OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for June 2019
July 1, 2019
I Peter 2:9 – But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew for the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Thought: Four descriptions are given of God’s people in this verse: a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. Some define the word “peculiar” as “strange” or “weird.” Others try to define it as different. The definition of the word is: “a people who are God’s possession.” We are a people who belong to God. Our mission is simple: to shew forth the praises of him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Acts 20:28
July 2, 2019
I Peter 2:10 – Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Thought: We often need to reflect upon our past in order to realize how blessed we are. Peter’s readers were not the people of God in the past. They did not have the mercy of God in their lives in the past. Now, all of that had changed. Now, they were God’s treasure. Now, they did have His mercy bestowed upon them. Their present was much different from their past. What they now had was precious and enduring. It should have caused them to rejoice and give thanks.
Romans 9:25-26
July 3, 2019
I Peter 2:11 – Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.
Thought: Our fleshly lusts entice us through three avenues, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These things are part of this temporal world. As Christians, we are not part of this world. We are travelers who are passing through. Our citizenship is in heaven. These fleshly lusts will keep us from our journey’s end. Thus, Peter exhorts us to abstain from them. Regardless of how pleasing these things look, partaking of them stains our souls and diverts us from the path to heaven.
II Corinthians 7:1
July 4, 2019
I Peter 2:12 – 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.
Thought: How we live our lives makes a difference in the lives of unbelievers. Peter exhorts his readers to live honestly among the Gentiles. We must live our Christian lives like we mean it. We must live our lives in harmony with God’s Word. Even though our enemies mock us for so doing, eventually our lives make an impact. Unbelievers may convert because of the life they saw us live before them. They will glorify God in the day of visitation because we lived as a Christian should.
Philippians 1:27
July 5, 2019
I Peter 2:13 – Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king as supreme.
Thought: God is the one who established the governments. Governments have received delegated power from God to rule over the affairs of man. Governments put laws in place to provide order and protection for citizens. Christians are exhorted to submit to every ordinance of man. We are to be obedient citizens. We do it “for the Lord’s sake.” Our obedience begins with the king as the supreme authority over the land. My friends, if we do not obey, anarchy and rebellion and chaos will rule.
Titus 3:1
July 6, 2019
I Peter 2:14 – Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well.
Thought: Christians are to subject themselves to the laws of the land. This involves the laws of the supreme authority, the king, or local authorities such as governors. Why should this be done? Because “they” are sent by “him.” The word “him” refers to God. Again, it is God who ordains the powers that be. They are there for a twofold purpose. They are to punish the evil doers. They are to praise them that do well. Sadly, governments sometimes become corrupt and do just the opposite.
Romans 13:3-4
July 7, 2019
I Peter 2:15 – For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
Thought: The world is full of foolish men. They do not believe in God. They reject Jesus as the Son of God. They rebel against the teachings of the Bible. They mock and ridicule Christians. However, these men can be silenced. This is done by Christians who are always involved in well doing. They are positive, kind, and compassionate. They serve, assist, and help. They listen. They comfort. They care. They teach. They warn. They counsel. Ignorant men see their good works and are speechless.
Titus 2:7-8
July 8, 2019
I Peter 2:16 – As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
Thought: Freedom in Christ does not mean freedom from all restraints. God has placed us in a world of law and order. We are to submit to every ordinance of man, lest we become evil doers. We are not of the evil one. We are the servants of God. Living our lives in subjection to the laws of the king and governor are integral to our identity. God’s people are never lawless. They are not law-breakers.
Galatians 5:13
July 9, 2019
I Peter 2:17 – Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Thought: Peter sets before his readers four rapid fire commands. They sum up almost every sphere of life. The word “honour” means to prize, revere, and put a valuation upon. Since all men are made in the image of God all should be honored. Too, we are to love the brotherhood. This is the fellowship of all saints throughout the world. In addition, we are to fear God. He is to be looked upon with awe and served with reverence. Lastly, we are to honor the king. We are to prize, revere, and value him.
Romans 13:7
July 10, 2019
I Peter 2:18 – Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the forward.
Thought: It has always been intriguing that Paul did not just forthrightly condemn slavery. Instead of condemning it, he exhorted those who were part of it to manifest Christian behavior therein. Here, he addresses servants. The command is simple: “Be subject to your masters with all fear.” He also notes that two kinds of masters existed, the gentle and the harsh. Regardless of which they served under, they were to practice the same conduct. Christian behavior is not predicated upon circumstances.
