The Will of God 1 Peter 2:15

Peter the apostle told the “scattered” Christians they were to “submit” “to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake”, and this included both the “king” and “governors” who were sent “for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well”. In chapter two and verse fifteen of his letter, Peter told the Christians this was “the will of God” for them where we read:

For so is the will of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

The verse begins, “For so is the will of God, that with well doing...” Peter began with the word, “For” which means “that, because and since” “so is the will” or “what one wishes or has determined shall be done, the inclination, choice, desire or pleasure” “of God” who is “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”, “that with well doing” which means “doing good, doing something that profits others, helping, doing a favor for or benefiting others”. Peter knew submission to governing authorities was “the will of God” for the “scattered” Christians, and this behavior would result in “well doing”.

The verse goes on to say, “...you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:” Peter added, “you may put to silence” which is one Greek word “phimoō” and means “close the mouth with a muzzle, stop the mouth, make speechless and keep in check” “the ignorance” or “not knowing” “of foolish” which means “without reason, senseless, foolish, stupid and without reflection or intelligence, acting rashly” “men” which refers to “human beings whether male or female”. When Christians are submissive to the governing authorities, they bear witness of their walk with Jesus Christ. This “closes the mouths” of those who are without the knowledge of a relationship with Him.

When we meditate upon Peter's words, there is no doubt as to what “the will of God” is for us in this area. We are to be subject to those who are in leadership positions above us, and when we do, people who do not believe in Jesus Christ will see a difference in the manner in which we behave. May the Lord Jesus by His Holy Spirit help us to know when we are in rebellion against the authorities, and let us fully understand how important our behavior is to non-believers.

Next time Peter shares how Christians are not to use their “liberty for a cloak of maliciousness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Obeying Governors of Evildoers 1 Peter 2:14

As Peter the apostle continued to share ways the “scattered” Christians were to live as witnesses of the glory of God, he told them to “Submit” themselves “to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake”, and he began the example of “whether it be to the king, as supreme”, and in chapter two and verse fourteen of his letter to them, he continued with “governors” who punish “evildoers” where we read:

Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers,

and for the praise of them that do well.

The verse begins, “Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers,...” Peter continued the previous verse with, “Or unto governors” which refers to “a leader of any kind, a guide, ruler, prefect, president, chief, general, commander or sovereign”, “as unto them that are sent” which is one Greek word “pempō” and means “to send, bid a thing to be carried to one or send, thrust or insert a thing into another” “by him” which refers to “the ruler and commander” “for the punishment” or “revenging, vengeance, vindication and retribution” “of evildoers” which refers to “a bad doer, criminal or malefactor”. Christians are to submit to those who are rulers over them as they have authority to “punish” people who are criminals and violate the ordinances of man.

The verse goes on to say, “...and for the praise of them that do well.” Peter added, “and for the praise” which means “approbation and commendation” “of them that do well” which means “those who act right and are virtuous”. In addition to “punishing” the “evildoers”, rulers are also sent to give approbation and commendation to those who do right and good things.

When we think through these words of Peter, we begin to understand the role of leaders within governments. They are to insure that criminals are punished for their bad behavior, and they are to commend those who do good things. If we realize this, we should have no difficulty submitting to them. Regardless of whether these authorities obey the directives given by God to them, Christians are to “submit” to them as they conduct themselves appropriately.

Next time Peter tells the “scattered” Christians how submitting is “the will of God” and “it puts to silence the ignorance of foolish men”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Submit to Man's Ordinances 1 Peter 2:13

Peter wanted the “scattered” Christians to live “honest among the Gentiles” because even though others would consider them “evildoers”, they could by their “good works” “glorify God in the day of visitation”. In chapter two and verse thirteen of his letter, Peter began a series of instructions for what “good works” look like with the first being “submitting to every ordinance of man” where we read:

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake:

whether it be to the king, as supreme;

The verse begins, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake:” Peter began with the words, “Submit yourselves” which means “arrange under, be subordinate, subject and yielding to one's admonition or advice” “to every ordinance” or “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone of the acts of founding, establishing, building and creating” “of man” which refers to “humans” “for the Lord's sake” which means “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah”. The “scattered” Christians were to be “subordinate to” each and every act of men which serves as an act of being submissive to God.

