1 Peter 3:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
 
JESUS taught us to pray, “Your will be done on earth…deliver us from evil.”  (Matthew 6:10, 13) What do you think about when you pray this? Do you focus on God’s will to care for you and loved ones, to save your friends and to expand the church? Do you trust God to keep you from the devil’s temptations?
   And what about this? Do you also consider God’s will may be to cause trial and suffering against your church and even you? Trials for the church was God’s will for the churches of Asia Minor. This is one reason for Peter’s letter. He wants the church to stay steadfast and even greatly rejoice as they know trials and suffering. These new believers in Jesus as risen Lord and Savior needed to understand they were not the victims of bad luck or some random act from their enemies. Neither was their suffering was a random idea from an uncaring God. They were under God’s will to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. Why? The suffering was so their faith may be proved genuine. The trials are a refining fire, purifying and strengthening hearts to greater faith. 
   The LORD proclaimed he would refine his elect: Zechariah 13:9 This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’”
   The third who will be refined are those God saves from destruction. You in Jesus’ church are saved from destruction into a pure, strong faith. As you pray God’s will to be done on earth, know his will is that you are completely committed to him. His will is not for his people to be complacent, complaining and unresponsive in their faith. He proved that in the Exodus journey.
   His will is you have a deep, active faith that will even find joy in all kinds of trials. One of the great testimonies of today’s persecuted, faithful Christians is the joy they experience in their deepened relationship with God. The trials are one way God refines his church into a true, eternal faith that will never be destroyed.
   The trials prepare you for a glorious future with God. A refined faith results in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. The words “is revealed” translates to “apocalypse” in reference to Jesus’ return. As Jesus’ church, refined through trials into a secure faith, you know one thing for sure: On Judgment Day, you will praise, glorify and honor God because you have passed through the trials and into his glory. 
   Yes, it is good and right to pray that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Anticipate his will could bring you into a refining fire to strengthen your faith. Resist temptation to run from trials and suffering. Trust God and be prepared for all things that come your way under the Sovereign LORD. 

1 Peter 1:3-5 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
 
WHAT happens when someone asks you, “What’s good today?” I think most of us look at the immediate moment. Or we mentally scan our general circumstances looking for something we can truly call, “Good.” for our lives. If you need some help answering, “What’s good?” Peter gives you some “good” answers.
   Remember, the apostle is writing to a persecuted, scattered church. Amid the hard challenges Peter speaks five good things.
   What’s good? You can praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The essence of this praise is to know that Jesus has come from God. He is eternal, living in heaven with the Father. Peter praises God because the church worships the living Lord Messiah. They do not worship dead idols.
   What’s good? In his great mercy (God) has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Eternal life is a living hope because we know Jesus sits in power at the right hand of God. God’s goodness is his merciful gift of new birth into his Kingdom. We hope – trust, believe, know – in our salvation because eternal life has begun with faith in Jesus Christ, risen and ascended. You do not hope in material things that disappear. You hope in the living God, who has sacrificed his Son to die, so you will live.
   What is good? You have an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you. What do you do with a valuable possession you might have inherited from a loved one? Likely you protect it from fire, flood, wind, theft and decay. Still, material treasures can disappear in a moment’s trouble. But your inheritance of eternal life is secure in heaven! No power can touch it. This is God’s gift to you. He will not remove it, and you cannot lose it.
   What is good? The persecuted church was under great distress from many sources. Satan’s demonic forces urged hateful men to attack God’s people in multiple ways. But the church’s faith are shielded by God’s power. Hell cannot prevail against God’s church. God is protecting Christians’ hearts and minds, so their faith will be secure.
   What’s good? Jesus is coming to redeem the world. We await our sure future with Jesus in confidence and joy until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
          Be encouraged and think about such things as you walk through each day. When someone asks, “What’s good?” see that as an open door to share the Good News that Jesus saves. 

1 Peter 1:2-3 (To God’s elect) who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
 
WE repeat verse 2 from the previous lesson and add verse 3 to consider the Trinity. In truth, to believe “He” is one God, and “He” is three persons requires an unquestioning spirit. “Just believe!” you may have heard.
   Yes, God, the Spirit, gives us a faith to believe. But remember, we don’t believe a lie or fable. Many false teachers can also say, “Just believe me!” That’s why God gives us ample evidence in the Bible to believe he is three persons in one. True faith in the true God is God’s gift of wisdom and understanding to know God. What, then, is the Bible’s evidence for the Trinity?
    Many books have been written to answer this question, but we’ll do so with five references to Jesus’ life. Refer first to Luke 1:31-35 “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” The Spirit conceived the Son of the Most High, the Father, in Mary’s womb.
   Second, we witness the trinity at Jesus’ baptism: Luke 3:21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” The visible Spirit and audible Father anointed the Son to his ministry.
   Third, Jesus repeatedly referred to his union with the Father as in John 10:29-30 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” And fourth, the Son spoke of his unity with the Spirit: John 15:26 “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.”
   Fifth, Peter witnessed the Trinity at work in Jesus’ Transfiguration, ascension and Pentecost. His Spirit-inspired faith was a truth for the world to know.
          But even amid the evidence revealed throughout the entire Bible, God, three Persons in one, was a stumbling block to most people in Peter’s time, and it is so today. Even many “Christians” doubt this truth. But with specific evidence of God’s historical revelation to mankind, we can know God is Trinity, who expresses God’s fullness to mankind. Praise God and rejoice as you know this truth of your faith. The Trinity is the LORD God Almighty, who has chosen you.  

