Category: 1 Peter

Posted on

Put Away All Slander.

“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good” (I Peter 2:1-3).

Chapter Two of I Peter begins a conclusion which directs the reader throughout the rest of the epistle. Peter identifies “five” sins involving our speech and attitudes which we must eliminate.

The word “so” is another way of saying “therefore.” As a consequence of who we are in Christ and our desire to be holy as He is holy (I Peter 1:16) God directs believers to put away or cease what we are accustomed to doing. What follows is not a pretty list, but Peter is less concerned with hurting people’s feelings as he is with truth. Please notice the adjective “all” which precedes all five nouns. This repentance is to be a total renunciation of ungodliness.

The first sin mentioned is malice. The second is deceit. The third is hypocrisy. The fourth is envy. The fifth and final sin is slander.

Slander (καταλαλιά; katalalia) is evil speech. It is to speak evil of someone with the intention of harming them. It is backbiting lies. Unfortunately, this sin was a concern the Apostle Paul had for the Corinthian church (2 Corinthians 12:20).

James 3:5-10 says, “5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”

Our growth in the Lord is not just about pursuing holiness, but also repenting from unholy behavior and emotions. The desire for God’s Word should give us an appetite for holiness, with an ever increasing desire for more. Resolve today by the Spirit’s power to guard what you say and speak today (Proverbs 4:23-27).

Have a blessed day, beloved. Soli deo Gloria!

 

Posted on

Put Away All Envy.

“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good” (I Peter 2:1-3).

Chapter Two of I Peter begins a conclusion which directs the reader throughout the rest of the epistle. Peter identifies “five” sins involving our speech and attitudes which we must eliminate.

The word “so” is another way of saying “therefore.” As a consequence of who we are in Christ and our desire to be holy as He is holy (I Peter 1:16) God directs believers to put away or cease what we are accustomed to doing. What follows is not a pretty list, but Peter is less concerned with hurting people’s feelings as he is with truth. Please notice the adjective “all” which precedes all five nouns. This repentance is to be a total renunciation of ungodliness.

The first sin mentioned is malice. The second is deceit. The third is hypocrisy. The fourth is envy.

Envy (φθόνος; phthonos) is jealousy. It is to hate someone for a presumed advantage they have. Envy is not only wanting what someone else possesses, but also resenting them for having this “something” when you do not. Envy can result in corruption and destruction in order to acquire what it is you believe you must have. Check out the Old Testament story of Naboth and King Ahab and a certain vineyard in I Kings 21.

God tells us in the final commandment of the Ten Commandments that believers are not to covet (Exodus 20). It doesn’t matter what it is, God says don’t envy and covet. It can be destructive.

Envy was regarded by the Apostle Paul to be a sin of the flesh (I Corinthians 3:3). Envy is among the things that comes from the heart, defiling a person (Mark 7:14-23). Jesus said the whole body is full of darkness when the eye, the lamp of the body, is bad (Luke 11:34-36).

Proverbs 17:5 says, “He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.” Envy ruins the body’s health, making bones rot (Proverbs 14:30). Envy prohibites one inheriting the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21). Sometimes, as a punishment, people are left in their sins, falling prey to envy and other sins (Romans 1:18-32).

Envy is credited as the basis of all toil and is therefore deeply ingrained in man’s nature (Ecclesiastes 4:4). Envy comes into being when man lacks certain things, or when things are used for one’s own selfish pleasures (James 4:1-3). Envy may be caused by wealth (Psalm 73:3).

For example, Isaac, envied the Philistines (Genesis 26:12-15), by the brightness of wealth, power and beauty Assyria envied other kingdoms (Ezekiel 31:1-9), and by political and military popularity King Saul envied David from the moment he heard the women’s songs of joy (I Samuel 18:5-9).

Leah envied her sister Rachel (Genesis 30:1-2), Joseph’s brothers envied Jacob’s love for him (Genesis 37:1-11). The religious leaders envied the apostles (Acts 5:12-20) and the popularity of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:44-47). Unfaithful Jews envied the success of Paul and Silas in the conversion of many Thessalonians (Acts 17:1-5) and the chief priests envied Jesus’ virtues and true power to heal, to make miracles and to teach people (Matthew 25:15-26; Mark 15:6-15).

