Milo

DECEMBER 12

Reading 346

LIFE IN GOD’S WILL 1 Peter 4–5

“Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ” (1 Peter 4:12–13).There is meaning in the suffering of the Christian.

Overview

Live for the will of God (4:1–6). Love and serve each other (vv. 7–11), and find joy in suffering as a Christian (vv. 12–19). Elders are to shepherd God’s flock (5:1–4). All are to be humble and self-controlled (vv. 5–9), and look confidently to God (vv. 10–14).

Understanding the Text

“They think it strange that you do not plunge into the same flood of dissipation” 1 Peter 4:1–6. “But what do you do for fun?” is something we Christians hear quite often. At school teens ridicule Christian young people for not being involved in drinking and premarital sex. Coworkers can’t understand why we don’t stop off at the local bar after work to get drunk on Friday night. Manufacturers shout “censorship!” when Christians band together and pledge not to purchase products advertised on TV programs that exploit sex and violence. Just the other day I heard a radio ad for a TV daytime soap, which promised to provide “all of the sin, and none of the guilt” that listeners desire! And yet so many non-Christians quite sincerely ask, “What do you do for fun?” They think it strange that we don’t plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation. And, as Peter warned, they do more. They “heap abuse on you.” When that happens, remember that the world remains the same. But you are different. Adopt Christ’s attitude and determine to be done with sin. No matter what the cost. “They will have to give account” 1 Peter 4:5–6. Peter described Christ preaching through the Spirit to the “spirits in prison” who “disobeyed long ago” in the days of Noah (3:19–20). Genesis tells us that it took Noah 120 years to build the ark. All during that time the curious gathered, and Christ, speaking through Noah, preached to them. They paid no attention, however, and when the great Flood came, only Noah and his family entered the ark and were carried to safety. Today too the Gospel is being preached “to those who are now [spiritually] dead.” Their very failure to hear and respond demonstrates that God is right to judge and to condemn them. The heart that is open to God will respond to the Gospel. Failure to trust in Jesus is evidence of a hardened heart, and of divine judgment to come. “Above all, love each other deeply” 1 Peter 4:7–10. The more hostile the world is to us, the greater our need for support and encouragement. The antagonism of outsiders has the effect of bringing us closer and closer to others who think and feel as we do. Peter pictured the Christian community as a close, warm, and supportive fellowship, where we can find encouragement and strength to get on with life in the grim outside world. While we may not appreciate the importance of Christian fellowship until persecution or suffering comes, support from other believers is important at all times. We need each other’s love to reassure us of our worth and of God’s forgiveness. We need each other’s gifts to help us grow. And we need to exercise our gifts in ministry to others. If you are missing the warmth of fellowship with other Christians, you lack something essential to your growth and well-being. “Do it with the strength God provides” 1 Peter 4:11. It’s not easy, this living by “the will of God” (v. 2). When Pete’s mother called Marti, and asked her to come over, Marti hesitated. At the Bible study that week Pete’s mom had stayed behind and talked to her, pouring out the pain caused by her husband, who said he wanted to stay married but insisted on keeping a mistress too. The talk had helped. But now Pete’s mom was feeling desperate again, and wanted Marti to come over to talk and pray with her. Marti put down the phone. She wanted to help. But she was afraid to go too. She had always been like that: honestly wanting to help, but fearful of taking any initiative. Like the time she’d taught the women’s Bible study. Afterward she was asked to teach again and again. But she never would do it. She wanted to. But the thought of taking responsibility made her anxious and upset. We may feel fearful when opportunities to minister come. But we can’t make Marti’s choice, and draw back. We have to “do it with the strength God provides.” That verse is not only a challenge, but also a promise. When you and I do step out to minister, God will provide the strength we need. Don’t expect the strength while you’re standing there, struggling to decide. Decide to do God’s will, and expect the strength to be provided when you need it. “Not lording it over those entrusted to you” 1 Peter 5:1–4. Leaders are servants, not masters. This New Testament theme is reaffirmed here, with a word about leaders’ motives. Leaders must want to serve; indeed, they must be willing, and even “eager to serve.” People have many different motives for wanting to be leaders. But a passionate desire to serve others is a basic qualification for Christian leadership. “Humble yourselves” 1 Peter 5:5–6. Here as earlier in this letter submission is viewed as a virtue. But never mistake either submission or humility as a weakness. Only the truly strong can control their natural desire to dominate rather than to submit; to appear powerful rather than pliant. “Cast all your anxiety on Him” 1 Peter 5:7. Old and New Testaments both have much to say about anxiety. But this brief verse effectively sums it all up. Let God worry about you, because after all, He does care for you. If you and I know that God is watching out for us, we have nothing left to worry about, and can get on with the business of living by the will of God. “After you have suffered a little while” 1 Peter 5:10–11. It’s hard not to be anxious when we’re suffering. Leaving everything to God then seems difficult indeed. But Peter has a promise that will help. Suffering lasts only for a little while. God will restore you, and make you strong. And in His time will call you up to heaven to share in His own eternal glory. Whatever today’s pain, we have the promise of strength, and the prospect of glory—forever.

