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  • 2 Peter 2

    2 Peter 2

    Read 2 Peter 2

    False Teachers and Their Destruction

    2 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

    4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority.

    Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; 11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord. 12 But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.

    13 They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. 14 With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood! 15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness. 16 But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—an animal without speech—who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.

    17 These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.” 20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 21 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. 22 Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.”

    Go Deeper

    Upon first reading it, this chapter can seem like a downer. All this talk about false teachers and the flesh and sinful desires can make us want to turn the page. But there is so much to learn from 2 Peter 2–and so much hope to be found.

    Here’s the important but hard pill that this chapter gives us to swallow: Our sin is gross. And it’s a big deal. Peter starts this chapter by saying that words from false prophets aren’t just little white lies. It calls them downright “destructive” (v. 1). Greed, lust, deceit… our world has “eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin” (v. 14, ESV). Just reading this list makes our stomachs hurt at the depravity of this fallen world. In fact, our world is enslaved to sin! This chapter tells us that, without Christ, we are “overcome” by our fleshly passions (v. 19).

    However, those that are in Christ are no longer slaves to the ways of this world. And in this chapter, we see a clear distinction between what’s in store for those that belong to Christ and those that don’t. We see the contrast between the fate of fallen angels vs. Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah vs. Lot, and those overcome by sin versus those overcome by God. Because our sin is such a big deal, it deserves punishment. And for those that haven’t trusted in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross to pay for their sins, this chapter shows us the reality that justice and “gloomy darkness” await them (v. 4, ESV). But, for the believer who is in Christ, Jesus’s righteousness covers us. He has protection, mercy, and life in store! The difference between those who face the judgment due the false prophets and those who experience the fullness of God in eternity is whether or not they have trusted in Christ’s work on the cross. God is both just and merciful. He “…knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment” (v. 9)‬‬.

    If we are in Christ, we are no longer enslaved to the gross sinfulness of this world. What has overcome us is Christ and His righteousness. We are now slaves to that! Let’s live in the reality of that, putting our old ways behind us through the help of the Holy Spirit. Let’s find comfort in the fact that we serve a God who exacts justice for evil and also preserves His children on the day of trial.

    Questions

    1. Which camp do you fall into? Have you trusted in Christ to cover your sins and carry your into eternity with Him or are you still apart from God, facing the penalty for your sins? Christ wants to offer you freedom and life today! (John 5:24)
    2. What sin patterns are you returning to “like a dog to his vomit?” Confess it to someone today and find freedom brining it into the light!
    3. How are you guarding your heart and mind against the “false teachers” of our world today. They could be from social media, the news, lies culture is telling you, etc…

    By the Way

    2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” If we have trusted in Christ, we don’t have to return our sin like a dog to its vomit. We have been made new!

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  • 2 Peter 1

    2 Peter 1

    2 Peter Preview

    This letter, a follow up to 1 Peter, was intended for the same audience as Peter’s first letter to a network of churches. Scholars believe that this letter came soon after Peter’s first one was written, but why was it needed? In addition to needing a message of hope in the midst of suffering (the theme of 1 Peter), these early Christians also needed another reminder: to grow in spiritual maturity.

    Not only were the churches in Asia Minor being persecuted, there had also been a rise of heretical and false teachers. These churches and the believers in them were being deceived and led away from the message of the Gospel. When you have a deficit of knowledge, it is easy to be deceived and taken advantage of. That’s what was happening to these immature believers. They needed to grow in their knowledge and understanding of who God is and what His Word says. Pastor and scholar Chuck Swindoll said this about 2 Peter:

    “In an effort to stem the tide of heresy and false teaching among the Christians, Peter emphasized the importance of learning and clinging to the proper knowledge of God. In fact, this concept was so important to him that the word knowledge appears—in one form or another—some fifteen times in the span of this short, three-chapter letter.”

    Reading, understanding, and applying God’s Word to our lives is a vital part of growing in spiritual maturity. As we read 2 Peter, take note of the other words and themes you see repeated throughout. What conviction do you feel reading? Where is there a deficit of spiritual maturity in your life? How can you grow in maturity to the point where you’re not easily deceived? These are the questions to ask ourselves as we read this brief letter.