1 Peter 1:2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
 
HERE’S is a very personal, encouraging definition of Jesus’  church.
   First, you have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. Does your heart bow down in wonder and joy to know God has chosen you? Are you in awe of the Creator’s gracious gift to your life on earth now and in heaven forever? Far beyond the depths of our understanding, God knew you would be born and confess Jesus to be your Lord. Your faith based membership in Jesus’ church comes from the same source as the heavens and the earth. The eternal God planned for you to belong to him.  
   How different it is to think, “God chose me.” than to say,  “I chose God.” If the choice was left to the human heart alone, there would be no church. Adam and Eve proved that. And God’s Word says that: Romans 3:10 As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.”
   Do you understand this for your own church membership? When people are asked, “Why did you join the church?” and “How did you become a Christian?” there is a disturbing tendency from many to respond with human reasons instead of God’s reasons. Such answers as, “I like the people here.” “My parents took me to church.” “I feel this fits my needs.” are self-centered answers. Maybe these people know in their heart that God has chosen them. If so, they need to say, “God has chosen me to be his and in this church.” If you don’t, than you are either focusing on your own ability to know God. Or you are denying God’s authority, grace, mercy and kindness to choose you into his Kingdom. If you truly confess Jesus, you belong because of the foreknowledge of God the Father.
   His foreknowledge goes into action through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood. The Holy Spirit sanctifies you – sets you apart – from your sin nature. Jesus’ blood has spiritually anointed you to your salvation. Sanctified from sin, you begin a sanctifying journey toward God’s holiness. In other words, when God sets you apart from the world, you become a Kingdom citizen, a child of God. Under the Father’s authority, you are to mature in God’s household as you learn his truth. Your daily Kingdom work must include time with God in study and prayer, so you will live as God intended for you.
   Peter closes his opening with Grace and peace be yours in abundance. His blessing is that God’s grace will greatly strengthen and encourage the church. Knowing God has chosen them, peace will be on their hearts and minds, even as they struggle through life’s challenges.
   Peter personally knew of God’s abundant grace and peace. He hoped all of God’s elect will know this as he did.
 

1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.
 
PETER begins his letter in the typical fashion of the day by identifying himself. This was important for his readers then, and it is vital for us today. The church of Jesus Christ – that is, those saved into Jesus’ salvation – regardless of the year it reads these words must know the writer was under God’s authority. Peter was an apostle. What does that mean?
   Peter described an apostle’s qualifications when the 11 prepared to replace Judas: Acts 1:21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” An apostle needed to be a personal witness of Jesus’ ministry. He needed to be able to clearly testify to Jesus’ works, teachings, suffering, resurrection and ascension. Because of Peter’s personal relationship with Jesus, we can trust his words regarding Jesus’ entire ministry.
   Many have wondered if Peter, a common fisherman, was capable of writing such letters. But it appears in the gospels’ accounts of Peter’s words and actions that he was an educated, intelligent person. We look at Peter’s relationship with Jesus and often denounce the apostle as one with a  “big mouth” or one with an unthinking, reactionary nature. But we believe what seems to us as impulsive responses at times to Jesus’ teachings reveals he was a thinking man. His words in Acts 1 and 2 tell us he had an excellent knowledge of Scripture. And even his rebuffs to Jesus would have been the result of his reading of Scripture and some level of education about the Messianic prophesies.
   Of course, he made some terrible mistakes. But he learned from them. He grieved his sins. And remember, Jesus restored him and appointed him to his apostolic work. There is no one on earth it seems who had a more personal and specific mandate from Jesus than did Peter. When Jesus told Peter, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17) he revealed God’s plans for Peter to be a voice of power and authority for Jesus into the world.
   As we learn from the New Testament epistles, we must always remember they were written to the church – people who were God’s elect, strangers in the world. Paul’s, John’s, Jude’s, James’ and Peter’s letters were to teach, correct and encourage those whom God had chosen.
   Peter’s readers are the church scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. These are five provinces of Asia Minor. The word “scattered” refers to the Jews. The churches in this area were composed primarily of Jews, who had received Jesus as Lord and Savior.
   Peter’s letter was a circular letter to encourage many churches into a deeper faith and help them stand against persecution. Such a letter from Jesus’ apostle would be a wonderful confirmation of God’s care for his people.
          May we receive these words as God’s letter to us. Be encouraged to know the Triune God is speaking to you, scattered throughout the world, called by God. 