DEVOTIONAL

We Share(1 Peter 4:12–19)

Remember the story of the little red hen? She wanted to bake bread, but none of the barnyard animals would help. So she did it herself. Of course, when the bread was baked, they all gathered around wanting a piece. But the little red hen ate it all herself. The children’s story is a commentary on human rather than animal nature. We’re not enthusiastic about the work. But we sure like to reap the benefits! In a way, this is true of Christians. We tend to look foward to heaven, and plan to enjoy eternity there. But we’re not too wild about experiencing any suffering down here. Yet Peter reminds us that suffering and glory are bound together inseparably. It was Jesus’ total dedication to doing the will of God, even though that will led Him to Calvary, that vaulted Him to glory. The Resurrection was made possible by the Cross. So Peter tells us not to be surprised if we too suffer painful things. Suffering isn’t strange. It’s natural for the person who participates in Christ’s suffering. Jesus’ commitment to do God’s will brought Him into conflict with this world. If we share that commitment, we will come into conflict with the world and suffer too. You and I aren’t to go out of our way to find suffering. We are simply to commit ourselves fully to God, and continue to do good. Then, if suffering comes, we can praise God indeed! Suffering as Christians, and for Christ, will mean glory for us when His glory is fully revealed.

Personal Application

Bearing Christ’s name may mean carrying His cross.

Quotable

“The worst part of martyrdom is not the last agonizing moment; it is the wearing, daily steadfastness. Men who can make up their minds to hold out against the torture of an hour have sunk under the weariness and the harassment of small prolonged vexations. There are many a Christian bereaved and stricken in the best hopes of life. For such a one to say quietly, ‘Father, not as I will, but as Thou wilt,’ is to be a martyr.”—F.W. Robertson

DECEMBER 11

Reading 345

GOD LIVES 1 Peter 2–3

“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” (1 Peter 2:12).Christ is our model, who suffered for doing good.

Overview

Peter encouraged growth (2:1–3) in view of the believers’ calling as God’s chosen and holy people (vv. 4–10). Believers are to live good lives (vv. 11–12), and to submit to civil authorities (vv. 13–17), and masters (vv. 18–19), even when this involves suffering as Christ suffered (vv. 20–25). Submission is appropriate in the home (3:1–7), and in the church (vv. 8–9). If a person should suffer for doing good, he should remember Christ’s suffering (vv. 10–18) which led to our salvation (vv. 19–22).

Understanding the Text

“Crave pure spiritual milk” 1 Peter 2:1–3. In chapter 1 Peter reminded us that we have been born again and given God’s own heredity. That first taste of grace should inspire us to grow! Our religious experience does not end when we are saved. It begins. “Rejected by men but chosen by God and precious” 1 Peter 2:4–8. The values of God and of sinful man are in constant conflict. Pagan writers of the first centuries of our era, when they did mention Christ, scoffed at Him and His followers. Modern pagans have a similar attitude, though the name of Jesus is at least familiar. But to those of us who believe, the name of Jesus is precious. These opposite reactions to Jesus have implications for what Peter was about to say concerning submission and suffering. The pagan, who disobeys the message of Jesus, will never sense the wisdom of submission, or the praiseworthiness of suffering. Only our faith in Jesus, with complete acceptance of the values affirmed by God, enables us to choose the path that Jesus Himself trod. In ancient times the cornerstone was the anchor of a building’s foundation. Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 28:16 which refer to cornerstones were understood by Israel’s rabbis to have messianic implications, and are applied to Jesus in the Gospels (Matt. 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17), by Paul (Rom. 9:33; Eph. 2:20) and by Peter. Jesus is the foundation of our faith, and also of the church in which believers are living stones (1 Peter 2:4–7). “A chosen people, a royal priesthood” 1 Peter 2:9–10. It is only right that we choose to live by God’s values, for He has chosen us. In the Old Testament, priests officiated at sacrifices and led the worship of God. In first-century Roman culture, pagan priests also led worshipers in offering sacrifices and praises to the gods. In both contexts, it was considered a high honor to serve as a priest. So the imagery of a Christian royal priesthood was clear, and powerful. We who because of sin were not even a people of God have been called out of darkness, and given the highest position of all! It is only appropriate then that we serve as priests, and “declare the praises” of Him who called us from darkness to light. “Abstain from sinful desires” 1 Peter 2:11. Peter devoted the rest of this chapter and the beginning of the next to explaining how you and I “declare the praises” of God. Essentially, we declare God’s praises more by the way we live than by what we say. The first declaration of praise Peter mentioned was to “abstain from sinful desires.” A better rendering suggests the Christian is to make a clean break with the “natural impulses” which dominated us in the past. The adjective sarkikon found in this Greek phrase suggests that the impulses Peter had in mind are not impulses to gross sin so much as every person’s natural inclination to preserve self and his material well-being. Peter warned that concern for the things of this world “war against your soul.” The more we care about the material universe, the less we will care about the spiritual. The things of this life are to be of slight value to the Christian, whose hopes are fixed on Christ’s return. “Live such good lives among the pagans” 1 Peter 2:12. Freedom from care about those things which quite naturally concern pagans does not mean withdrawal from the world. Instead it means freedom to live good lives here and now. We can understand why. If you are primarily concerned about making your commission on a sale, you won’t consider whether or not you treat your customer fairly. But if you are freed from “sinful desires,” you will make your decisions solely on the basis of what is right and good. Freed by our concern to please God only, we will be able to live such good lives that even those who slander us will be forced to acknowledge God’s work in our lives, and thus glorify God when Jesus returns. “Every man has his price.” Peter said that integrity is priceless—and Christians are to have it! “Submit . . . to every authority instituted among men” 1 Peter 2:13–17. Early Christians were at times criticized as misfits who hated society, because they did not take part in worship at social events honoring the Emperor or state deities. Yet even pagan writers who mention early Christians confess that they were not rabble-rousers or political revolutionaries. In fact, the earliest description of Christians by Roman authorities reports an investigation which found that in Christian meetings they bound themselves by oath to live good lives, to pray for the Emperor, and to obey the authorities. A life of submission to authorities will not prevent you from being slandered as a lawbreaker. But using your freedom to live as God’s servant in human society will win you, and God, praise forevermore. “Not only to those who are good and considerate” 1 Peter 2:18–21. It’s easy to submit in a nation where laws are basically fair and rulers are honest men. Submission becomes difficult, however, when you are treated unfairly. Yet Christians are called to submit even when treated unfairly. This is one of those areas of direct conflict: our “natural tendency” to shout out against submitting. Peter remained adamant. The believer is to submit and bear “up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.” Jesus walked the way of submission, and we are to follow in His steps. Being a Christian is more challenging than it might seem. We discard the values of our society to adopt values that conflict with those things that come most naturally to us. “He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” 1 Peter 2:22–25. Unfair treatment is most frustrating when we can’t do anything about it. If we can take it to court—even “The People’s Court” on TV—we may not win, but at least we will have done something. We will have tried to strike back. But Peter called for submission even when we are treated unfairly. The slave with a harsh master isn’t to run away, or land an uppercut to the master’s jaw. He or she is simply to endure, and keep on doing what is good and right. It’s fine to say this “is commendable before God” (v. 20). But that doesn’t relieve the frustration of our helplessness. Yet there is one thing we can do. And Peter tells us what. We can do what Jesus did when He suffered unjustly. Jesus didn’t retaliate, or hurl insults back at those who insulted Him. What Jesus did was to entrust “Himself to Him who judges justly.” What a release this is. To simply trust ourselves to God, to remember that He judges justly, and leave our case in His hands. Was Jesus wise to do so? Yes, for out of the innocent suffering of the Saviour God worked our salvation. The suffering of Jesus was not meaningless; it was permitted that through it good might come. If we but commit ourselves into God’s hands, we can be sure that not only justice will be done for us, but also that our suffering will serve the cause of grace. “Your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” 1 Peter 3:1–6. The principle of submission, as a willingness to respond to others, applies in marriage as well as social and public life. Peter’s call for wives to submit is not demeaning. He had uttered the same call to all believers, and shown that submission was the road chosen by Jesus. What Peter asked, and what the wise man will value, is the beautiful attitude of a woman willing to be responsive to her husband. Outward appearance fades. Inner beauty increases with the years. “So that nothing will hinder your prayers” 1 Peter 3:7. A man with a responsive wife is greatly blessed—and responsible! Failure to be considerate and treat one’s wife with respect, as a partner, blocks God’s answers to our prayers. “This water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also” 1 Peter 3:19–22. These verses have troubled Christians as much as any in the New Testament. But all Peter was doing was drawing an analogy between the experience of Noah in the great Flood (Gen. 6–8), and the experience of the Christian. The floodwaters of judgment in that ancient day purged the old world of sin, and deposited Noah and his family on a fresh, new earth. This is like the baptism by which the Christian is united to Jesus (cf. 1 Cor. 12:13). In the judgment that Jesus experienced for us on the cross, all that was corrupt in us was cleansed. And in Jesus’ resurrection, we were carried with Him into a new world. In the old world, Peter said, we lived our earthly life “for evil human desires” (1 Peter 4:2). Now, carried through the judgment in Christ, our ark of safety, we are to live the rest of our lives on earth for the will of God. What an image of the Christian’s experience. After our conversion we look around us, and realize that while the world remains the same, we ourselves are fresh and new! And we are called to live in newness of life!

