Saturday, April 29, 2023

GOD BE GLORIFIED



Bobservations' Column
Pastor Bob Lawrenz

At the end of chapter 2, we are given an example of the meekness of Christ Jesus. In submission to the human government which He authorized in Genesis 9:5-6, we find the Lord Jesus not lording Himself over Pilot, nor over Herod. This is great power under control: meekness.

Then chapter 3, begins with the word “likewise.”  We read the word again later in the chapter. It becomes clear in this Epistle that within human relationships, God has ordained a head, and also a body to follow. And when a husband and wife are aligned in that way, there is then also a spirit between them that causes them to flourish as a couple. It is an example of “the two shall become one" in Genesis 2, and a human example of God Himself, making us in His image: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as in Deuteronomy 6:4-5.

Plainly put, God honors them who honor His authority and are obedient to His will and His commands. He glorified Jesus in His authority over His only begotten Son, and has raised Him to sit at His right hand, and in that, Jesus glorified the Father as well. Then the Father gave Jesus all power and authority over all things in Colossians 1:15-19.

Peter gets into the details of God’s desires for His children within the marriage contract between man and wife. And if they are obedient, they will flourish and glorify God in return.

But in order for this to happen, each must lay aside their own personal plans and desires, and work together to build what God has in mind for them. And then they become an example for the next generation, teaching their family about God’s plan for them all, and for all mankind.

We have all seen good examples of this, and bad examples. We then realize that each of us has the fleshly example and the Godly example from which to make our life choices. Galatians 5:17 describes our problem: our flesh and our Spirit are at odds with one another.
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose ye this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods of your fathers which were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me, and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  ~ Joshua 24:15 ~


Today's Audio Message:
1 Peter 3:1-22 - "God Be Glorified"

Our study is in 1 Peter chapter 3 this week. Peter is dealing with submission. Most of us have a difficult time with that word, especially in marriages.

But to be in submission is to cooperate with another out of love. It’s to honor God in our relationships and to learn to respect one another. Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:21 we are to “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Our greatest example was that of Jesus. He submitted unto death so we could be saved. He gave up His rights for us. Consequently, the hard truth is we will always have to submit to someone. When we do it with a right heart, we honor the Lord, and Christ is seen in us!

God's people have always been called to live set-apart lives, influencing their culture even through suffering. Peter says we are to “sanctify,” or set apart, the Lord in our hearts—we are to give Him a special place of honor. Sanctifying the Lord God in our hearts means giving our wholehearted allegiance to Jesus Christ and worshiping Him only—despite the cost.

Summary/Notes: Forthcoming...







 

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