Ask God to reveal to you what areas of your life you are prone to envy. Repent of them knowing that godliness with contentment is great gain (I Timothy 6:6).

Have a blessed day, beloved.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

Posted on

Put Away All Hypocrisy.

“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good” (I Peter 2:1-3).

Chapter Two of I Peter begins a conclusion which directs the reader throughout the rest of the epistle. Peter identifies “five” sins involving our speech and attitudes which we must eliminate.

The word “so” is another way of saying “therefore.” As a consequence of who we are in Christ and our desire to be holy as He is holy (I Peter 1:16) God directs believers to put away or cease what we are accustomed to doing. What follows is not a pretty list, but Peter is less concerned with hurting people’s feelings as he is with truth. Please notice the adjective “all” which precedes all five nouns. This repentance is to be a total renunciation of ungodliness.

The first sin mentioned is malice. The second is deceit. The third is hypocrisy.

Hypocrisy comes from the Greek word ὑπόκρισις (hypokrisis) which means play-acting or pretense. It was the word for an actor in the ancient Greek plays. It means a person pretending to be something they are not. It is from this Greek word that we derive our English word hypocrite.

Now, this is not a problem on the stage when involved in performing in a play or live musical. However, it is a sin when pretending to be someone you are not in your relationships with other people. One pastor writes that hypocrisy is, “to give an impression of having certain purposes or motivations, while in reality having quite different ones.”

Jesus saved His most stinging criticism for the Pharisees. Seven times in Matthew 23 He pronounced woe upon them because of their hypocrisy.

One of the most common criticisms of the local church made by non-believers is that the “church is filled with hypocrites.” The common response is “Well then, join us! There is always room for one more.”

The Scriptures tell us otherwise. We must repent of any and all pretense in our Christian behavior. We must be people of integrity. God encourages us to be so. As His children, we must be so.

Have a blessed day, beloved.

Soli deo Gloria!

Posted on

Put Away All Deceit.

“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good” (I Peter 2:1-3).

Chapter Two of I Peter begins a conclusion which directs the reader throughout the rest of the epistle. Peter identifies “five” sins involving our speech and attitudes which we must eliminate.

The word “so” is another way of saying “therefore.” As a consequence of who we are in Christ and our desire to be holy as He is holy (I Peter 1:16) God directs believers to put away or cease what we are accustomed to doing. What follows is not a pretty list, but Peter is less concerned with hurting people’s feelings as he is with the truth. Please notice the adjective “all” which precedes all five nouns. This repentance is to be a total renunciation of ungodliness.

The first sin mentioned is malice. The second is deceit. Deceit (δόλος; dolos) is trickery, treachery and deception. In other words, it is lying.

Deceit can take on many forms. It may be exaggeration of one’s accomplishments. It could be a failure to tell someone some of the details of their legal agreement in buying an item like a car, house or even a time-share. Whatever the circumstances, deceit is willfully seeking to trick or deceive another individual.

Abraham was guilty of this sin. He not only commited this sin once (Genesis 12:10-16), but twice (Genesis 20:1-13). On both occasions Abraham deceived people into thinking that his wife Sarah was his sister.

Often we face the temptation to deceive in our jobs. We may experience pressure from a higher-up to trick a client or a board of directors in making the quarterly earnings appear better than they are. It may be deceiving one’s spouse. The Christian striving to be holy can never succumb to deceit.

When a Christian determines to be a person of integrity, it may cost them their job. Not all the time, but in some circumstances this could be the result of not being a deceitful person. Are you ready and prepared to be a Christian totally committed to God and truth, whatever the cost?

Have a blessed day, beloved.

Soli deo Gloria!

Posted on

Put Away all Malice.

“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good” (I Peter 2:1-3).

We now resume our study of I Peter following our month long profile of Martin Luther and the 16th century Protestant Reformation. Chapter Two of I Peter begins with a conclusion directing the reader throughout the rest of the epistle. Peter identifies “five” sins involving our speech and attitudes which we must eliminate.