Ephesians 6:5-7
July 11, 2019
I Peter 2:19 – For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
Thought: Suffering is not something for which most individuals long. We want our lives to be filled with ease and comfort. Sometimes, however, this is not possible. In the first century, some Christians were slaves to evil masters. They served them faithfully, but were treated badly. Peter tells them that this is “thankworthy.” They knew they served well. They knew they had obeyed God’s will. They endured grief, suffering wrongfully. For this, they could give thanks. This is truly a spiritual concept.
Psalm 69:4-7
July 12, 2019
I Peter 2:20 – For what glory is it, if, when ye are 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.
Thought: The Scriptures confidently teach that there is glory in suffering if we suffer because we have been faithful. It also teaches that if we are buffeted for our faults, there is no glory at all. There are many times in life that we may find ourselves suffering because we are faithful followers of the Christ. When we do, we need to take it patiently. Too, let us remember: “This is acceptable with God.”
I Peter 4:14-15
July 13, 2019
I Peter 2:21 – For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in his steps.
Thought: When we begin to develop a bad attitude toward suffering for God, we need to turn our eyes upon Jesus. He suffered. In fact, He suffered for us. His suffering provides us with an example. He suffered wrongfully, but He took it patiently. We need to follow in His steps. Peter begins this verse with these words: “For even hereunto were ye called.” Called to suffer. It is hard to fathom. Isn’t it?
Hebrews 2:10
July 14, 2019
I Peter 2:22 – Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.
Thought: Jesus was a perfect example in suffering. He did not sin in any way through the hours of His passion. There was no guile in his mouth. He properly controlled His tongue throughout the entire process. Far too many of us do not know how to deal with suffering. We give up. We compromise. We curse and swear. We seek revenge. This was not the example Jesus displayed. He patiently endured His tribulations and committed Himself completely to God.
Hebrews 7:26
July 15, 2019
I Peter 2:23 – Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.
Thought: Peter continues to describe our Lord as He suffered during His passion. Jesus manifested unbelievable self-control. He was never evil toward His accusers or His persecutors. How did He manifest such temperance? He “commited himself to him that judgeth righteously.” Jesus knew that God exists beyond the veil of the heavens. One day, He will rectify all wrongs. Too, He will reward His faithful ones. Thoughts like these gave the Christ the ability to endure. And, endure, we must.
Psalm 96:13
July 16, 2019
I Peter 2:24 – 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.
Thought: Jesus was a sin offering on behalf of all humanity. He bore the punishment for sins. His was a violent, bloody, physical dead. Because of what He did, we can be dead to sins and alive unto righteousness. The stripes He received allowed us to be healed from the deadly disease of sin. Forgiveness is a spiritual act. It cannot be seen with the eyes. It cannot be felt by man’s emotions. It involves an act of faith on man’s part. He trusts the promise of God that forgiveness is his.
Isaiah 53:11
July 17, 2019
I Peter 2:25 – For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Thought: The figure of sheep applied to mankind is appropriate. Sheep are dumb creatures. They do not pay attention to their surroundings. They easily drift away from the flock and into danger. They are easy targets for bears, lions, and wolves. Fortunately, the Good Shepherd sought us out and found us. If we have obeyed the gospel, we have returned to the Shepherd. Notice also that He is the Bishop of our soul. He is our overseer. He is the one who watches and cares for our soul. Such comfort!
Isaiah 53:6
July 18, 2019
I Peter 3:1 – Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives.
Thought: Peter turns his attention to wives married to men who were not Christians. He exhorts the women to “be in subjection to their husbands.” This subjection served a purpose. Her submission would be a positive example before him. Her Christian behavior might lead the husband to obey the gospel. If he converted, this would drastically change their relationship for the better.
Ephesians 5:22-24
July 19, 2019
I Peter 3:2 – While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
Thought: Our behavior matters. It matters to God. It matters in regard to our eternal destiny. It matters to others. It matters in evangelism. Peter reminds wives about how their lives can impact their unbelieving husbands. He has already exhorted them to submit to their husbands. Now, he exhorts them to be chaste and reverent. Remember, godliness, or, God-likeness, points others to God!
Matthew 5:14-16
July 20, 2019
I Peter 3:3 – Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel.
Thought: Our society promotes the idea of outward beauty. Too many focus on the outer man to the detriment of the inner man. Peter exhorts wives to focus on their inward beauty. It is this beauty that will make the difference in the lives of their husbands. It will be their heart and how their heart displays itself in life that will convert their unbelieving husbands. Note: Beauty is not in the eyes of the beholder. Beauty resides in the heart of the woman.
I Timothy 2:9-10
July 21, 2019
I Peter 3:4 – But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Thought: The focus of a woman’s beauty should be on the inside. Peter refers to it as “the hidden man of the heart.” The body grows old and ultimately decays. Not so with the heart. It will live on forever and ever. Developing this part of the person is of lasting benefit. Peter exhorts wives to put the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit on their heart. Submissive and quiet women of God are valuable to God the Father.
