Tag: God

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For His Good Pleasure

“Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look” (I Peter 1:10-12).

Sometimes it seems that for some people serving the Lord is about themselves and not about Christ. The emphasis for these individuals often appears to be on the musicians, or pastor or evangelist and their giftedness to the church rather than on the One True God who has gifted them (I Corinthians 12:11). For many, the intoxication of the lighted platform and screaming crowds may outweigh the service of suffering in relative obscurity.

This was not the case for the Old Testament prophets of God. They preached about the grace of God and predicted the sufferings and glory of Christ. God revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but rather the believers in Christ who would follow. They often were persecuted for their service rather than praised (Hebrews 11:32-40).

An old friend of mine, who has gone home to be with the Lord, once told me that when the Lord would begin to use me for His glory, it would be very easy to think that serving the Lord was all about me when it should be all about Him. How accurate my friend was in his counsel. When those moments of self-exaltation occur,  which are more than I care to admit, I remember that it is God working in me and through me for His good pleasure and for His glory (Philippians 2;13; I Corinthians 10:31).

Let us never forget who we are serving and who is truly significant. His name is Jesus Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

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Deep Seated & Soul Centered Joy

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (I Peter 1:8-9).

Peter speaks to his readers in vs. 8-9 of an important distinction between the first century apostles and the remaining followers of Jesus Christ; then and today. The apostles walked with Jesus and witnessed firsthand all which He did (I John 1:1-4). This was one of the qualifications in holding the office of apostle (Acts 1:21-26). Not so for the other followers of Christ. Rather, we walk or live for Christ by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

While Peter makes this important distinction between himself and his audience, he also makes this important point. Even though believers have not seen the Lord Jesus as the apostles did, we still love Him (I John 4:7-11). Even though we do not now see Jesus, we trust, are committed to, depend and worship Him.

This results in a deep seated, soul centered joy, or gladness, which is often inexpressible in words and which is not understood by those who are not in a covenant relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 2:14).

For the believer, this relationship with Christ is wonderfully praiseworthy because God has promised to not only save us from the penalty of sin, and the power of sin, but eventually from the very presence of sin (Romans 8:28-30). This is when our salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone will be compete.

Take time today to express to God, in words if you can, how much He means to you because of who He is and what He has done. Think of a hymn or song which expresses in lyrics and music what the Lord means to you.

Soli deo Gloria!

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More Precious Than Gold

 “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials so that the tested genuineness of your faith —more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:6-7).

What is the result of God ordained tests? The answer is that the tested genuineness of one’s faith (trust, commitment; dependence; worship) in and of Christ would result in praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

In the midst of this revelation, Peter inserts a dependent clause illustrating the importance and value of an individual believer’s faith in Christ. God views our trust, commitment, dependence and worship of Him through Jesus Christ as being “more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire.”

Peter distinguished the believer’s purified faith with purified gold. Faith is more precious, or of greater value, than gold. Even purified gold, though it lasts quite a long time, eventually deteriorates and loses its value (cf. 1 Peter 1:18; cf. James 5:3). It will be without value in eternity. But faith in Christ is an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade (I Peter 1:4).

Even believers in Christ can often evaluate worth by something as temporary as gold. How often do we see commercials touting the value of this precious metal and how important it is to possess it? In God’s eyes, your faith in Christ is far more valuable and eternal. Regard your faith in Christ today as something precious. It truly is! Today read Matthew 6.

Soli deo Gloria!

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Praise, Glory, & Honor

 “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials so that the tested genuineness of your faith —more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:6-7).

While God never tempts us to sin (James 1:13-15) He does allow, or even sends, trials into our lives when He perceives them to be indispensable. Such was the case with Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 50:20). Why would God do such a thing? Why would the Bible teach such a doctrine? Why are trials necessary?

The answer is given in vs. 7. “So that the tested genuineness of your faith may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” The phrase “so that” indicates a purpose for the reality of trials in our lives. They are to test us in order to prove the authenticity of an individual’s faith in Christ. Anyone can say they believe in Christ as Savior and Lord. It is quite another thing to be tested by the fires of persecution to see if you really are a child of God. This is why God sovereignly permits trials.

What is the result of this God ordained tests? The answer is that the tested genuineness of one’s faith (trust, commitment; dependence; worship) in and of Christ would result in praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Praise (ἔπαινος; epainos) means the excellence of a person. Glory (δόξα; doxa) means splendor and greatness. Honor (τιμή; time’) means respect and high status or value. The ultimate result of our trials and sufferings is that Christ would eternally be praised, glorified and honored as the One of whom we faithfully served, even when the going got tough.

