2 Peter 1
Scripture
2 Peter 1:10
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Observation-What does it say?
Peter is encouraging believers to be sure of their calling and election.
“In 2 Peter 1:5-7, Peter lists certain things that prove that we are becoming more like the image of Christ. These things include faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.” (David Guzik commentary in enduringword.com)
Understanding-What does it mean?
According to commentary, “It is possible for an unsaved person to do many moral and religious duties. But the “these things” Peter wrote of are matters of the heart, and should be evident in anyone born again. Simply said, if we are called, if we are elect, then we are born again-and if we are born again, it shows in the way that we live.” (David Guzik commentary in enduringword.com)
Life Application
Have we confirmed our calling and election? Do a self evaluation from 2 Peter 1:5-7. Better yet, has someone confirmed any of these traits in us recently? If not, it is time to repent and turn our hearts towards (or back towards) Christ.
-Michelle Gaddi
Numbers 32 - 9.30.21
Scripture - What stood out?
Number 32:16-18
Then they came near to him and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones, 17 but we will take up arms, ready to go before the people of Israel, until we have brought them to their place. And our little ones shall live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land. 18 We will not return to our homes until each of the people of Israel has gained his inheritance.
Observation - What does it say?
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh choose to settle on the east side of the Jordan river. They saw the land was good for livestock and chose to settle there. This land is not to be confused with the promised land that is west of the Jordan river. The two and a half tribes agree to send their men with the rest of the nation so that they may conquer and inhabit the land that God had intended for the entire nation.
Understanding - What does it mean?
They settled for less than God’s promise.
The tribe of Reuben is named after the first son of Jacob. The same son who slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah. The same son who would step in and try to save his younger brother Joseph from the rest of his brothers.
Lord, Jesus I am puzzled. Why would anyone want to stop short of receiving fully one of Your promises? Matthew Henry in his commentary of this chapter writes:
Two things common in the world might lead these tribes to make this choice; the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. There was much amiss in the principle they went upon; they consulted their own private convenience more than the public good. Thus to the present time, many seek their own things more than the things of Jesus Christ;
Another author asks, how did the tribe of Reuben and Gad know that these lands were better than what was on the other side of Jordan?
For while the land was at once pleasing to their eye and appeared to be a great choice, they were vulnerable to attack. And they would find this out the hard way as they would later on become the first stop for the king of Assyria as he marched on towards the rest of the Israelite nation.
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
Have I settled for less than Your promises?
Lord, I can’t stop asking myself this question. I have been thinking about watershed moments in my life present and past and I keep asking myself - did I trade in a promise of Yours for the lust of my eye? If so please continue to reveal to me Lord. Help me to repent. Help me Holy Spirit because I need to be transformed into somebody that will never stop shy of God’s promises. Ever.
In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.
Your servant,
-kenneth lee
1 Peter 4
Scripture
1 Peter 4:10
“God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
Observation-What does it say?
Peter is writing the church and encouraging them to continue living their lives for God. Peter reminds them in this chapter to remain disciplined in their prayers. Peter reminds the church to most importantly, continue showing deep love for one another by using their God given spiritual gifts to serve each other.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Jesus Christ came to earth to serve, not to be served.
What a humbling thought that is. That the God of the universe came down to earth to serve, and not to be served. Jesus definitely showed us the way and lead by example. From helping the sick and lame, to washing his disciples feet (yes,even Judas’ feet!), to ultimately laying down his life for this world’s sins. Jesus’ life of ministry was all about helping and serving others...no matter what obstacles he had in front of him!
So if I am to call myself a Christ Follower, I have to live my life the way Jesus did. That means serving others. Thankfully God has blessed not only me, but all of us with spiritual gifts and talents. Each of us has different gifts and talents too! It’s up to us to use these gifts and talents to go out in the world and help others. I know that by doing this each day, we can all do our parts by shining the light of Christ to others around us and make this world see in a tangible way the love Jesus has for them. 😊
“We love each other because he loved us first.”-1 John 4:19
Life Application
Give someone in need a helping hand.
Father God, thank You so much for sending Jesus to lead the way. Thank You for Your many blessing in my life. Thank You for blessing me with the gifts and talents that I have so I can help others. I pray that I don’t let these gifts and talents go to waste. Be my eyes and ears to look and hear for opportunities to help others around me in need. May Your light shine in those that I help and serve. May You get all the glory and honor. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
-Moses Gaddi