The word “so” is another way of saying “therefore.” As a consequence of who we are in Christ and our desire to be holy as He is holy (I Peter 1:16), God directs believers to put away or cease what we are accustomed to doing. What follows is not a pretty list, but Peter is less concerned with hurting people’s feelings as he is with truth. Please notice the adjective “all” which precedes all five nouns. This is to be a total renunciation of ungodliness.

The apostle begins by saying “put away all malice.” With your total being, cease being malicious. Malice is from the Greek word κακία (kakia). It refers to hateful feelings and a strong dislike we may have towards someone. Synonyms include the words baseness and depravity, or even wicked ill-will.

How many times can you remember having a strong dislike for someone because of what they did to you, or to someone you love? Those feelings often do not just go away. Untended, they can grow into a bitterness and wrath which can result in even worse sinful behavior: not by the original perpetrator mind you, but rather by you.

Toward whom have you had malicious feelings? A co-worker? A relative? Perhaps, even your spouse or a dear friend? Repent of this attitude immediately and ask God to give you the desire to not only pray for this person, but to self-sacrificially love this individual.

How do you know if you have repented of malice? Try this test. When you think of the person(s) in question or when their name is mentioned, how do you feel? What emotions come to the surface? Are the feelings you’re feeling include anger and bitterness? Or, are you thinking fondly about this person? This is a good way of knowing if you still have malice toward them.

Have a blessed day, beloved. Soli deo Gloria!

Posted on

The Word, The Gospel, & Preaching

“And this word is the good news that was preached to you” (I Peter 1:25).

The Apostle Peter was concerned with three primary things, according to I Peter 1:25, for the believers to whom He was writing. So should the church today. These three things were the Word, the good news of the gospel, and preaching.

The Word is the Greek word ῥῆμα, rhema, which is a particular portion or unit of Scripture. Peter was adamant that the source of our preaching/teaching must be a portion taken from the Bible. In the context, the word which literally belongs to and comes from the Lord, which refers us to Isaiah 40.

The particular portion, or topic, to which the apostle was concerned was the good news of the gospel. The phrase “good news” (εὐαγγελίζω; euangelizo) is the good news that God exists, sin exists, One Savior exists and salvation exists by grace alone, through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.

This good news is to be preached. Inherent in the word euangelizo, or good news, is that this gospel is to be announced. Its message is not to be changed or altered in anyway and is to be communicated with our entire being. This is the message for which Peter, and the Apostle Paul, among many others were martyred. It is the treasure for which God has entrusted to our care (2 Corinthians 4).

May these three primary components of the early church be found in our churches, beloved. It anything else becomes the reason for which we do ministry, we have lost the biblical vision from God.

Soli deo Gloria!

Posted on

Good News

“And this word is the good news that was preached to you” (I Peter 1:25).

Whether you are a pastor of a local church, a missionary serving the Lord where He has called you, a Sunday school teacher who faithfully prepares each week to deliver a lesson to children or adults, a youth volunteer who drives a bus for an activity, or someone involved in another facet of church, or para-church ministry, God has called each of us to communicate God’s Word. The Bible is to be the focus of all we do for the Lord.

Recently, ministries have tried various ways to attract various numbers of people. High energy music will build a church some say. Others opt for sensational and exciting events to draw a crowd. Zip lining anyone? Still others maintain the fog machines, dark walls in the auditorium, elaborate platform lighting and pastors dressed in skinny jeans and t-shirts is what ministry is all about.

I have recently spoken to several friends of mine who are involved in traveling music ministries. These people are committed to having a Bible based ministry. Yet, they have told me that throughout the country, they see churches making decisions which trouble them. They have seen crosses removed from church auditoriums and various other things I have already made mention for the singular purpose of attracting more people. In short, the philosophy of ministry has become “the ends justify the means.”

Even more than the change in architectural or worship service styles and activities, many church leaders are moving toward a philosophy that the Scriptures no longer are the primary focus of ministry. Whatever is done does not have to be in submission to Scripture. Therefore, services are held, and decisions are made by church leadership, that may even be disobedient to the Scriptures.

The Apostle Peter was concerned with three primary things, according to I Peter 1:25, for the believers to whom He was writing. So should the church today. These three things were the Word, the good news or the gospel, and preaching.

