PT-2 We know that our trials are building Christian Character (1 Pet. 5:10-14)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 8/1/2017 11:01 PM

My Worship Time              Focus: PT-2 We know that our trials are building Christian Character

Bible Reading & Meditation                                                 Reference:  1 Peter 5:10-14

            Message of the verses:  “10  After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.”

            We have been talking about suffering, and actually this is one of the main themes of the book of 1 Peter.  When unbelievers suffer they lose hope, but when believers suffer our hope is to increase.  “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4).”  This is something that in reality has to come from the Lord through the Person of the Holy Spirit, as He uses the Word to help in this task too.

            Now as far as verses twelve and thirteen we have already looked at this verses in the introductory to this last section from the outline of Warren Wiersbe.

            Peter closed this epistle with a benediction of peace as seen in verse fourteen.  This is also common in Paul’s letters too.  Peace, that is true peace can only come from God and that is what Peter is writing about.

            We also see the term “holy kiss” in verse fourteen and this is seen three other times in the New Testament.  This is something that was common during the time Peter wrote this letter.

            Dr. Wiersbe concludes “Peter has given to us a precious letter that encourages us to hope in the Lord no matter how trying the times may be.  Down through the centuries, the church has experienced various fiery trials, and yet Satan has not been able to destroy it.  The church today is facing a fiery trial, and we must be prepared.

            “But, whatever may come, Peter is still saying to each of us—BE HOPEFUL!  The glory is soon to come!

8/1/2017 11:16 PM