The verse continues, “whether it be to the king, as supreme;”Peter added, “whether it be” which means “if and or” “to the king” which refers to the “leader of the people, prince, commander and lord of the land”, “as supreme” or “better, higher, more excellent and surpassing”. Peter narrowed his focus for submitting to the “ordinances of man” by naming “the leader of the people” as the “supreme” person to which Christians were to be subordinate.

When we meditate upon Peter's words, we may find ourselves resistant to obeying his charge. We might attempt to find exceptions for our submission, however, he declared submitting to“every ordinance of man” as his challenge. We know by other scriptures that we are to resist government “ordinances” when they conflict directly with God's word, however, most of the laws of man align with His. Perhaps we should examine ourselves in light of Peter's challenge, and understand that it is for “the Lord's sake” that we obey man's laws, and as our “good works” are seen by others, they will “glorify God” for our obedience.

Next time Peter tells the “scattered” Christians to “submit to governors”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Living with Good Works 1 Peter 2:12

The “scattered” Christians were “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation” and “a peculiar people” according to Peter's letter to them. The had also “obtained mercy” and were “the people of God” because they were to share the “praises of him” who “called” them “out of darkness into his marvelous light”. They were to “abstain from fleshly lusts which war” “against their souls”, and in chapter two and verse twelve of his letter, Peter continued to share how they should live with “good works” where we read:

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

The verse begins, “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles:” Peter began with the phrase, “Having your conversation” which means “manner of life, conduct, behavior and deportment” “honest” or “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable and admirable” “among the Gentiles” who were “a multitude associated or living together, a company, troop, swarm, nation or people group considered pagans and not worshipping the true God”. Christians were to have exemplary behavior before people who were considered unbelievers and “pagans”.

The verse goes on to say, “that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Peter added, “that whereas they speak against” or “criminate, traduce and slander” “you” which refers to the “scattered” Christians “as evildoers” or “malefactor, criminal or bad doer”, “they may” which means “think, suppose, be of opinion, praise, extol, magnify and celebrate” “by your good works” which means “better, honest, meet and goodly deeds, labor, employment and that which any one is occupied”“which they” which refers to “the pagan unbelievers” “shall behold” or “oversee, look upon, view attentively and watch” “glorify” which means “honor, have glory, magnify, make glorious and full of glory” “God” who is “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “in the day” which literally is “used of the natural day or interval between sunrise and sunset as distinguished from and contrasted with the night” and speaks “of the last day of this present age, the day Christ will return from heaven, raise the dead, hold the final judgment, and perfect his kingdom” “of visitation” which refers to “investigation, inspection, oversight, office, charge and the office of an elder”. When “the day of visitation” comes, people will remember the “good works” Christians have done, and they will “glorify God” who have seen them.

When we consider Peter's words, we begin to understand the importance of having “good works” in our lives. Though others may accuse us of being “evildoers”, we are to continue doing “good” things as a testimony of our relationship with Jesus Christ. There will be a “day of visitation” when God Almighty brings all things into judgment, and those who have seen our “good works” will only be able to “glorify God” because of them.

Next time Peter tells the “scattered” Christians to “submit” themselves “to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Abstain from Fleshly Lusts 1 Peter 2:11

Because the “scattered” Christians were “a chosen generation” by God Almighty, Peter wrote that they “in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy”, and because they had, in chapter two and verse eleven of his letter, Peter challenged them to “abstain from fleshly lusts” where we read:

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims,

abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

The verse begins, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims,...” Peter began with the words, “Dearly beloved” which means “well loved, esteemed, dear, favorite and worthy of love”, “I beseech” or “call to one's side, call for, summon, address, speak to, entreat, admonish, exhort and beg” “you” which refers to the “scattered” Christians “as strangers” or “foreigners, without citizenship and sojourners” “and pilgrims” which means “one who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to reside by the side of the natives”. Peter called upon the Christians with regard to their proper situation in the world - “strangers” and “pilgrims”.