     

    Read 2 Peter 1

    1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

    To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

    2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

    Confirming One’s Calling and Election

    3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

    5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

    10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

    Prophecy of Scripture

    12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

    16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

    19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

    Go Deeper

    Have you ever baked a cake and forgotten one ingredient? Forgetting even one small ingredient can totally change the final result. Every ingredient is important when baking because it ensures the end result is well rounded in flavor and texture. The life of a believer is very similar. There are many different facets and qualities that all go into a well rounded Christian life. We see Peter outline seven of these characteristics in verses 5-7: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.

    As we read this list it can feel a little bit overwhelming if we do not first understand the importance of the verses prior. On our own, there is no way for us to embody any of the characteristics listed, but we see in verse 3 that it is by God’s power that we have been given everything we need for a godly life. It is only by the strength that God gives us that we are even able to live the life He has called us to live. God is the one who equips us! When we spend our time focusing on a list of things we want to do, we will never become all God intends us to be. On our own we will always fall short. This sounds sad, but we should be encouraged that the life to which we have been called is not one we can manufacture on our own.

    Have you ever wondered how to tell if you are growing in your faith? At times, it can feel like months go by and we look back unable to tell if we have grown in our walk with Christ. The virtues listed here are a great metric to identify if your life is being transformed by God. It is important to note however, that the list is not what creates change. It is not an instruction manual but a picture of the desired end result. The manual or the key to embodying these characteristics is to spend time with Jesus. He is the only who perfectly lived as this list instructs.

    Every ingredient is not specifically tasted in a cake but they are all important to create the final result. The same is true for us as believers. The outside world might not be able to describe the seven characteristics Peter mentions, but the way they see our lives carried out should point back to each of these ingredients.

    Questions

    1. When you think back on your faith five or ten years ago, what growth have you seen? How has your walk with Jesus changed? 
    2. Which of those seven elements listed in v. 5-7 is the most present in your life currently? Which is least present?
    3. What would a non-believer point to in your life that looks different from the rest of the world?

    Pray This

    Thank you Lord for the work that Jesus did on the cross and that because of it, I am fully equipped to live the life you have called me to live. Please reveal to me where I can grow in my relationship with you. Show me where I am living according to the corruption of the world and where I am bending towards my sinful desire.

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  • 1 Peter 5

    1 Peter 5

    Read 1 Peter 5

    To the Elders and the Flock

    5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

    5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

    “God opposes the proud
        but shows favor to the humble.”

    6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

    8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

    10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

    Final Greetings

    12 With the help of Silas,[b] whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

    13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.

    Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

    Go Deeper

    With the close of this letter, Peter has one last chance to sum up what he really wants these believers to hear. What stands out specifically is the fact that Peter acknowledges that we have a very real enemy who is actively “seeking someone to devour” (v. 8). More often than not, it is easy to forget that we even have an enemy, let alone that spiritual warfare exists. Which is exactly what our enemy wants! Don’t you think that if he can convince us that he does not exist, then we are more likely to fall prey to his schemes? If you are playing a game, you are more likely to win if you know who your opponent is and what they are like. Therefore, let’s make it a priority to remind ourselves of our enemy and get to know him.

    So how do we stand against the enemy? Peter tells us to be sober-minded and alert, which means to watch for him and anticipate how he might ensnare you. He then goes on to say that we should resist him, stand firm in our faith, and know that we are not alone in our suffering. There is a daily war for the battle of our souls. It is going to take more than just acknowledging that the devil exists. We must also be ready for battle. We can do this through diving into God’s Word, consistent prayer, and actively confessing to other believers our sin so that it no longer has hold on our life. 

    While recognizing that we are in a battle can lead to feelings of anxiety and despair, the closing verse of this chapter brings absolute comfort to our souls. Peter closes by saying “peace to all you who are in Christ” (v. 14). This is what sets us apart as believers: peace. In the midst of trials and sufferings, we have access to unshakeable and undeniable peace. Jehovah Shalom is a name of God that tells us the Lord is peace. It is His nature! We cannot resist the enemy by ourselves. Thankfully, the Lord of all creation is on our side, equipping us to resist and stand firm, and filling our hearts with peace. Then, after we have “suffered for a little while”, God Himself will restore us (v. 10). Let’s praise God today for His future plan to restore us and His ever-present help in the interim. 

