Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Daily Scripture & Questions
I Peter 3:8-5:14 Peter continues teaching us how to suffer in a manner that pleases God when we are facing trials because of righteousness (versus when we are getting what we deserve for doing wrong). What must we not do and what must we be ready to do according to 3:14-16? I Peter 3:18-22 is a paragraph with lots of challenges in it. The "spirits in prison" may refer to unsaved people in Noah's day to whom Jesus preached through the prophet Noah. Some think it may refer to Jesus' declaration of victory over fallen angels. What it clearly does not refer to is people having a second chance to believe after death. A comparison is made between Noah's ark and baptism, through which believers were saved. The physical act of baptism doesn't save since Peter says, ". . .not as a removal of dirt from the body." Rather, baptism is an outward expression of our appeal to God for forgiveness based on the death and resurrection of Jesus. How are we to arm ourselves in our way of thinking (4:1 ff)? How does the "soon" return of Jesus help us live self-controlled and sober-minded lives (4:7 ff)? Should we be surprised at our trials (4:12 ff)? What are Peter's instructions to the elders of the church in the beginning of chapter five? How does 5:8-11 challenge us again to be sober minded?
Family Devotions—Scripture & Questions
Read I Peter 3:8-17. How are we to live? If we do good, does that mean that we won't ever suffer? Are you prepared to make a defense and give a reason for the hope that is within you through Christ? How can a Christian be prepared to give such an answer?
Biblical Prayer Focus
Luke 22:40-42 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
Ask the Lord's help to not enter into temptation. Seek Him for the Spirit's empowerment to become faithful in prayer and to be willing to do His will, even when it is so very hard.
I Peter 3:8-5:14 Peter continues teaching us how to suffer in a manner that pleases God when we are facing trials because of righteousness (versus when we are getting what we deserve for doing wrong). What must we not do and what must we be ready to do according to 3:14-16? I Peter 3:18-22 is a paragraph with lots of challenges in it. The "spirits in prison" may refer to unsaved people in Noah's day to whom Jesus preached through the prophet Noah. Some think it may refer to Jesus' declaration of victory over fallen angels. What it clearly does not refer to is people having a second chance to believe after death. A comparison is made between Noah's ark and baptism, through which believers were saved. The physical act of baptism doesn't save since Peter says, ". . .not as a removal of dirt from the body." Rather, baptism is an outward expression of our appeal to God for forgiveness based on the death and resurrection of Jesus. How are we to arm ourselves in our way of thinking (4:1 ff)? How does the "soon" return of Jesus help us live self-controlled and sober-minded lives (4:7 ff)? Should we be surprised at our trials (4:12 ff)? What are Peter's instructions to the elders of the church in the beginning of chapter five? How does 5:8-11 challenge us again to be sober minded?
Family Devotions—Scripture & Questions
Read I Peter 3:8-17. How are we to live? If we do good, does that mean that we won't ever suffer? Are you prepared to make a defense and give a reason for the hope that is within you through Christ? How can a Christian be prepared to give such an answer?
Biblical Prayer Focus
Luke 22:40-42 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
Ask the Lord's help to not enter into temptation. Seek Him for the Spirit's empowerment to become faithful in prayer and to be willing to do His will, even when it is so very hard.
Posted in Daily Reading