Standing Firm in True Grace | Resources
Devotional:
Peter explains in verse 12 why he wrote 1 Peter: to encourage the readers to rely on God’s grace and remember who they are in Christ. I am encouraged to know that God’s grace is given to us freely. Throughout 1 Peter the truth of God’s grace is repeated, so we can have confidence in its reality. We can be assured of our standing with God through that grace, but there is still a spiritual battle going on, and we need to rely on His grace continuously to overcome evil. When Peter says to stand firm in verse 12, it is a reminder that we will be tested to give in to sin and doubt, to quit, or to try to accomplish things apart from God. However, if we remember where we are positionally with God and cling to Him, He will sustain us.
In verses 13 and 14, Peter references the church in Babylon as well as Mark sending their greetings to the dispersed Christians. Although they were exiled, they were not alone. Likewise, for us today, we can be encouraged that there are believers all over the world that are living for Christ and are faithfully serving Him in spite of suffering and persecution. We are one team and one family, and it is God’s grace that unites us. Lastly, Peter closes the book the same way he opens the book, with a reminder that God’s peace will sustain believers through life. Regardless of life’s circumstances, we as believers can have the peace that God provides when we are obedient to Him. We will not regret choosing to follow God rather than pursue our own desires.
by Dan Knudson
Scripture Reading:
Sunday: 1 Chron. 15; James 2; Amos 9; Luke 4
Monday: Chron. 16; James 3; Obad. 1; Luke 5
Tuesday: 1 Chron. 17; James 4; Jonah 1; Luke 6
Wednesday: 1 Chron. 18; James 5; Jonah 2; Luke 7
Thursday: 1 Chron. 19-20; 1 Pet. 1; Jonah 3; Luke 8
Friday: 1 Chron. 21; 1 Pet. 2; Jonah 4; Luke 9
Saturday: 1 Chron. 22; 1 Pet. 3; Mic. 1; Luke 10
Memory Verse:
“By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.” 1 Peter 5:12
Discussion Questions:
What in our text this week stands out as interesting, confusing, or challenging?
Silvanus’ legacy is forever, “a faithful brother.” Could the same be said for you? If not, what needs to change?
Are you standing firm in the grace of God? How would you prove that?
Many are not standing firm on the grace of God. What might they be standing on? Why isn’t the thing they are standing on firm?
This letter ends on a personal note. Who comes to mind when you read verse 13?
In light of what we have studied this week, how should you respond in obedience?