The verse goes on to say, “...abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;” Peter added, “abstain” or “to hold one's self off or refrain” “from fleshly” which means “carnal, having the nature of flesh or under the control of the animal appetites” “lusts” or “desires, cravings, longings and desires for what is forbidden” “which war” or “to make a military expedition, to lead soldiers to war or to battle, active service and to fight” “against the soul” which means “down from, through out, according to, toward and along the breath of life and vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing and the seat of feelings, desires, affections and aversions”. Because Christians are as “strangers” and “pilgrims” in this world, they should keep themselves from the fleshly desires which only fight against their feelings, affections and desires which are to be dedicated to God.

When we meditate upon Peter's words, we see the passion Peter has for these early Christians. As “well-loved” strangers in this world, they were to keep themselves from the “fleshly lusts” which are in it. Many temptations of the flesh are available to Christians, and they must keep themselves from them. Too many people have fallen prey when they have not “abstained”, and their witness as a Christian is tarnished. As we consider these things, let us look to the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit to remind us of the “war” in which we are engaged, and may we always remember, we are only “strangers” and “pilgrims” here because this world is not our home.

Next time Peter tells the “scattered” Christians to do “good works” so others will “glorify God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The People of God 1 Peter 2:10

Peter the apostle called the “scattered” Christians, “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people”. He wanted them to know the reason for this was “that” they “should show forth the praises of him who has called” them “out of darkness into his marvelous light”. In chapter two and verse ten of his letter, Peter told the “scattered” Christians they “are now the people of God” who have “obtained mercy” where we read:

Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:

which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

The verse begins, “Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:” Peter began with the phrase, “Which in time past” or “once, formally and aforetime” “were not” which means “no, absolutely negative, nay, neither, none and never” “a people” which refers to “a group, tribe, nation and all those who are of the same stock and language”, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “moreover, nevertheless, and” “are now” or “at this time or in the present” “the people” which refers to “a group, tribe, nation and all those who are of the same stock and language” “of God” or “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. The “scattered” Christians were not considered the “people of God” before they were chosen of God, however, now that He has elected them, they are “nation of God”.

The verse goes on to say, “which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” Peter continued with, “which had not” or “not that these or those” “obtained mercy” which means “have received help for those seeking aid or bringing help to the wretched”, “but” which again means “moreover, nevertheless, and” “now” which refers to “at this time or in the present” “have obtained mercy” or “have received help for those seeking aid or bringing help to the wretched”. Before they were “chosen” by the Lord, the “scattered” Christians had not received aid for their wretchedness, but now they experienced the “help and aid” of the Lord.

When we think through these words of Peter, we begin to understand the importance of being “elected and chosen” by Him. Those who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior “have obtained mercy” from Him, and they are “people of God”. What a blessed notion it is to know the Lord loves His people in that way. May all those who have received Jesus rejoice in the “mercy” they have “obtained”.

Next time Peter tells the “scattered” Christians to “abstain from fleshly lusts”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

A Chosen Generation and Peculiar People 1 Peter 2:9

Peter the apostle called Jesus, “stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed”. This is because Jesus was made the foundation and “head of the corner” of the building of God which is known as the church. In chapter two and verse nine of his letter to the “scattered” Christians, Peter called these believers, “a chosen generation”, “a royal priesthood” and “a peculiar people” where we read:

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

The verse begins, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;” Peter began with the word, “But” which means “moreover, and, nevertheless and even” and is a disassociation conjunction which means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just written “you are a chosen” or “the scattered Christians were picked out, selected and elected as appointed by God to the most exalted office conceivable” “generation” which means “kindred, offspring, nation, stock and diversity”, “a royal” or “kingly in nature” “priesthood” which means “the office, order or body of priests”, “an holy” or “most sacred, pure, morally blameless, religious and ceremonially consecrated” “nation” which means “people, multitude, company, troop or swarm”, “a peculiar” or “preserving, obtaining, purchased, possession and saving” “people” which refers to “group, tribe, nation, those of the same stock and language and a great part of the population gathered together anywhere”. There is no doubt that God Almighty gave great value to these whom He chose.

