1 Peter 5 “The Marks Of A True Shepherd”

“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, to shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (vv.1-4) 

What are the marks of a true shepherd? Our text describes four - attitude, purpose, manner, and accountability. True shepherds do their work with an attitude of willingness, not out of a sense of obligation (v. 2a). Second, the true shepherd's purpose is to serve others, rather than leading in order to serve one's own needs (v. 2b). Third, we see that a true leader does not “lord it over” others, seeking power and authority; rather, they offer a humble “example to the flock” (v. 3). And finally, a true shepherd of God's flock will always remember that there is a Chief Shepherd to whom they are accountable as well (v.4). 

Ultimately, it is Christ's church, not ours. And Christ is the true Shepherd of His people. Therefore, any leader of Christ's church is only an under-shepherd (a steward) of that one great “Shepherd and Overseer of our souls” (1 Peter 2:25). 

May we all strive to follow this example, and when we fall short, humbly ask for His forgiveness.

The Truth: "Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)

1 Peter 4 “Christian Love”

“Keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (vv. 9-10)

What does true Christian love look like? It's a life of service. Scripture calls us to a life of deep love for others. Rather than seeking to expose the faults of others, we should strive to cover those faults with a generous forgiveness and a welcoming hospitality (vv. 8-9). Knowing we are loved and welcomed by God, we should in turn offer love and welcome to others.

Love is more than just feelings and forgiveness; it involves tangible actions as well. Whatever gifts we've been given (and Scripture says that each of us has some gift), we are to use them to serve others. Whether it be comforting words in a time of great need, or a anonymous gift in a time of hardship, our life should be an act of service that operates out of God's gifts to us, and for His glory (vv. 10-11). 

So while our days on this earth grow shorter every day, that knowledge should sharpen our focus on the things that matter most: honoring God by loving and serving one another.

The Truth: "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” (Romans 12:9-13)

1 Peter 3 “God Sees All”

“For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (v. 12)

In our society today, why does wickedness seem destined to prevail? Does God not see all that rears its head in defiance of Him and those who live unrighteously? 

Our text says, "the face of the Lord is against them that do evil," implying that in due time their judgment will come. Psalm 103:9 tells us, "He will not always chide; neither will he keep his anger forever." Meaning, while this is still the age of grace, and He is still willing that none should perish, judgment is coming!

The major portion of our scripture reading for today it is a quotation from Psalm 34. In it the Psalmist had observed in his day just what the apostle was now seeing - that man's heart does not change from age to age, and is always trying to implement his own schemes and exclude his Creator. As a result, failure will always be written over the futile efforts of the human race to attain peace and happiness without God. 

Yet, out of the midst of man's flawed reasoning, God is calling people to His name. And for those willing to accept His call, there is the promise, "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.”

Therefore, be encouraged, stay the course, stand against injustice, and pray for those who are blinded by "false leadership." God sees all and He will not hold back His anger forever. 

The Truth: "He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor his anger forever; He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. " (Psalm 103:9-12)

1 Peter 2 “Living Stones”

“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.” (v.5)

In Peter’s description of the church, he describes people as “living stones” who are “built up as a spiritual house” with Jesus as the “cornerstone.” From Peter’s perspective, the church is not so much a physical building or even an institution, but people that God is developing and bringing together in Jesus.

It’s important to remember that what makes us as “living stones” fit together in a cohesive unit, is making sure that the cornerstone is in place. In the construction of a building, the cornerstone is set first in the foundation and all the other stones are positioned in reference to it. If the cornerstone is weak or not set in the right place, everything else in the building will be off.

I am so thankful that most churches are focused on, developing people who love and follow Jesus. In such a climate as this, it is vitally important that the church one calls home is built on the only foundation that can stand the test of time, Jesus. Then, we as “living stones” will be built up as a spiritual house, acceptable to God, with Jesus as our chief cornerstone able to support and develop growth. 

The Truth: "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)

1 Peter 1 The Saving Work Of The Spirit”

“Chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood.” (v.2)

In the opening verses of Peter’s first letter, the apostle referred to the role of the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son in saving us (v.2). Our salvation began with the Father’s loving plan, made possible by Jesus’ atoning death on the cross (to provide forgiveness and cleansing), and was completed by the Holy Spirit’s transforming work in us. While the trinity may be a confounding concept, it can be clearly seen here at work in the salvation of those mentioned by Peter in verse 1, and our lives today as well. 

