruptible. It can erode, be divided, be melted down, be lost, and etc. Because it is corruptible, it cannot be fully trusted. There is a chance that it has eroded to the point where it is not heavy enough when placed on the scales. It may be a false coin, which is a lesser metal merely covered with silver or gold. The fast fingers of the cheating seller may swap out the money handed to him with a forged coin. The value may change on the commodities market, and so the coin may suddenly be reduced in value. And so on. However, none of this will be the case with what was used to purchase God’s people, as Peter says, “from your aimless conduct.” The word translated as “aimless” gives the sense of something which is vain, unreal, ineffectual, and so on. It can even mean “godless.” There is no true purpose behind the manner of life which the believer was redeemed from. And more, Peter shows the true futility of this life by saying that it was “received by tradition from your fathers.” This is a rather clumsy translation. The Greek word is patroparadotos. This is the only time it is seen in Scripture. It signifies something which is handed down from one’s fathers. In other words, the very manner of life which man lives in is not only vain, but it is an inheritance, meaning that those who came before also possessed the same vain existence. This is true even if they were redeemed. In other words, the concept of original sin is seen in what Peter is referring to. A person is either in Adam and thus he belongs to the devil, or he is in Christ and redeemed. However, the children of a redeemed person are not automatically redeemed. The manner of life that they receive is that of the father’s original nature, which was unredeemed. Redemption, therefore, is not an inherited trait, but rather condemnation is (see John 3:18). This must be the case, because Peter speaks of the redemption of those he is writing to. This would not be necessary if their state was already acceptable to God. Understanding Peter’s words so far, the question as to why they now are referring to the concept of fear of judgment, rather than some other main subject has not yet been explained. That must wait until his thought is finished. Coming soon to a Bible verse evaluation near you. Life application: The manner of life for man is one of futility because man is born under the authority and control of the devil. However, this can be changed. Christ has made it possible. For those who have come to Christ, they are given a new nature and an eternal hope. But those same redeemed people have an obligation to share their hope with the next generation, and indeed with all people. What type of tradition will you hand down to your children? What type of legacy will you leave behind for others to see and evaluate? You are still in the fallen world, and you are still in a fallen body. Will you live out your life as if that was all there was of your life, or will you live out your life as if a real change has taken place which transcends the fallen world and the fallen body in which you live? Be sure to let Christ shine through you for all the world to see. Lord, we know that we are accountable to You for our doctrine. Therefore, please provide us with wise teachers who can properly instruct us, the desire to learn Your word on our own, and – above all –filling us with Your Spirit to guide us and enlighten us to the truth of Your word. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 8, 2019 23:17:39 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 1:19, 7 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2019·6 MINUTES Monday, 7 October 2019 …but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 Peter 1:19 Peter now continues on with his words which began in verse 1:17. Taken together, they read – “And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” As noted in verse 17, Peter said that the Father judges without partiality, and so believers are to conduct themselves in this walk of life “in fear.” That is the main idea of the words he continues to express. The fact that He judges without partiality may actually make some boastful. “See, I’m not as bad as these other people. If God judges impartially, I must be on the plus side of things.” Others may not see their particular failings and sins as offensive, and so they continue on in them. However, when we stand back and look at the standard, we can then (hopefully) truly learn to live out our lives “in fear.” This is because we were “not redeemed with corruptible things.” Rather, we were redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ.” In these words, the word “Christ” comes in the emphatic position at the end of the sentence. It might more appropriately be translated as, “…by the precious blood, as of a lamb, without blemish and without spot, Christ.” Or it might have a further emphasis by saying, “…by the precious blood, as of a lamb, without blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ.” A payment was made for our sins. And it wasn’t just a payment of something temporary and quickly worn away like gold or silver. Instead, it was paid with Christ’s precious blood – meaning His death. James has already written that “whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:9). Because of this, we cannot compare the number or magnitude of our sins to those of others. Whatever sin we have committed, no matter how small, it would have resulted in the need for Christ’s death. An infinite price was paid for our finite, seemingly insignificant (to us), sins. God Himself united with humanity in order to pay this terrible price. As this is the standard, and as the Father is said to judge “without partiality,” it can now be understood why we are to walk our lives “in fear.” What we may so smugly brush off as a casual thing, is something that not only will be judged, but it must be judged. And it will be judged for what it is, something which necessitated the high cost of our redemption – Christ’s blood. And to further solidify this in the minds of his readers, Peter adds in, “as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” The symbolism takes us back to the sacrifices of the Old Testament, including both the Passover and those other sacrifices also required under the Mosaic Law. The lambs used were in their first year, signifying innocence. They were without spot and without blemish signifying purity and perfection. The Hebrew word is tamim. It signifies complete, sound, blameless, perfect, and so on. Peter’s point is that Christ’s perfection was used to redeem us in our imperfect state. Nothing else would suffice, and our flippant attitude concerning sin after our redemption is an affront to God. The redemption is accomplished, the atonement has been effected, and our salvation is secure, but our rewards and losses are to be based on the holy standard – the Lamb of God who died for the sins of the world. What we may think of as a quick and painless trial before God will be one which will lay bare every part of who we are and what we have done in and for the sake of Christ. With such a high standard set before us, let us remember to walk “in fear” all of our days – to the glory of God. As a side note to this redemption: What hyperdispensationalism teaches is that there is one thing going on for Jews and one thing going on for Gentiles. They will claim that a gospel which Peter explains here in his epistle is directed to the Jews and what Paul says is a different gospel directed to the Gentiles. That is heresy, and – in the case of this Lamb of redemption – proven false by Paul’s own words – “For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:6 The Lamb for the redemption of the Jews is the same Lamb of redemption for the Gentiles. Stay away from false teachers who espouse the damning heresy of hyperdispensationalism. There is one gospel message to the Jew and to the Gentile. There is one redemption, one atonement, and one fulfillment of the law in order to bring us into one New Covenant. The Gentiles are now partakers in the Commonwealth of Israel. Life application: Peter contrasts the useless things of the world (including silver and gold) with that which is of infinite value, “the precious blood of Christ.” The most purifying substance in the universe is this blood. It represents The infinite love of God. The perfect grace of God. The pure mercy of God. The supreme righteousness of God. The satisfied justice of God. The inestimable holiness of God. The kept promises of God. Jesus Christ, represented here by an innocent lamb that is completely free from spot or blemish, was sacrificed on our behalf. Our moral corruption; our heaped-up sins; our wayward thoughts, words, actions, and inactions – all of these – were laid upon Him at the altar of sacrifice which is the cross of Calvary. And all of God’s divine and eternal attributes were reconciled in Him to us by His death. If you want to know the cost of your sins, look to the cross. The blood of Jesus Christ, which represents His death for your sin, is that cost. But there is good news in His crucifixion. By calling on Him: 1) You can now be reconciled to God; 2) All sins – past, present, and future are forgiven; and 3) You have a certain hope of eternal life because of His resurrection. Death could not hold Him, and He promises the same to you! He rose again by the power of the Eternal God. Jesus has prevailed; Jesus is Lord! Lord, may we never boast in gold or silver. May we never look with prideful satisfaction upon a good-paying job or a large home. May we never trust in anything so temporary or trivial. Instead, may we trust in the glory of the cross and in the perfect blood which restores us to You. Glory to God in the highest! Jesus is Lord! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 8, 2019 23:19:20 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 1:20, 8 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019 Tuesday, 8 October 2019 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you… 1 Peter 1:20 Peter makes a statement now which confirms what he said earlier in verses 1:10-12. There he mentioned the prophets who spoke of the coming Christ – what He would do, who He would minister to, etc. Even though their writings were veiled to them, their words showed that what occurred in Christ was not merely chance or happenstance, but rather it was intentionally designed and spoken of in advance. And so, he says, “He was foreordained.” The correct translation is “He was foreknown.” The idea of His being foreordained is also taught in Scripture. For example, prophecies about Him speak of His crucifixion. This means that it was certainly foreordained. It was something that was planned in advance to occur. That is not what Peter is speaking of here. Rather, he is referring to knowledge concerning the works of Christ, as noted above (what He would do, who He would minister to, etc.). The difference is important to show that God not only planned for His advent and work in advance, but that the knowledge of this was also provided in advance. This is then to support our faith in the occurrence. It is good to have faith in something, but without a reasonable basis for that faith, there is nothing to actually support it. But in the next verse, this is what Peter will state concerning what the foreknowledge of Christ was for – believing God and having properly directed faith and hope in Him. Peter then says that this foreknowledge was “before the foundation of the world.” Everything about what Christ would do was foreknown. The plan was determined before the first particle of mass was created or the first tick of the cosmic clock began. God would be in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, and the entire plan was foreknown, to the minutest detail. The fact that Lot would sleep with both of his daughters, and then the descendants of both of those unions would lead to Christ, was known. The union of Boaz and Ruth, and all of the details of how that would come to pass, was known to God. And, and that union was a part of the unfolding genealogy which led to Christ as well. Everything that went into the human lineage of Jesus was carefully determined and was foreknown. And with that knowledge came the record of those particular stories and the utterances of the prophets. All of these records were given to solidify, in the hearts and minds of the people, that Christ Jesus is truly the center of God’s redemptive plans, and – therefore – our faith in Him is firm and sure. Peter then says, “but was manifest in these last times for you.” Here a change in the tense of the verbs occurs. The word signifying “foreknown” is a perfect participle (having been foreknown). It is a complete thought that was known and remains known from before creation even to the present time. The idea here, though not identical, is similar to the words of Hebrews 13:8 which says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” The two ideas harmonize in the fact that what was known about Jesus is revealed in Jesus. He has been foreknown, and in Him there is no change. The second verb, which is translated as “was manifest,” is in the aorist tense. What occurred happened at a specific moment in time. This is what the prophets (mentioned above) searched diligently to know. They understood that the divine hand of inspiration which was upon them spoke of something specific, and that it certainly would come to pass. But as Peter said then, “To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering.” This is what he says again here. Their words which spoke of Christ were for our benefit, and then Christ was made manifest – as they prophesied – for us. The idea of “these last times” speaks of the current dispensation. The time of the law had passed, and the age of grace began. It is an indeterminate amount of time which will end according to God’s pre-ordained plan for the ages. Until then, believers in Christ are living in what is referred to here as “these last times.” As Peter is speaking to the Jewish believers specifically, the idea of the last times includes the understanding of their Messiah at both the beginning and the ending of the current time, just before the millennial kingdom. Because of this, “these last times” certainly include the final seven years that comprise the tribulation period which comes just prior to the millennium. Peter will complete this thought in the next verse. Life application: Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” There was a point when time began, before which it didn’t exist. Einstein realized this when he postulated the Theory of Relativity. This means that the incarnation and work of Jesus Christ was determined before time itself. This isn’t a misreading of one verse either. Revelation 13:8 repeats this amazing concept – “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” This verse is speaking of unbelievers who have rejected the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Instead, they turn to the antichrist in worship and adoration. The point not to miss from Peter’s words though is that Jesus Christ, God incarnate, was destined for the horrors of the cross before time, space, or matter existed. The mind of God, which is infinite in knowledge, saw our sin and rebellion, and purposed that instead of us being cast into hell, He would accept the punishment in the body of Jesus. The next time you determine to click on a porn site for a peek, steal a pack of gum for a kick, lie to your boss about why you came to work late – or a zillion other sins of the flesh – remember that Jesus’ suffering came about because of our rebellion and it came at a point when the matter which comprises our physical bodies had not yet been created. We are accountable to the One who spoke us into existence. Remember this and be holy, even as He is holy. Amazing love – that You, O God, could look through the immense continuum of time to the moment we would live, and seeing all of our sins, You would still allow us to be born and live. We have rebelled, we have turned from You, we have done wickedly, and yet You still loved us enough to send Jesus to die for the sins we have committed. And You sent Him even before we had done these things. What amazing love! What amazing grace! Thank You for our Lord Jesus. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 10, 2019 0:45:18 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 1:21, 9 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019 Wednesday, 9 October 2019 ...who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:21 Here, we have words which carry a theme similar to that of Paul in Romans – “but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.” Romans 4:24 Both Peter who is writing to his Jewish brethren, and Paul who is writing to the Gentiles, carry a uniform message concerning salvation and what it means. They both speak forth the same gospel message. Understanding this – that there is only one gospel for Jew and for Gentile – Peter begins with, “who through Him believe in God.” The word “Him” refers to Christ Jesus, who was referred to in the previous verses. It is through faith in Christ that we “believe in God.” There is a truth that almost every person in human history believes in “God.” There are supposed exceptions, such as those referred to in Psalm 14 – “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Psalm 14:1 But these people, today called “atheists,” are deniers of God, not because they actually don’t believe in Him, but because they actively refuse to acknowledge Him. A simple proof of this proceeds from their lips the moment true calamity strikes – “O God!” In the end, there is no way to get around the truth that there is a God. And so, really, everyone believes in “God.” The marked difference between true Christians and all others is that Christians believe in God in a relationship through Jesus Christ. In other words, they hold to the universally accepted premise that there is a God, but they also accept that Jesus Christ is God, revealing Himself to the world through His incarnation. Thus, the God of Christianity cannot be equated to any other “god” that man believes in. Peter continues to describe the true God, and His relationship to Christ, by saying, “who raised Him from the dead.” This is referring to the human aspect of Christ who lived out the law, fulfilled all of its precepts, and then gave His life in the final fulfilling act of the Old Covenant. In doing this, He brought it to its completion and initiated a New Covenant in His blood. In this satisfaction of the law, a portion of which was a substitutionary atonement for the sins of those who believe, God was satisfied. He accepted the payment for those who believe, and He also raised Christ Jesus from the dead. This is because “the wages of sin is death.” As Christ died not for His own sins, but for the sins of others, God found no fault in Him, meaning nothing worthy of the death He died. His death was solely on behalf of others. In this, Peter cried out in Acts 2 – “…whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” Acts 2:24 Christ could not stay dead. As there was nothing in Him deserving of death, God raised Him up. Further, He not only raised Him, but He also “gave Him glory.” The glory spoken of here is that of power, authority, majesty, and splendor. For example, Jesus says in Matthew 28, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” And again, Paul speaks of the glory of the risen Christ numerous times, such as – “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 The glory given to Christ is that of the glory of God Himself. He is the incarnate word of God, forever glorified. Peter then says to his audience that this is “so that your faith and hope are in God.” It is a note of exclusivity. Peter is not speaking of “hope in God” in the general sense. As noted, people of every religion, and even those who espouse no religion, possess a hope in God. Peter’s words are speaking of a hope in the true God who has revealed Himself through Christ Jesus. He is the expression of God that the true God accepts for righteousness when faith is placed in Him. Logically, it cannot be that Jesus is anything other than God based upon Peter’s words. The reason for this is that Jesus’ human nature is derived from His human genealogy. He was born in the womb of a woman who had descended from a line of humans, and who were originally created by God. As humanity is a part of creation, and as man can see the evidence of creation in all its marvel – from the intricacy of the smallest subatomic particles to the farthest recesses of the galactic expanse – Peter cannot be speaking of anything which is created. As Jesus’ physical nature was a part of this creation, it is obvious that Peter is speaking of the divine aspect of Christ which is proven through His outworkings in His humanity. It is in the incarnation itself, the uniting of God with man, that we find that properly directed “faith and hope are in God.” No other faith in God is acceptable for reconciliation and a right relationship with our Creator. Life application: It is the power of God (repeated elsewhere in the New Testament) that raised Jesus from the dead. A common misunderstanding of cults is this – The Father is God. Jesus is not the Father. Therefore, Jesus is not God. This is a mistake in reasoning known as the Fallacy of Illicit Major. “Major” refers to the major (or first) premise, not a person in the military. The major premise may be true, but it is not all-inclusive. Just because the Father is God, it doesn’t in any way negate the Son or the Holy Spirit from being God. The second premise is true and is all-inclusive – the Father is not the Son and the Son is not the Father. Based on the incorrect thought of the first premise though, the conclusion is false, and the argument is invalid. Take time to read up on fallacies because it will help you think more clearly and defend your position, which should be completely defensible. This, however, doesn’t mean it will be accepted, so don’t get too frustrated. No matter what others believe, it is God who raised Jesus from the dead “and gave Him glory.” Again, this doesn’t mean Jesus lacked glory or isn’t part of the Godhead. Jesus, in His High Priestly prayer, speaks of the glory He shared with the Father before creation (see John 17:5). Jesus Christ is not a vain hope, nor is He a created being. He is the incarnate Word of God; the eternal Son of the Father. As it says, “your faith and your hope are in God.” When your faith is in Jesus Christ, your faith is in God. If your faith is not in Jesus Christ, you fail to honor the Father – “If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor (John 12:26).” Heavenly Father, from You comes logic, order, reason, and wisdom. Give us the strong desire to look into these aspects of understanding that we may be able to defend our positions when faced with difficult challenges. By doing this, may You be glorified and may the lost be directed to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 10, 2019 23:42:37 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 1:22, 10 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019 Thursday, 10 October 2019 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 1 Peter 1:22 Peter now relays a word of exhortation concerning the treatment of the brethren because of the state in which the believer in Christ exists. He begins with, “Since you have purified your souls.” Here is a word, translated as “purifying,” which speaks of purification from defilement. It can be either ceremonial or moral purification. In the Old Testament, it was the type of purification Nazirites would take upon themselves, setting themselves apart to God. It is used in John 11:55 when speaking of being purified for the Passover. Peter says that believers have purified their “souls in obeying the truth.” In other words, by faith in Christ, a person is so purified. This is a marvelous parallel to the thought of what Paul said in the book of 1 Corinthians – “For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” 1 Corinthians 5:7, 8 Paul, writing to Gentiles, has said that Christ is “our Passover.” The purification spoken of by Peter, like that in John 11 (noted above), is accomplished in both Jew and Gentile in order that they may both be acceptable for the true Passover, and indeed for every spiritual application of which Christ has fulfilled through His work. This purification, Peter says, is “in obeying the truth through the Spirit.” This follows logically with what Paul says in Ephesians 1. When a person believes, they are – at that time – sealed with the Spirit. The harmony between what Paul says and what Peter says is to be noted. They both speak concerning the same salvation and the same purification. The NKJV then cites Peter as saying, “in sincere love of the brethren.” By using the word “in,” this can be misinterpreted as signifying that the action is tied to the sincere love of the brethren. This is not the intent. Rather, it should read “to,” or “into,” “for,” or so on. The NIV, which is somewhat of a paraphrase, reveals the intent – “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other…” The sincere love is a result of the purification, not a part of it coming about. Because this occurs, Peter then says that believers are to “love one another fervently with a pure heart.” As we have been so purified, we are to then express that purification appropriately in our actions. What we do is to correspond to the state to which we have been brought. The word translated as “fervently” is one found only here and in Acts 12:5. It literally means, “fully stretched.” It is as if a rope is pulled so that it is fully taut and there is no slack at all in it. The slackness would be equated to a less-than-expected treatment of others. Therefore, our love of the brothers is to be fully stretched out, without such slack. It is also to be “with a pure heart.” The heart in the Bible speaks of the seat of reasoning. Thus, our minds are to be in a state which conveys only pure and fully expressed love for the brethren. There should be nothing that causes a deviation from a positive mental attitude which is fully expressed in sincere love. Life application: Again, as for the umpteen millionth time in the epistles, we have a verse that proclaims eternal salvation. If our souls are purified, then we are cleansed and now acceptable to God who loved us enough to send Jesus. Peter’s words show that the purification is done, and then he expresses our need to work it out in a certain way. In other words, the purification is complete, even if our performance in that state is not. Why is this so important to understand? It is because failing to comprehend this leads people into bondage, and they become easily directed by the whims of their spiritual leaders. It also leads to the financial gain of those leaders because their followers are bound into works-based religion. But, if our souls are purified through faith in Jesus Christ, then we are at liberty in and through Christ. Ephesians says that when we believe we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. This is a deposit or guarantee which will never be revoked. Once sealed, we can repeatedly pray for and receive His filling which allows us to obey the truth. This leads us, as Peter says, into sincere love of the brethren – a love which is fervent and with a pure heart. Yes, we will have conflicts with fellow believers. Yes, they will often irk us with their peculiarities just as we will irk them (make sure you look in the mirror and evaluate the irk-factor in yourself instead of always pointing it out in others). But an irksome person can still be loved. This is the bond we need to work on. Liking or not-liking to be with someone is much different than loving them unconditionally. If you are having trouble loving someone in your congregation because he is so annoying, irritating, weird, or whatever, then pray that the Spirit will give you the grace to bear with him, despite his peculiarities. True change comes from the heart in each of us, not in merely changing the world and its people who are around us. Heavenly Father, grant us the ability to love those that we find so vastly different than us. Help us to remember that they are who they are because of their own makeup and life experiences. As these have shaped them and define them, may we learn to accept them as long as they are otherwise living in accord with what You expect of Your people. To Your glory, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 11, 2019 23:06:54 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 1:23, 11 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2019 Friday, 11 October 2019 ...having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 1 Peter 1:23 In the previous verse, Peter spoke of the state of the believer in Christ – he is purified in soul. He now describes how that came about by saying, “having been born again.” More correctly, it says, “having been begotten again.” It is the same word used in verse 1:3, and this is its second and final use in Scripture. It signifies being born from above. It is the regeneration of the believer which occurs based on faith in Christ. Peter next describes what this state of being begotten from above means by saying, “not of corruptible seed but incorruptible.” The word “seed” here is unique in Scripture, spora. It is a noun that signifies “a sowing.” In other words, “not of a corruptible sowing.” Peter is speaking of the process of generation in humanity. Our “sowing” is corruptible, and that results in a corruptible human. However, the sowing which is from above is incorruptible. What this means is that it is imperishable, immortal, without the possibility of degradation. It is another of the countless appeals to the doctrine of eternal salvation. How can it be that God regenerates the believer through an incorruptible sowing if the salvation is not eternal? The thoughts are contradictory, and the theology is confused. Peter then says that this comes about “through the word of God.” This is speaking not of Christ, the incarnate Word of God, but of the transmitted word of God. This will be seen in the next verse, but it is also referred to in verses 1:10-12. There Peter said, “Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you.” First, Peter equates the “salvation” noted there with “having been born again” here. Again, the two describe the same thing, and it cries out “eternal salvation.” Secondly, he speaks of their prophecies as “the word of God.” He then says that this word “lives and abides forever.” Albert Barnes notes that the Greek provides an ambiguity which means that it could either be speaking of God who lives forever, or of the word which lives forever. The ambiguity may be purposeful. Peter may have wanted people to question his words and conclude that the word which issues forth from God is an expression of God. Thus, it is eternal, just as God is. Because it could have been expressed more clearly, this may be why he wrote it as he did. Either way, Peter’s use of two different prepositions shows the source of the regeneration and the medium through which it is imparted. He says “of” seed and “through” the word. The seed is the source, the word is how that seed is transmitted. This is another biblical proof that the words of Scripture are necessary in order for conversion to take place. It speaks against visions and dreams as a means of conversion, despite the countless claims made throughout the ages that people have come to Jesus in such a manner. Life application: In contrast to the traditions of men and false additions to true faith, we have the word of God – the Holy Scriptures which are given to us to guide our lives and give us a clear and pertinent understanding of the things of God. It is through this precious gift that we hear the message of faith which can save. Elsewhere, Paul states it like this – “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 The logical connection is made when we hear and receive the word properly relayed from the pages of the Bible. This is what stirs up our faith, and it is this faith which brings new life from above – that of being “born again.” Though a term only found here in 1 Peter, it is derived from the same root word that Jesus uses when speaking of being “born again” in John 3. Understanding this should make us realize the immense importance of reading and knowing the Bible. If we are “born again…through the word of God,” and Jesus says you must be born again in order to see the Kingdom of God, then it follows that misunderstanding the Bible can lead you to a false Jesus and a false gospel. But, when we understand the simplicity of the gospel, and accept Jesus as the incarnate Subject of the gospel, then we are truly born again – “not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible.” Our acceptance of the gospel is a seed which shall never die, but which will continue to thrive in us, even to eternal life. Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and grant you eternal life? If not, call on Him today. He is the precious gift of God for the salvation of all people who trust in Him. Let us thank God for Jesus today! Almighty and most-wise Creator, praises and honor belong to You alone. In Your infinite wisdom, You sent us Jesus to lead us back to You and to bestow upon us eternal life. Our songs of praise and thanks will never end as we hail You for all eternity – Worthy is our God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 12, 2019 23:29:31 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 1:24, 12 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019 Saturday, 12 October 2019 …because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away… 1 Peter 1:24 Peter now begins a comparison between the “corruptible seed” and that which is “incorruptible” which he spoke of in the preceding verse. He will cite Scripture to make his point. His citation is then divided up into two verses. This first verse speaks of the temporary, corruptible state of the world, including that of fallen man. His words are a citation from Isaiah 40:6-8. In his citation, it appears he was quoting from memory because it is a mixture of the Hebrew and the Greek of Isaiah’s words, showing that he had probably memorized both at some point. The NKJV translation, which is from the Hebrew, says – “The voice said, ‘Cry out!’ And he said, ‘What shall I cry?’ ‘All flesh is grass, And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, Because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.’” The 40th chapter of Isaiah corresponds to the 40th book of the Bible, Matthew. It speaks of the coming Messiah as He would be revealed. In the quote, it speaks of “all flesh.” There is no distinction between Jew and Gentile. Instead, the comparison of all to the grass is made. Peter retains this thought, even though he is addressing Jewish believers. He is speaking of the “corruptible seed” which is unregenerate man. In this state, he says, “All flesh is as grass.” Anyone who pays attention to the world around him knows the extremely temporary nature of grass. It is eaten up by animals, it dries up and dies without rain, and it fades away with the coming of the blazing sun or the winter season. There is nothing permanent about it. And so, it is with man. Scripture proclaims that he is just as temporary and fleeting with the words, “And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.” It is a one-to-one comparison – as is the grass, so is man. In this, “The grass withers.” The verb is aorist, and so it more appropriately reads, “The grass withered.” This is not a comparison about the value of man, but rather a comparison about the transitory state of man. The grass was healthy and vibrant, and then it was withered. The idea is that of an immediate passing from one state to the other. From there, Peter says, “And its flower falls away.” The beauty of the grass with its resplendent flower simply falls off and returns to the earth once again. The idea is that man with his beautiful form at one point in life becomes withered and dried up in a moment. What is eighty years to a man who is looking back on his life? He was born, he was filled with youth and vigor, he matured into a man of wisdom and wealth; and then all of a sudden, he was wrinkled, weak, and incapable of caring for himself. And when the Lord determines, he closes his eyes for the last time and is soon interred again in the earth from which he sprang. This is the hopeless, temporary, and vain existence which is the life of man, and which Peter first focuses on. In the next verse, he will show the contrast between this corruptible seed, and of that which is incorruptible. Life application: It is true that this verse should have the next verse included with it in order to be fully understood, but one step at a time will give the mind time to ponder first the words of our corruptible state. Next, we will get to better news, so be patient! Our years, though few, take their toll on us and bring about changes that are not only permanent, but are physically and mentally degrading. Like the grass, what was green and lush in the morning is dry and crinkly in the evening. Soon its flower falls away and then nothing is left but the slow process of returning to the soil from which it came. Taking heed to Solomon’s warning in Ecclesiastes 12, we should remember our Creator now, before these times of aging have ended us, and we go to our final resting spot. Remember Him now! Glorious God, seventy years comes out to a bit more than twenty-five thousand days. Many of us have seen far too many of those go by already, and for many of us the majority of them have been unfaithfully negligent concerning our responsibilities to You. Forgive us of our past times of thoughtlessness, and help us to live our days rightly – praising You, speaking of You, and being filled with You! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 13, 2019 19:04:15 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 1:25, 13 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2019 Sunday, 13 October 2019 But the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:25 Peter finishes the quote from Isaiah 40 here. In the Hebrew of Isaiah, it says, “But the word of our God stands forever.” Here, Peter makes two changes in thought. The first is from what he said in verse 1:23. There, he used the Greek word logos when speaking of the “word” of God. Here, he uses the word rhema. The word logos is a word that expresses a thought. When it is used of Christ Jesus, is speaking of Him expressing the thoughts of the Father. The word rhema speaks of a matter which is being conveyed, such as a saying, report, command, promise, and so on. It is often used to speak of the hearing of faith, meaning “the divine inbirthing of faith” (HELPS Word Studies). Paul speaks of faith coming through the word (rhema) of God in Romans 10:17, it is this word which speaks of the word (logos) of God, meaning Christ Jesus, the expression of God in Whom God reveals Himself. The second change that Peter makes is from the words of Isaiah. There in Isaiah 40, it says “our God.” Here, Peter uses the term kurios, or “lord.” Peter is speaking of the word of the Lord, meaning Jesus. Therefore, he is clearly referring to Jesus as God. The reason for the change from logos in verse 23 to rhema here seems obvious. Just as he is showing that Jesus is God, he is also equating the word (logos) of God which is the expression of Himself to the saying (rhema) of the Lord. Though the two are not the same, both carry the same weight and authority, and both are “forever.” Peter then takes that and more fully explains it by saying, “Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.” Isaiah equated the state of man to the grass that withers. Both are temporary and corruptible. However, the word of the divine inbirthing of faith is incorruptible. He has quoted Isaiah’s words to support what he said in verse 1:23 – “…having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.” Peter is proving the doctrine of eternal salvation. The seed in the believer, by which he is born again, is incorruptible. This is because it is the word of the Lord (which is the word of God), which brings about the inbirthing of faith. He is giving a theological calculation for us to consider: 1 +1 = 2. Peter, inspired by God, is showing that Jesus is God, that His word is the word of God, and that His word is one which converts the corruptible into the incorruptible. Robert Young gives an exacting sense of the translation by saying, “and the saying of the Lord doth remain -- to the age; and this is the saying that was proclaimed good news to you.” The believer receives the incorruptible word, and because it is incorruptible, it is a word that will endure for eternity. Life application: No sooner do we rise up than we age, die, and return to the earth. Despite all of our hopes in politicians, charismatic figures, large incomes, or worldly possessions, none of these things will last. The car we bought that we just “had to have” four years ago is already breaking down and falling to pieces. The politician we thought would correct our problems two years ago turned out to be just another person who licks his finger and holds it up to see which way the wind is blowing. The paychecks of the last year have all been spent and our bank account is empty. But the word of the Lord endures forever. As the sands of time have speedily fled through the hourglass, and as man’s time on earth has passed from generation to generation, the word of God stands as a testament to what is and what isn’t proper. If we want to know how things will turn out, we don’t need a horoscope, an astrologist, or a mystical seer. Instead, we merely need to look into the pages of the Bible, and we can see the end of man, the beginning of eternity, and the glory of God – all wrapped up in the Person of Jesus Christ. It is His gospel which alone reveals these things, and it is by faith in Him alone that we can participate in the good and eternal side of what the future holds. When we reject Him, we have only a hopeless anticipation of sadness, destruction, and exile. Let us make the right choices now, and let the Word of God abide soundly in our hearts and souls. Lord God, today may many call on Jesus as Lord and Savior; today may we who have gone astray renew our hope in Jesus our Lord; and today may we look to the cross and leave the world in our wake. Blessed be the name of the Lord on whose gospel of peace we can rest our hope. Glory to the holy Lamb of God, our Lord Jesus. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 15, 2019 0:08:39 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:1, 14 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019 Monday, 14 October 2019 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 1 Peter 2:1 Beginning in Chapter 2, Peter writes “therefore.” It is right to remember that when you see the word “therefore,” you should stop and see what it is there for. In other words, we should go back and review what has been previously said. Since the last “therefore” which was in verse 1:13, some of the points which Peter wrote were – 1) We will be judged according to our works, and so we should live accordingly. 2) We have been redeemed, not with corruptible things, but with the precious blood of Jesus. 3) Jesus was foreordained before the foundation of the world, and was manifest now for our sake. 4) Through Him, we believe in God, and our faith and our hope rests in God. 5) Because of this faith (obeying the truth through the Spirit), we are to love one another with a pure heart. 6) This love is possible because we have been born again into incorruptible life by the word of God; the gospel of our salvation. Therefore and because of these points, we need to “lay aside” anything which would hinder, or be a detriment to, the gospel of our salvation. Such things include: Malice – the intent or desire to cause harm or pain to someone; Deceit – the intent to defraud or deceive someone; Hypocrisy – making false claims or pretenses of having admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings; Envy – having resentful or unhappy feelings of wanting what someone else possesses; and Evil speaking – engaging in gossip, coarse language, willful destruction of others with the tongue, etc. Life application: Peter has given us a short list of things that are incompatible with our life in Christ. We are not to do these things because we bear the name of Christ, and our conduct and actions reflect on Him in the eyes of others. One of the most common claims against Christians is that of being hypocrites. Often, that is unfounded and is simply a person’s own misunderstanding of our life and freedom in Christ. However, it is also a common trait to be found in many Christians, maybe especially between them. If we put aside such things, we will have a strong and admirable life-walk in the gospel, thus bringing credit and honor on Jesus our Lord and God the Father. Pay heed! We are called to holy living! Lord God and Heavenly Father, please guide us in our walk and keep us from the sinful attitudes mentioned in Your word, of which we are to avoid. These things, from time to time, well up in us. They can cause division, animosity, and strife. Help us, O Lord, to bring honor to You and to put to rest these things. Help us to be the godly Christians You have called us to be. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 16, 2019 0:09:56 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:2, 15 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019 Tuesday, 15 October 2019 …as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 1 Peter 2:2 Peter now turns from the negatives (laying aside) from the previous verse, and to a positive. In laying aside that which is unworthy of the life of believers, he shows what should be the greatest desire and yearning for them. This is so much the case that he chooses “newborn babes” as examples. He is speaking of actual, physical newborn babies, not those spiritually born from above. However, he is addressing those who are born from above and showing them what their spiritual hunger should be like. A newborn baby knows almost nothing because it has had no experience to build on. But one thing that a baby knows (well, apart from crying – which is intended to remedy the other thing!) is that it is hungry. A baby might need to be taught where to find the source of that which will satisfy his hunger, but once he arrives at that source, he knows instinctively what to do and he does not stop doing it until he has had his fill. The mother’s pure milk, designed by God specifically for him, is what he yearns for. In taking it in, the need is met, and the baby is satisfied. In like manner, Peter says that believers should “desire the pure milk of the word.” Just as there is a source of life which waits at the mother’s breast, there is also a source of life which is designed by God that flows forth from Him, through His word. The word Peter uses, and which is translated as “desire,” signifies “to yearn for.” It speaks of a longing that needs to be satisfied. It is used by Paul seven times, once by James, and now this is its final use in Scripture. It should be that our desire to understand our new birth in Christ, and all that it entails, is as great as that of the baby, longing to obtain the milk – the one thing that he knows will satisfy – which is waiting to fill his stomach. And as the source of a baby’s growth is from that milk, Peter shows that it is the “pure milk of the word” which is needed so “that you may grow thereby.” A person’s doctrine will either be shallow and ineffective, or it will be somewhere all the way up to tall, sound, and well-established. The only way for it to achieve the latter is to first have a thorough knowledge of what the word actually says. Once that is known, even if the theology which comes from the knowledge of the word is not yet developed, there is a basis for higher theology which is sound. In other words, the word itself leads into doctrines. Doctrines are usually developed over great periods of time, and they are often refined as others provide their own thinking and insight into the particular doctrine. However, if one does not know the word before being handed a doctrine, the only thing that person can do is accept it or reject it at face value, but it cannot be evaluated based on the word itself – because the knowledge of the word is lacking. However, if a basic knowledge of the word is already at hand, the doctrine can be evaluated and shown to be sound or unsound from the knowledge of the word which already is established