Discipleship Point
1 Peter 3:15-17
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Pondering Point
Many people, in sharing their viewpoint on matters – including matter of faith – can turn others off by their tone, lecturing attitude, or unwillingness to listen in return (among others). James had some helpful advice in the words above.
We continue our learning about following Jesus through snippets from our covenant with Jesus.
Discipleship Point taken from the Disciple’s Covenant with Jesus
Personal goals as I follow Jesus:
In a desire to be someone "always ready to share the reason for the hope that I have in Christ Jesus" (1 Peter 3:15),
I am willing to set goals to be intentional about my life of following Jesus, including to be in God’s Word regularly and to be in relationship with people whom God can use to disciple me.
Discipleship Prayer
Jesus Christ, I desire to follow You in practice, not just in language. I desire to follow You with intentionality, not just whenever I hunger for a spiritual spark. Help me give You primary time and energy as I live. I want to connect to You and grow in You. Please show me how. Amen.
New Testament Overviews: 1 Peter
This letter was written as an encouragement to Gentile Christians facing persecution. Peter assures these faithful believers that they are chosen by God and that their persecution is actually a gift, offering them a chance to show others the surprising generosity and love of Jesus.
https://bibleproject.com/videos/1-peter/
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Psalm 119:113-120 15th letter: Samekh (ס)
- I hate double-minded people,
but I love your law. - You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word. - Away from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commands of my God! - Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;
do not let my hopes be dashed. - Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
I will always have regard for your decrees. - You reject all who stray from your decrees,
for their delusions come to nothing. - All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;
therefore I love your statutes. - My flesh trembles in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your laws.
Read the verses of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Psalm 96:9
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.
The Promise
1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Pondering Point
Per 1 Peter 1:7, pray that God test you, burning off the dross to leave a more-precious-than-gold faith and life that results in His praise and glory and honor.