Depend on Jesus
Read the Text: 1 Peter 3
Memorize the Text:
Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that you may grow up into your salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is good.
(1 Peter 2:2, CSB)
Consider the Text: 1 Peter 3:13-15
The ability to navigate this world as a believer occurs as we depend on Christ. Every individual deal with moments of great joy and overwhelming grief. They experience the mountaintops experiences and the lowest of valleys. The ability to navigate these constantly changing dynamics reveals the foundation of an individual's life. For the believer, this foundation must be Jesus, and as the Christian depends on Jesus, the world begins to see his work in their life. The apostle Peter called believers to live differently than the world because of the presence of Christ in their life.
THE GREATNESS OF GOD'S PROMISE
God's promises should outweigh the struggles faced in this world. The apostle Paul told of his constant pain and declared that the Lord reminded him that God's grace is more than enough to deal with any pain. The grace of God provides a new perspective in life that rests on God's promises. The great promises of God include the promise of strength, presence, and life. The Lord encourages the believer on the difficult journey in the guarantee that he never abandons them. He provides the needed strength for the believer to overcome the challenges faced. He gives hope through the promise of eternal life, which allows the believer to keep an eternal perspective. Today, we need to seek to rest in these great promises as we navigate this life.
SUFFERING IS REAL
The great promises of God are crucial because of the reality that believers will face suffering. This truth does not mean that every moment of life occurs under a cloud of suffering but reminds believers that suffering should not shock us. The apostle Peter discussed forms of suffering toward believers as false accusations (2:12), ignorant talk (2:15), evil (3:9), insults (3:14), threats (3:14), and malicious talk (3:16). These causes of suffering are not exhaustive. Still, they serve to remind believers of the reality of the struggle. Today, believers continue to face forms of suffering. Some suffering occurs because we face the opposition of a fallen world. At other times, Christians cause suffering for other believers because sin becomes a driving force in life. When you consider the moments you face suffering, do you understand the reality of suffering occurring against all people and that you can rest in the promises of God?
SHOW CHRIST THROUGH DEPENDING ON HIM
When a believer faces suffering through depending on the Lord, God is glorified and made known. Peter declared that suffering must occur for the sake of righteousness. Often, the masses see the work of Christ not in the utterance of words but in the dependency on Christ lived out. In the Bible, Stephen (Acts 7) declared Christ in word and practice. As he faced the opposing masses, he depended on the Lord for strength, companionship, and the promise of life. Thus, the life of one named Saul had a seed planted because he witnessed the life of a believer faithfully depending on the Lord. Today, when believers depend on the Lord, they put into action that supports their declared word. They illuminate Christ in word and deed. They demonstrate to the masses the greatness of God.
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