Galatians 6:16-18 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God. 17 Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
 
DO Paul’s final words to the Galatians surprise you? With many words he has denounced rule makers who minimized the cross. What, then, does he mean in his benediction: Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule. What rule?
   The rule is the rule of the cross, the gospel of Jesus Christ. The only way to know God’s peace and mercy is to live under the rule, the authority of the cross. In contrast, one who continually strives in a rule-based religion will never know Jesus’ peace. His mercy, too, is far from our hearts if we believe we must keep following flesh-based rituals and rules to please him.
   And what does Paul mean by Israel of God? This is a new phrase, isn’t it? The Bible speaks of the God of Israel. But here Paul reverses the phrase to define the new church. The Israel of God is the gathering of Gentiles and Jews into the church of Jesus Christ. This fulfills God’s promise to Abraham: Genesis 17:4 “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations.” This Israel is the Father’s children who have come to faith in Jesus.
   Then Paul closed his letter with a strong appeal: Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. Paul has deeply suffered physical and emotional pain as an apostle. Why would anyone suffer for a lie or half-truth? Paul emphasizes his preaching with his living. Devoted to the cross, Paul has suffered for the truth, so many more will know God’s gracious gift. Paul has fully committed his life to the gospel. His body is marked with the scars of lashes and stoning. He has been willing to suffer physical pain and emotional distress because he knows Jesus’ gospel is true. Believing is a matter of eternal life. He wants the lies to end, so the church will live in the truth.
   His last sentence may be a plea and a prayer: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. Paul wants his Galatian brothers and sisters to have God’s grace in their spirit, so they know Jesus’ peace is with them. He desires they savor Jesus’ work to save them. They can be satisfied in God’s love to promise and prepare his eternal home to all who believe. “Amen” is “may it be true.” Yes, may it be true that we know God’s grace and peace.
 

Galatians 6:11-15 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! 12 Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.
 
PAUL usually dictated his letters to scribes, and it is likely a scribe wrote all of Galatians to this point. As he closes his plea to the Galatian churches, Paul took the pen in hand. The large letters could refer to Paul having diminished vision, or they could be an emphasis for the Galatians to pay close attention to his summation: what counts is a new creation.
   No law will make us new. The circumcised are not free of sin. Why should the church believe salvation requires one particular physical action for men? And what did they require of women? The Judaizers were not authentic Christians, willing to stand for Christ. They compromised the cross with circumcision because it would have more appeal to the general population. Even more, they would not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. As the Pharisees, the Judaizers wanted a religion with rules that would control people’s spiritual lives.
   One form of spiritual bondage is the need to do some physical act to make one right with God. This began with Eve eating the forbidden fruit. Temptation told her this one action would make her as God. Throughout history mankind has developed many rituals and rules to become right with gods of their own making. This is why all religions but Christianity are works oriented. “Do this. Do that. And you will become more pure, holy to satisfy the gods.” In Israel’s history of worshiping Baal and Molech, one rule required child sacrifice. Sin’s rituals are deadly to body and soul.
   Since the church began, many churches have become works oriented. “Be baptized and be saved.” (Yes, faithful Christians must be baptized as an outward sign of faith, but it alone will not save.) “Do this penance five times each week and be forgiven.” “Attend church every day and be right with God.” Churches split because some people, as the Judaizers, want to add more rituals, rules and restrictions to the cross. The cross is not enough for these rule makers.
   Our “boasting”, then must be about Jesus’ redemptive work not our own “work”. In other words we must praise and glorify God for his compassionate gift of life. Freely proclaim the cross. Know God’s commands. Do not let rule makers turn you from God’s grace. This is his gift to you. Receive it and rejoice. After all, what counts is (in Christ you are) a new creation. 