    Questions

    1. When was the last time you considered that you have an enemy who is out to get you? How does remembering this change how you live daily?
    2. If the devil were to tempt you to sin today, how do you think he would do it? This question helps us to be on guard for areas in which we are more susceptible to sin. 
    3. The Bible often talks about suffering being for our good. In what ways do you feel like the Lord may be using your current situation for your good?

    Keep Digging

    Looking for more biblical references on resisting the enemy? Check out this article from GotQuestions.org!

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  • Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Today is a Rest Day. There is no new Bible reading to do. Today, the goal is simple: rest in the presence of God. Maybe you need to use today to get caught up on the reading plan if you’re behind, maybe you want to journal what you’re learning so you don’t forget what God is teaching you, or maybe you want to spend time in concentrated prayer–do that. Above all, just spend time in God’s presence.

    Dig Deeper: The Life of Peter

    Peter is a major figure in the New Testament. He was a disciple of Jesus and eventually betrayed him, only to then courageously devote the rest of his life to spreading the Gospel. 

    For a deeper dive into the life of Peter, check out this helpful biography from GotQuestions.org. 

     

    Worship with Us

    Join us at 9a or 11a in person or online at harriscreek.org/live. We’d love to worship with you! We also desire to connect everyone with a local church body where they can thrive in community and use their gifts to serve. If you’re following our Bible Reading Plan from outside of Waco and are eager to get connected with a great local church, email us at [email protected].

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  • 1 Peter 4

    1 Peter 4

    Read 1 Peter 4

    Living for God

    4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

    7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

    Suffering for Being a Christian

    12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,

    “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
        what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

    19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

    Go Deeper

    This is a letter to a people under persecution. In 4:19, we actually get a summary of the letter as a whole, “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” This verse can be confusing without the context of the rest of the letter. What does it mean that some should “suffer according to God’s will”? What does it look like to commit oneself to God? What does doing good look like?

    First, we look at “those who suffer according to God’s will.” Why would God want someone to suffer? It’s not that He enjoys our suffering, Scripture is clear that He doesn’t enjoy it at all, but rather He calls His chosen people to endure the trials of this world. Why? Because He uses this as a moment in which we can grow to be more like Christ. This is a message of hope to those enduring violent persecution and social rejection: Christ was also persecuted and rejected, so we can rejoice when we’re counted with Him.

    Next, we look to “commit [ourselves] to [our] faithful Creator.” Because of Christ’s sufferings, we can and must “arm [ourselves] with the same attitude,” as Jesus. This means being done with sin. To clarify, being done here doesn’t mean to be sinless like Jesus, though that is the goal. To be done here means to live a life that is following Christ not sin. While we continually mess up, we also continue to grow more and more into His image, due to His grace and Holy Spirit. We’re called to live a life in which we “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” as Jesus says in Matthew 6.

    Finally, we look toward doing good. This is a vague phrase, isn’t it? Peter addresses this too, calling we readers to “use whatever gift of grace [we] have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (v.10). There is a freedom of choice hidden in this call; we can choose much of how to love and serve our neighbors with the gifts we’ve been given. The call is just to do good even in the midst of the fiery trial. This is how we, the Church, God’s people, are to live our faith.

    Questions

    1. What is one way the Lord is growing you into the image of Christ at this point in your life?
    2. In what area of life are you still trying to follow your own desires or plans rather than Christ? What would it look like for you to follow Christ in that area too?
    3. List three ways you can use your gifts to love those around you this week. If you don’t know what your giftings are, ask those who know you the best and pray that God will speak through them.

    Did You Know?

    1 Peter 4:16 is the third and final time in the New Testament that followers of Christ are known as “Christians.” The word “Christian” literally means “little Christ.” This sounds innocent enough to us today, but it was originally an insult that Christians embraced as the central word that describes us! Talk about embracing difficult times!

