Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
ACTS 17:11
At Grace, we want to be like the Bereans, believing that the Bible is living and active, taking it in and examining it. We want to examine the fruit of it as well.
There is no substitute for it. The word of God is our spiritual food, and we grow spiritually and mature as its nourishment awakens us to God’s truth.
Since January, the book of 1 Peter has been feeding us corporately. We have been reminded that we are exiles – that this world is not our home, that an inheritance which never perishes, spoils or fades is being kept for us. Our perspective has changed as a result, so that we now use the things of the world without being engrossed by them. Can you say amen?
The preaching series gave our trials meaning and perspective. We came to see that as our faith is being tested, and as we stand firm, the end result will be glorious and God’s name will be honored. Amen?
Peter helped us see that in Christ each of us is a building stone in God’s house that he is building. We are part of something big; we belong to a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. We are God’s holy possession, and as a result our lives can declare the praise of Him who has done all this. Amen?
This epistle gives us perspective on suffering, be it from the government of office or school – we can imitate our Lord and bear up under the pain of unjust suffering, not retaliating, entrusting ourselves to Him who judges justly. Does that resonate with you?
Some of you wives thought how to better relate to your unsaved husbands; some of the women considered the way you dress. Some of you husbands thought about living more considerately with your wives, and got specific.
Others of us were able to see that we were repaying evil for evil, and repented. Some of us heard the Lord say to us that we had spent enough time doing what pagans do, and that it was time to be alert and sober-minded.
Others of us saw our reluctance to give ourselves away in hospitality, and have started to open up our homes, to entertain, or to jump in with Project Hope, or to serve at church, serving with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. Does the above list resound with you?
This Sunday is set aside for us to share in what specific ways the book of 1 Peter has had an impact in your life. There is no sermon as such. You, the congregation, will make up a Holy Spirit-inspired sermon.
Will you pray, and ask the Lord to remind you of how 1 Peter has impacted you, showing you in what ways you have been changed? Then come ready to share for one or two minutes. Our faith is strengthened as we hear the way God’s word is making real life changes.
Leave a Reply