By Brittenne Boykin
Overview
Lesson Text: 1 Peter 2:11-12; 3:13-17; 4:7-11; 5:8-10
This week’s set of scriptures both remind and caution us to be vigilant to keep from the lustly flesh which war against our bodies. He reminds the hearer to have honest conversation, even though they may speak against them that they will see their good works and God will get the glory. Peter reminds the hearer that if they do good who would harm them, even if they suffer for righteousness sake they are happy and not troubled. He cautions the reader to sanctify, set apart the Lord God in their hearts and be prepared to give an answer for why they hoped in Christ. He continues to drive home to point that even when evil was spoken of them they are found doing good making their accusers ashamed.
He places charity or love above all these things and urges them to exercise it fervently for it covers a multitude of sins. He compels them to be hospitable to one another without complaining or becoming bitter, and when one has received charity that they should be charitable to others. Peter continues to drive home the ways in which the believers should be vigilant, admonishing them that if any man speaks let him speak as the oracles of God truthfully. If any man minister let him minister through God’s strength and Peter emphasizes that they glorify God in all things.
He echoes his former sentiment in a call to be both sober and vigilant reminding them that their enemy roam about like a roaring lion seeking which one he can devour. Peter encourages them to resist steadfastly in the faith as they are not alone in their suffering but their brothers all around the world are also suffering. The God of all grace who called them would strengthen and establish them.
Related Scriptures: Psalm 37:21-31; Matthew 10:24-32; Romans 7:12-25; 12:3-11; 2 Timothy 2: 22-25
The related scriptures contrast the ways of the wicked as opposed to those who walk with the Lord. It recounts the Lord’s care for him in the past and present.(Psalm 31:21-31) It admonishes to turn from evil and to do good and that wrongdoers come to destruction. They remind us to be humble and that God cares for us and has numbered even the hairs on our heads. (Matt 10:24-32) In this set of scriptures Paul acknowledges that often when we want to do good evil is present trying to sway us but God delivers us through Christ Jesus. (Romans 7:12-25) Paul goes on to admonish us to remain humble and not think too highly of ourselves. He recognizes that we are one body but we do not all have the same function and encourages us to serve in the capacity that God has called us.
He reminds us that our love must be sincere and we are to hate what is evil and cling to what is good and to keep our zeal in serving the Lord. (Romans 12:3-11) In 2 Timothy Paul urges Timothy to flee evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness along with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart, to be kind to everyone and not resentful and also not quarrelsome. (2 Timothy 2:22-25)
Practical Point
We Must Rely on God’s Grace Everyday.
Philippians 2:13 “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
Sometimes it feels like our day to day duties and pursuits can leave us depleted and downright tired. The scripture reminds us that when God gives us the grace to do what He has called us to do whether it is in school , on our jobs, going about our daily routines. He in fact says in Philippians that he is actively working in us to will and want to do that which is His good pleasure. Let us tap into the grace that God has given us to do what he has ordained and in His strength and for HIs glory.