DEVOTIONALWhen Bad Things Happen to Good People(1 Peter 3:8–18)

The popular book with this title can be summed up in just a few words. Don’t blame God. He’s upset about it too! Peter had a much more satisfying answer for us. He reminds us that God’s eyes are on the righteous, so that in the normal course of affairs good things do happen to good people (vv. 8–13). But there are unusual cases when you do good, and suffer for it (v. 14). What’s surprising is Peter’s statement that if this happens to you, “you are blessed.” Before Peter explained, he told us how to react if something bad happens to us if we have been doing good (vv. 14b-17). Peter said: (1) don’t be terrified or frightened; (2) remember that Jesus is Lord, and thus sovereign over all circumstances; (3) be ready to explain your positive outlook to those who are shocked you haven’t crumbled; (4) keep a clear conscience; and (5) remember that if God chooses to let you suffer, it’s much better to suffer for something you didn’t do than to suffer for committing some sin! It’s nice to know how to react when something bad happens to us. But it doesn’t explain why bad things happen. So Peter gave an answer; a reason why if this happens to you, “you are blessed.” Peter reminds us that Jesus suffered innocently too. The evil men who deserved punishment unjustly caused Christ’s death, and He suffered instead of them. Surely this is the greatest injustice, the clearest example of bad things happening to someone good, that history has ever known. And yet all this happened according to God’s will. And through the injustice of Christ’s suffering, our Lord brought us to God (v. 18). Our amazingly wonderful and gracious God turned injustice into a means of grace and of blessing for all mankind. This is God’s Word to you and me when we suffer unjustly. The Lord hasn’t forgotten or forsaken us. When bad things happen to God’s good people we can be certain that He is personally involved! And we can be sure that out of the evil God will bring some very real good.

Personal Application

Remember: bad things happen to good people that through suffering blessing may come.

