Daily Writing

Saturday, 28 December 2019

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1 Peter 5:10

Peter has been speaking of the necessity to be vigilant because the devil is out there and looking for a meal, and Christians are his meal to devour if he can get the upper hand over them. From there, he exhorted the brotherhood to remain steadfast, resisting the devil with the understanding that his attacks are not unique to individuals, but are the same throughout the brotherhood.

As this is so, he now provides words of comfort, beginning with, “But may the God of all grace.” The words here speak of God as being the Source of grace. No matter how much grace is exhibited, it could not be done so without Him first demonstrating it. All other grace is a shadowy reflection of His. The words also speak of God as the giver of all needed grace for the believer in Christ. No grace is lacking, even for the greatest afflictions we face. Paul came to understand this thought now conveyed by Peter –

“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. ⁸ Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. ⁹ And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

This is why, in the same epistle, Paul could say to those at Corinth words comparable to those written by Peter now –

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

It is this God, who is the Source of all such grace, He is the same God who provides such grace and “who called us to His eternal glory.” Those who believe have been called. This is reflective of Paul’s words to those at Rome –

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30

This calling, as noted by both Paul and Peter, is to a state of glory. Peter says, “to His eternal glory.” Paul says that the calling leads to being glorified. Both speak of the doctrine of eternal salvation. God doesn’t call, justify, and glorify potentially. He does so actually. There is no hint in the writings of Scripture that God will fail to glorify those He has called. The idea is abhorrent to the very nature of God and His calling.

Peter next says, “by Christ Jesus.” The Greek reads, “in Christ Jesus,” though some manuscripts leave off the name “Jesus” and simply say “in Christ.” God has done all of the work necessary, as an act of grace, and He has done it in the sphere of the Person and work of Christ. This extends beyond His physical Person to the concept of what He would do, as was explicitly prophesied in Genesis 3:15 and from that point on. The “spirit of Christ” is seen throughout Scripture, and it is this sphere in which God has called us to His eternal glory.

With this understanding, Peter then notes the temporary state in relation to that eternal aspect by saying, “after you have suffered a while.” This is what he has referred to throughout his epistle, but specifically in the past two verses. Though the devil will cause believers to suffer, it is a part of God’s plan to allow it to happen. But at some point, God will “perfect” His people.

Unfortunately, the NKJV, following the KJV, leaves off an important possessive pronoun – “Himself.” It should say something like, “the God of all grace shall … Himself make you perfect.” There is a personal touch which is blown to smithereens by any translation which excludes this pronoun. God is personally interested in His people. He is aware of their sufferings, and He Himself will bring those things to an end, perfecting His people.

The very sufferings which we face, and which seem too overwhelming to us are the same things which a part of leading us to being perfected. It is the refiner’s fire which purifies the metal. In like manner, the afflictions God allows provide us with a spiritual refining, if we will allow them to be used in this manner.

Peter then says, “establish.” The word gives the sense of setting something fast. It becomes immovable. In this, there is no vacillation, but a complete establishment of the person. Without such sufferings, this would be lacking.

Next, he says, “strengthen.” The verb is only found here in the Bible and follows after the previous word in intent. It is to make strong or confirm in spiritual power and knowledge. The learning process which is found in suffering leads to a confirmed state of understanding. The believer can look at the process and exclaim, “I fully grasp why these things occurred.”

In such knowledge, Peter says, “and settle you.” The word signifies “to lay the foundation.” Everything that occurs in a seemingly negative sense is actually something that has led the believer through a process leading to a positive establishment of his foundation.

Remember that it is God who personally is involved in the process, and He is doing it in Christ Jesus. As this is so, we should attempt to always view the world, and what occurs to us, in that most positive and glorious light.

Life application: As is found throughout the Bible, even dozens of times in the New Testament, Christians who have been called to God’s eternal glory can and should expect to suffer. Churches that teach otherwise and that promise oodles of earthly blessings without trials should be dismissed.

Expecting trials and sufferings should be the norm, not the exception. It is these very times that demonstrate God’s grace in our lives. Furthermore, it is these trials that mold us into that image our Creator desires for us. There is no shame in sufferings and in fact the opposite is true. Even more, taking trials with grace is pleasing to God who set the example for us in the cross of Jesus.

