First Comes Love - Day 10
Day 10 - Friday, April 19
Read 1 Peter 2:13-3:7
Highlight
This week we’ve been reading Paul’s writings to the churches in Ephesus and Crete with instructions on how we should love one another the way Jesus has loved us. On our final day of this week, we are shifting our focus to a letter from Peter. Peter was a disciple of Jesus who was commissioned by Jesus himself to lead the first church (Matthew 16:16-20). Eventually Peter’s ministry expands, and 1 Peter is a letter commissioned by Peter from Rome to be circulated among the churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The believers in Asia Minor were not Jewish, but they were suffering similar persecution at the hands of the Roman Empire in their region.
Like Paul, Peter affirms these non-Jewish believers as welcome members of God’s new family that is for all people. And not unlike their Jewish brothers and sisters who've chosen to follow Jesus, he comforts them assuring that their suffering is not in vain. Peter affirms the ‘Household Codes’ for believers and encourages these churches to live as Jesus did, loving not just each other, but even their enemies. This is the miracle of the Gospel, that even under the weight of unjust oppression, these believers can experience a freedom and hope that no one can take from them. Their suffering will lead to deepening faith, transformation in this life and a longing for Heaven where they will someday receive the reward for their faithfulness in an eternity where they will get to experience true love fully.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read 1 Peter 2:13-3:7
Highlight
This week we’ve been reading Paul’s writings to the churches in Ephesus and Crete with instructions on how we should love one another the way Jesus has loved us. On our final day of this week, we are shifting our focus to a letter from Peter. Peter was a disciple of Jesus who was commissioned by Jesus himself to lead the first church (Matthew 16:16-20). Eventually Peter’s ministry expands, and 1 Peter is a letter commissioned by Peter from Rome to be circulated among the churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The believers in Asia Minor were not Jewish, but they were suffering similar persecution at the hands of the Roman Empire in their region.
Like Paul, Peter affirms these non-Jewish believers as welcome members of God’s new family that is for all people. And not unlike their Jewish brothers and sisters who've chosen to follow Jesus, he comforts them assuring that their suffering is not in vain. Peter affirms the ‘Household Codes’ for believers and encourages these churches to live as Jesus did, loving not just each other, but even their enemies. This is the miracle of the Gospel, that even under the weight of unjust oppression, these believers can experience a freedom and hope that no one can take from them. Their suffering will lead to deepening faith, transformation in this life and a longing for Heaven where they will someday receive the reward for their faithfulness in an eternity where they will get to experience true love fully.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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