Quotable

“O God, give us patience when the wicked hurt us. O how impatient and angry we are when we think ourselves unjustly slandered, reviled and hurt! Christ suffers strokes upon His cheek, the innocent for the guilty; yet we may not abide one rough word for His sake. O Lord, grant us virtue and patience, power and strength, that we may take all adversity with good will, and with a gentle mind overcome it. And if necessity and Your honour require us to speak, grant that we may do so with meekness and patience, that the truth and Your glory may be defended, and our patience and steadfast countinuance perceived.”—Miles Coverdale

1 Peter

DECEMBER 10

Reading 344

SAVED FOR HOLINESS 1 Peter 1

“Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written, ‘Be holy, because I am holy”’ (1 Peter 1:15).After all, children are expected to resemble parents.

Biography: Peter

Peter was the acknowledged leader of the 12 disciples during Jesus’ life on earth. He continued in that role in the earliest days of the church. We know more of Paul’s later ministry: Paul’s mission work is reported by Luke in the Book of Acts, and Paul contributed some 13 letters to our New Testament. Yet Peter continued to be a driving force in the Christian movement. Early tradition tells us that Mark was the “interpreter of Peter,” and two of Peter’s circulating letters of instruction are found in the New Testament. A firm tradition reports that Peter and Paul both died in Rome in the lateA.D 60s, victims of an outburst of persecution.

Overview

After a brief greeting (1:1–2), Peter praised God for the salvation of those who now suffered persecution (vv. 3–12). He urged them to remember the price of redemption and to live holy lives (vv. 13–25).

Understanding the Text

“Chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” 1 Peter 1:1–2. By all accounts the first Christians in the Roman Empire were drawn from the lower, powerless classes. They were vulnerable to persecution; indeed, within 50 years of the writing of this letter Pliny, a Roman governor of Bythinia and Pontus, would summarily execute believers for merely admitting they were Christians! How vital then this greeting, which reminded the Christians of Asia Minor that they were “God’s elect.” It makes little difference how people in our society view Christians. What counts is that we have worth and value in God’s sight. Remember that the Father chose you, the Spirit set you apart, and the Son cleansed you with His own blood. These reminders of God’s love can comfort and support when any suffering comes. “Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 1:3–4. In the first century many lower class citizens banded together in small associations or clubs, generally of some 50 to 200 members. The clubs provided an opportunity to socialize and a chance to gain recognition by holding office. Perhaps most important, club dues were used to meet burial expenses of members who died. Thus membership in a first-century hataeria offered benefits to its members in this life. How different the church, the ecclesia! In God’s great mercy He instilled life and hope into Christian believers, promising us life after death through Jesus’ resurrection from the dead! The pagan club stored up treasure so funds would be available to bury its members. God stores up an eternal treasure that we inherit beyond death—and enjoy forevermore. When suffering comes to us, as it surely must, what a joy to look ahead! For us, death is not an end, but a new beginning. “Shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation” 1 Peter 1:5. Notice the double lock God has provided to ensure our future? He guards the treasures laid up for us by preserving them in heaven. And He guards us, by preserving us here on earth. Faith in Christ is the guarantee that God will keep us as His own till Christ comes back to take possession of us. “You may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” 1 Peter 1:6–9. Peter was particularly sensitive to the suffering Christians in many parts of the empire were already beginning to experience. In this brief letter pascho, the basic Greek word for suffering, is used 12 times. And several other Greek synonyms are also found. Peter hurt with the sufferers. But he also had words of encouragement for them—words that encourage us as well. First, our suffering on earth is “for a little while.” Even years, which seem so long to us, are less than an instant when compared to eternity. Second, trials have great value in proving faith genuine. When Pliny questioned Christians, he released any who denied the faith by burning incense to statues of pagan gods. The “faith” of some has proven to be unreal under much less pressure. Yet the faith of millions more has proven real despite intense suffering, and this brings God “praise, glory and honor.” Third, trials give us a unique opportunity to experience our own salvation. When we take our stand for Jesus, we find ourselves “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” despite suffering and pain. This joy, a gift of the Holy Spirit, is evidence within that we are “receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” Those who suffer for Jesus’ sake, and who remain true to Him, find an inner certainty that God is real, and that they are saved! “The sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow” 1 Peter 1:10–12. We Christians believe that glory follows and grows out of suffering. In the Old Testament era the prophets foresaw both the suffering and the glory of God’s promised Messiah. But the “time and circumstances” involved remained a mystery. The death and resurrection of Jesus resolved that mystery once and for all. Today we know that Christ came to suffer for us, returned to heaven, and that He will come again in glory. The “time” is suffering first, glory later. This is also true for you and me. Suffering precedes glory. So if suffering comes, you and I can look beyond it and rejoice in what we know will follow. Christ’s coming even clarified the “circumstances.” Suffering is to be expected as we live our lives on earth. And glory is to be expected when Jesus returns. There is much in Old Testament prophecy that remains a mystery. But the link between suffering and glory, with the “time” and “circumstances,” are revealed to us in Christ. Because we now understand them, we can’t be devastated by suffering, as though something strange were happening to us. Instead we look beyond our suffering, and take comfort in the glory that will be ours when Jesus comes. “Prepare your minds for action” 1 Peter 1:13–16. Knowing the pattern of suffering followed later by glory, you and I prepare to live godly lives. Peter tells us to get ready, to be self-controlled, to be obedient children, to be “holy in all you do.” And he tells us one more vital thing. “Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” So often we “set our hope” on some near, immediate grace. “Lord, I’d like this new job.” “Lord, heal my illness.” “Lord, if only You’ll let us get this home of our own.” “Father, I know this marriage is just what I need to make me happy!” We may indeed get what we ask and hope for in this life. But any earthly prospect can disappoint, and every earthly possession be torn from our grasp. Only when we set our hope “fully” on the grace that will be ours when Jesus comes will we be immune to life’s losses. “Live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear” 1 Peter 1:17. When you and I take God seriously, we realize how fleeting our life on earth is. We enjoy God’s good gifts. We feel the pain of our losses and our reverses of fortune. But somehow we’re always aware that we are strangers here. We don’t quite belong. And we yearn for home. This may be one of the most important values of suffering. If life on earth were a constant joy, why would we fix our hope fully on the grace to be brought to us at Jesus’ return? If life on earth were without difficulty, how would we remain sensitive to our need for God? If life on earth were without trials or persecution, how would we be forced to choose between commitment to Christ and comfort or ease? As Peter said, suffering does have value. It reveals the genuineness of our faith, and so brings praise to the Lord. And our experience of unexplained joy in our suffering assures us. We “are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (v. 9).

