The Daily Fountain Devotional Thursday, May 5, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Thursday, May 5, 2022
Thursday, May 5, 2022
TOPIC: IN HIS STEPS
TEXT: 1 Peter 2:11-25
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Thursday, May 5, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
Our ultimate aim as Christians is to be like Jesus - to walk in His steps while we are here on earth, and to share His glory in heaven (v.21; Phil. 3:10; 1 John 3:2). Consequently, we should see ourselves as temporary residents on earth, living above fleshly lusts and every evil conduct indulged in by others (v.12). This may bring us into conflict with others, and may lead to suffering. But as Jesus patiently endured suffering for doing good, when necessary, we too should not waiver when standing for Christ though it brings some hardship (vv. 20-21; Matt. 10:25). Like Jesus, we should not return evil for evil, but trust God who is the righteous judge (v.23). Read Phil. 2:5-11 for other Christlike attitudes we are encouraged to emulate.
In verses 13 to 17, we are encouraged to submit ourselves to human governments at each level where we operate. This is easy when the king (President) or his representative is good and gentle. Even when he is corrupt or wicked as we find in Africa and other developing countries, we should still be good ambassadors of Christ (v.18; 2 Cor. 5:20). The simple rule in all situations is to "fear God and Honour the king" (v.17; Matt. 22:21; Acts 5:29).
Prayer: Turn this hymn into prayer, Keep step with the Master, whatever betide, SS&S 1092