in the individual. An example is that either Jesus is God or Jesus is not God. A person is with no basic knowledge of the word is told by a Jehovah’s Witness that Jesus is not God. As he has no knowledge of the word, he is more likely to accept this as true. From that point on, he will always evaluate the word from a presupposition that Jesus is not God, and his doctrinal studies will exclude anything which contradicts that in him. However, if a person has read the Bible carefully and thoroughly, even once, it is as evident as the nose on the face that Jesus is God. The doctrine of the deity of Christ may be undeveloped, but the basic understanding of the truth of the tenet is instilled in him. Because of this, when he hears what the JW says, he can dismiss it as a ludicrous precept which was obtained through false doctrine. The problem is that without first knowing the word to at least some extent, we cannot properly evaluate the higher doctrines which are then presented. There is no basis for doing so. This is why we are to yearn after the pure milk which the word of God provides. Only in doing so will we grow. And only in doing so will we grow properly. Life application: Five times in the New Testament the term “milk” is used. Four of those are applied to a knowledge of the word of God, which is the Bible. Each of those times, it is applied to the very basic knowledge of God and of His works as recorded there. Here is an example from the book of Hebrews – “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.” Hebrews 5:12. Peter is consistent with this imagery. If a baby doesn’t get milk, the result is malnutrition and eventually death. And it is no different with those who receive Christ. Should we call on Him and neglect to grow in Him, we will backslide to a point where we become completely malnourished and we will eventually die. This doesn’t mean a spiritual death – believers have crossed that chasm and are made alive in Christ. But a failure to pursue the things God would rather have us pursue will eventually result in picking up bad habits from the past – drugs, alcohol, etc. These will naturally lead to the destruction of our bodies and end in death. This is the case with believers who are mentioned in the Bible, and we are no less immune to such things. So, get into the word, read it, crave it, and grow in it! God has a wonderful plan for your life if you will simply allow Him to fulfill it in you. Don’t waste your life on pursuing the wind. Instead, pursue God and His righteousness during your short walk on this earth. Lord God, time is tight, many things draw our attention away from what is important, and we find it hard to meet our desires in reading and learning Your word. Forgive us for this and remind us of our priorities, the first and foremost of which is knowing You. Give us wisdom to set aside the trivial things that we often pursue, so that we can purse that which is of eternal value. Hear our prayer, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 16, 2019 23:45:07 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:3, 16 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019 Wednesday, 16 October 2019 ...if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:3 In the previous verse, Peter spoke of desiring the “pure milk of the word.” He now shows that this word is what reveals the Lord Jesus, the Subject of his own epistle. In his words, he finishes the whole thought with, “if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” It is an aorist verb, and so it more correctly says, “if indeed you tasted.” It is a specific time that Peter refers to when the appetite of each believer was excited. Further, the idea of “if” here is not indicating Peter is making a supposition that it may or may not be. Rather, it is a way of saying that it is so, and that his words are to be acted upon. It is the same type of thought that is used elsewhere in this manner. The context implies the idea of “since you have tasted.” With this understanding, a few points can be made. First, this confirms that the word, meaning Scripture, speaks of Jesus. His words do this by having equated the word with milk, and then by encouraging the taking in of that milk (meaning the word) in order to grow. And it is that word by which we “taste” the graciousness of the Lord. Milk = word Taste = understanding of the Lord’s gracious nature Then, desire the milk (continue to get to know and grow in the Lord) through His word Secondly, the words shout out the divinity of Christ. The reason for this is that Peter is citing Psalm 34:8 – “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” The psalmist called out for those who seek the workings of the Lord (meaning Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament) to “taste and see” that He is good. Peter uses the idea from that psalm, and he applies it to the working of Jesus, saying, “if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” He is making a one to one comparison between “Jehovah” and “Jesus.” In doing so, he is either blaspheming the name of Jehovah, or he is proclaiming that Jesus is Jehovah, the Lord God. Life application: Have you ever looked at food coming out of the oven and started to salivate in expectation of the delight to come? Or have you ever heard someone speaking about a meal and all of a sudden, your mouth starts to water? This is the mental picture that both Peter and the psalmist of old are trying to relay to the reader concerning their words. The Lord is to be desired with a yearning even stronger than that of food when we are hungry. And not just any food, but the most delightful tasting, yummiest feast we could imagine. This is why Peter told us to “desire the pure milk of the word.” It is so that we can grow in it, be nourished by it, and have our souls satisfied from the delight of it. If you have never had this yearning to read the Bible, or if you once had it, but now it is faded, then ask the Lord to clear out all the unhealthy diet in your life (too many Gummi Worms?), so that you will again have the time and the desire to seek Him. A diet of TV, Facebook, and shopping can only take away the time you might otherwise have spent in His presence, learning about Him. Like eating sweets, those things don’t nourish, and they only last a moment. But the Bible and its contents will feed you for eternity. Take time today – yes, even now! – to commit to reading your Bible. May you be blessed as you do – to the glory of God. O God, let us not squander our few years here on the trivial and temporary. Instead, help us to focus on the eternal and everlasting. We desire to follow You, but far too often we get sidetracked from that set goal. So please Lord, kindly steer us in the right direction and remind us of the greater and eternal blessings that come from seeking You first. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 18, 2019 0:49:53 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:4, 17 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 Thursday, 17 October 2019 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 1 Peter 2:4 In the previous verse, it was seen that Peter has directly equated Jesus, of whom he was writing about, to the Lord (meaning Jehovah of the Old Testament). As certain as that was from the context, it continues to be verified with his words now. He says, “Coming to Him.” Is he writing about Jesus or God? The answer is “both.” It is obviously referring to Jesus, because he says in this same verse, “chosen by God.” But he has just equated the Subject (the Lord) of the previous verse to the Lord of the Old Testament by citing the psalm which was referring to the Lord (Jehovah). The words cannot be misconstrued. To deny the deity of Christ is to deny a fundamental tenant of the Bible, and it is to accept heresy. Peter uses a present participle in the words, “Coming to Him” As Vincent’s Word Studies explains, “Indicating a close (πρός) and an habitual (present participle) approach and an intimate association.” We are to come near to the Lord at all times, and it is to be in a manner which is as if we were coming to our closest relative or friend. Peter next describes “Him,” by saying, “as to a living stone.” The words “as to” are inserted and unnecessary. He is describing Jesus. “Coming to Him; a living stone.” It is similar to Peter’s own words of Acts 4 – “This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’” Acts 4:11 The reason for Peter saying this is because Jesus used the term of Himself, citing Scripture as He did. That is seen in all three synoptic gospels, such as in Luke 20 – “What then is this that is written: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone’?” Luke 20:17 Jesus was citing the 118th Psalm, which says – “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.” Psalm 118:22 Jesus was indicating that He was the fulfillment of this messianic psalm. Peter confirms this in Acts 4, and he continues to repeat that now. This will be more fully evident when he cites both the psalm and Isaiah 28 in just a couple verses. Those verses together call out concerning the working of God in Christ. So important is this thought which is seen in the psalms and in Isaiah, that Paul refers to it in Romans 9:32, 33 and Ephesians 2:19-22 as well. Paul’s words, especially in Ephesians, shows that he and Peter are speaking about the same gospel and the same salvation for Jew and Gentile. This is evident because Peter was speaking to Jews in Acts 4, and he is addressing Jews in this epistle as well. However, Paul is writing to Gentiles in Ephesians 2:19-22 – “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Both apostles refer to Jesus as the cornerstone, and both refer to what God is doing in Christ with his redeemed. We are (Jew and Gentile) being built into an edifice where God will dwell. The heretical doctrine which teaches that there is one salvation for Jew and another for Gentile is to be rejected because it teaches two gospels, not one. There is one gospel for both. To teach otherwise is to teach a false gospel. Peter next continues with, “rejected indeed by men.” This is what Psalm 118 prophesied, and it is what came about when the leaders of Israel, fulfilling the very words of the Scriptures they were the stewards of, rejected Christ Jesus. The word translated as “rejected” signifies “to reject after determining something is useless” (HELPS WORD Studies). The leadership of Israel evaluated Christ Jesus, and they found Him tasteless and not worthy of their consideration. In this, they rejected Him as their Messiah. Peter uses the word “men” here, instead of “builders,” as in the psalm to show the obvious contrast between them and God. This is seen in his final words of the verse which say, “but chosen by God and precious.” Though He was rejected by mere men who are foolish and without understanding, Christ was chosen by God who is all-glorious and all-knowing. The contrast is obvious, and it is Peter’s way of calling out, “Whose side are you on? God’s, or that of man?” For those he is addressing, meaning believers, he is encouraging them to be bold and to act in accord with their calling (as noted in verse 2:1-3). The final word, “precious,” speaks of that which is held in honor, as of in personal respect. God has placed Christ Jesus at the highest point of honor, making Him the chief cornerstone in the house that He is building. Peter will continue with this thought over the coming verses, demonstrating fully and completely that Jesus is the Messiah, that Jesus is God, and that there is one gospel for all who believe. The message he proclaims is the same as the message that Paul has already put forth in his epistles. Life application: What does it mean to be a “living stone?” The Bible sometimes uses terms which seem contradictory to the sensibilities of the world. Take the term “living sacrifice” for example. It doesn’t make sense unless one understands what God expects of us. A sacrifice, by its very nature, is something that dies. Likewise, a “living stone” doesn’t make sense on the surface. But when we realize that it is a metaphor for something else, we can more clearly understand the concept. A stone is something unmoving and unshakable; it indicates permanence and stability. Jesus is like that to us – He doesn’t change. Instead, He is permanent and reliable. When confronted with His doctrine, the rulers of Israel rejected Him because He wouldn’t relent in properly teaching the things of God and the surety of His word. These people were so caught up in legalism and the teachings of man that they spent their time trying to work out issues completely unrelated to what was expected of them. At one time, Jesus remarked – “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” Matthew 23:2-4 Because of this and a host of other words of condemnation, the leaders of Israel rejected Him. However, He carried out His work, the work of God, faithfully. He remains the unchangeable, glorious, and precious Living Stone. Until the end of the ages, Jesus Christ is our eternal and magnificent Lord. Lord God, what an honor and a blessing to know that You, O Lord, are with us – firm and unchanging. Help us to likewise be firm in our convictions, resolute in our faith, and acceptable to You in our actions. May we be the same – precious living stones in the heavenly temple to come. Amen.
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Post by schwartzie on Oct 19, 2019 1:25:37 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:5, 18 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019·6 MINUTES Friday, 18 October 2019 … you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5 Peter just compared the Lord to a living stone in the previous verse. He now uses the same metaphor concerning believers in Christ by saying, “you also, as living stones.” The comparison is to show that just as Christ is, so we are now as well. As Christ was chosen by God, so God has chosen us. This is to be contrasted with those who have rejected Him. He stated this in the previous verse, and he will continue to show it in the coming verses. As living stones, Peter next says that believers “are being built up a spiritual house.” The Greek can be formed in one of two ways. The first is passive as translated here (you are being built up). It could also be active and imperative – “you also, as living stones, be built up.” This would go along with what he said in the previous verse. Believers are to come to Christ, and they are to be built up. If this is correct, it is more understandable when being applied to the Jews (his addressees) as a collective group of believers. In other words, “You all need to build yourselves up into a spiritual house.” What seems more likely, based on the words of Paul elsewhere, is that the passive is being referred to. Christ is not only the Cornerstone, but He is also the Builder. This would then fit with Paul’s use of the same metaphor in Ephesians 2 – “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Paul is clear that Jew and Gentile are being built into the same temple, the spiritual house of God. Therefore, Peter’s words should probably also be taken in this way. The “spiritual house” is that house which is contrasted to the earthly temple made of stone, and which is temporary and can be ransacked and destroyed (as the Jews know all too well, having had their temple destroyed by Babylon and by Rome). Rather, the temple of which we are a part is constructed of living stones which Paul elsewhere speaks of as being “eternal in the heavens” (see 2 Corinthians 5:1). As our bodies will be eternal, so will the temple, which is comprised of our bodies, be eternal. Peter then continues with, “a holy priesthood.” The idea here is that in a temple, there are priests. Those who form the temple also perform the priestly functions. Teachers of a false gospel will point to this verse and say that the idea of conducting these priestly duties only belongs to Jews, but that Paul never speaks of Gentiles in this manner. This is false. Paul speaks of exactly this in Romans 15:16 – “…to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” What Paul is saying is that sharing the gospel is a priestly duty. Paul was not of the tribe of Levi, and yet he was given the priestly