DEVOTIONAL

Born Again(1 Peter 1:17–25)

Jesus said it first: “You must be born again” (John 3:7). But Peter may give us the best explanation of the impact of being born again found in Scripture. In a brief, forceful passage he spoke of the cost of our new life, of its nature, and of the difference it makes. The cost is “the precious blood of Christ,” the price paid that we might have new life. By nature our new life is imperishable. And the difference it makes is as great as the difference between night and day. J.B. Phillips helps us understand the nature of our new life in his paraphrase of 1 Peter 1:23: “God has given us His own indestructible heredity.” Our new life is God’s own life, fused permanently to our human personality. All flesh is like grass, perishable. Our new life from God is permanent, a source of endless existence and spiritual vitality. You and I can’t have God’s life within us and be unchanged. Peter spoke of the difference as a purifying one. In obeying the truth (a phrase that simply means, in responding with faith to the Gospel message) we have “purified” ourselves. The old, selfish motives and desires that once ruled us no longer are our master. They have been replaced by that quality which most clearly revealed the heart of God Himself: love. Now, being born again “so that you have a sincere love for your brothers” we go on to “love one another deeply, from the heart.” Have you ever wondered if you really are born again? If you have God’s heredity, you will begin to be like your Heavenly Father. And the mark of our family resemblance to Him is our growing capacity to love.

Personal Application

Do those who know you see the family resemblance to God?

Quotable

“By brothers, Christ made love the stairway that would enable all Christians to climb to heaven. Hold fast to it, therefore, in all sincerity, give one another practical proof of it, and by your progress in it, make your ascent together.”—Fulgentius of Ruspe

1 Peter

INTRODUCTION

First Peter was written by the Apostle Peter from Rome, in the early A.D. 60s, to Christians in northern Asia Minor. This is a pastoral letter, written to encourage Christians who were already suffering persecution to live godly lives marked by submission and good works. Jesus is prominent in 1 Peter as our example of innocent suffering, and as the one whose resurrection to glory confirms our own hope. This powerful letter continues to inspire believers who suffer persecution for our common faith.