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  • 1 Peter 3

    1 Peter 3

    Read 1 Peter 3

    3 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

    7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

    Suffering for Doing Good

    8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,

    “Whoever would love life
        and see good days
    must keep their tongue from evil
        and their lips from deceitful speech.
    11 They must turn from evil and do good;
        they must seek peace and pursue it.
    12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
        and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
    but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

    13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

    Go Deeper

    Peter begins this chapter by addressing Christian wives and reminding them that God calls us to live in alignment with the order and roles He designed. Submission is a theme in Peter’s writing. In the previous chapter, he calls all believers to live in submission to all human authority, so this chapter is a continuation of that thought and instruction. The definition of submission reads “the act or instance of submitting, yielding control…”. Submission is always a choice. It’s not an act of coercion, nor is it value-based. It’s voluntary. It’s an opportunity to trust God and yield to His design for a wife to live in alignment with her husband. Notice, submission is for a wife with her husband. It is for the roles in marriage to function optimally. Submission has a purpose. Peter says, “submit so that…”. Submission is an instrument used by God to advance the gospel. Submission influences those who don’t know the hope of Jesus.

    Wives are not the only ones given instruction in this text. Christian husbands are called to care for their wives physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Physically to live with them, be present with them. Intellectually to consider them. The ESV translation of scripture says to understand them. Emotionally to honor and respect them as equals (co-heirs). Spiritually in prayer.

    Then, Peter addresses all believers to live in harmony (or unity), be sympathetic, love, be compassionate and humble. Repaying evil with a blessing. He says, “Because to this you were called.” We’re living in a time in history when it feels like we’ve thrown verses 8 and 9 out the window. For many of us, we’ve never seen division among believers like we do now. So many “believers” repay insult for insult, live in division, lack mercy, and have an arrogant spirit about them. They desire to be right rather than righteous. We don’t get a free pass on what we are called to do. We are called to love, to have compassion, and humility so that our lives will look different than the unbelieving world around us. Our suffering and service to others opens up the doors for us to share the gospel, to declare the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. Service and suffering paves the way for us to tell our story of hope and life.

    Peter wraps up the chapter reminding us that all of our actions (submission, service, sacrifice, and suffering) are under the banner of Christ who is our example. In fact, Jesus was more than our example; He was our substitute. He submitted His life to God so that our future can be secure. And, security breeds courage. Courage to submit. Courage to Serve. Courage to Suffer. Courage to tell our story. Courage to change the world with the hope of Jesus.

    Questions

    1. If you are married, what do you learn about your role as husband/wife from this passage? How will you apply that? 
    2. What area(s) do you sense the Holy Spirit convicting you?
      1. Taming your tongue (v. 10)
      2. Turning from evil (v. 11)
      3. Doing what is right and good (v. 11)
      4. Pursuing peace (v. 11)
    3. What do you learn about God in this passage? What do you learn about yourself?

    A Quote

    “Without the help of the Spirit, without a continual refilling of your soul’s tank with the glory and love of the Lord, such submission to the interests of the other is virtually impossible to accomplish for any length of time without becoming resentful.”-Tim Keller

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  • 1 Peter 2

    1 Peter 2

    Read 1 Peter 2

    2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

    The Living Stone and a Chosen People

    4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:

    “See, I lay a stone in Zion,
        a chosen and precious cornerstone,
    and the one who trusts in him
        will never be put to shame.”

    7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

    “The stone the builders rejected
        has become the cornerstone,”

    8 and,

    “A stone that causes people to stumble
        and a rock that makes them fall.”

    They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

    9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

    Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society

    11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

    13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

    18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

    22 “He committed no sin,
        and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

    23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

    Go Deeper

    The way Christians live their lives on this side of eternity matters. Peter talks about who we are as God’s people and why we are called to be different from the world. We are to live holy lives, which means “set apart”. God set us apart from the world–we have a different purpose. In 1 Peter 2:12, Peter gets specific and tells us what that looks like in our day-to-day lives. He says, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.”

    Because of our identity as God’s children, Peter reminds us to be attentive to the things of God–to live fully for what’s ahead, instead of what’s currently happening around us. It’s easy to get caught up in the world today and find ourselves simply mirroring what everyone else is doing. But as Christians, we know that doesn’t end well. It doesn’t honor God. Through Christ, we have been forgiven of our sins. We are free. However, being free in Christ does not give us the right to rebel against God and do what we want to do and when we want to do it. We have been called out of darkness and into God’s light. Therefore, it matters that we lead good lives now. Not because we may lose our salvation (we will not), but because we represent Him to the world around us. As Christians, we must remember we are not “home” yet. We are foreigners in this world, preparing to leave to be with our Father for eternity. 