duty of the New Covenant, sharing the gospel. As this is a privilege of any – Jew or Gentile – it shows that the priesthood is that of any believer who performs this service. And the purpose of this is “to offer up spiritual sacrifices.” The idea here comes from the Old Covenant where sacrifices were literally brought up to the altar to be presented. They were brought from a lower to a high place. They were then lifted or waved before the Lord by the attending priest, being offered up to Him. The picture that one should consider is that of Christ bearing His cross up to Calvary. He is the Living Stone, and we are to emulate Him bearing ourselves up as spiritual sacrifices and living stones, conducting the priestly duties of sharing the gospel, and of bringing these offerings which are acceptable “to God through Jesus Christ.” The implication is that despite being set apart, and despite being acceptable to offer up sacrifices to God, they are truly only acceptable because they are presented to God through Jesus. He is the One who covers the sins of His people. He is the One in whom they dwell, and it is only through Him that our imperfect offerings can be acceptable to God. One can see in Peter’s words that everything comes back to Christ. Without Him, nothing the believer does is acceptable to God. Life application: Concerning the spiritual house which both Peter and Paul refer to, no competent architect would ever start a project without knowing exactly how much material was needed to complete the task. When building a home, they will account for how much piping, electric wire, roof shingle, framing wood, etc. is needed. This can and will be calculated exactly so that budgets of time and money are met. Likewise, God – who is infinitely wise – knows exactly what is needed to build His temple. In a pre-shadowing of this heavenly temple, He gave exact details for the earthy tabernacle (and later the temple) for the people of Israel. Here is an example of this care – “Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the vestibule, its houses, its treasuries, its upper chambers, its inner chambers, and the place of the mercy seat; 12 and the plans for all that he had by the Spirit, of the courts of the house of the Lord, of all the chambers all around, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries for the dedicated things;” 1 Chronicles 28:11, 12 These plans included all of the materials, but David also set apart detailed numbers of priests, Levites, and others who would do the work – during and after the construction of the temple. Just as these were taken care of by the Holy Spirit, so is the eternal temple being carefully constructed by God. When the materials are ready, the temple will be finished. God alone knows when the last “living stone” will be chosen, but when that day comes, this House of God will be complete? Have you accepted Christ as Lord and Savior? Every day that goes by is one day closer to that glorious moment. Until then, let us practice our sacrifice of worship – Praising You today, O God – Yes! Praising You today. We come into Your presence, Lord, so hear us when we pray! Glory to You, O God on High, may our song ever be… Glory to the Lamb of God, Our Precious Savior is He Lord God, thank You for the promise of an eternal future in Your presence. And thank You that we need do nothing to earn it, but that the price has been paid already. All we need to do is accept what You have done through Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. May we demonstrate wisdom and simply accept that which You freely offer. Thank You for Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 19, 2019 23:54:57 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:6, 19 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019 Saturday, 19 October 2019 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” 1 Peter 2:6 For the previous two verses, Peter has been speaking of Christ in a metaphor, as a living stone. He then equated believers to living stones as well, and notes that believers are being built into a spiritual house. To build upon this, he says “Therefore.” In essence, “Because of this, let me explain further.” And so, he continues by showing that this is a concept already established by God, by saying, “it is also contained in the Scripture.” Here, Peter uses a rare word, periechó, to explain that what he is going to convey is found in a particular part of Scripture. It is contained, or enclosed, there. It is, therefore, something which is given as a divinely inspired precept and worthy of note in the present context. Scripture at the time of Peter was our Hebrew Old Testament. It is true that apostolic writings were already being considered on the same level of authority (see 2 Peter 3:15), but Peter is specifically referring to the Hebrew writings. In this case, he cites Isaiah 28:16 – “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.’” The words Peter quotes more closely follow the Greek translation of Isaiah, rather than this Hebrew translation. It is a passage also cited by Paul in Romans 9:33. In Paul’s citation, he shows that the prophecy was referring to Jesus, and that the Jews, for the most part, missed the significance of what Christ did. Christ’s work was a work which led to grace, not further law observance. Because of this, the Jews – ever intent on relying on their own works under the law – tripped over what Christ did. Peter, speaking to the Jews, shows that this is the case. He is confirming Paul’s words that there is one gospel for both Jew and for Gentile. It is that God has laid the foundation for faith in the sending of His Son, the Messiah. The words, “Behold, I lay in Zion,” mean that the message was first given to the people of Israel. Christ came to them, and He accomplished His work among them. God was in Christ, bringing about His redemptive plans for Israel. In this, He was laying out His foundation upon which man would be restored to Him. Peter then continues with, “A chief cornerstone.” This is speaking of Messiah. The cornerstone is the first and most important stone of a building. From it, everything else extends. The word used by Peter for “chief cornerstone” is the Greek word akrogoniaion. It is a special word, unique to the Bible, and is used only twice in its pages. The other use is by Paul in Ephesians 2:20 – “…having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” Because of the importance of this stone, Peter then describes it by saying “elect.” The word signifies “chosen out,” or “select.” Humanity is the source from which the election is made, but only one Human would be chosen out of humanity. This speaks of Christ’s human nature. God wove together the stream of humanity, recording it all the way from Adam. It wove through various people throughout history, being carefully detailed concerning who they were. This was often in stories that otherwise seem irrelevant to the narrative. But each story was selected to reveal the line from which this One would come. He is the Elect of humanity. He is also “precious.” The word signifies “highly honored.” It is a state of high personal respect. Obviously, this is God’s perception of Him because it is the Lord who is being cited by Isaiah, and who Peter then quotes. The Lord God has a personal high regard for this One who would be the Cornerstone. This is so much so that the quote finishes with, “And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” There is to be found in this One, that Isaiah speaks of, a point of trust and directed-faith. In other words, the Lord God indicates that by placing faith in this Cornerstone, they will not later be disgraced, frustrated, or ashamed. The faith placed in Him will be properly directed faith. As Peter now cites this as referring to Jesus (as did Paul), it is showing – without any doubt, vagueness, or ambiguity – that Christ is the end of the law. This is because the law is a body of works. In essence, “Do these things and you will be considered righteous before Me.” However, the Lord says that this is no longer the case in the coming Cornerstone. In essence, “Believe on Jesus and you will be considered righteous before Me.” It shows that the law, under which Christ came, merely anticipated the coming of Christ. True righteousness is not of the law, but in acceptance of the fulfillment of the law as accomplished by Christ Jesus. He provides the justification of the law for any who will trust in Him. It is the exact same gospel message which Paul speaks of. There is one gospel by which man is saved – Jew or Gentile – and it is found by simply trusting in the work of Jesus Christ. Life application: As noted, the cornerstone is the first stone laid when starting a building and is, therefore, the most important for ensuring that the building will be plumb and level. If this stone is faulty in material, the building will fail. Likewise, if it is placed incorrectly, the building will fail. Because of this, the cornerstone must be very carefully chosen; it must be flawless. It must also be laid by the most skilled builder of all. In the case of Christ, the Cornerstone, the Builder is God Himself. God is building a temple and He began with His own Son, Jesus Christ. From this starting point, believers from all ages are being built into a spiritual temple. If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, you have crossed from death to life, and have been selected as a stone in the living temple where God will reside for all eternity. This has been guaranteed by the sealing of His Holy Spirit and can never be taken away. You will never be put to shame. Out of gratitude, awe, and joy, we should, therefore, endeavor to be acceptable to God in all we do. If you are struggling with this today, as we all do from time to time, let’s pray about it… Lord God, as living stones in Your glorious temple, we know we need to be holy and acceptable to You. O, but we fail so often. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit as we honor you through the study of Your word, through praising You, and through praying to You. Do this, so that we might live rightly, act appropriately, and conduct our affairs wisely, thus bringing honor to You. This we pray that You will receive the glory You are due through our life and actions. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 20, 2019 23:47:21 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:7, 20 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2019 Sunday, 20 October 2019 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” 1 Peter 2:7 Peter now expands on what he just said. He cited Isaiah with the words, “And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” The result of that is that, “Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious.” The NKJV translation is not reflective of the Greek. The word to describe Him is a noun, and it is preceded by an article, and the verb is present and active. It more correctly reads, “For to you that are believing is the preciousness.” The word “preciousness,” signifies honor, and it contrasts the “shame” just referred to. Instead of being put to shame, there is honor for those who believe. Faith in Christ bears its own preciousness before God. However, Peter then speaks of “those who are disobedient.” Again, the verb is present and active. It reads, “those who are disbelieving.” The word signifies a refusal to be persuaded, and it is exactly what the leaders of Israel did. They hardened their hearts to the truth of God in Christ. Peter is showing a contrast between the two in order to show the results of their ongoing disbelief. In that state, they are included among those of whom the psalmist spoke, and also of whom Christ referred to during His earthly ministry. He cited the words of Psalm 118:22 as is recorded in all three synoptic gospels. In Acts 4, Peter also cited them, and here again he cites them. It is obviously a very important concept for the Jews to understand then. Jesus spoke to them under the law, Peter spoke to them in the Sanhedrin attempting to show them the contrast between the law and the grace which came through Christ’s work, and now he continues to show the importance of what Christ did. And so, once again, he cites the psalm, beginning with, “The stone which the builders rejected.” It is referring to Christ Jesus being the one rejected by the leaders of Israel. The idea of the leaders being the builders is that they were responsible for the spiritual lives of the people. The law was given to provide life to the man who did the things of the law (Leviticus 18:5). In Christ, who was born without sin, and who lived without sin, He accomplished those things. He became the necessary stone to begin the foundation of a true temple which would be based on eternal life, but they rejected Him. However, God did not. Instead, He was chosen of God and “Has become the chief cornerstone.” The Greek reads, “the head of the corner.” It signifies the place where the very corner, meaning the cornerstone, sits. Everything in the foundation is dependent upon that point. Thus, everything in the building itself is dependent upon it. The true temple, where eternal life is found, is dependent upon the Stone who is Jesus. There was no need for Paul to cite this set of words, because Paul’s ministry is to the Gentiles. However, the same gospel is found for both. The difference is that there is individual salvation for Jews, and there is collective salvation for Israel. Until the leadership of Israel acknowledges Christ as this true Stone and call out for Him, Israel as a collective whole will continue to be kept from the promises to them which have been anticipated since their inception as the people of God. Life application: Psalm 118 is known as a messianic psalm because of its predictions of the coming Messiah. Each time it is cited in the New Testament, it is specifically applied to Jesus, His work, and His rejection by the nation of Israel. Despite His rejection and their attempts to nullify His work, He prevailed and has become the chief cornerstone. It is on Him that the church is established, and from Him all else proceeds, properly aligned and both level and plumb. Any congregation or body of believers which is properly grounded in Him will be successful – not particularly in numbers or wealth, but in right doctrine and sound faith. Peter says, “…to you who believe, He is precious.” How do you care for your home? Do you treat it as a comfortable place to live, keep clean, properly maintain, and enjoy? Is your home dirty and not well maintained? We have an eternal home that is built on the precious Person of Jesus, and we are all being built into a living temple where God will reside, illuminated by His splendor through Jesus. If you know that this is true, and that our position in this home is given to us because of what Jesus did, shouldn’t we be pursuing Him, His word, and His glory? Let us endeavor to keep our spiritual house clean and free from fault, and let us further ensure that we are being built properly by reading and applying the Bible to our lives. Rather than being careless about our eternal dwelling, let us give it the attention is rightly deserves. And let us do it in a way that others will see our works and give God the glory He is due. Yes, O God! Jesus is the precious cornerstone of our eternal dwelling. Because You have given such attention to us in the giving of Your Son, please remind us of our responsibility to you – working to become an acceptable living stone in Your glorious temple. Give us the strong urge and desire to pursue You and Your word, so that we will be properly trained in righteousness. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 22, 2019 2:10:27 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:8, 21 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019 Monday, 21 October 2019 ... and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.1 Peter 2:8 Peter continues with quotes from the Old Testament Scriptures in order to explain the contrast between those who would believe in Christ and those who would not. Here in verse 2:8, he cites Isaiah 8 – “The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, And let Him be your dread. 