Bible Pathways Daily Bible Reading Devotional

Act now to share the love of Christ in the Middle East
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Bible Pathways - Dec. 18, 2006


 

12182006

1 Peter 3

In Today's Reading:

Duties of husbands and wives; suffering and reward; duties of the elders and all Christians

There is just One True and Complete Source of spiritual knowledge and strength. The Holy Spirit led the apostle to write: If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (utterances) of God; if any man minister (serve), let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever (I Peter 4:11). In contrast to the Word of God are the opinions and traditions of mere men. We must not modify or ignore the only Guide to Life that our Creator has given as the standard by which we must live.

The last recorded words that Jesus spoke personally to Peter were on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, when Jesus asked three times: Simon, son of Jonas, Lovest thou Me? . . . Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, lovest thou Me? And he said unto Him, Lord . . . Thou knowest that I love Thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed My sheep (John 21:15-17). Peter fulfilled that commission by passing the Word along to all of us. Caring for, defending, guiding, and numerous other duties are needed by and for believers; but feed My sheep means to teach them all of God's Word, from Genesis through Revelation. All of us can be involved. Some write, edit, and print, while others support the distribution of the teaching ministries for Jesus, who also commands us: Feed My sheep.

The underlying principle of most worldly endeavors is: "How much is in it for me?" This spirit of greed, pride, and power so permeated everything in our age that even some churches are not free from self-serving ambition. Because the Word of God is alive and never changes, and human nature also remains unchanged, the message the Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul to write to Timothy is still applicable to us today: Before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick (living) and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom; Preach the Word; be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort (encourage) with all longsuffering (patience) and doctrine (teaching) (II Timothy 4:1-2). The Lord is not . . . willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Peter 3:9).

Cross References:

For I Peter 3:10-12: See Psalm 34:12-16. I Peter 5:5: See Proverbs 3:34.

Word Studies:

3:11 eschew = turn himself away from; ensue = earnestly pursue; 3:20 were saved by water = were saved from the water by entering the ark (that illustrates Christ); 4:15 busybody = one who interferes in other people's affairs that do not concern them.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Julia Toms · Staff: Barbara Bivens Country: Zambia (10 million) in south-central Africa Major languages: English and 70 indigenous languages Religious freedom 30% Roman Catholic; 25% Protestant; 24% ancestor worship, magic, and witchcraft; 19% cults Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for the privilege of publishing His Word (Psalm 68:11).

Memory Verse for the Week: John 10:30



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