Honorable
Text: 1 Peter 1:11-25
Theme: We are to live honorably so others will see Christ through us.
Key verses: “Dear friends, I warn you as ‘temporary residents and foreigners’ to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world” (v. 11-12). “It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king. You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect…” (v. 15-18a). For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered…He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right” (v. 21-24a).
What God said to me: Good Sunday morning. I understand why you felt you shouldn’t go to the worship gathering today with your congregation. You need to rest and heal. I’m glad you watched the message online and that you have made time for me during this quiet time in my Word. I love you, son. I always have. I am for you and will always be. You are far from perfect or finished, but know I am still working on you and will present you faultless before my throne one day with exceeding joy, both for you and for me. What a day of rejoicing that will be! Stay the course, Dwayne. Don’t give up or give in to your flesh or the world or the devil and his demons. Don’t stop seeking me with your whole heart. Determine you will live the rest of your days as a honorable man who fears me and loves your neighbors and family. Listen closely to what Peter is saying in this chapter of his powerful letter. He was warning you. Your time here is only temporary. You don’t belong here. You are a foreigner, so don’t get too attached to this world or anything in it. Respect, fear, submission, suffering, calling–those are all words that make up your Christian vocabulary and reality. Don’t run away from them; embrace them. Love me with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength. I have more for you to do. I didn’t bring you home with me when you had your heart attack. I left you there to finish your mission. But you have strayed from me and done what pleases your flesh rather than what pleases and honors me. That can never be again. Rid yourself of any evil and deceitful habits and ways. Follow me everyday closely. I will bless you as you honor me and represent me to this world.
What I said to God: Thank You, Jesus, the One and Only. You are Yahweh, the One True God. You are Jehovah-Jireh, my provider and Jehovah-Raphe, the One who heals. I trust You with my whole life. Where else can I go? You have the words of life. Thank You for speaking clearly to my soul today. Thank you for this infirmity and pain of my sciatic nerve. It has caused me to be humbled and more quiet and still. I worship You alone today. Please watch over my family and use us to honor You in every way.