Galatians 6:7-10 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
  
TO do good is a simple command, isn’t it? We can think of many ways and opportunities to do good for others. It should be a natural thing to do. But unfortunately, it’s not. Paul even condemns his own inability to always do good as in Romans 7:19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing.  
   What then is the essential good we must do? It is the good that gratefully responds to our salvation. Our work is to plant seeds of spiritual fruit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control are the essentials of doing God’s good work on earth. You will diminish and defeat the sinful nature when you activate God’s heart gifts to express God’s heart for those in need.
   Paul reminds us this is an ongoing work. As a farmer plants seeds and awaits the harvest, he submits to the natural process of plant growth and maturity. A Christian planting seeds of Spirit fruit cannot control its growth. You must await for the Spirit to mature the seeds in those to whom you do good. As Jesus taught us, some seeds fall on rocky soil and never grow. Some start to grow and die. Some flourish to maturity. Jesus emphasized that life’s worries and lies can keep one from God’s goodness. Doing good is helping people hear and live God’s Word. (from Matthew 13:18-23) This requires we persistently obey God’s will with God’s seed.
   And remember, there are many times you need someone to do good for you. For you to stop doing what you don’t want to do requires confession and submission to another’s patience, love and kindness. God is an ever present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Jesus has sent the Counselor to help us live into God’s goodness. Be sure to seek his Word and listen to him in your prayers.
   Good will overcome evil when one is patient and persistent. The Christian life is one that requires perseverance to live in God’s goodness. The sin nature wants to turn us to our natural desires. But God’s power is supernatural. He is Creator, Redeemer, Savior and Life Everlasting. When you belong to God, you are his child. Live now in his household. Put aside what you do not want to do. Use your spiritual fruit to do the good works of God. Do good works to display God’s love. You will find reward on earth and in heaven.
 

Galatians 6:3-5 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load. 
 
PAUL has just written of gently helping others. Then verse 3 rebukes those who hold themselves above others. Some may see themselves as above others, too intellectual or too spiritual to serve in the church. A united church is one in which each member connects to all others as brothers and sisters in Christ. Each person is in the church because God has joined them together. Obediently serving together unifies a church into a common bond of fellowship. Jesus directed his disciples to this unity: John 15:15-17 “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.”  Yes, love one another as Jesus-centered friends, so you will together bear fruit for Jesus.
    But then Paul seems to say the opposite when he writes: Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else. To test his own actions is to look at your own response to your spiritual gifts. Are you responding as the Lord directs? Do you find joy in your obedient response to God’s call on your life? That’s the meaning of pride here. This pride does not contrast your own life over others. In the Greek definition, this pride means you should be content and happy with yourself for obeying God. This is Jesus’ instruction in Luke 17:10 “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” One can be pleased he or she has served God as he has gifted them.
    This price is joy. It is a happiness of accomplishing something well for the Lord who loves you. Paul said it another way in Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
          The Christian life is to be a joyful life. It will be so when you rejoice in your relationship with him as you carry your own load. Strive to fulfill God’s call on your life. Serve God with joy and serve one another in love as one body in one Lord. 

Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
 
WE remember that gentleness is one attribute of the fruit of the Spirit. Paul urges us to be gentle and spiritual with one caught in a sin. A gentle, spiritual person is willing to speak quietly and privately amid the tumult of another’s troubled heart. People respect a voice that lowers the volume of discord. A gentle spirit is open to quietly hear one’s confessions and struggles. Jesus promised gentleness in Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke (teaching) upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. See the connection with gentleness and rest.
    To be caught in sin refers to one who has a sinful habit. The sin has “caught” that person in the sense he is unable to escape its influence. He needs restoration because the sin has broken him. How does one gently restore another?
    This is a difficult challenge, isn’t it? First of all, we might wonder if we are qualified to help restore one from sin. When Paul refers to you who are spiritual, he speaks to those whose hearts seek to know Jesus’ truth for their lives. They are not without sin but are devoted to working through their sin into a living faith. A heart for Jesus helps turn others’ hearts to him.
    To restore someone requires skill, time and consistent effort, doesn’t it? For example, to restore a broken-down car to run effectively takes time, knowledge and the correct parts for both the engine and the body. In a like manner, artists restore paintings when they carefully and slowly remove elements that disfigure the original scene. Restoration of physical objects takes a skilled gentleness. The new and the old must be carefully joined.
    To restore someone from sin requires a devotion of time to gently remove their harmful habits. We must then add the right thoughts and actions to another’s life.
    What parts does a person caught in sin need? He needs humility to confess, “I have sinned.” He requires assurance to know God cleanses his sin when God hears his confession. Separation from the sin will retore him from its damaging influences. Encouragement will direct him to stay true to Jesus’ teaching. Fellowship of believers will surround him with Jesus’ grace and love. He should consistently pray, “Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil.” A good, lasting restoration comes from reading and living God’s incorruptible Word.
    Paul also warns us to watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Sometimes the sinner tries to influence the helper. People want to be justified in their sin. If they can influence others to join them, they will find comfort in their rebellion. You must be cautious of people who reject your help.
    The church can carry each other’s burdens with encouragement, prayer and love. We must walk alongside people who need help. When people are confronted with their sin, they can be thankful and seek restoration. Or they can reject the correction.
          Jesus came in gentleness to restore the world to him. Take up his teachings to reject sin and help others to do the same.