A noteworthy example from our own time is Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. In his later years, Bill got pulmonary fibrosis of the lungs which caused him great suffering and eventually led to his death. However, during the ordeal, he never lost his testimony for Christ or his expectation of being perfected, established, strengthened, and settled. His example, along with countless other faithful believers, is noteworthy and demonstrates a true and sound faith. These people encourage us that the promises of the Lord transcend even final suffering and death.

There is a great day coming when our physical pains will be set aside for everlasting joy. Our headaches, backaches, cancers, and other diseases will be no more. As the book of Revelation triumphantly proclaims –

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

When you are suffering, in whatever form, be of the attitude that it is serving a good purpose. Determine to reflect Christ, even in your time of affliction. God has trusted you to accomplish a personal demonstration of grace on His behalf.

Heavenly Father, despite our trials and sufferings, may our lives be examples to others of the grace You have lavished upon us. May our times of trials lead others to understand that Your sovereign purposes are being worked out, even in each of us. Be with us during these times so that You will be glorified. Amen.

Friday, 27 December 2019

Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 1 Peter 5:9

Peter continues with his words concerning the devil from the previous verse. Here he says, “Resist him.” The word is different than that translated as “resist” in verse 5:5. It more appropriately means “withstand,” and thus to stand one’s ground. One might think of it as standing face to face with the devil and saying, “Not an inch…!” But the verb here is second person plural. He is not speaking to individuals, but to the whole. And so, to bolster this, he says, “steadfast in the faith.”

The word is stereos, and it is the last of four uses in the Bible. It signifies standing fast without buckling. As he is addressing a whole, one could think of the three hundred soldiers at Thermopylae who closed ranks and held their position against countless thousands. Believers are to close the ranks of their group, stand firm, look the devil in the eye, and let him know that not an inch of ground will be yielded.

Then, to give his reader a note of confidence, he continues with, “knowing that the same sufferings are experienced.” Vincent’s Word Studies notes the peculiar construction of the words, which is ignored by almost all translations. It more literally reads, “the same things the sufferings.” Darby says, “the selfsame sufferings.” The GNT says, “the same kind of sufferings.”

The stress is on the similarity between the sufferings of various groups of believers. It is a hint that the devil employs the same tired tactics again and again. If believers simply pay heed to the word, they will understand this, be aware of his actions, and be able to stand firm in the face of his onslaughts. Peter then says that these selfsame sufferings are “experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

It is a correct rendering, brotherhood. This is its second and last use in Scripture. It speaks of the church in a collective sense. What is experienced by those in the church is not only in isolated instances, but it is common to the brotherhood throughout the church. Peter’s words are then a note that if others are facing such things, and if they are able to prevail, then so can those who are reading his words. The force of his words is that of unity of determination in standing against the devil.

Life application: Peter tells the individual believer that no matter what we are going through, other believers in the world are going through the same things elsewhere. He certainly knows that this doesn’t lessen our own suffering, but it should help in the sense that at least we know we are not alone in what we are dealing with.

God isn’t allowing something unique to overtake you, and your burden is something that you can – in fact – deal with. So, stand fast in the faith you have, and resist what the devil is sending your way. Paul spoke in the same terms as Peter does in Ephesians 6. Here is a portion of that for you to consider –

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13

When we face the temptations or the sufferings the devil sends our way, we need to be prepared for them by putting on “the whole armor of God.” The only way we can do this is to be prepared in advance. If we don’t know the Bible, then when the time of trial comes, we cannot use it for our defense. If we haven’t developed strong faith, we can’t exercise it when needed. Now is the time for us to prepare for life’s trials. Stand firm and steadfast, grounded in the gospel of your salvation.

Lord Jesus, You know our trials and temptations all too well. You know the areas where we are lacking the proper discipline to handle more. So, Lord, be with us and protect us from the rage of the devil. Be our Shield and our Defender as we head through the maze of life’s challenges. Thank You Lord Jesus. Amen.

Thursday, 26 December 2019

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Peter now begins two verses of warning. He had just noted that the believer was to have cast all of his cares upon the Lord. But now he shows that despite being carefree of anxieties, we are not to be carefree in our walk. This is because there is an enemy who lurks about us. And so, he says, “Be sober.”

