June 11
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BE HUMBLE AND BE EXAMPLES TO THE FLOCK
Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT HE GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. – 1 Peter 5:1-5
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In this letter, Peter charges the other elders as a fellow elder himself, to be a witness of the sufferings of Christ and also someone who will look forward to the glory that will be revealed to them. In verse 2, Peter asks them to shepherd the flock that God has given them, ensuring that they implementing foresight and sound leadership. He stresses the importance of initiative and not just doing their duties out of compulsion, but according to God’s will. He cautions them about greed and advises them to be eager and passionate about their big responsibilities in ensuring that the sheepfold is cared for. He warns them of the danger of putting themselves in high esteem and controlling the flock. Instead, Peter commands them to be a role model to the entire flock. In verse 4, Peter points to the reward that awaits those elders who faithfully shepherds the flock that have been given to them. They will receive the crown of life.
In our world today, there are lots of churches that are compromised when it comes to the integrity of the elders. The role of the elders is no longer set apart from worldly systems in many false churches. It is no longer taking care of God’s flock that is their role, but having their agendas met. It is precious that Peter writes this letter to admonish the elders and also the younger men.
In verse 5, the younger men are commanded to submit to the authority of the elders. A leader is not able to lead well without submissive members of the flock. He wants all believers to cloak themselves in humility because God opposes the proud.
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REFLECTION
• Why is role modelling more important than telling someone what to do?
• Why is witnessing to Jesus’ suffering an important function of an elder?
Monthly Archives: June 2021
THE SUFFERING THAT GOD REWARDS
June 10
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THE SUFFERING THAT GOD REWARDS
15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
– 1 Peter 4:15-19
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In this letter, Peter differentiates two types of suffering. He groups them into two kinds. One that is brought about by one’s sins or as a consequence of a wrong choice or foolish decision. The other one is to suffer as a Christian when one is being persecuted, ostracized or ridiculed for believing in God and the truth. It is interesting to watch unbelievers suffer because they have no idea what God has done for them so they can live a life of freedom and love. It is noble to watch someone go through hardships because they are defending the truth about Jesus and the gospel. During COVID 19 pandemic, many Christian leaders are being persecuted to continue to serve the Lord and gather to worship Him. What Peter is saying here is that it is honorable to defend God’s truth even to a point of death. That was what martyrs in the bible did, just like Stephen who was stoned to death because he wouldn’t compromise his faith.
In verse 17, Peter reminds us how Christians ought to be responsible more than those who don’t know God. Those who knows God, knows his commands and are expected to follow them. While those who have never heard about the gospel are not hold accountable for something they do not know. There is a higher expectation from those who claim they believe in God than those who never knew him. In verse 18, Peter states a truth that any believer must take seriously. If believers are already struggling with the challenges and trials that come with faith, how much more those who do not know Christ or have turn their backs on him?
In verse 19, all believers are reminded of the reward awaiting those who suffer according to the will of God and for the sake of the Good News. Peter, once again, brings the focus on our Creator, who lavishly loves us and is generous to reward his faithful people.
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REFLECTION
• Why are unbelievers unable to grasp the concept of suffering for Christ?
REJOICE WHEN YOU SUFFER FOR CHRIST
JUNE 9
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REJOICE WHEN YOU SUFFER FOR CHRIST
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you.
-1 Peter 4:12-14
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In this letter, Peter stresses the importance of suffering for Christ. In the following passages, he cautions all believers to avoid making an ordeal of the hardships that they go through when they are experiencing trials to bring truth through their words and way of life. Instead, believers need to change their perspectives in the event that they are faced with adversities for the sake of Christ and the gospel.
Peter raises a counter-intuitive approach to such challenging events that brings about occasions to preach the gospel. His antidote to such suffering is to rejoice. The world will never understand this concept because it focuses on pleasuring the self. Humans are by nature self-serving. They will never serve Christ in their natural. Peter explains why it is important to suffer for Christ joyfully. It brings him glory. The tendency for humans is to complain and only be happy when they get what they want. It is only in Christ that we can view suffering as a way to grow endurance, and thus, grow our faith as well.