Proverbs 31:31
July 22, 2019
I Peter 3:5 – For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands.
Thought: Marriage is an old institution. It has been around since the beginning of creation. History is full of wonderful wives who understood their position and their role. These women trusted what God, the designer of the home, said about their role. They adorned their hearts with godly qualities. They were subject unto their own husbands. They are shining examples for all women today. It is sad that so many women have rejected them, believing them to be weak, ignorant, and foolish.
Romans 15:4
July 23, 2019
I Peter 3:6 – Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
Thought: The Bible is filled with wonderful examples we can follow in all areas of life. Here, Peter sets forth Sarah as an example for wives. She submitted to Abraham. Peter even defines that term. “Sarah obeyed Abraham.” She also showed him respect and honor by calling him lord. All Christian ladies are the daughters of Sarah. They would be wise to walk in this good woman’s footsteps. Here is another thought. Abraham was not a perfect man, and his wife still honored and obeyed him.
Romans 9:7-9
July 24, 2019
I Peter 3:7 – Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, given honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Thought: A good marriage involves a husband and wife who are trying to live by God’s standard in the relationship. Both of them have their parts to play. Women are much different than men. Physically, they are the weaker vessel. Too, they have different needs. Men must dwell with them according to knowledge. They must also show them honor and respect. Both are equal as Christians. If they fulfill their roles, heaven awaits and they will have a bountiful prayer life here.
Ephesians 5:25-28
July 25, 2019
I Peter 3:8 – Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another; love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.
Thought: The church is a family. As a family, we must fulfill our obligations to one another. Peter gives us five responsibilities in this verse. “Be ye all of one mind.” This involves the practice of unity. “Having compassion one of another.” This involves our care for each other. “Love as brethren.” This deals with our relationship to each other. “Be pitiful.” This involves our manner of care for each other. Finally, “be courteous.” This involves our respect for one another as brethren.
Colossians 3:12-14
July 26, 2019
I Peter 3:9 – Not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are there unto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Thought: It is so hard to do the right thing when others speak evil against you. It is hard to do the right thing when others treat you badly. However, the Christian does not retaliate. Instead, he seeks ways to render blessings even to his enemies. He knows that this is part of his calling. By taking the high road, the Christian knows that one day he will inherit a blessing. God will deal with his enemies.
Romans 12:19-21
July 27, 2019
I Peter 3:10 –For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.
Thought: All of us want to love life. All of us want to see good days. In this verse, Peter begins a list of things that we can do that will ensure this will happen. It is interesting that he begins with the things that we say. We need to refrain our tongues from evil. We need to refrain our lips from speaking guile or deceit. Learning to control the things we say is high on the list of living a happy life. We all know that it is our tongue that often gets us in trouble.
Psalm 34:12-13
July 28, 2019
I Peter 3:11 – Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and pursue it.
Thought: Peter continues to tell us how to love life and see good days. We must shun evil. Even though evil boasts of great things, it always brings hurt and harm. We must learn to do good. Doing good involves both little things and big things. We must also seek peace and pursue it. Some people love to stir up trouble and seem to enjoy strife. Peace is a better option. Note, it takes work to have it.
Romans 14:19
July 29, 2019
I Peter 3:12 – 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.
Thought: The message of this verse is twofold. One thought is very comforting. God is attentive to those who are righteous. He both watches over them and listens to them. The second part of the verse is terrifying. “The face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” Each person chooses the group to which he belongs. We can be righteous. We can be evil. Our choice will determine how God responds to us. Please, choose wisely.
Proverbs 15:29
July 30, 2019
I Peter 3:13 – And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good.
Thought: If we are followers of good, no one should harm us. We should be at peace with our neighbors. We should be in good standing with our rulers. We should be acceptable in the sight of God. Doing good has wonderful rewards. Doing good keeps us safe from harm most of the time. When we do good, we do not have to look over our shoulder wondering if someone is watching or whether we will be caught. As you go through this day, “be followers of that which is good.”
Proverbs 16:7
July 31, 2019
I Peter 3:14 – But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be ye troubled.
Thought: There are times when good people suffer while doing good. Evil exists in the world and it hates those who are righteous. Peter did not want his readers to be surprised when they suffered on behalf of righteousness. He also exhorts them regarding their reaction to their suffering. He tells them to be happy. Happiness comes because we are following the example of our Lord. Too, he tells them not to be afraid or troubled. Positive reactions in times of tribulation are easy when the truly trust God.
Matthew 5:10-12
Read devotionals for August 2019