    Peter talks about how all Christians will suffer in this world and that it is for the good of the Kingdom (v. 19). That’s what happened to Jesus when He died on the cross for us. He endured pain and suffering and died the death that we deserved. We didn’t ask Him to do this but if He had not, we would still be lost sheep looking for a shepherd. Therefore, we are to submit ourselves to the Lord. Accept the Holy Spirit that is inside of us and live in a way that when our Master returns, we are honoring Him. And when we stumble (because there’s no doubt that we will), know that there is forgiveness and grace when we look to the cross. 

    Questions

    1. What are you doing in your day-to-day life that sets you apart from the world? 
    2. Is there anything in your life that you need to repent for so that you may live a life that is honoring to God? 
    3. Is there a time in your life that you suffered for the good of the Kingdom? If so, what did you learn from that experience? Talk to your Life Group about that this week.

    Listen Here

    Check out the song “Till I Found You” by Phil Wickham.

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  • 1 Peter 1

    1 Peter 1

    1 Peter Preview

    This letter from Peter was written to Christians (both Jews and Gentiles) scattered across Asia Minor roughly thirty years after the resurrection of Jesus. Think about all that Peter had seen! He had left everything behind to follow Jesus as a disciple. He had denied him three times. He had spoken boldly before the Sanhedrin, testifying to how Jesus changed everything in his life. He had devoted his entire adult life to sharing the Gospel and helping it spread. Now, he had words of encouragement for those that were following Jesus.

    As Peter was writing this letter, persecution of Christians was on the rise. Throughout this letter, two words seem to stand out as Peter explains how Christians are to live in this increasingly hostile world: hope and suffering. While hope and suffering might seem at odds, 1 Peter shows us that they are not mutually exclusive. There is a clear expectation that Christians will face suffering in this temporal world that we live in. And as we set our hope on Christ, He gives us strength to endure. This endurance and this hope is a testimony to a watching world.

    Suffering for the Christian is not strange, it should be expected. 1 Peter 4:12 tells us not to be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you. So what do we do when the inevitable comes? We rejoice. The suffering of Christ has a specific purpose: that it might bring us closer to God!

    With Christ as our example, our suffering can have the same purpose: to bring people near to God! But how is that possible? In a word: hope. Because hope in the midst of suffering is so counter-cultural, it raises legitimate questions for those who do not yet know God. Our hope is a testimony.

    Watch This

    For an overview of 1 Peter before we begin reading, check out this video from The Bible Project! 

    Read 1 Peter 1

    1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

    To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:

    Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

    Praise to God for a Living Hope

    3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

    10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

    Be Holy

    13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

    17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

    22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For,

    “All people are like grass,
        and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
    the grass withers and the flowers fall,
    25     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

    And this is the word that was preached to you.

    Go Deeper

    This letter, written to believers scattered throughout Asia Minor, encourages Christians to endure through suffering, remembering the sufferings of Christ and looking forward to the glory that will be revealed at His coming. The idea of hope is thematic throughout the letter, which can seem dichotomous to suffering, but when our hope is fully set on the grace of God that will be revealed at the return of Christ, it gives us a completely different lens through which to view suffering. The gospel gives us hope, the perspective needed to endure suffering, and the catalyst to pursue a life of obedience and holiness.

    Because of the gospel, we have hope. When we were dead in our sin, separated from God and without hope, God, in His great mercy, sent His son to suffer and die in our place. Jesus lived a sinless life, died the death that we deserved, and rose again three days later. In doing so, He defeated death and restored relationship with God for those who place their faith in Him. Peter expresses it this way: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” (v. 3-4). Jesus is our living hope.

    Because of the gospel, we can endure and even rejoice in the midst of suffering. When our suffering is hard to understand, we can trust that it is purposeful. “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (v. 6-7). We can rejoice, even in the midst of suffering, because we know that suffering shows the genuineness of our faith.

    Because of the gospel, we can pursue a life of obedience and holiness. In rescuing us from our sin, God also calls us to a life of obedience, fully surrendered to Him. As we set our minds on the hope that we have in Him, we do not conform to this world, but live holy lives. “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (v. 13-15). God Himself is holy and calls us to be like Him. Holiness isn’t something we can accomplish by our own efforts, but we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ when we surrender our life to Him. Our hope, endurance, and holiness is made possible only by the gospel. May we continue to rejoice in God’s grace to save us.