Believers often restrict the praise, glory and honor of Jesus Christ to only to a worship service during the week. Peter instructs us that our praise, glory and honoring of Christ our Lord is about a lifetime of tested faith which will magnify Christ when He returns.

May we live today with this eternal perspective.

Soli deo Gloria!

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Tested Genuineness of Your Faith.

 “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials so that the tested genuineness of your faith —more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (I Peter 1:6-7).

The blessings we have from God, which Peter spoke of in 1:3-5, are eternal. This is in contrast to the problems believers face here on earth. These problems, or various trials, are only for a little while. That is to say they last for only a short or brief time.

While God never tempts us to sin (James 1:13-15) He does allow, or even sends, trials into our lives when He perceives them to be indispensable. Such was the case with Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 50:20).

There are some believers who recoil at the idea that God would ever be directly, or even indirectly, involved in sending His children trials. Yet Peter, and James (1:2-4), teach this important truth. Why would God do such a thing? Why would the Bible teach such a doctrine? Why are trials necessary?

The answer is given in vs. 7. “So that the tested genuineness of your faith may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” The phrase “so that” indicates a purpose for the reality of trials in our lives. They are to test us.

The phrase “tested genuineness” is from the Greek word δοκίμιον; dokimion meaning to prove the authenticity of an individual’s faith in Christ. Anyone can say they believe in Christ as Savior and Lord. It is quite another thing to be tested by the fires of persecution to see if you really are a child of God. This is why God sovereignly permits trials.

What is the result of this God ordained test? We will examine this in our next time together. Until then, take the opportunity to thank God for the tests He brings into your life. Some of the hardest tests I have ever experienced proved to provide the greatest benefits. What about you?

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

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Trials

 “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials” (I Peter 1:6).

The blessings we have from God, which Peter spoke of in 1:3-5, are eternal. This is in contrast to the problems believers face here on earth. These problems, or various trials, are only for a little while. That is to say they last for only a short or brief time.

The adjective “various” comes from the Greek word ποικίλος (poikilos) meaning diversified or many. This word is used throughout the New Testament (Matthew 4:24; Mark 1:34; Luke 4:40; 2 Timothy 3:6; Titus 3:3; Hebrews 2:4; 13:9; James 1:2; 1Peter 1:6; 3:7; 4:10). I read somewhere that poikilos may be the word from which we derive our English expression Polka Dot.

Believers in Christ do not encounter just one kind of trial or persecution. On the contrary, we experience many different kinds of trials in all shapes, sizes and durations. It is not a one size fits all kind of teaching or reality.

The word trial (πειρασμός; periasmos) refers to a test or examination. The word is in the plural form which means that there is more than one trial or test we will face as believers in Christ. One person may experience physical persecution, while another believer faces emotional suffering. Still another may encounter social or relationship persecution because of their faith.

Regardless of the kind or type of trials we face, they are temporal. We will experience them for only a little while. Yet, make no mistake we can and are grieved by them. They irritate us and cause us heartache. They are painful and there is no timetable as to when the grieving will end.

So what do we do? We rejoice in the eternal blessings from God. Remember, God’s blessings are eternal and our various trials causing us grief are temporary. The trials will eventually end. Thankfully, God’s blessings are eternal. Read today James 1:2-4.

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Various Trials

 “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials” (I Peter 1:6).

I Peter 1:6 builds upon what the Apostle Peter has already written in 1:3-5. What is Peter referring to when he writes, “In this you rejoice?” What is the “this” of which believers are personally and presently to be glad about, to be joyful, and to do so in their behavior, specifically with singing?

What believers are to rejoice in is the mercy of God, our new birth, and our living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1:3). We rejoice in an inheritance from God which is imperishable, undefiled and unfading which is kept in heaven for us (1:4). We rejoice in God’s powerful protection of each believer until Jesus Christ returns to earth (1:5).

The fundamental characteristic of all which we rejoice before God is that all of these blessings are eternal. God’s mercy is eternal. Our new birth is eternal (John 3:16). Our living hope is eternal. Every blessing we receive from God, through Christ, is eternal for it is grounded in Jesus’ resurrection from the dead (I Corinthians 15).

Contrastingly, what we experience here on earth, the good, the bad and the occasional ugly, is temporal or temporary. The problems we face are temporary. Even the happiness people seek in and from this world is temporary. In other words, nothing in this world lasts. But the blessings from God do last. For eternity!

Take time today too consciously thank God for His mercy, your new birth in Christ, your salvation and God’s powerful protection of you and each and every believer. Read today Romans 8.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

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Eternal Mercy

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (I Peter 1:3-4).