Peter further clarifies the process of spiritual growth that happens when we are insulted for the name of Christ. If we are insulted because we believe in Christ, that is like sharing in Christ’s suffering here on earth as he became the sacrificial lamb to cleanse all mankind from sin. He says that we receive much blessings when we allow ourselves to go through such suffering with rejoicing.
I have actually experienced an abundance of blessings just because I endured being mocked with my love for the Lord and with living a life of integrity and honesty. It is foreign for unbelievers to understand why believers would even embrace suffering for the sake of Jesus. They do not have a concept of servanthood. Our world system discriminates such act of humility because it caters more to power and corruption rather than humility and being under authority to the Lord God himself. Remember that rejoicing in suffering for Christ, you are earning heavenly points for your soul.
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REFLECTION
• Why shouldn’t we be surprised when we are ridiculed for suffering for Jesus?
WARNING FOR THE END ILMA’S VLOG
June 8
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WARNING FOR THE END
7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
– 1 Peter 4:7-11
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In this letter, Peter spells out some details about the warning that the end of all things is near. Here are some of his cautionary measures for all the believers to watch out for:
1. Be of sound judgment-we can only have a sound mind if we renew our minds to the mind of Christ. That is the only way we can make sound judgment.
2. Be of sober spirit for the purpose of prayer-Peter reminds us of the importance of prayer. A believer’s life must be about preparing one’s heart for communing with God. If our spirit is so distracted with many things, we won’t be able to pray right.
3. Keep fervent in your love for one another-being eager to serve one another because you love them is an evidence of the Spirit’s fruit in your life as a believer.
4. Be hospitable to one another without complaints- without complaints is the condition of this guideline for showing kindness and hospitality to others.
5. Use your gifts to serve one another -many times, people use their gifts for themselves, so Peter warns us to ensure we are equipping the body of Christ.
6. Be good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God- by ensuring that we are accountable to what was assigned to us, we show God’s grace to others
7. Speak only as one who is speaking actual words of God- let nothing foul come out of your mouth but only what edifies the Lord and what encourages others
8. When you serve, make sure you remember it is God who supplies you the ability to do so – we need to avoid making a performance of how we serve God and others.
9. Glorify God in all things through Jesus Christ- When we abide in Christ and his word, we bring praise to God who is the Maker of all things.
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REFLECTION
• Which one of these warnings resonates loud to your life right now? Explain.
DIE TO YOUR FLESH AND LIVE FOR GOD’S WILL ILMA’S VLOG
June 7
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DIE TO YOUR FLESH AND LIVE FOR GOD’S WILL
Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the will of God. 3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. 4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of debauchery, and they slander you; 5 but they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as people, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
– 1 Peter 4:1-6
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In this letter, Peter emphasizes the importance of suffering or dying to the flesh. Because Jesus has set the example for being able to live in the Spirit by believing in him, we have hope that we can overcome human lusts and live for God’s will.
Peter addresses the Gentiles who cater to their cravings and in verse 3, he identifies some of the manifestations of living in the flesh such as:
1. Indecent behavior- Biblehub.com defines this as behavior unfit to be seen or heard; offensive to modesty and delicacy; as, indecent language.
2. Lusts- Baker’s evangelical dictionary says that it is a strong craving or desire, often of a sexual nature. The word is never used in a positive context; rather, it is always seen in a negative light, relating primarily either to a strong desire for sexual immorality or idolatrous worship
3. Drunkenness-Paul identifies drunkenness as sin and results from fleshly desires
4. Carousing-bibletools.com defines it as indulging in one’s appetites excessively. It could be food or drink or many other things.
5. Drinking parties- to be involved in heavy drinking which may lead to other sins.
6. Wanton idolatries-is the act of worshipping an image or a created object freely.
Peter admonishes all believers never to indulge in these fruits of the flesh, but rather die to the flesh and live for following God’s will. He warns them that they will be hold accountable for the sins they commit against the Lord.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it so hard to die to our desires and cravings instead of obeying God’s will?
ON SUFFERING AND BAPTISM ILMA’S VLOG
June 6
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ON SUFFERING AND BAPTISM
17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which He also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20 who once were disobedient when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.
