King James Bible Study – “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” – Mark 8:34
Date: Sunday, December 20, 2020
Chapters: Book of I Peter
Message: Cast Your Cares Upon Jesus
Hello My Friend,
I was reading through my message from last year and noticed that I was sick during the same time too, but it is a lot different this year, with this Covid scare, you are afraid to sneeze as you are led to believe that you caught it. I have practically been out of work for two weeks, cannot even make enough money to make my car and rent payments. Whenever something bad happens to us, if we are faithful, born again Christians, we start to wonder if we are doing something that we might be sinning against God, and He is judging us until we repent. All this week I kept replaying things in my head, then I just came to the conclusion that not everything bad happens because we are doing something wrong, sometimes the suffering is meant to keep us out of trouble.
[1 Peter 4:1-2,6-8,12-13 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.]
[for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;] You cannot get yourself into trouble if you are dealing with issues that are out of your control. The Book of I Peter was written by Peter, about 60AD, and it was written to Christian exiles, scattered all over the world, being persecuted for their faith. The purpose of the letter was to teach them how to handle the persecution they were facing with a godly perspective. What we are to learn from the book is that those who are walking with Christ will be enabled to suffer patiently, joyously, and be exalted to the glory of God. Peter wrote this letter when he was in Babylon, to all Christians, but specifically to the Gentile believers, unlike other times when the persecution was in the church, this was happening outside. Peter reminds us that even though the world is corrupt, we have not been redeemed by corruptible things.
[1 Peter 1:18-23 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.]
[see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:] Fervently; Earnestly; eagerly; vehemently; with great warmth. No matter how badly we are treated we do absolutely no good to ourselves if we treat them as they treated us. In fact, we only make things worse. Right now, our entire country is in an uproar, and much of that does have to do with corrupt politicians and these scare tactics to keep everyone living in fear of this virus. Yes, people are getting sick with it, my brother and sister-in-law caught it, but it is no different than the flu, many have recovered. And it does not matter how many precautions you take, even if you did stay home in a bubble, if you are going to get it, nothing will prevent it. Fear and misguided information makes you more sick than any virus. As much as I dislike what is going on in our country we must understand that God is in control, He knows exactly what is going on and is allowing it most likely for the fact that sin is rampant in this country right now. We cannot fight this battle on our own, the only way stand a chance is to stand close to Jesus.
[1 Peter 2:2-5,13-17 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 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.]
[As newborn babes,] Yes, we are babes in Christ, and we will always be, the second that we think that we have learned everything and no longer need God’s Word to guide is the is the second we need to repent. Remember, Jesus said, [Matthew 19:14b Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.] We need to have the faith of children in order to both endure the spiritual and mental warfare that is going on. Just think about what children go through, the suffering they endure, and without complaint. Of course, God wants us to come to Him, even with our complaints, but He also wants us to trust Him. There is nothing you could do that would ever get God to turn His back on you, and even if you did mess up, I know I mess up every day, that is what grace and repentance is for.
[1 Peter 3:12-16,21-22 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.]
[and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;] All those fools threatening to destroy everything if they do not get what they want, we cannot live in fear of them, but that is exactly what the problem is. The world never understands why we do not think like them and do the things they do. They falsely accuse us, call us bigots, racists, hypocrites, and often try to harm us. Look at what they did to Jesus, they will do it to us as well. As much as we would like to personally get even with those who wrong us, the best thing we can do is give it over to God. So, trust Him, pray often, and eventually He will tell us what we need to do, if He wants us to fight, we fight, in the end, we will see that it was the best decision we made.
[1 Peter 5:6-10 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.] Amen!
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank you for giving me the strength to never give up hope. Things may not go as I plan, but You have a greater plan for me, and as long as I seek Your will, and wait for You, I know that everything I need and even desire will come. When I am weak and weary, and want to give up, remind me that You are always with me. Even when I mess up, I know You will see me through and out of every affliction I go through as I humbly seek Your forgiveness. I love You Lord, and pray this in Your name, Jesus, Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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