The more clearly we see and appreciate the unique role each Person of the Godhead has in our salvation, the more intimate will be our daily walk with Him. Where would we be without God's call on our life? Lost, stumbling around in a dark world. Where would we be without the cleansing blood of Jesus for our sin? Dead in our trespasses with no hope of eternity. Where would we be with His Spirit to guide our steps? Doing what seems right in our own eyes with no light of truth in us. 

Thank you Father in Heaven, for sending Your Son as a sacrificial substitute for our sin, who sits at Your right hand to make intercession for us. And for not leaving us alone without a comforter, but gave us Your Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth. Amen.   

The Truth: “God, from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and the belief in the truth (His Son).” (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

James 5 “Be Patient”

“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (vv. 7-8)

Farming takes patience and perseverance. Farmers have to wait for many things beyond their control. They wait long days for the winter to thaw so they can begin planting. They wait for the weather to shift and bring rain to offset droughts, and the sun to push away clouds. They wait for calves to be born and chickens to lay eggs. They wait on plants to grow and for the harvest to come. Meanwhile they persevere at the task, tilling the soil, feeding the animals, putting seed in the ground. 

It's no wonder then that James compares our lives as believers to farmers. Certainly his readers knew what it took to cultivate the land with hard work, patience, and perseverance. Those same qualities are integral to our lives as believers as well, while we patiently wait for our Lord’s return. We too must continue to persevere through many things beyond our control here on earth; a pandemic, the economy, layoffs, quarantines, accidents, sickness, and even the deaths of family and friends. Yet none of these things should deter us from our task of serving the LORD, and planting the seeds of His kingdom, for we know we are only pilgrims passing through and this world is not our home. 

Therefore, persevere, plant the seeds of faith and hope around you, and know that your patience will bring forth good fruit in His timing - For your life and your future are in His ultimate control.

The Truth: “Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:4) 

James 4 "Life Is Short"

 "Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” (v.14)

Today’s passage is a sobering reminder that life is filled with uncertainty. James makes it very clear that life is "a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." And because of this we ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that" (v.15).

Managing our financial futures, planning for retirement, developing a living trust, working hard and looking ahead to our golden years, these are important and show good wisdom. However, because any day may be our final day on earth, we also need to be sure that we are just as ready to stand before God as well.

So easy to get caught up in the here and now, in the material as oppose to the eternal. Life is short and the little things that seem so important to us now, pale in comparison to a path that has a more eternal value.  As mentioned eailier there is nothing wrong in planning for the future, or desiring to have better life here on earth. Just make sure God is in the process and you don't spend time filling your barns and not being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. 

As C.T. Studd put it, "Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, "Thy will be done"; And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say 'twas worth ot all." 

Are you prepared to meet your maker? If not, now is a good time to repent of your sin, and ask Him into your heart, to become the LORD of your life. You can do that today by praying the prayer, "Connect With God" to the righthand side of this page. You will be eternally thankful you did. God bless. 

The Truth: “Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor.” (Psalm 39:5)

James 3 “Heavenly Wisdom”

“The wisdom that is from above is… without hypocrisy.” (v.17)

When there is a discrepancy between what we say and what we do, we create confusion in the minds of others. That's why many nonbelievers do not take the gospel message seriously. A Christian who makes the greatest impact on a watching world, and who furthers the cause of Christ, is one whose actions are in harmony with his speech.

When James spoke of the "wisdom that is from above," he described it as "pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (v.17). This wisdom does not require a high IQ or a great SAT score. It comes from a rebirth of our hearts and our spirits to a life truly taken captive by God, which allows us to speak and do the truth.

The opposite of this of course is wisdom which is not from above, but of the world, man's wisdom. Man's wisdom seeks to gain its own way, it is not peaceable, nor gentle, or willing to yield. It is not without partiality or hypocrisy, and generally comes with an agenda. Oh you will hear one message, but the end result will be far from the truth.  

Only when actions and words agree, does the message become loud and clear, and without hypocrisy. 

The Truth: “Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 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.” (Matthew 23:1-3)