– 1 Peter 3:17-22
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In this letter, Peter once again gives us good teaching regarding suffering and baptism. In verse 17, he almost sounds like it is a blessing when we suffer to do what is right. In verse 18, he gives us the reason why it is good to suffer for righteousness: because Christ himself suffered for our sins.
Peter explains the effect of that sacrifice of Jesus on the cross on verses 18-19. He says that Jesus died both for all so that those who are captives may also benefit from that sacrifice. They can now have the ability through believing in Jesus to put to death their sinful nature or their flesh and be alive in the Spirit. Peter reminds the people in the faith of God’s patience during the time of Noah, when all the sinners have disobeyed and abandoned God. God saved the family of Noah eight people in total, to start a new world. God’s mercy was manifested in giving mankind a chance at a new beginning through one righteous man, Noah. That’s how patient God is.
In verse 21, Peter reminds all believers of the baptism that saved us. A baptism that is an appeal for God for a good conscience through Christ’s resurrection. It is not just a physical cleansing of your sin, but making it possible for the believer to lead a righteous and holy life. Peter emphasizes the resurrection power in verse 21-22 and the sovereignty of Christ who is seated at the right hand of God the Father.
Peter is reminding all the believers to be able to reflect on the importance of what Christ’s suffering did for all those who believe in him. It sanctified their lives.
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REFLECTION
• Why should we never cringe or complain when we suffer for righteousness?
SUFFER FOR THE SAKE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS ILMA’S VLOG
June 5
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SUFFER FOR THE SAKE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
13 And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE IN DREAD, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. – 1 Peter 3:13-16
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In this letter. Peter gives us a very important teaching. He wants all believers to suffer for the sake of righteousness. He didn’t say just suffer but the clause “for the sake of righteousness is the qualifier for that kind of suffering he is admonishing believers to follow. We can usually suffer because of some losses or because we made a wrong choice that resulted in a consequence that make our lives miserable or inconvenient. When we choose to do our will instead of doing God’s will, we will suffer, but not for righteousness. It is suffering as a result of foolishness. In verse 14, Peter says that suffering for the sake of righteousness comes with blessings. The kind of misery that we suffer for doing what is right proves our ardent love for the Lord. Peter says that when we have such fervent desire to do what is good, we won’t have a need to fear or be intimidated by anyone.
In verse 15, Peter gives us another very wise instruction. He says that we need to purify ourselves by making Jesus as Lord of our hearts, and always ready to defend Him to all those who asks for an explanation why we have such hope in Jesus. We need to remember to do in gentleness and respect. We do not want to argue or to bluntly force our defense to those who oppose Christ’s teachings. He wants us to have a good conscience so that when someone attacks us, they will be put to shame.
Sadly, the world system doesn’t recognize what it is to suffer for righteousness’ sake. The kind of pain we encounter as humans. It focuses much on suffering just because we didn’t get what we desire. Sometimes, we suffer because we disobeyed God’s will on purpose.
Peter wants us to endure ridicule or criticism or being ostracized for doing the right thing. It is not easy to take rejection, but Peter tells us that we will be blessed if we learn to face adversities when it is for the sake of righteousness.
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REFLECTION
• Share an experience that you suffered for righteousness’ sake.
KEEP YOUR MOUTH FROM EVIL & PURSUE PEACE ILMA’S VLOG
June 4
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KEEP YOUR MOUTH FROM EVIL & PURSUE PEACE
10 For, “THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. 11 HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.12 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 EVILDOERS.” – 1 Peter 3:10-12
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In this letter, Peter warns all believes to stay away from evil. He says that if we desire life and witness good day, he gives us the formula for doing so.
Here are some of the things he wants all of us to do so we can never be waylaid to go the wrong way:
1. Refrain from saying evil things – Let your mouth only speak what is right and what gives life. Luke 6:45 reiterates this warning of Peter to the believers. It says that “for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.”
2. Do not let any lie or deceit come out of your lips – When you say things that are not true, you are opening doors for more sins. If we always align our thoughts with God’s will, we will never utter a lie or deceive anyone.
3. Turn your back from any wickedness and turn towards good – When we encounter temptations, we must literally turn around towards the Lord and obey his word. Obedience to God is the only weapon we have against the devil. He flees from anyone who is faithful to obey, depend and trust in the Lord.