God is eternally merciful. According to His mercy and grace, He has made us His children who once were His enemies (Romans 5:8-10) and objects of His wrath (Romans 1:18; Ephesians 2:1-3). We have new life from Him and in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This has resulted in a confident expectation or hope that what God has promised, He will fulfill. This is because He is faithful (I Corinthians 10:13; Daniel 3:17; 2 Peter 2:9).

God is not only eternally merciful, but He is also eternally generous. He has granted each believer in Christ an eternal inheritance. This provided possession that God has promised to give, which is eternal life and all its blessings, has several characteristics with which we must become familiar.

First, our inheritance from God in Christ is imperishable. It will not decay. It is not liable to corruption. It lasts forever. It is eternal life. It is salvation.

Second, our inheritance is undefiled. Our salvation is unspoiled and free from anything which can deform it.

Third, our inheritance will not fade away. Salvation is perennial. It is continual.

Fourth, our inheritance is reserved in heaven by God for us. God watches over and carefully takes care of our salvation. He does not just save us and leave us alone. He is continually protective. This reservation is in heaven. Like Israel’s inheritance was a “Promised Land” on earth, for each and every believer our Promised Land is in heaven.

All of this is because God chose to be merciful to sinners like you and me. Rejoice and rest today in your inheritance and the person and work of Jesus Christ which provides it. I encourage you to read Romans 8.

 

Soli deo Gloria!

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He Alone is Worthy

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (I Peter 1:3).

The last time we met, we briefly examined that according to I Peter 1:3, God and God alone is to be the object of the believers worship, honor, praise and celebration. Rather than ourselves, or anyone or anything else for that matter, He alone is worthy to receive our worship. Peter briefly tells us why?

First, it is because of God’s great mercy. Peter says that God’s mercy is great. It is a big deal. What is meant by mercy? The word for mercy in the Greek is ἔλεος (eleos) meaning compassion, or showing kindness to someone in need.

Second, what was our need as fallen sinners? The Bible says we were dead (Ephesians 2:1-3). Spiritually separated from God. What we needed was new life. This is what God has provided through regeneration (Titus 3) or being born again (John 3:1-8; I Peter 1:23; James 1:18) by the Holy Spirit.

Notice that we are not the cause of our new birth in Christ. There is no magic or prescribed formula whereby we are the cause of our new birth. Being born again is not a commandment to obey. Rather, our new birth in Christ is due to God’s great mercy whereby He sovereignly brings to life those whom He chooses. These are the elect, or chosen, to which Peter referred to previously (1:1).

Third, this new birth results in a living hope. Hope (ἐλπίς; elpis) is not a wish but rather a confident expectation that what God has promised He will fulfill. God has promised eternal life in His Son, Jesus Christ, and this is a promise, along with all the other promises God has made, that He will keep.

Fourth, the singular act involving Jesus Christ assuring God’s promise of eternal life for the sinner is the resurrection. Preceding the resurrection of Christ is the virgin birth, sinless life, and His substitutionary death. But climaxing the work of Christ is the victory over sin, death and hell (I Corinthians 15) by His bodily resurrection.

I Peter 1:3 gives us but a few reasons to praise, honor, worship and bless the Lord today. But oh my, what a list.

Take time throughout your day today to thank and praise God for His great mercy which resulted in Him giving you new life, and a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Read today John 3, Titus 3 and Ephesians 2:1-10.

Soli deo Gloria!

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Grace & Peace

“May grace and peace be multiplied to you” (I Peter 1:2b).

One of the most familiar phrases found in the New Testament Scriptures, particularly in the epistles, is grace and peace. The Apostle Paul uses this expression in various forms in all of his writings. So too does the Apostle Peter. This was a common greeting during the first century.

Grace, meaning unmerited favor from God to sinful man unto salvation, was an important word for Peter. He used it ten times in this epistle ((1 Peter 1:2, 10, 13; 2:19–20; 3:7; 4:10; 5:5, 10, 12). Grace is not only the basis for God saving sinners, but also for conforming us to be more like Christ.

Peace is freedom from worry. Peace is not necessarily tranquility because of our circumstances, but rather often in spite of our circumstances. Also, notice that the word grace always precedes peace. Peace is a result of God’s kindness and goodwill and not the other way around. We do not make peace with God and therefore earn His grace. Rather, He by his grace choses to save sinners resulting in peace (Romans 5:1).

What Peter is saying is that he hopes that believers, because of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit’s work in their lives, will recognize God’s abundant and multiplied grace in their lives. This grace is not just God’s work in saving them from the penalty of sin but also from the power of sin resulting in peace.

The Lord is continually at work in our hearts and souls, whether we recognize it or not. Hopefully, because of this passage, we will remember and thank Him for His faithfulness to complete the work He has begun in us (Philippians 1:6).

Have a blessed day as you worship the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!