1 Peter 5-Part 3
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfet, stablish, strengthen, settle you. to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11
LET IT GLOW
When our two children were teenagers, they had chores to do in the kitchen. I was teaching and needed help. They took turns washing dishes, even cooking a meal every so often. I kept telling my son that washing dishes built character. (I don't think I ever persuaded him.) Also, I told him that his future wife would appreciate that he could do those things. Sure enough, Mom was right. After 15 years of marriage, he still helps his wife in the kitchen-cooks on the grill, in the microwave, and rinses dishes and puts them in the dishwasher. I am quite proud of his character. He is a good guy, even if I am a little prejudice.
Sweet ones, are we letting our trials build our character or break us. Is our faith getting stronger or weaker?
I may help to know that we are not in this alone. We have brothers and sisters in Christ who are going through trials and temptations at the same time we are. Some may have completed it and are getting ready for the next time, while some are still there experiencing it. Be encouraged, suffering saints. Also, Jesus is walking right beside us on this journey of life. am I talking to Him as much as I should be? Here's what the Scripture has to say, not about dish washing, but about our character.
Our God of all grace, in His kindness, who has called us and chosen us to be His child, will:
- allow us to experience His eternity through Jesus Christ, His Son,
- make you perfect (to equip, to adjust, to fit together; mend nets)
- make you stablish (to fix firmly, to set fast)
- strengthen you; God's strength gives us power to act.
- and settle you (to lay a foundation0 He. 1:10, Matt. 7:24-27
Be hopeful, friends.
We have God's grace.
We know we are going to glory
Our present suffering is only for a while.
We know that our trials are building Christian character.
God builds character and brightens hope when a believer turst Him and depends on His grace. The result is that God receives the glory forever and ever. (Wiersbe)
LET IT GROW
In verses 8-9, Peter tells me to:
- be sober,
- be vigilant,
- be steadfast in faith.
Although Peter's readers had already experienced some persecution, he gives them instructions to help them again victory over their adversary:
- Respect him, for he is dangerous. Like a lion, Satan roars lies and accusations, walks about looking for weak prey, seeking believers in Jesus that he can devour in his den of sin.
- Recognize him as the great pretender. (Only Jesus is Truth.)
- Resist him. Use the Word of God, the way Jesus did (Matt. 4:1-11).
Am I clear-headed and watchful? Satan isn't bound and restrained yet for 1,000 years as Revelation 20:1-2 fortells. His time is coming. Remember, he has been de-fanged at the cross (Col. 2:15). Don't let his roar of deceptive lies rob you of your Christian effectiveness. Your secret weapon is resistance. Run if you have to, like Joseph. Pray for spiritual strength.
One more thing, dear ones. Let's recognize our pattern of temptation and be prepared for it.
When am I most tempted?
Where am I most tempted?
What tempts me most?
Who am I usually with?
(Rick Warren)
Plan carefully what you do...Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don't go one step off the right way. (Prov.4.:26-27TEV)
God's people avoid evil ways, and they protect themselves by watching where they go. ((Prov. 16:17 CEV)
LET IT GO
Stay focused on Jesus.
Learn from my previous temptations and avoid them.
Lean on Jesus when weakened and tempted.
Pray for help.
Resist the devil in Jesus' name. Tell that lie'n lion to flee.
Praise Jesus for the victory.
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