OUTLINE OF CONTENTS

I.	The Gift of Salvation	1 Peter 1:1–2:10
II.	The Call to Submission	1 Peter 2:11–3:12
III.	Sovereignty and Suffering	1 Peter 3:13–4:6
IV.	The Prospect of Glory	1 Peter 4:7–5:14

DECEMBER 9

Reading 343

PROSPECTS OF FAITH James 4–5

“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming” (James 5:7).Patience and prayer are resources that make present sufferings bearable.

Overview

Motives and attitudes affect prayer (4:1–6). Humility (vv. 7–10), nonjudgmentalism (vv. 11–12), and trust (vv. 13–17) in the face of injustice (5:1–6) are fitting for believers, as are patience (vv. 7–11) and simple honesty (v. 12). Till Jesus comes we have prayer (vv. 13–18), and each other (vv. 19–20).

Understanding the Text

“What causes fights and quarrels?” James 4:1–4 It’s easy to blame circumstances and other people for conflicts. Sometimes others really are to blame: some folks are simply hostile, always looking for a chance to harm or to fight. But the first place to look when we feel hostility is within ourselves. James’ point is that we become hostile and quarrel with others when they seem a threat to something we want. You’re more likely to fight with a rival for that promotion you want than with another coworker. Jealousy of another person will color the way you act toward them, and how you interpret their actions. There’s not much you or I can do if another person is determined to be hostile. But there’s a lot we can do when we locate the reason for strife within ourselves. First, we can examine our motives, to see if they are in harmony with godliness. Second, we can determine not to use sinful means to reach even a good goal. Third, we can pray for the person(s) with whom we have problems, asking God to help them—and to help us care about them. Finally, we can commit ourselves to the Lord, asking Him to give not what we want, but what we need. “Friendship with the world is hatred toward God” James 4:4. Here as in John, the “world” (kosmos) is sinful human culture, with its complex web of motives, desires, and perceptions that are focused selfishly on life in the present universe. James says that we can’t develop an affinity for the world’s outlook on life and expect to stay friends with God, whose outlook is entirely different. The warning reflects something James just said about prayer. Often our prayers go unanswered “because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (v. 3). It’s not that God begrudges us a good time, or relaxation. But a self-centered attitude, in which a desire for personal gratification shoves concern for God and others aside, will not stimulate prayers that God is willing to answer. This world isn’t a toy shop. And God isn’t an indulgent daddy who buys us anything we want. Especially when the toys that worldly people clamor for are hateful to God! “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” James 4:5–6. “Envy” is a bitter feeling aroused by another’s possession of something we want, whether wealth, popularity, or success. James warns us that “the [human] spirit he caused to live in us tends toward envy.” All those desires that battle in us and cause “fights and quarrels” are rooted in fallen human nature itself. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself oriented to the world that is God’s enemy! But verse 4 emphasizes “chooses.” Desire in itself is not sin. Sin is a choice motivated by the desire. How wonderful that God “gives us more grace,” and so enables us to overcome our natural tendencies. And how important to humble ourselves before Him, and ask for that grace. “Who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:11–12 James has called on us to live humble lives. Now he goes on to illustrate it. A person who is quick to judge another’s actions is not humble. He or she has clambered up on the Judge’s bench, grabbed God’s gavel, and pushed Him aside. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge. Remember that when you feel tempted to judge others. You and I aren’t on the bench. We’re standing before the bar, beside the very person whose case we’ve arrogantly determined to try! “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” James 4:13–17. The old school teacher always closed her letters to ex-students with “d.v.” Finally one asked her what the initials meant. The answer was, “dio volente”-if God wills. That’s what James was saying here. Be sure to add d.v. to every plan you make, every intention you express. Arrogance looks ahead and assumes that the future is secure; that the business will prosper, that the body will remain healthy, that loved ones will always be there. The humble person lives with an awareness of man’s frailty, and d.v. is the postscript wisely added to every plan. “Your gold and silver are corroded” James 5:1–6. This powerful condemnation of rich exploiters of the poor seems almost out of place. Yet those who trust in riches, and who trample on the rights of others to pile up wealth, are the antithesis of the humble persons God calls on believers to become. These rich men epitomize the world system which James says is hostile to God. They value material things, which have no lasting worth. And they disdain human beings, whom God says have ultimate value. Their life on earth, which is one of “luxury and self-indulgence,” serves only to prepare them for the “day of slaughter” (divine judgment). Don’t envy the rich and famous. They’ve got it much harder than you and I! “The farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop” James 5:7. Humility does not pay immediate dividends. James was realistic about it. We might as well be realistic too. If you want to get ahead in this world, maybe the “fight and quarrel” approach will work better. But Christians are like farmers. We plant in this life. And we expect to harvest in the next. And like farmers, the only thing we can do till harvesttime comes is to wait. Hopefully, with patience. “The Lord’s coming is near” James 5:8–11. To help us develop patience James said two things. First, “the Lord’s coming is near.” The wait won’t be as long as it sometimes seems. And second, look back in Scripture for examples of those who bore suffering patiently, and in the end were more than repaid by God. You and I will be richly repaid too. “Call the elders of the church to pray over him” James 5:13–18. The Old Testament tells of one king of Judah who became ill and died, in part because he relied “only” on physicians. The particular word used of “oil” here indicates that James did recommend a medicinal use of olive oil in treating the sick. But he expected Christians to rely on God for healing, and to confidently anticipate prayer to be answered. Part of the healing process is confession of sins: the loss of fellowship with God eats at us and makes us more vulnerable to illness. Part of the healing process is prayer by church elders. In combining medical and spiritual treatment we express that dependence on God which is in accord with humility. “Turns a sinner from the error of his ways” James 5:19–20. James closed with this final illustration of humility. The one who has sins needs to be humble, in order to confess his fault when confronted. And the one who confronts needs to be humble as well, lest an attitude of pride drive his brother farther away from the Lord. What wonderful resources God has given us in each other as we wait, together, for the coming of our Lord.