4. Seek peace and pursue it- Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit which is a result of the constant abiding in Christ. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. You can only experience it when you seek Him. The only thing that this world offers is the opposite of peace.
Peter gives the reason why we need to follow these pointers in verse 12. God gives favor to those who are pure, holy and righteous and He listens to their prayers attentively. The Lord will not even hear or turn towards those who do wicked things.
In this world we live in, evil is so pervasive. Everywhere we look, we are faced with many forms of wickedness. Sometimes, they are even packaged very nicely and subtly that we don’t even discern that they are deceptions and manipulations to trick us into engaging in it. I love how Peter admonishes all believers and challenges them to live holy lives that gives praise and honor to God alone.
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REFLECTION
• Why is refraining from speaking evil and pursuing peace such a challenge?
GUIDELINES FOR BRINGING THE GOSPEL TO LIFE ILMA’S VLOG
June 3
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GUIDELINES FOR BRINGING THE GOSPEL TO LIFE
7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble;
9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing. – 1 Peter 3:7-9
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In the following passages from the letter of Peter to the believers, he gives a mandate to the husbands about how to treat their wives. In verse 7, he advises the husbands how to conduct themselves in their marriages. Peter tells the men to show consideration and understanding to their wives because they are weaker than them. An interesting part of Peter’s instruction is to ensure that they have no biases or discrimination with their spouse because they are fellow heirs of the grace of life. Though, they have the authority over their wife, they must treat them kindly, patiently and honor them as equal partners in the kingdom of God. All of these guidelines, if followed lead them to answered prayers. In other words, those who will maltreat their wives will be hindered in their prayers.
In addition to all of the directives to the husband, Peter sums up how believers must conduct themselves in their lives. He teaches them the following important guidelines that believers must apply in their lives so they can be witnesses to the gospel both to other believers and non-believers.
Here are the following guidelines to bring the gospel to life:
1. Live in harmony with one another – unity in the body of Christ is imperative in God’s kingdom
2. Be sympathetic- be able to show your feelings or concerns for others
3. Be loving- be able to show acceptance to others no matter how different they are
4. Be compassionate-be able to put yourself in the shoes of others who are suffering
5. Be humble- think highly of others instead of oneself
6. Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult-do not take justice into your hands but let God vindicate you
7. Give a blessing instead of vengeance-means that you don’t take offense but pray for those who actually hurt you.
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REFLECTION
• Why did Peter give directives to believers in order to bring the gospel to others?
GODLY WIFE’S ADORNMENT ILMA’S VLOG
June 2
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GODLY WIFE’S ADORNMENT
In the same way, you wives, be subject to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won over without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your pure and respectful behavior. 3 Your adornment must not be merely the external—braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; 4 but it should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way the holy women of former times, who hoped in God, also used to adorn themselves, being subject to their own husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; and you have proved to be her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. – 1 Peter 3:1-6
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In this letter, Peter addresses the believers scattered all over Asia Minor. He is concerned that amidst the suffering and trials that they are undergoing, they may be discouraged and lose faith. In this part of his letter, he focuses on the wives role in the family. Notice in the first verse that godly women are commanded to submit to their own husband’s authority. He is the head of the family and he is responsible for the whole health of the household. Peter stresses the unconditional submission of the wives to their own husbands. The theme of the act of obedience is unconditional love. It didn’t say that you only submit when they are obeying the word. Respecting and honoring their husbands even though they do not deserve it is what all godly wives are called to do. The world will never understand this concept because they have no idea about authority and the order of God’s creation. It is required for women to be leading back their husbands to the Lord when they stray. It is not with words that this is done but with their behavior and demeanor. When the wife continues to be pure and respectful, the Holy Spirit will deal with their lawlessness to God using the submission of the wife.
Peter gives a guideline of what constitutes a godly woman’s adornment. He says that it is not the external or physical look that should be their ornament of beauty, but the purity in their hearts and their obedience to their husbands. Peter draws out the example of Sarah in Old Testament, who treated her husband as her lord and obeyed and followed him in his own obedience to God’s directive. Although we know how beautiful Sarah was from the bible description, her inner beauty is what’s more important to the Lord.
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REFLECTION
• What can you say about ungodly women who do not submit to their husbands?