14 He will be as a sanctuary, But a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense To both the houses of Israel, As a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many among them shall stumble; They shall fall and be broken, Be snared and taken.” Isaiah 8:13-15 In the previous verse, he noted that even though Christ was rejected by “the builders,” He still became the chief cornerstone. His rejection by Israel had no bearing on God’s acceptance of Him and His fully completed work. Because He is the chief cornerstone. Those who believe “on Him will by no means be put to shame” (2:6). However, this same stone of trust and surety for the believer has become a “stone of stumbling” to those who rejected Him. The idea here was first spoken by Jesus, during His earthly ministry – “And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” Matthew 21:44 The idea is that if one will not look to Christ as the foundation of his faith, Christ will become the means of their failing. It should be noted that one does not stumble over what he sees. We stumble because we fail to see, and we are thus tripped up. In other words, those who fail to believe in Christ are those who fail to see the significance of what Christ has done. The dividing line is what Christ’s ministry signifies. As Christ came to fulfill the law, it is the law which is that dividing line. One can put his trust in Moses, meaning the law, and continue to be displeasing to God, or he can come to Christ – who is the fulfillment of the Law of Moses – and be pleasing to God. Only in the grace of Christ is reconciliation with God possible. But to those who stubbornly cling to Moses for their justification, Christ has also become “a rock of offense.” The word used here, though different than that used in the previous clause, still signifies a stumbling block. This one is specifically the trigger of a trap which causes it to close down on an unsuspecting victim. Christ is that trigger. When what He accomplished is rejected, the individual steps right into the trap. In other words, a rejection of Christ – the fulfillment and embodiment of the law – is what triggers the trap. The law itself is what causes this. The law spoke of Christ, it was fulfilled by Christ, and it condemns those who do not come to Christ. To reject Christ is to have the trap close upon the victim. This is seen in Peter’s next words. “They stumble, being disobedient to the word.” Jesus said as much in John 5:38-40 – “But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” The word which the leaders of Israel clung to, meaning the Law of Moses, spoke of Christ. The word shouts out, “Come to the Messiah and be freed from this body of death.” But they, and all who reject Jesus, are disobedient to that same word. It isn’t the New Covenant which condemns; it is the Old. To be obedient to the word, meaning the Old Testament Scriptures which speak of Jesus, means to come to Jesus and receive His gospel. Those who fail to do so stumble as Peter then says, “to which they also were appointed.” The word Peter uses signifies to put, lay, place, set, fix, and so on. The verb form in which Peter uses is aorist passive. The event occurred, and it occurred based on their rejection of Christ. They actively reject, and the appointment is received passively. When one is cleansed through ritual purification by another, for example, he must stand and allow the other to purify him with the sprinkling. The sprinkling is passively received. This is what occurs here. The person is actively disobedient, and he passively receives his appointment of stumbling. It should be noted that Paul cites the same verse from Isaiah 8 in Romans 9:33. The message of both of these apostles is a single, united message. It is the one gospel of salvation for Jew and Gentile. To say otherwise is to proclaim a false gospel. Of this, Paul calls such a false teaching anathema, and he who teaches it is accursed (see Galatians 1:6-9). All come to Christ in the same way, and all are saved or condemned based on the same gospel. Life application: Not only did Christ become the Cornerstone of the Church, but He is also the Capstone. He began it and He will finish it. He is preeminent in all ways to those who are a part of His living temple. But to those who have rejected God’s gracious offer through Him, He has become a “stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” Notice that those verses from Isaiah, which were quoted above, are speaking of the Lord (Jehovah), and Peter clearly identifies them with Jesus. The people of Israel, attempting to please God through works, stumbled over the stumbling stone – they missed God’s grace in a futile attempt to obtain it by their own goodness. Rather than being their Rock of refuge, He was to them a rock of offense. He fulfilled the law which they could never do and thus set it aside. Traditions are hard to break, and pride is a cruel master. They rejected His work in an attempt to establish their own righteousness. Likewise, we love tradition and we love to add our own demands onto ourselves and others, things which are not a part of God’s word. In this, we establish our own standards of righteousness. Take time today to evaluate your own heart in relation to what the Bible lays out for our walk before the Lord. Are you adding in pet peeves, self-goodness, or unbiblical determinations of others to your life? It is a slippery slope, so be careful to move away from these things. Christ determines doctrine for our walk before Him. Let us stand on His word alone for our life and conduct. O God, give us wisdom when dealing in matters related to the churches we attend. Help us to stay away from legalism – both in ourselves and toward others. Instead, grant us the ability to discern what is right and appropriate from Your word, and then apply it to our lives. We love You Lord and we want to be pleasing to You in all ways. To Your glory we pray, Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 22, 2019 23:33:33 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:9, 22 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2019 Tuesday, 22 October 2019 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;1 Peter 2:9 Peter now again speaks of the state of those who believe and what that means, as he has in the previous verses. He is contrasting the state of those who believe with those who do not believe. Those who do not are mentioned as “disobedient” in verse 2:7. For them, Christ is “a stone of stumbling” and “a rock of offense” as said in verse 2:8. Now comes the contrast with the words, “But you are a chosen generation.” The word is genos, and it signifies offspring, family, race, nation, or kind. It is a general word which comes from another word signifying “to come to be.” In this case, believers in Christ have come to be a chosen kind. It is such a general word that Paul used it when speaking to the pagans at Athens in Acts 17:29 – “Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising.” Peter says that believers are now a particular “kind” because of faith in Christ Jesus. Next, the word “chosen” signifies “elect.” It is the same word Paul uses concerning believers in Colossians 3:12 (and elsewhere) – “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.” Peter then calls those who believe “a royal priesthood.” The word translated as “royal” is found only here and in Luke 7:25, when speaking of palaces. However, it comes from the word signifying a king. That word is used by Paul to speak of Jesus as our true King in 1 Timothy 1:17 – “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” The word “priesthood” is only used by Peter, here and then again in verse 2:9. It signifies the act or office of priesthood. For this reason, those who choose to divide the gospel of Christ into two separate gospels – one for Jew and one for Gentile – state that this is only referring to Jews, and that Gentiles are not considered in any type of priestly office. That is incorrect. Paul speaks of the priestly duty of sharing the gospel in Romans 15:16, a word that finds its same source as that of the word Peter uses here. It is the priestly obligation and honor of believers to share the gospel.’ Peter then says that believers are “a holy nation.” The word translated as “nation,” is ethnos. One can see the basis for the common word “ethnic” in it. It signifies a people who are joined together by practicing similar customs or a common culture. Peter here speaks of the ethnos of believers who are united because they are “holy.” That word signifies “sacred” as in being morally blameless, consecrated, etc. It is commonly used by Paul to signify the saints, meaning believers in Christ. This is the idea that Peter gives here. He is addressing the saints who are a special nation, called out by one uniting characteristic which is faith in the Person and work of Jesus Christ – from both Jew and Gentile. Peter then says believers are “His own special people.” The term used here literally means, “the people for acquisition.” It signifies people who have become God’s possession. The word translated as people is laos, and it signifies “a people, characteristically of God’s chosen people, first the Jews, then the Christians” (HELPS Word Studies). It is a general term which Paul uses to identify even Gentile believers in Christ such as in 2 Corinthians 6:16 and Titus 2:14 – “And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.’” 2 Corinthians 6:16 “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:13, 14 The word translated as “special” is one that speaks of acquisition or possession. Paul uses it when speaking of the Gentiles who have been acquired by God through the gospel in Ephesians 1:14. He uses it as an assurance of salvation for Gentiles in 1 Thessalonians 5:9 and 2 Thessalonians 2:14. As can be seen, the words of Peter here, “His own special people,” correspond directly to Paul’s words, “His own special people,” in Titus 2:14. It, thus, demonstrates that there is one people comprised of believing Jews and Gentiles. Peter next describes what these honorable designations mean for the believer. It is so “that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Though Peter is addressing Jews, it is a universal statement that signifies any who have been brought out of the spiritual darkness of this world. The word translated as, “that you may proclaim,” is found only here and in Mark 16:20. It signifies to publicly announce in a full manner. Believers are to fully and publicly profess what has occurred in their lives, proclaiming “the praises of Him.” The word translated as “praises” signifies “excellencies.” It speaks of moral excellence and virtue. This is what we are to proclaim of God because of His work, in and through Christ, to redeem man. And that act of redemption was for the purpose of bringing believers “out of darkness into His marvelous light.” This thought comes from the words of Isaiah 42. There, in Isaiah 42:1 and again in Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah specifically says that this calling is not only for the nation of Israel, but for the Gentiles as well. Reading Isaiah 42:1-9 will open up the meaning of Peter in a full manner. Isaiah speaks of Christ as being a light to the Gentiles and the one who brings the prisoners out of darkness. It is a single, unified, gospel that is proclaimed not only to Israel, but to the Gentiles as well. The words used here by Peter are elsewhere used by Paul to signify one body of believers which is comprised of both Jew and Gentile. For those who proclaim two separate gospels, they are proclaiming a false gospel, which is anathema. Stay away from such heretical teachings, and hold fast to the truth that the church is one unified body of believers based on one gospel message. Life application: Peter uses terms once applied to Israel to convey the role that the church now holds – Chosen people – Deuteronomy 7:6 Kingdom of Priests – Exodus 19:6 Holy nation – Exodus 19:6 Special people – Deuteronomy 26:18 Along with these titles, Peter goes to Isaiah 60:6 and applies it to the church as well, when it says that the gentile nations will come and “proclaim the praises of the Lord.” All of these are being applied to the church, indicating their fulfillment in the people that follow Jesus – both from Jew and from Gentile. This doesn’t mean, however, that Israel, as the Jewish nation, is through. Daniel 9:24-27 allots 490 years to them to complete certain things. Thus far 483 of those years have been completed and 7 more are yet future. These seven years will occur when the church is taken out at the rapture. Then, once more, Israel will be the focus of God’s attention on earth. In the meantime, all peoples – Jew and Gentile alike – who have called on Jesus are a part of the church, the Body of Christ. We have been called from darkness into His marvelous light. As it says in Isaiah 60:2, 3 – “But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.” Indeed, the glory of the LORD has arisen over us in the Person of Jesus Christ! Thank you, O most glorious Heavenly Father for allowing us the privilege of being servants of the King, our Lord Jesus. May we faithfully proclaim His praises all of our days and may we serve as faithful witnesses of His glory. This we request that You may be exalted! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 24, 2019 0:30:16 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:10, 23 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019 Wednesday, 23 October 2019 ...who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:10 Peter, writing to his Jewish brothers, now uses words which Paul also used in Romans 9 to speak of the Gentiles – “What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 25 As He says also in Hosea: “I will call them My people, who were not My people, And her beloved, who was not beloved.’+ 26 ‘And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, “You are not My people,” There they shall be called sons of the living God.’” Romans 9:22-26 Paul shows that the Gentiles, who were not God’s people, had become His people. Peter, one of the people of Israel and addressing Israelite believers, says of them now, “who once were not a people.” If Israel was the people of God, but Peter says to his audience that they were not a people, then it must be that he is speaking not of merely being of the stock of Israel – meaning their common Jewish heritage – but of being believers united in a new way, regardless of their heritage. When they were not believers in Christ, they were not God’s people. Now that they are believers in Christ, they are God’s people. That is seen in his continued words, “but are now the people of God.” Christ is the dividing line for who is and who is not considered the people of God. These addressees, despite being of Israel, were not God’s people, but they became God’s people through faith. As Paul says the same of the Gentiles in Romans 9, it means that all believers – Jew and Gentile – are the people of God by faith in Jesus. It is one gospel for Jew and for Gentile. The thing to be considered is that, at the time of Peter writing the epistle, the nation of Israel had not received Jesus. Only a portion of the people had. At the same time, the Gentile-led church was exploding in numbers, and would continue to grow and flourish for the next two thousand years. Peter’s epistle, coming after the Gentile-led church-age epistles, is a hint that the Jews would again, someday, gain ascendancy within the body of believers. The number of Jews who are coming to Christ is growing at an incredible rate since their reestablishment as a nation, and it will be at some point that the rapture will occur. At that time, the focus of God’s attention will be on Israel. So, Peter’s epistle prophetically looks forward to that point in time. Understanding this, it becomes evident that this is so that someday it will be said of Israel that they are those “who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” Again, whether Jew or Gentile, the dividing line is Christ. Those Jews at Peter’s time became a part of the people of God, as did the Gentiles. However, as a nation, Israel failed to come into the New Covenant. The issue of Israel as a nation is separate, but it is still relevant. For Israel, there is individual salvation, and