DEVOTIONAL

Good Old American “How To”(James 4:1–10)

After years of ministering in churches and seminaries, I’ve noticed a peculiar thing. The first question we Americans ask is, “How?” Whether I’m teaching on Christian education or church leadership, whenever I introduce a concept, someone is bound to ask, “But how can we do that?” Not, “Is this right?” Not, “Is this biblical?” But, “How can we ever do THAT?” It may be this is a human rather than just an American trait. I suspect that James was aware of the “how?” questions in his audience too. Certainly few passages of Scripture have as many active verbs strung together in such a few brief verses as 7–10, the “how to” section that caps James’ discussion of conflict, unanswered prayers, and the need of grace to overcome our innate tendency to envy. The first two verbs suggest general principles. We are to submit to God. And we are to resist the devil. Just HOW we do this is explained by the other verbs in these verses. (1) We “come near” to God. Consciously fix your thoughts on the Lord, and approach Him in prayer. James promises us that when we do, God will bend down close to listen to us. This is always the first step in submission. (2) We “wash . . . hands” and “purify . . . hearts.” Approaching God as sinners, we confess our faults. And though we have been “double-minded” (cf. 1:8), we make a firm commitment to respond, whatever God may ask us to do. (3) We change our “laughter to mourning.” We reject the world system, with its false values. We realize that most of the things the world laughs about actually call for mourning, and most of the things the world finds joy in cast a pall of gloom over God’s universe. Changing our laughter to mourning is exchanging lost man’s perspective on life for God’s, and evaluating all things by His standards. (4) “And He will lift you up.” When we humble ourselves in these ways before God, we sense His loving hands grip us, and lift us up. In humbling ourselves before God, more than our outlook on life is changed. We ourselves are changed! We are raised to newness of life.

Personal Application

Kneel, to be at, as well as on, God’s side.

Quotable

“A meek man is not a human mouse with a sense of his own inferiority. Rather he may be in his mortal life as bold as a lion and as strong as Samson; but he has stopped being fooled about himself. He has accepted God’s estimate of his own life. He knows he is as weak and helpless as God declared him to be, but paradoxically, he knows at the same time that he is in the sight of God of more importance than angels. In himself, nothing; in God, everything. That is his motto.”—A.W. Tozer