Obedience in 1 Peter 1

Obedience is mentioned three times in 1 Peter 1, each time revealing precious information about its meaning and importance in God’s plan.

  1. The purpose of obedience: cleansing by the blood of Jesus Christ, v. 2.
  2. The relationship of obedience: as obedient children, v. 14.
  3. The focus of obedience: truth, v. 22.

One request

Lord, I come before you simply,
Humbly,
With sincere words,
And true desire,
With one request:
That you might be glorified in me.

It matters not how,
For I am willing
To be a broken and humble vessel,
To sway a single soul,
Or none —
However you decide to use my life.

A Heartbroken Daniel Prays

By John Henson, McMinnville TN

Daniel 9:2-19

  1. Daniel Admits Judah’s Sins (Verses 2-6)
  2. Daniel Admits Judah’s Shame (Verses 7-11)
  3. Daniel Admits the Consequences (Verses 12-15)
  4. Daniel Asks for God’s Help (Verses 16-19)

Christ and the church

By J. Randal Matheny. Translated from the Portuguese, published originally on TFR.

  1. Christ established the church, Mt 16.18.
    1. “My church:” He’s the founder, the church belongs to him.
    2. We always ought to build on his name.
  2. Christ leads the church, Mt 23.8-12.
    1. His leadership unites us, 1Co 1.2, 10.
    2. We ought to obey him, 2Th 1.8.
  3. Christ bought the church, Ac 20.28.
    1. His sacrifice motivates our obedience.
    2. His sacrifice motivates us to take care with the teaching.
  4. Christ sent the church, Mt 28.18-20.
    1. “Therefore:” his order is based on his authority.
    2. His work is making disciples through teaching.

Where Hatred Screams

Where hatred screams, let peace prevail,
Where strife strikes blows, let love not fail;
Let faith hold fast and pass the test,
May we in hope believe the best.

Hezekiah prayed

By John Henson, McMinnville TN

Isaiah 38:1-8

  1. THOU SHALT DIE AND NOT LIVE (Verse 1).
  2. HEZEKIAH PRAYED (Verses 2-3).
  3. GOD HEARS, ANSWERS, AND CHANGES HIS MIND (Verses 4-6).
  4. THE PRAYER OF FAITH HAS GREAT EFFECT (Verses 7-8).

Jesus suffered

  1. Jesus suffered for us, the just for the injust, to bring us to God, 1 Pet 3.18.
  2. Jesus suffered for us, as an example, 1 Pet 2.21.
  3. Jesus suffered before us, in persecution, Jn 15.18.
  4. Jesus suffers with us, as we share in his sufferings and comfort, 2 Cor 1.5.

For Freedom

Thank you, Lord, for setting me free
To serve in love, for righteousness;
For life and strength, for power to be,
For heavenly blessing, to share and bless.

Thank you, Lord, for wisdom’s mind,
For truthful way, for choice of path;
For light to lead the spiritually blind,
For Jesus who appeases wrath.

Thank you, Lord, for the house of faith —
Brothers and sisters in love and growth;
For cleansing blood in which to bathe,
For hope in present and future, both.

We believe

Lord, let me sensitive to the needs of those around me and to address those needs in a way that will be helpful to the needy. Keep me from being a burden to others. May my service truly serve others and glorify you.

May others see that you are a God who loves and cares for them. Make your character evident in your people.

Praise belongs to you and all creatures glorify you. The world and universe declare your greatness. Open our eyes to your magnificence. Draw us into your fellowship.

We trust you to guide us in the right way. We believe that you will protect and shield us from harm. We know that you have always kept your word and fulfilled your promise. Joy is ours because you are God.