It is a word now used for the last of six times, three by Paul and three by Peter. It speaks of literal soberness, but that then extends to being clear-minded, free from the intoxicating influences of sin, and etc. A good positive thought to describe it is to have one’s wits about them and to think clearly and rationally.

Next, he says, “be vigilant.” The word used signifies to be awake and watchful. It is what Jesus said the disciples failed to do in the Garden of Gethsemane. Like Peter, Paul used both of these Greek words in 1 Thessalonians 5:6, where he says, “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”

Peter then gives the reason for this beginning with, “because your adversary.” The Greek word, antidikos, comes from two words meaning “against justice.” It is one who brings charges against another, as if in a lawsuit. He is seeking formal charges against another. In this, the word “adversary” speaks in legal terms then. This is the only time it is used in the New Testament when speaking of “the devil.”

The term, “the devil,” signifies an accuser, but more especially a false accuser who purposefully maligns others in order to sever relationships. Peter says that this wicked one “walks about.” The thought comes directly from Job 1:7 –

“And the Lord said to Satan, ‘From where do you come?’
So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.’”

The devil doesn’t just sit idly by and wait for someone to fall into his snare. Rather, he actively goes about seeking targets. Vincent’s Word Studies notes that the Arabs call him “the Busy One.” He is active and he is malicious, as is evidenced by the words, “like a roaring lion.”

Peter uses a word found only here in Scripture, óruomai. It is an onomatopoetic expression; the sound of the word represents what it speaks of. In this case, it is to roar or howl. Albert Barnes says of this –

“The lion here is not the crouching lion – the lion stealthfully creeping toward his foe – but it is the raging monarch of the woods, who by his terrible roar would intimidate all so that they might become an easy prey. The particular thing referred to here, doubtless, is persecution, resembling in its terrors a roaring lion.”

It is a good analogy. The believer has cast his cares upon the Lord. In this, there is a feeling of safety and security. But without being vigilant and sober, such a carefree person can suddenly get overcome by a great and terrible foe. Such a vociferous and strong foe has one thought in mind, which is to seek “whom he may devour.”

A hungry, roaring lion has one thing on its mind, to feed himself. Whoever or whatever gets in his way will face his anger until he satisfies that hunger. But Peter’s words indicate that the devil is always walking about and roaring. He is like the fire which consumes until all is gone. There is never a point where he is satisfied and retreats to his lair. Thus, there is to always be a state of constant vigilance by the believer. Peter will give further admonition concerning this fierce foe in the verse ahead.

Life application: Earlier in the chapter, the role of the shepherd was discussed. He is the one who tends to the sheep. However, when the sheep are in the fold and a lion roars, they may be scared into flight – away from the rest of the sheep. This leaves them as easy prey.

The devil is looking to devour anyone he can, and it is far easier to go after someone who isn’t fellowshipping with other believers, attending church and Bible studies, and actively engaged in other Christian activities. The devil is looking for just this sort of person to tempt – whether through pride or lust – into his trap. Once they are there, they have nothing of substance to fall back on.

This doesn’t mean such a person can lose his salvation, but depending on the sin, he could lose his marriage, his freedom in society, or even his life. This is exactly what Satan wants. By accomplishing this, he can bring discredit on the name of Jesus. Determine now to be ever-vigilant, awake, and watchful, lest you become a victim of the devil’s wiles.

Lord Jesus, in You we have the victory. By staying in Your word and in fellowship with other believers, we know that there is safety. Help us to prioritize our lives so that we don’t let the necessary things be put off for that which is far less important. Keep us on the path of righteousness so that the devil has no ability to come after us with his temptations. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, 25 December 2019

…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Peter now makes somewhat of a paraphrase of the Greek version of Psalm 55:22. The Hebrew version reads –

“Cast your burden on the Lord,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”

In this, Peter completes the thought which began in the previous verse by saying, “casting all your care upon Him.” The word translated as “care” signifies a part separated from the whole, and thus “anxiety.” It is that which divides and fractures a person’s being into parts.

The translation “casting” gives an active and ongoing sense, but the word is an aorist participle, and thus “having cast” is more appropriate. It signifies one act which is effective for all time. One takes the whole of his life’s anxiety and casts it upon Christ. From this point, the anxiety should rightly no longer be a concern.

Peter then explains the thought by saying, “for He cares for you.” Here, the word “care” is different than “cares” in the first clause. It signifies being an object of care. One could say, “because He takes an interest in you,” or “because He is concerned about you.”

Vincent’s Word Studies notes that “The sixth and seventh verses should be taken together: Humble yourselves and cast all your anxiety. Pride is at the root of most of our anxiety. To human pride it is humiliating to cast everything upon another and be cared for.”

Understanding this, the whole thought was presented by Jesus in Matthew 6. Peter is, once again, thinking about the words of the Lord for those who were under law, and he is now showing that Christ – the fulfillment of the law – is the One to whom our anxiety is to be cast –

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷ Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
²⁸ “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; ²⁹ and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
³¹ “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:25-34

Life application: Peter remembers the tender care the Lord showed for him after the resurrection. Jesus restored him even though he had three times denied Him on the night of the crucifixion. Peter, as well as anyone else, could honestly say that Jesus truly cares for the people of the world. While writing today’s words, he may have also thought of another time when Jesus spoke to Israel –

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

These words echo down through the ages. If you are hurting, troubled, anxious, and distraught over life in general, or overburdened with the difficulties around you, Jesus tells you where to find rest. Likewise, Peter tells us how to obtain that rest. Cast your care upon the Lord, and in place of them take up His easy yoke.

We are told to do these things because He truly cares for us. He is the Shepherd of the sheep Who was willing to lay down His life for us. How much more now, since the resurrection, can we find complete assurance in His tender care. Take your trouble and hand it over to the Lord. In its place, ask for His peace and contentment in the challenges you anticipate. When you mentally make the leap that Jesus really can do these things, you will come to the place where nothing can truly steal your joy. Yes, cast your cares upon the Lord, for He cares for you.

Here we are Jesus, facing another day of trials and burdens. Instead of facing them alone, we place them in Your tender care. Handle them for us and give us the peace – that true peace – which can only come from You. We thank You for leading the way through this veil of tears and bringing us safely to a place of happiness and contentment. Amen.

Tuesday, 24 December 2019

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 1 Peter 5:6

Peter just quoted the proverb which noted that God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. With that thought in mind, he says, “Therefore.” In other words, “Because of what Scripture clearly teaches, pay heed to the words I now give.” From that thought, he says to his audience, “humble yourselves.”

If God gives grace to the humble, then it is appropriate that believers should humble themselves. But more, he continues with, “under the mighty hand of God.” Peter had just stated that “all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility” (5:5). Now, his words of this verse imply that being submissive to one another is to humble oneself under God’s mighty hand.

In other words, what we do before others in regard to humility is seen as an act of humility before God. The two are not separate, but are rather tied together. God is aware of our actions and His hand of power is there with us through our acts of humility. Peter then notes the purpose of referring to His mighty hand by saying, “that He may exalt you in due time.”

If there is some supposed shame in one humbling himself before others, there will be a grant of exaltation by God at some point for that same act. Jesus’ words, repeated several times in the gospels under various circumstances, were surely on Peter’s mind as he wrote out these words. One such time is found in Luke 14–

So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: ⁸ “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; ⁹ and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. ¹⁰ But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. ¹¹ For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11

Life application: God resists the proud. By demonstrating pride, we alienate ourselves from the Creator. He is the glorious One who set the stars in place, made bumblebees, and gave each of us our abilities. All things are from Him and therefore all credit is due Him; pride is excluded.

God gives grace to the humble. One should humble himself under the mighty hand of God. When we humble ourselves before the Creator, He lavishes on us unmerited favor; His grace. However, He doesn’t do this when we stand and act pious in front of others as a mere show. Instead, He searches our hearts and minds and He extends His grace to those who truly walk in a humble and contrite manner, recognizing His sovereignty in all things.

When we humble ourselves in His presence, we not only receive grace for the day, but a future blessing is also set aside for us. There is a glorious day coming when the trumpet shall sound, and all the saints of the ages will be translated. At this time, we will stand at the judgment seat of Christ and receive our rewards and losses based on our conduct in Christ. May we be about His business until that glorious (Oh yes! That glorious) day!

Lord Jesus, look on us with the favor promised so long ago through the prophet Isaiah – “‘For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,’ Says the LORD. ‘But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.’” May You be glorified as we walk humbly and in contrition before You. Amen.