May these primary components of the early church be found in our churches, beloved.

Soli deo Gloria!

Posted on

Remaining Forever

24 “for all flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” (I Peter 1:24-25).

The truth Peter shares is not solely from his inspired mind. The apostle in vs. 24-25 echoes what the Prophet Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 40:6-8.

Perhaps this epiphany occurs at different times for different people, but as I entered  my sixth decade on this planet I realized that the time I have yet to live on earth is less than that what I have already lived. Sobering thought. The lyrics from the Broadway Musical Fiddler on the Roof rush to the forefront of my mind: “Sunrise, sunset, Sunrise, sunset, swiftly fly the years.”

The Prophet Isaiah heralds the message from God that all flesh or life, may be compared to the grass or flowers of the field. No matter how hearty or beautiful they are, they both wither and die. So it is with people; no matter who they are.

The turning point to this humbling, stop me in my tracks, realization is that there remains on this earth one certainty. That certainty is that “the word of the Lord remains forever.” Every promise God has made, every truth He has revealed will never falter or fail. They will endure because God endures, and because God endures, all those who are in Christ will also live for eternity with Christ.

This life here on earth will soon come to an end for all of us. The only question is where, when and how. But for those in Christ, the conclusion of life here on earth translates to the commencement of life forever in heaven. This is what God has promised and His word stands forever.

May this cause each of us to live today with eternity in view.

Soli deo Gloria!

Posted on

Born Again Through the Living Word

22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God”(I Peter 1:22-23).

Holy living requires a heart which desires purity. Psalm 119:9 says, ““How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word.” You cannot have one without the other. It is cause and effect. Obedience to God and His Word results in purity and holiness of soul and body. This is to be a daily discipline.

The reason for this discipline Peter speaks of in vs. 22 is because God has regenerated our souls, vs. 23. We have been born again (John 3:1-8). God has given us a new birth through the preaching of the gospel (John 1:12-13). The cause for any real change in our lives is because God has given us a spiritual re-birth.

This is not a mortal or physical birth which eventually results in physical death. Rather, this is a spiritual birth which is imperishable (ἄφθαρτος; aphthartos) or immortal. It will never die.

Lest there any confusion as to how this new birth occurs, Peter makes sure we understand that our new birth is only by or through the living and abiding word of God. God’s Word, or truth, is actively alive and eternal (Hebrews 4:12). The Apostle Paul declared that faith in Christ came by the word of Christ (Romans 10:17).

Our entrance into the kingdom of God is solely a work of God. Our obedience once we are a member of the kingdom is a cooperative work between us and God. In either situation, God receives all the glory (Galatians 6:14; I Corinthians 10:31-33).

Soli deo Gloria!

Posted on

Obedience

22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God”(I Peter 1:22-23).

Holy living requires a heart which desires purity. Psalm 119:9 says, ““How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word.” You cannot have one without the other. It is cause and effect. Obedience to God and His Word results in purity and holiness of soul and body. This is to be a daily discipline.

One pastor writes, “As trials refine faith, so obedience to God’s Word refines character. One who has purified himself by living according to God’s Word has discovered the joy of obedience.”

Obedience (ὑπακοή; hypakoe) is paying attention to the truth. God’s Word (John 17:17). Much like guarding your heart (Proverbs 4:23-27), holy living by obedience to God is our responsibility. Thankfully we are assisted by the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:12-13). It is a cooperative effort, but we must not be slack or uncommitted to our responsibility.

Commitment to obedience results in brotherly love (φιλαδελφία; philadephia) or an affection for a fellow believer. Sincere (ἀνυπόκριτος; anypokritos) means that our love is to be genuine. This means a lack of pretense or show. God calls us to love one another sincerely and to not pretend to do so. We are also to love earnestly (ἐκτενῶς; ektenos). This means eagerly and continuously.

Unfortunately, Christians hurt Christians. It happens. Perhaps, it even happens a lot. However, while we may not have any control over other Christians hurting us, we certainly have control of whether or not we hurt other Christians. If we want to be pure, we begin by being obedient to God’s Word which results in holy behavior.

Let’s begin today!

Soli deo Gloria!