The verse goes on to say, “that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:” Peter continued with the phrase, “that you should show forth” which means “tell out, declare, divulge, publish, make known by praising or proclaiming to celebrate” “the praises” or “virtuous course of thought, feeling and action; moral goodness and any particular moral excellence as modesty and purity” “of him who has called you” which means to “called aloud, uttered in a loud voice, given a name to and saluted by name” “out of darkness” which means “from and away darkened eyesight, blindness or ignorance respecting divine things and human duties, and the accompanying ungodliness and immorality, together with their consequent misery in hell” “into his marvelous” or “wonderful, worthy of pious admiration, admirable, excellent, passing human comprehension and causing amazement joined with terror” “light” which refers to “truth and its knowledge, together with the spiritual purity associated with it that is exposed to the view of all, openly, publicly with the power of understanding especially moral and spiritual truth”. When a person has be “chosen” by God, the natural response and responsibility is to “show forth” His praises to the rest of the world for people everywhere to see and know.

When we consider the words of Peter, we begin to understand God Almighty's appraisal of us. He “chose” us, made us royalty and considers us a “holy nation” and “a peculiar people”, and the reason was for us to give “praise” to the Lord who brought us from a life of “darkness” and “into” His glorious knowledge and truth. May we begin to know His “calling” and “election”, and may all who hear us and see our lives see the “praises” of the mighty work He has done.

Next time Peter shares how the “scattered” Christians “have obtained mercy”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Jesus a Stone of Stumbling 1 Peter 2:8

Peter the apostle told the “scattered” Christians that those “which believe” Jesus “is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner”, and in chapter two and verse eight, Peter continued with his thought as he calls Jesus, “a stone of stumbling” where we read:

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

The verse begins, “And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient:” Peter began with the phrase, “And a stone” or “small building stone” “of stumbling” which means “stumbling-block or obstacle in the way which if one strikes his foot against he stumbles or falls”, “and a rock” or “crag, cliff or ledge” “of offense” which is the Greek word “skandalon” and means “a movable stick or trigger of a trap; any impediment place in the way and causing one to stumble or fall”, “even to them which” or “who or that” “stumble” or “strike against, rush upon, beat against or induced by sin” “at the word” which refers to “a speech, utterance, decree, mandate or order”, “being disobedient” or “refused, withhold belief and obedience or not allowing one's self to be persuaded”. When Jesus came to the earth, he “stumbled” through His word those who “refused, rejected and were not allowing themselves to be accepted”.

The verse continues, “whereunto also they were appointed.” Peter goes on to write, “whereunto” which means “into, unto, to, towards, for and among” “also” or “even, indeed, and” “they were appointed” which means “set, put, placed, laid down, fixed and established”. The Lord “appointed” and established those who would not believe and trust in Him to be “stumbled” or tripped up by His appearance.

When we think through these words of Peter, we discover how the Lord desired for Jesus to either be accepted as Savior and Lord or to “stumble” those who did not believe in Him. We should align ourselves with God the Father's “set” “cornerstone”, and when we understand who He really is, we will be obedient to our Heavenly Father's plan.

Next time Peter shares about a “chosen generation”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Head of the Corner 1 Peter 2:7

Peter the apostle told the “scattered” Christians that Jesus was the “living stone” upon which the foundation of Christianity was to be laid. He also referred the prophecy of Isaiah as he shared that these believers were “lively stones” which “are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ”. In chapter two and verse seven of his letter, Peter referred to how “precious” Jesus is even as He became the “head of the corner” even though He was “disallowed” of those who did not believe on Him. We read:

Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

The verse begins, “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious:” Peter began with the words, “Unto you” which refers to the “scattered” Christians “therefore” which means “then, accordingly, consequently and these things being so” “which believe” or “think to be true, are persuaded of, credited and placed confidence in” “he is precious” which means “valued by which the price is fixed, honor which belongs or is shown to one”. Whenever a person “believes” in Jesus Christ, they begin to know how “valuable” He is.

The verse goes on to say, “but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed,...” Peter continued with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was just written “unto them which be disobedient” or “not allowed to be persuaded, refused ”, “the stone” which means “a small stone or building stone” “which the builders” which literally means “those who erect, rebuild or repair a house” and metaphorically means “to found, establish, and promote growth in Christian wisdom, affection, grace, virtue, holiness and blessedness ” “disallowed” which means “disapproved, rejected or repudiated”. There were people who “refused” Jesus Christ, and therefore “rejected” the very “stone” upon which Christianity and the Church were built.