there is collective (national) salvation. Each Jew who is to be saved must come to Christ individually. However, God made promises to Israel as a nation as well. For Israel as a nation to be saved, they must call out on Christ nationally. Jesus said this to them explicitly when He addressed Jerusalem, meaning the seat of power, in Matthew 23 – “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” Matthew 23:37-39 Until Jerusalem, signifying Israel’s leadership, calls out to Christ as Lord, there will be no national salvation. But Christ says that it will happen, and He will return to rescue them. The glory of the millennium will be preceded by a time of terrible tribulation on earth, but Israel will survive through it, and they shall – collectively and nationally – again be called by God “My people.” Life application: The Bible does not reveal an Old Testament God who is wrathful and stern, and a New Testament God who is gentle and loving. This is the concept that many have concerning its pages, but it is important to know that God is unchanging, and the same attributes expressed in the Old Testament are also expressed in the New. We read this proclamation in Exodus 34:6, 7 – “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, 7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.” God proclaimed His glory to Moses as He passed by. When He did, the first attribute He mentioned is that He is merciful. This is particularly so to the people of God, but it also applies to all humanity. When Nineveh had grown to a certain state of moral corruption, instead of destroying them God sent Jonah to call them to repentance. When they did, He withheld their destruction. Likewise, any person who shakes his hand and says, “I don’t believe in God” is worthy of destruction, but He relents and allows them to continue. Maybe such will repent and believe. How much more then is God willing to bestow mercy on us when we do become His children! As believers in Christ, we once had not obtained mercy, but now we have. If you have called on Jesus Christ, God has demonstrated infinite mercy upon you. Unlike the non-believer who will eventually die and be cast into hell, God has promised you eternal life. What an amazing God! Yes, Lord! You are truly amazing! That You would show mercy on us, even upon such great sinners. With grateful hearts, we sing Your praise, and we will do our best to bring glory to You all of our days. What a great and awesome God You are! Thank You for Jesus and the mercy You have shown to us through His sacrifice. Thank You, O God, thank You! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 24, 2019 23:32:50 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:11, 24 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 Thursday, 24 October 2019 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 1 Peter 2:11 Peter now uses a word of close personal affection which is used by every author of an epistle – Paul (in all but three of his epistles), the author of Hebrews, James, Peter, John, and Jude. It is most commonly used by Paul, but Peter uses it eight times in his two small epistles. It is translated as “beloved.” In its highest sense, it signifies divinely-loved. In his second epistle, Peter will use the term of Paul. Here, he uses it to begin an exhortation unto holy living, starting with, “I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims.” The word translated as sojourners signifies an alien. It is seen only four times in Acts, Ephesians, and now here for the last time. It signifies a temporary dweller, especially a foreigner. The word translated as pilgrims is similar. It was used by Peter in his opening words, and now he uses it here as its last use in Scripture. It signifies someone who resides in a strange country. It is someone who is simply passing through. As this is the state of believers, Peter notes that they should not get caught up in the ways of those who are a part of this system, and so he says for believers to “abstain from fleshly lusts.” The idea is that a person who is a foreigner in a strange land will not take part in the customs of those around him because he has no affiliation with them. The true home of the believer is with Christ. We have been redeemed out of this world, and therefore our conduct here is to be reflective not of what we have been redeemed out of, but that of the place where we are redeemed to. The Lord is holy, and we are to be holy. To follow after the lusts of the flesh is to not pursue holiness. Peter then finishes with, “which war against the soul.” Vincent’s Word Studies notes, “The compound pronoun denotes a class, of that kind which, classifying all fleshly desires in one category.” Peter’s words are all-inclusive. Anything which is fleshly and which wars against the soul of the believer is to be abstained from. The idea of the “soul” of the believer is one that is renewed by the Spirit, and it is no longer to be aligned with the fallen things of the world. As we have been renewed by the Spirit, our lives should reflect that higher spiritual attitude. But Paul, writing about this, notes how hard that is. In Romans 7, he said – “I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 7:21-25 After saying this, he closes out Romans 7:25 with – “So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.” Through reliance on Christ, believers are delivered from the “body of death” which wars against us. Peter now admonishes believers to abstain from anything which would cause this war of the soul to rise up in us. Life application: If both Peter and Paul acknowledged that these things exist around us, then it is obvious that they had the same war in their own souls. Such is true with all people. In other words, being an apostle, preacher, minister, or missionary does not make one immune. We all have a responsibility to not get entangled in these things, and it is something we all struggle with. When you slip and fail, confess and turn back. Jesus is merciful and forgiving. Lord God, we must acknowledge that we have the very war in our own souls that the writers of the New Testament speak of. The world pulls one way, even as our hearts tell us to resist such things. Certainly, we fail You often, and we simply cannot walk this path alone. Instead, we need You with us each step of the way. Strengthen us, and give us the ability to win this war – to Your glory! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 26, 2019 0:39:14 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:12, 25 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019 Friday, 25 October 2019 …having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12 Peter had just instructed his reader to “abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.” He now gives a reason why this should be. It is not only for their own holiness, health, and betterment, but because they are representatives of Christ to the world. Understanding this, he says, “having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles.” Peter is writing to Jewish believers, as is noted in the opening of his epistle. However, he is not making a divide between Jews and Gentiles, by saying what he now says, as if there are two gospels. The phrase “among the Gentiles” is a common expression of Paul, used in the exact same manner when he writes to his Gentile audience. The idea is not one of separation between Jew and Gentile, but one of reflecting the Lord’s holiness – by Jew or Gentile – among the nations. With that explained, Peter now says, “that when they speak against you as evildoers.” The word “evildoers” speaks of a criminal, or someone bent on doing what is wrong. It is only found in 1 Peter where he will use it three times. The same thought is expressed, using the two roots of the word Peter uses here, concerning Jesus in John 18:30. As Christ was spoken of as doing evil, so His people are expected to be accused of being evildoers. However, one of the main points found in the book of Acts is that Christianity fell under the auspices of a sect of Judaism. This was important at that point in history, because Judaism was considered an acceptable and allowable form of religious expression within the Roman Empire. If Christianity were considered a new religion, it could have been forbidden immediately. However, because it is the fulfillment of the Jewish oracles to believe in the Messiah, Christianity was considered as a part of this already-accepted religion. However, Jews spoke against it throughout the nations, and in front of the Gentiles. An example of this is found in this passage from Acts – “Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. 3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” Acts 14:1-3 This is exactly the type of thing that Peter is speaking about. Eventually, the Roman Empire under Nero brought its weight down upon Christians, and the persecution became great. Christians were spoken of as evil by Jews and by Gentiles. But Peter exhorted them because he knew that being spoken against as evildoers was, and would continue to be, the norm. As Peter speaks equally to the Jewish believers in the end times, the words to them are no less relevant today. The messianic believers are persecuted by the Jews. And yet, their testimony in Israel is bringing together more believers from the non-Jews who live in Israel and elsewhere, and they are also bringing in new Jewish believers to the faith all the time as well. Therefore, the conduct of believer is to be exemplary in front of these Gentiles, so that “they may, by your good works which they observe,” have a positive effect on them. Peter will explain what that effect is with his final words of the verse. For now, the word translated as “which they observe” is a present participle in the active voice. The people around believers are observing them and making constant determinations about them. The word signifies an attentive viewing, not just a casual look. The word is unique to Peter and is used only here and in 1 Peter 3:2. It is this general thought, of being carefully evaluated while living holy lives, that the Gentiles would then see the proper conduct of believers and then “glorify God in the day of visitation.” This phrase is debated over. Is it speaking of the time of Christ’s coming? Is it referring to another particular event? The word translated as “visitation” is a general word where a visit occurs by anyone for any reason. What is probably on Peter’s mind is a simple visitation of the blessing of the Lord upon people who actively witness the conduct of the Christian believers, and realize that Christians are not who they have been portrayed as. Instead, they are seen to be valid messengers of the truth of God. At that time, they believe and their visitation, by the Holy Spirit for salvation, comes to pass. Life application: This verse should make believers stop and really reflect on the consequences of what Peter is implying. When Peter speaks of the “Gentiles,” he is speaking of the people of the world among whom believers in Christ live their lives. This is similar to what Paul said when speaking of his Jewish brethren who didn’t believe – “For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them.” Romans 11:13, 14 The conduct of believers should be right at all times in order to lead people to Jesus. If we don’t act appropriately, we not only keep them from desiring a relationship with Jesus, but we also bring discredit upon His name. Our actions and conduct before unbelievers should be as holy as our actions and conduct while in church on Sunday morning. Consider that as you conduct your daily life. Heavenly Father, it is sure that our conduct has not always been a source of inspiration to the non-believers around us. We also know that there will be those who will have accusations against us on the great Day of Judgment. For this, we feel remorse. Give us the heart’s desire to always reflect Your glory from this day on. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 27, 2019 0:42:34 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:13, 26 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019 Saturday, 26 October 2019 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 1 Peter 2:13 Peter now states “Therefore” based on his words of verses 11 & 12. He noted that believers are as sojourners and pilgrims, and thus are to abstain from the fleshly lusts of this world which war against us. We are to have honorable conduct among the Gentiles in order to bring them to a state where they glorify God, because of our good works which they observe. Out of this, comes Peter’s “Therefore.” It is because we are living in this world, but are not a part of it, that we are to “submit … to every ordinance of man.” One might say, “I am not of this world, and therefore I do not need to submit to the ordinances of man.” And, unfortunately, this is the position many believers hold to. “I don’t have to serve in the military because…” “I will not vote because…” On and on, Christians pick and choose what they will do in this world in an attempt to appear more holy than those around them, or simply because they don’t want to do a certain thing, and so they fall back on the premise that they are not obligated to do this or that because they are not of this world. It is faulty logic, refuted by both Peter and Paul. When Peter says, “every ordinance of man,” he is referring to the duly established laws of whatever land believers live in. The word he uses, ktisis, signifies “creation.” It speaks of either the act of creation or the product of it. Thus, from a human aspect, it speaks of institutions. They did not exist, but man created them. They form the basis for human conduct and living within a given sphere of existence. When a believer lives in a city, for example, he falls under the institutions of that city, of the county in which the city exists, of the state in which the county exists, and of the federal government in which the state exists. The believer is to submit to all of these institutions because they comprise the sphere in which he exists. This is not optional, but rather it is God-inspired through the writers of the epistles. Paul says the same thing in Romans 13 – “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” Romans 13:1, 2 The words from both Peter and Paul are clear and explicit. Therefore, if we are to submit to the ruling authorities, it is an all-inclusive deal. One cannot logically say, “I will pay taxes because I have been instructed to, but I will not vote because I am ‘not of this world.’” That is illogical and is simply an attempt to appear more holy or pious than the next person. A person may willingly choose to not vote, but to then ascribe that choice to the fact that he is a Christian is contradictory to what is stated by the apostles. Peter next says that this submission is “for the Lord’s sake.” This means “because the Lord has mandated that it is to be this way.” It is not that the Lord needs it this way to fill a lack that only we can fill, but that we need to be this way because He has stated that “it is so.” He has delegated the powers of this world to certain individuals who then form their governmental institutions. They are the authority in this sphere, and we live within this sphere. Therefore, we are to submit to them. Peter then begins to designate exactly what he means by saying, “whether to the king as supreme.” Peter uses the designation of “king” when speaking of the Roman emperor. The emperor is known by other titles, such as autokrator, Kaisar, and etc. However, he is also, at times, called “king,” such as in John 19:15 and in Acts 17:7. He was the highest earthly official in the land, and he was to be submitted to. In the United States, the highest single official is the President, but the laws issue from Congress, and the Supreme Court’s decisions determine the legality of the laws. It is this three-fold federal head that is to be equated to Caesar here. When Peter says that the king is “supreme,” he is speaking of his earthly state. It is not an acknowledgment of him as a god, nor does it mean that we are to do something mandated by this supreme king which would be against the rule of God. The highest allegiance of the believer is to God, as He has revealed Himself to us in His word for our life instruction. Life application: As believers, we are living in the land that God determined for any given one of us – be it Korea, America, Germany, etc. We are told by Peter here to submit to every ordinance of man. If the king (or president, prime minister, etc.) signs a law, then we are to obey it. We are to do this even if it seems unjust. Everyone in the country is bound under the same law. If others obey it and Christians don’t, then they leave a bad testimony and an unfavorable image of our greater and true King. However! If at any time an earthly government passes a law that is contrary to the law of God, it must be disobeyed. This is because we have a higher law in God’s word. As an example, America has legalized abortion. We therefore are to allow abortion to continue (such as not murdering the doctors involved in conducting them), while still working within the framework of the government to abolish the practice. However, if America passed a “mandatory abortion after one child” law, we would be obligated to disobey this law when directed at us individually. We must follow the higher law of God and protect the life He has created. Sometimes it is hard to determine where disobeying should and shouldn’t be practiced. This is why it is so very important to know and meditate on God’s law which is contained in the Bible. Heavenly Father, you have called us to live at peace with our governments and our leaders. You have shown us that we are to be subject to them, even when we disagree with their laws. Help us to be discerning in the proper conduct of our lives and the following of your mandates. This is right because it ultimately glorifies you. So be with us as we conduct our affairs under the governments in which we live. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 28, 2019 1:15:15 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:14, 27 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 Sunday, 27 October 2019 …or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 1 Peter 2:14 Peter now completes the sentence which began with verse 13. He informed believers to submit themselves “to every ordinance of man.” This included the king as supreme. Now he says, “or to governors.” The word is hégemón. One can see an early source of the word hegemony. It signifies a commander, governor, leader, and so on. It can even speak of a province. Thus, it can signify the officer placed in charge of such a province. It is these officials who are “those who are sent by him.” This is speaking of these individuals as representatives of the king. In other words, these people are under the authority of the king, who is to be submitted to, and thus, these officials are likewise to be submitted to. Further, the word translated as “are sent” is a present participle. The king continuously sends these officials, as needed, to oversee the region which his jurisdiction covers. It isn’t that these officials are to be obeyed once, but always. When they govern, their authority speaks for the king. Peter then describes what this authority reaches to by saying, “for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.” This lower level of authority has the power of the king to first punish those who do evil. The word translated as “punish” actually signifies something stronger. It extends to avenging wrong and executing vengeance. It is full and complete punishment. In other words, Christians are to be subject to such authorities. They cannot claim themselves “out of the world” and thus out of the vengeance of the king. His authority lies over them. And so, when the believer abides by the rules of the land, he is also to be without fear. Instead, he would fall under the king’s “praise of those who do good.” Here, the word translated as “who do good” is unique in Scripture. It signifies “well-doers.” It reflects a person who does that which is inherently good. When the king’s laws merge with the inherently good living of the believer, that individual can hope for praise because of his conduct. The king, as the one appointed by God, is in the position to hand out favor or discipline according to his will. This does not mean that Christians are exempt from his unjust wrath, but that whatever they receive from him is according to the position in which he sits, and according to his will. Life application: Here, Peter is implying that each level of government has been established to bring about order in our society and when a particular level of authority passes a law, we are obligated to obey it. If we don’t, those authorities have been given additional powers – such as sending along people designated to enforce the laws which have been passed. We have local police, sheriffs, state enforcement agencies, and also federal enforcement units – such as the FBI, DEA, TSA, IRS, etc. We may not always like how these people conduct their affairs, but they are the designated authorities, and we are accountable for our actions before them. If we didn’t have law enforcement, there would be chaos. If we didn’t have tax collectors, the government wouldn’t be properly funded, etc. Evildoers would be in charge, and life would be far more miserable than it is when laws are enforced. Likewise, when we obey the law and give respect to the authorities, we can (hopefully!) expect praise and compliments from them. Obviously, this isn’t always the case, but when law enforcement gets out of hand or when government becomes over-burdensome, the people generally handle the problem by replacing the offenders. In history, this has often been a bloody replacement, but if society works properly, these things can be handled at the voting booth. Lord God, give us patience when dealing with the authorities. Too often they seem to step into our lives in a way which is beyond the authority they have been granted. If this is the case, may peace prevail, and may we be given the proper words and conduct to handle the situation. We pray this that You will be glorified through our actions under those You have appointed over us. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 29, 2019 1:11:52 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:15, 28 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2019 Monday, 28 October 2019 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—1 Peter 2:15 The previous two verses have spoken of submitting to every ordinance of man which extends from the king as supreme, or from governors who are sent by the king. He then said that these governors are sent by the king for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of those who do good. Understanding this context, Peter now says, “For this is the will of God.” If God wills it, then who are we to work against it? It is the epitome of arrogance to not subject oneself to the ruling authority and yet to claim that you are following Christ as a faithful and obedient servant. Rather than being one “of those who do good,” you have made yourself liable to punishment because you are, in fact, an evildoer. The supposed “ultra-piety” of Christians who reject this precept is shown to simply be a nauseous vapor. Rather than emulating such an attitude, Peter says that being subject to the ruling authority “is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” The “doing good” is referring to being subject to the ruling authority which is contrasted to being an evildoer in the previous verse. Christians who fail to honor the ruling authorities are not showing allegiance to the Lord, but to themselves by supposedly elevating themselves above others around them. This is by claiming a super-spiritual state of holiness. Isaiah, prophesying the word of the Lord, speaks of those in Israel who acted in such a manner, elevating themselves above others in outward shows of supposed piety – “Who say, ‘Keep to yourself, Do not come near me, For I am holier than you!’ These are smoke in My nostrils, A fire that burns all the day.” Isaiah 65:5 Peter shows that this is a problem among believers in the church as well. The word he uses for “put to silence” signifies “to muzzle.” It is what Jesus did when He countered the failed logic of the Sadducees in Matthew 22:34, and what He did as He faced off against demons, and even what He did when He silenced the wind. He muzzled these things, silencing them. Peter says that believers are to so silence these evildoers. As far as the word translated as “ignorance,” it is a word used only in 1 Corinthians 15:34 and here. It signifies “willful ignorance.” It is a refusal to learn by experience. One can think of any Christian who claims to know a certain doctrine, but who has never taken the time to read and study the Bible. Such a person spouts out what he thinks he knows, but he actually has no idea what he is talking about. These people are, as Peter says it, “foolish men.” There is actually an article in front of this, and thus it says, “the foolish men.” It is those who he has just referred to. His choice of word for “foolish” is also used by Jesus in Luke 11:40 and Luke 12:20. Paul also uses it quite a few times. This is its last use in Scripture. It signifies “mindless” or “stupid.” Such a person is short-sighted because he is lacking all of the information needed to make a decision, and thus he cannot act prudently. The church is overflowing with such people because they fail to read, assimilate, and put into use the precepts of God’s word. Life application: We are to obey the duly established authorities because: These people have been ordained by God to rule. By disobeying them, punishment will result (which brings discredit). By obeying them praise will result (which brings credit). And, through obeying them, the arguments of foolish and ignorant men will be silenced. If you can see the logic here, then you can understand why Christians are to be law-abiding citizens. It also makes sense that the nuttier the laws of the rulers, the more important it is to obey them. As unbelieving, ungodly people grow in number in the government, their laws will naturally reflect this. It would be normal to expect then that we would fight against the government because of their unwise, and even perverse, rules. But by doing this, we would give the enemies of God even more chance to revile us and Him. As long as the laws don’t cause us to violate God’s law, we actually bring credit to Him by obeying them and acting as proper citizens. It shuts the mouths of the ignorant and takes away their ability to revile God. Make sure you consider this when you speak out against your leaders, when you think about violating their laws, or when you attempt to conspire with others in bringing harm to those appointed above you. You bear the name of Jesus Christ. Therefore, you are obligated to act responsibly and bring credit to Him. O Lord, we often really have a tough time with some of the crazy laws and arrogant, slanderous leaders appointed over us. But Your word shows us the importance of praying for them, obeying them, and working within the established laws they have passed. Though it is difficult, it is all to bring credit to You. So, Lord, please give us the ability to do so. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 30, 2019 0:22:48 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 1 Peter 2:16, 29 October 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2019 Tuesday, 29 October 2019 …as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 1 Peter 2:16 Peter has been speaking of submitting to the authorities and the rules they lay down for society. He then equated those who fail to do this as “foolish men.” There is no doubt he is including believers in this. They profess to love God, but they fail to do what God expects of them. Now he says that believers are to do this “as free.” This means that believers are free from the world because of Christ, and yet God has mandated that we are to live within the confines of the law. However, some reject this and act as if they are above the laws of the land. This would, and will, bring about a hatred of believers and of Christ because of their haughty arrogance. It would further set the body apart as a rebel group. Any government would then see it as a threat. This is exactly why believers are to submit to the authorities established by God. They are to be seen as upstanding and obedient within the lands in which they reside. The purpose of Christ leaving a body of believers behind is to bring more into it, not to exalt itself above others and turn them away from it. However, Peter next says, “yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice.” The word translated as “cloak” is more rightly stated as “covering” or “veil.” It is something that would hide the true intent, and thus it forms a pretext. Further, the word “vice” speaks of that which is evil. It is that which is morally wicked because there is no shame in doing wrong. A believer could say, “I am free and therefore I can do whatever I want.” Thus, he could promote any worldly vice and claim that his actions don’t matter. But this is not what God has called his people to. He has saved them from this fallen world to live for Him. It is only an arrogant, foolish, and ignorant person who would willingly continue in his old life of debauchery and claim that it didn’t matter. “I am saved, so I can do what I want.” The very idea of this, however, confirms the doctrine of eternal salvation. Peter could not use these words if eternal salvation was not true. He would, instead, say that the consequences for such a life would result in condemnation. The negative (not threatening damnation) affirms the positive (eternal salvation). And he then explains why it is so by saying, “but as bondservants of God.” This is the heart of the matter. The believer is saved, but is saved unto righteousness. Only a perverse fool would stand saved by the blood of Christ and then willingly do what is contrary to the salvation he has been given. But even such a fool, if saved, remains saved. It shows the immense mercy of God because of what He has done in Christ Jesus for those who come to Him. As bondservants of God, we are given freedom from sin. When we fail to live to that standard, we are the ones who will suffer – both in this life, and in the judgment to come. Life application: The context of this verse is what Peter has been discussing for the last couple of verses– we are to submit to the authorities appointed over us and to live in harmony with the laws they have duly established. He said we are to do this because – 1) It is the will of God. 2) Our actions will silence the accusations of “foolish men.” Peter then goes on to say that we are free. This certainly means that we are free from the restrictions of this world; we have a higher allegiance. But our higher allegiance is actually of a much stricter moral code than the code of our earthly rulers. Even though we are actually free from society’s mandates, this in no way excuses us from living morally and in an upright manner. Others are watching who are bound to the rules of society. If they were to see us exercising our freedom in a licentious manner, it would give them every opportunity to accuse us and also rail against the God we claim to follow. It would further possibly lead them to call on a false Jesus who accepts such behavior. Thus, they would never come to true, saving faith. As Peter says, we may be free in one sense, but we are “bondservants of God” at the same time. How can we claim liberty leading to moral perversion under a lesser master? It makes no sense, and yet this is the exact way much of Christendom lives. When you move about society, be careful that others understand that the One you serve is far more precious to you than freedom from the world system in which you live. Let us pray for strength and fortitude in this area – O Lord God, we are Your servants, and yet we have acted as if we are free from Your law and bound to the laws of man and the chains of sin. You freed us from this life and yet, unfaithful as we are, we often return to it. Please transform us to holy living and right moral direction, so that You precepts will be held in high esteem by those who see our behavior in this life. Amen.
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