Monthly ArchivesJune 2020

1 Pet 5:1–14 5:1 So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be revealed, I urge the elders among you: 2 Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly. 3 And do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock. 4 Then when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away. 5 In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one ...

Psalm 12 12:1 For the music director; according to the sheminith style; a psalm of David. Deliver, Lord! For the godly have disappeared; people of integrity have vanished. 2 People lie to one another; they flatter and deceive. 3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts! 4 They say, “We speak persuasively; we know how to flatter and boast. Who is our master?” 5 “Because of the violence done to the oppressed, because of the painful cries of the needy, I will spring into action,” says the Lord. “I will provide the safety they so desperately desire.” 6 The Lord’s words are absolutely reliable. They are as untainted as silver purified in a furnace ...

1 Pet 4:17–19 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin, starting with the house of God. And if it starts with us, what will be the fate of those who are disobedient to the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinners? 19 So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good.     One thought: The Christian message is pretty simple – trust God and do good works   Three questions:   What do you think Peter means that judgement has begun with God’s household?   How do you feel about the ...

1 Pet 4:14–16 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God, rests on you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or as a troublemaker. 16 But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear such a name.     One thought: For some of us, we are tempted to fight fire with fire. Christians don’t need to do this.     Three questions:   How might a Christians today suffer for doing the wrong thing?   How do you feel when people ridicule Christians/God?   How could you ...

1 Pet 4:12–13 4:12 Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice and be glad.   One thought: The New Testament seems very clear that suffering will be a normal part of the Christian experience.     Three questions:   In what ways are you suffering for being a Christian (think well about this – you may be suffering in ways you don’t realise)   Do you feel like you could rejoice in suffering (particularly in being insulted/attacked for ...

1 Pet 4:11 4:11 Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. One thought:   We get to be instruments of God’s glory when we serve one another.   Three questions:   How are you serving others right now in a way that requires you to trust in God (and the strength He gives)?   How do you feel about serving others?   What is one thing you could do this week to serve others more?   Prayer:   Give thanks for God’s service to us in ...

1 Pet 4:9–10 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.   One thought:   Hospitality that might cause you to complain or grumble must be sacrificial indeed.   Three questions:   What would this have looked like to Peter’s first audience – taking in a brother/sister + family who had been evicted from their house or lost jobs because of their faith?   How do you feel about having others in your home?   What do you think this looks like today?   Prayer:   Acknowledge God’s hospitality towards us, inviting sinners to share in ...

1 Pet 4:7–8 4:7 For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer. 8 Above all keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins.     One thought:   The state of the game clock changes the way you play. We are in the last minutes.     Three questions:   How might it be helpful to be sober-minded/self-controlled before (for the sake of) praying – would it change what you pray for?   Do you see life as short? Or do you just feel like there is no end?   Commit to praying for five minutes every day this week     Prayer:   ...