Finally the verse says, “...the same is made the head of the corner,” Peter ended the verse by writing, “the same” which refers to “this or these” “is made” or “become, come into existence, begin to be, received, came to pass and happened” “the head” which which literally means “the head of both mean and often of animals” and metaphorically means “anything supreme, chief and prominent” “of the corner” which refers to “an external or internal corner”. Even though He was rejected by unbelievers, He was made the “chief, prominent and supreme cornerstone”.

When we think through these words of Peter, we understand that the effect of unbelievers in Jesus was “nil”. Just because a person does not believe Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of mankind doesn't alter the fact that He is. Jesus was made the “head of the corner”, and all of Christianity is founded upon Him. May all who read these words take heed and understand that whether they believe Him or not, Jesus is Lord.

Next time Peter shares how this stone is “a stone of stumbling”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

A Chief Corner Stone 1 Peter 2:6

Peter the apostle told the “scattered” Christians that Jesus Christ came as “unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious”, and that they were “lively stones” which “are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ”. In chapter two and verse six of his letter to them, Peter quoted a verse from which Jesus is named as “a chief corner stone, elect and precious” where we read:

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believes on him shall not be confounded.

The verse begins, “Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:” Peter began with the word, “Wherefore” which means “on account of, through which thing, consequently, for which cause and therefore” and whenever we see it in scripture, we should always ask, what is the “wherefore” therefore? In this case Peter is referring to a scripture which was written earlier in the Bible, “also” which means “it is contained” or “surrounded, encompassed, contained with and taken possession of” “in the scripture” which refers to “writings or certain portions of the Holy Scripture”, “Behold” which means “see and lo”, “I lay in Sion” or “set, put or place in Zion which means a parched place and was the hill on which the higher and more ancient part of Jerusalem was built” “a chief corner” or “placed at an extreme corner or the foundation stone” “stone” or “building or milled stone”, “elect” which means “picked out, chosen, appointed and choice”, “precious” or “held in honor, prized, dear and in reputation”. Peter referred to Isaiah chapter twenty-eight and verse sixteen where it says, “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believes shall not make haste.”

The verse continues, “and he that believes on him shall not be confounded.” Peter added, “and he that believes” which refers to “thinks to be true, is persuaded of, credited to, and placed confidence in” “on him” which means “Jesus” “shall not be confounded” which in Greek is “kataischynō ou mē kataischynō” means “will not be ashamed, dishonored, disgraced, put to or blushed with shame”. Those who put their trust and faith in Jesus Christ “the chief corner stone” will never be “dishonored, disgraced or put to shame” for their decision.

When we consider these words of Peter, we see that Jesus was not only placed as a “living stone” or “foundation” upon which the church of believers would be built, but He is “The chief corner stone” which is the main stone upon which a building is founded. May we realize what a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus Christ while we note how dependent we are upon His unmovable placement and stand.

Next time Peter contrasts those who “believe” with those who are “disobedient”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Lively Stones, Spiritual House and Holy Priesthood 1 Peter 2:5

As Peter continued his words to the “scattered” Christians, he told them Jesus came as a “lively stone” which was “disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious”, and in chapter two and verse five of his letter, Peter includes the “scattered” Christians in the group of “lively stones” where we read:

You also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood,

to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

The verse begins, “You also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood,...” Peter began with the words, “You also” which refers to “the scattered Christians like unto Jesus Christ” “as lively” or “alive, quick and breathing” “stones” which literally means “small stones” “are built up” or “to erect, restore, rebuild and repair” “a spiritual” which means “relating to the human spirit, or rational soul, as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument or organ”“house” or “inhabited home or building”, “an holy” or “most pure, morally blameless, religious and ceremonially blameless” “priesthood” which refers to “the office or body of priests”. Peter included the “scattered” Christians as “small stones” which as “holy priests” were to be used to build the house of God.

The verse goes on to say, “...to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” Peter added, “to offer up” which means “carry, bring or lead up to” “spiritual” or “relating to the human spirit, or rational soul, as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument or organ” “sacrifices” which are “the act or the victim”, “acceptable” which means “well received, approved and favorable” “to God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “by Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and is “the Son of God, Savior of Mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” which means “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”. The function of the “living stones” was to “bring” “sacrifices” which are “spiritual” and “acceptable to God” the Father “by” way of “Jesus Christ”.

When we meditate upon Peter's words, we begin to understand that God is building an edifice which is spiritual with all those who believe and trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. We are considered a “pure and morally and ceremonially blameless” “priesthood”, and our responsibility is to “offer up” “sacrifices” which are spiritual and “accepted” by God because of our relationship to Jesus Christ. May Peter's words inspire us to know we are being “built up” by God our Father through Jesus Christ to be the “building of God” for all the world to see.

Next time Peter shares about the “chief corner stone”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

I Think

When I think upon the things I think I thunk

I think I think from things I think I thunk before

Yet if thoughts I think I thunk before be thoughts

these thoughts I think I thunk be thinking

thoughts no more

If thinking thoughts brand new be thoughts

and thoughts I think I thunk be old

then thinking thoughts I thunk I thought be not

thinking thoughts at all

For thinking thoughts that I would think

I think be thoughts anew

No thoughts from past nor thinking thunks

nor thunking thoughts will do

So thinking thoughts if so be new

the things I thought I thunk

be nothing more than memory thoughts

of things I think I thunk

A Precious Living Stone 1 Peter 2:4

Peter the apostle told the “scattered” Christians to “lay aside” “all malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies and evil speakings”. He told them “if” they “have tasted that the Lord is gracious”, they were to “desire the sincere milk of the word” that they would “grow thereby”. In chapter two and verse four of his letter, Peter tells the Christians about Jesus to whom he refers as “a precious” “living stone” where we read:

To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men,

but chosen of God, and precious,

The verse begins, “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men,...” Peter began with the phrase, “To whom coming” which refers to “Jesus approaching and drawing near” “as unto a living” or “alive, quick and lively” “stone” which literally means “a building stone” and metaphorically stands for “Christ”, “disallowed” or “disapproved, rejected and repudiated” “indeed” which means “truly, certainly and surely” “of men” which refers to “a human being whether male or female”. When Jesus came to be among men, he was to be “a living” foundation “stone” upon which the church would be built, yet people “rejected and repudiated” Him.

The verse continues, “...but chosen of God, and precious,” Peter went on to write the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction and means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously written, “moreover, and, also” “chosen” which means “picked out, selected and elected” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”, “and precious” which means “dear, held in honor and prized”. Though mankind “rejected” Jesus, “God” Almighty did not. In fact, God “chose” Him and counted Him “dear, honored and prized”.

When we think through these words of Peter, we realize that Jesus is “dear, valuable and precious” to God, and as recorded in chapter twenty-eight and verse sixteen of Isaiah's prophecy, “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believes shall not make haste.” Even though Jesus was “rejected” by “men”, He was still the “living stone” upon which all the church was to be built. May we realize this truth and come to know the “value” of Jesus both unto God and us.

Next time Peter shares about how Christians are “built up” as “a spiritual house”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Tasting the Lord's Graciousness 1 Peter 2:3

Peter the apostle told the “scattered” Christians they were to “desire the sincere milk of the word, that” they “may grow thereby”, and in chapter two and verse three of his letter to them, Peter shared a condition for their desiring the word where we read:

If so be you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

The verse begins, “If so be you have tasted...” Peter began with the words, “If so be” or “since, if indeed or after all” “you” which refers to the “scattered” Christians “have tasted” which means “tried, perceived, enjoyed, felt, made trial of and experienced the flavor of”. Peter's condition for desiring the “sincere milk of the word” and “laying aside” evil ways was whether or not the Christians “tasted” or experienced that which he is about to declare.

The verse goes on to say, “...that the Lord is gracious.” Peter continued with the phrase, “that the Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “is gracious” or “kind, easy, virtuous, good, pleasant and benevolent”. The “scattered” Christians would grow with the “sincere milk of the word” and “lay aside” evil ways as they “experienced and enjoyed” the goodness and benevolence of the Lord.

When we think through Peter's words, we understand the importance of this condition for growing with the word of the Lord. Perhaps we should examine ourselves and discover whether we really have “tasted” our “gracious” Lord. May the Lord Jesus help us to know His “graciousness”, and may we grow in His word and “lay aside” evil ways and attitudes as a result of it.

Next time Peter shares about being “living stones”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.