In trials, Remain in the fold!

1 Peter 5:1-14 NIV.

Despite its fleeting nature, the allure of worldliness can be powerful. The world presents a supposedly better way of life accompanied by trendy hashtags like #yolo, #choplife, and #softlife.

How appealing such worldly invitations would have been for Peter's audience in the face of stern trials, the thought that switching sides to the worldly alternative could relieve their trials.

As Peter ends this first letter, he encourages believers to remain in the fold—in the family of God, in Christ's sheepfold—because those who are in the fold will share in Christ's glory (vv 1, 4, 10-11).

So, remain in the family of God by continuing to...

Be shepherds (v1-4).

If entrusted as a shepherd or leader, faithfully serve those under your care with exemplary living as one accountable to God (1-3). This is how you will receive a crown of glory from the Chief Shepherd (4). So, who are we responsible for? And how is that going?

Be submissive (v5-7).

Live a life of submission to godly authorities and humility toward one another and God (5). This is how God will lift you up—glorify you—in due time (6). Knowing that God cares for you should motivate worry-free submission (7). So, who are we accountable to? And how is that going?

Be sober (v8-9).

Although Peter sees trials as God's will (3:17; 4:2,19; 5:6), he still sees Satan involved in them (8). Therefore, be sober in mind and resist Satan by standing firm in the faith with the global fold (9)!

In the last three verses, 12-14, Peter brings greetings from members of the global fold: Silas, Mark, and the church in Babylon. And he prays for God's peace upon the fold—all who are in Christ.

Those in the fold of Christ will someday share in the glory of the Chief Shepherd, the one shepherd, Jesus Christ (v4; John 10:14-16 ESV).

Reflect & Pray

How are you connected to the fold—the Church? How does it encourage you to know that whatever your trials, you're part of a global fold that will one day share in Christ's glory?

May the peace of God abide with everyone called as chosen exiles in Christ, amen.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.

Psalm 91: A Complete Refuge 3

Psalm 91 [short series]. As we journey through life, sometimes we go through troubles beyond our control — an addiction, sudden financial lack, sickness, broken relationship, losing a loved one, a hope deferred. How do we navigate those seasons? Or maybe you are currently in such a season and wondering, "How do I live through this?" Previously [1] [2] , we saw that God's refuge is guaranteed. The Psalm also shows the completeness of God's refuge as a reason for how we can navigate the seasons of life. His Refuge is complete through this life! Psalm 91:3-6, 13 God rescues you from troubles beyond your reach and permanently deals with the cause of all problems, Satan himself. His refuge deals with: Sin: snare of the fowler (v3, 11-12) Snares are traps used to catch animals, often made with something enticing or luring, like a cheese trap for a

In Christ is all we need

Luke 5:1-11 NIV; 2 Peter 1:3 NIV. Praise God! Happy new year!!! One time, I was meeting friends for a game of badminton. When I arrived at the court, I noticed I had come with the wrong bag. I planned to play in shorts, but I played in trousers, and my very competitive friends were not merciful. Peter described the Christian life almost like my backpack experience, except that he made the right switch. He picked the one that had all he needed for his journey. In Luke's passage (Luke 5:1-11 NIV), he records Peter's first meeting with Jesus. It was at a time when he had toiled all night but couldn't catch any fish. So he parked his boat by the seashore. But when Jesus saw Peter's boat, he got into it and used it to teach the crowd the word of God - to meet their spiritual needs. Again, in displaying his divine miraculous power, he used the boat to provide much fish - to meet the physical needs of Pet

Psalm 91: A Guaranteed Refuge 1

Psalm 91 [short series]. Psalm 91 is a commonly known Psalm that often raises doubts (e.g. Does it really apply to our present realities?), gets misinterpreted (e.g. If you trust God, no trouble will come to you) or gets undermined (e.g. It’s all a metaphor). But the message in the Psalm is such a profound encouragement to keep trusting in God because of the kind of refuge that only He can provide. As we will see in a 4 part study, the Psalm shows us why God is the only refuge you can trust (v2), and this is because: His refuge is guaranteed By His greatness: He can. v1, 11-12 By His promise: He will. v4, 14-16 His refuge is complete Through this life. v3-6, 13 Into the next life. v7-10, 16 His Refuge is guaranteed by His Greatness! Psalm 91:1, 11-12 He can always rescue! T

A Devotional Life

Search This Blog