|
"The absolute victory of Jesus gives us freedom to respond to evil with goodness!" This seems to be the main point of our text today. The final verse of chapter 3 reminds us that Jesus is already seated at the right hand of God and that all 'angels, authorities, and powers' are in submission to Him. He has already won the battle against evil! Therefore, it is not up to us win the battle - He has already done it! This gives us freedom to follow the example and teaching of Jesus who suffered much injustice but did not retaliate. These words, of course, are much easier to say than to do! May we trust in Him fully and be so full of His goodness that we may truly learn to 'repay evil with blessing' (3:9)
Listen below or right click here to download the file
0 Comments
Having reminded us of our lofty identity as followers of Jesus in verses 9 & 10, Peter now opens a new section of his letter and turns out attention to our mission on this world. Today we notice a couple of key words which outline Peter's sense of priority for the life of the believer in this temporary world. One is goodness - Peter calls us over and over again to be good people - this goodness flows out of the goodness of God!. The other word (concept) is the idea of submission (honor, defer to one another). May we open our hearts to hear this message from Him!
Listen below or right click here to download file Our text today follows on in the same general theme from last week where Peter called us to 'set [our] hope on the grace to be brought to [us] when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming' (1:13). In this early part of chapter 2, Peter is most concerned that we understand our identity as temporary citizens living expectantly in this world. He employs 3 word pictures to describe our identity as followers of Jesus - a) like little children, put off evil habits and crave the goodness of God (1-3); b) like living stones, you are being built together to offer up spiritual sacrifices; c) YOU ARE a chosen people; a royal priesthood; a holy nation; a people belonging to God SO THAT you may declare (proclaim) His praises (excellencies) - he has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light! May we understand and live out our identity in increasing measure!
Listen below or right click here to download the file |
Archives
January 2023
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed