Bible Pathway - December 17

Read 1 Peter 1

Highlights:

Call to Christian dedication; proper use of liberty in Christ; the example of Christ's suffering.

But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps (1 Pet. 2:20-21).

Frequently we find ourselves in circumstances beyond our ability to find a solution, and often (intuitively), we begin to inquire of God as to HOW He will help us. HOW is He going to lead us through this valley or over this mountain?

Sometimes we are confident that God will provide in a certain way or through a particular person. On other occasions we do not see HOW the Almighty can undertake the needs that face us. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1:5-7).

Our fears are turned to faith when we exchange the word HOW for the word WHO. Our assurance comes in knowing WHO hears and answers prayers. If we know God as He really is, we find that we can depend wholly upon Him and, therefore, it need not concern us HOW He will come to our aide. We have the assurance that He will. God has never failed to follow through with His Word. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9).

God has a thousand ways of helping His own which are beyond our imagination or understanding. He is not limited to our thoughts and ways, and we should fear limiting the Creator. The Word of God paints a clear picture of the faithfulness of God. Know therefore that the LORD thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His Commandments to a thousand generations (Deut. 7:9). As we read and study the Word of God, we increase our faith and grow in Christ. The Word teaches us about the nature of God and His character and helps us become the people God wants us to be.

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 2:5).

Thought for the Day: My grace is sufficient becomes a reality in times of trials.

Cross References:

For I Pet. 1:16: See Lev. 11:44-45. I Pet. 1:24-25: See Is. 40:6-8. I Pet. 2:6-7: See Is. 28:16; Ps. 118:22. I Pet. 2:22: See Is. 53:9. I Pet. 2:24-25: See Is. 53:4-6,12.

Word Studies:

1:17 sojourning, temporarily residing; 2:2 sincere, perfect, pure, without a mixture; 2:4 disallowed, rejected; 2:19 thankworthy, acceptable, something for which we should give thanks.

Prayer Suggestion: Glory in the Lord. He is Victor over Satan (Zech. 3:2).

Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 1:50