    Questions

    1. What are you placing your hope in right now? 
    2. Are you enduring any suffering right now? How does this passage encourage you?
    3. Does remembering the gospel spur you on toward obedience? How so?

    Listen Here

    Take a listen to the song Living Hope by Phil Wickham and be reminded of the hope we have in Jesus.

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  • Song of Songs 8

    Song of Songs 8

    Read Song of Songs 8

    8 If only you were to me like a brother,
        who was nursed at my mother’s breasts!
    Then, if I found you outside,
        I would kiss you,
        and no one would despise me.
    2 I would lead you
        and bring you to my mother’s house—
        she who has taught me.
    I would give you spiced wine to drink,
        the nectar of my pomegranates.
    3 His left arm is under my head
        and his right arm embraces me.
    4 Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you:
        Do not arouse or awaken love
        until it so desires.

    Friends

    5 Who is this coming up from the wilderness
        leaning on her beloved?

    She

    Under the apple tree I roused you;
        there your mother conceived you,
        there she who was in labor gave you birth.
    6 Place me like a seal over your heart,
        like a seal on your arm;
    for love is as strong as death,
        its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
    It burns like blazing fire,
        like a mighty flame.
    7 Many waters cannot quench love;
        rivers cannot sweep it away.
    If one were to give
        all the wealth of one’s house for love,
        it would be utterly scorned.

    Friends

    8 We have a little sister,
        and her breasts are not yet grown.
    What shall we do for our sister
        on the day she is spoken for?
    9 If she is a wall,
        we will build towers of silver on her.
    If she is a door,
        we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

    She

    10 I am a wall,
        and my breasts are like towers.
    Thus I have become in his eyes
        like one bringing contentment.
    11 Solomon had a vineyard in Baal Hamon;
        he let out his vineyard to tenants.
    Each was to bring for its fruit
        a thousand shekels of silver.
    12 But my own vineyard is mine to give;
        the thousand shekels are for you, Solomon,
        and two hundred are for those who tend its fruit.

    He

    13 You who dwell in the gardens
        with friends in attendance,
        let me hear your voice!

    She

    14 Come away, my beloved,
        and be like a gazelle
    or like a young stag
        on the spice-laden mountains.

    Go Deeper

    The final chapter of Song of Solomon continues to speak to the gift of sex through the lens of when it happens, and who it happens with. Although this is on the surface shocking and even indecent language, this chapter shows us the design for sex. It begins with a woman wanting to show affection for her lover. However, this wasn’t just some passionate one night stand. The gift of sex is that it took place in the midst of commitment.

    Verse 6 says, “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave.” These are words of finality, not of a flimsy decision based on emotions. God’s design for sex is that it would be enjoyed with someone who has committed an enduring love to you. He never desired for sex to be shared with others. This sex took place in the midst of a love that was as strong as death.

    The second part of this chapter describes the role that others have to play in assuring we make the correct decisions in regards to sex. It’s easy for emotions to lead us astray in this area which is why accountability is essential. Here, we read about brothers who take on the role of protecting their sister. They say, if she is a wall we will build towers of silver and if she is a door we will enclose her with panels of silver (v. 9). This describes their response to her openness to sex outside of marriage. If she is a “door” they want to protect her, whereas if she is a “wall” they want to celebrate her. While this could be read as controlling, they eagerly desire for their sister to experience God’s best. It’s their kindness to her that they would care enough to love her in this way.

    Similarly, we all need people who will step up and walk alongside of us in holding us accountable to sexual faithfulness. If we fail to be a wall against certain sins, we will be caught in the cords of those sins, and never know the goodness of becoming as one who found peace (Enduring Word).

    Questions

    1. Was there anything surprising to you in this passage? 
    2. What is the difference between the world’s idea of sex and God’s idea of sex? Why do we struggle to believe that God desires the best sex for us? 
    3. What do you have in place to assure you are living faithfully in your sex life? Do you have anyone to hold you accountable? Do you flee from shows/music/media that displays sex in a way that is contrary to Scripture? 

    Pray This

    God, thank you for outlining in Scripture the way you desire sex to be. Would you allow me to trust you that your design is best for me? When I’m tempted to stray into sexual sin, would you give me the courage to flee and pursue what is better? Father, give me the openness to allow myself to be held accountable, and the willingness to help my brothers and sisters in Christ in this area as well. 

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  • Song of Songs 7

    Song of Songs 7

    Read Song of Songs 7

    7 How beautiful your sandaled feet,
        O prince’s daughter!
    Your graceful legs are like jewels,
        the work of an artist’s hands.
    2 Your navel is a rounded goblet
        that never lacks blended wine.
    Your waist is a mound of wheat
        encircled by lilies.
    3 Your breasts are like two fawns,
        like twin fawns of a gazelle.
    4 Your neck is like an ivory tower.
    Your eyes are the pools of Heshbon
        by the gate of Bath Rabbim.
    Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon
        looking toward Damascus.
    5 Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel.
        Your hair is like royal tapestry;
        the king is held captive by its tresses.
    6 How beautiful you are and how pleasing,
        my love, with your delights!
    7 Your stature is like that of the palm,
        and your breasts like clusters of fruit.
    8 I said, “I will climb the palm tree;
        I will take hold of its fruit.”
    May your breasts be like clusters of grapes on the vine,
        the fragrance of your breath like apples,
    9     and your mouth like the best wine.

    She

    May the wine go straight to my beloved,
        flowing gently over lips and teeth.
    10 I belong to my beloved,
        and his desire is for me.
    11 Come, my beloved, let us go to the countryside,
        let us spend the night in the villages.
    12 Let us go early to the vineyards
        to see if the vines have budded,
    if their blossoms have opened,
        and if the pomegranates are in bloom—
        there I will give you my love.
    13 The mandrakes send out their fragrance,
        and at our door is every delicacy,
    both new and old,
        that I have stored up for you, my beloved.

    Go Deeper

    As we continue reading through Song of Songs, this chapter builds on what we have read so far and highlights the maturing of their marital relationship since the wedding we read about in Song of Songs 4. This chapter is an intimate glimpse into the relationship between Solomon and his wife. We see them describing their affection and attraction for one another, as well as their sexual desire for one another. Reading this, you likely had the thought that this is vastly different from most other chapters in scripture (and you would be right). At its most basic level, this is a chapter about the beauty of sex within the context of a covenantal marriage relationship.

    Here’s why this chapter is so important: without it (and this entire book, for that matter), we would have a less complete picture of biblical marriage and sexuality. If this entire book had been excluded from scripture, we would have bits and pieces of a sexual ethic from the Old and New Testaments, but we would have far less of a comprehensive picture for God’s design for marriage and sexuality. Here we are presented with two prevailing ideas that are common in Christian orthodoxy: Sex is a good thing and it is meant for a marriage between a husband and wife.

    As we read this chapter and wrestle with how it should impact our daily lives, the application may be different depending on your marital status. If you are reading this and you’re married, let is serve as a reminder to you that sex is a gift from God and desire for your spouse should be celebrated. Too often we can enter into a marriage with shame or baggage from our past, but the good news of the Gospel is that your past can be redeemed. 

    If you are reading this as a single person, the application for you is that God really did design sex for marriage. Anything outside of the covenant of marriage, even if it feels desirable or right in the moment, will ultimately rob you of God’s best for you. Your purity and pursuit of the things of Jesus is important! And remember: If you have fallen short of the standard God set for us, the good news of the Gospel is that your past can be redeemed. 

    Questions

    1. What stuck out to you most about Song of Songs 7? What were your initial thoughts after reading this passage?
    2. Why is it so important for us to have a biblical framework for sex and marriage?
    3. Do you struggle to believe that God can redeem your past? Why or why not?

    A Quote

    Tara-Leigh Cobble from The Bible Recap has this to say about the entire book of Song of Songs:

    “God affirms His good design for marriage and sex. This book flies in the face of two juxtaposed ideas: 1) Sex is dirty and bad and God is disgusted by it, and 2) sex isn’t a big deal. Despite the emotional and spiritual brokenness of the world’s sexuality, our Creator had good things in mind when He invented relationship, mariage, and sex. He’s not trying to steal joy from people by putting boundaries around those things. He invented them, and like any inventor, He wants us to know how to use what He made so that we don’t break it or harm ourselves and others. He graciously tells us how these things He invented can function optimally for His glory and our joy. He’s where the joy is!”

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