Thursday Devo
Scripture:
1 Peter 2
24 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.
By his wounds
you are healed.
25 Once you were like sheep
who wandered away.
But now you have turned to your Shepherd,
the Guardian of your souls.
24 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.
By his wounds
you are healed.
25 Once you were like sheep
who wandered away.
But now you have turned to your Shepherd,
the Guardian of your souls.
Commentary:
2:24 Tree was often used as a synonym for “cross” in first-century Judaism, possibly due to association with Deut. 21:22–23 (cf. Gal. 3:13; also Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29; and see note on crucifixion at Matt. 27:35). The unique, substitutionary, sin-bearing death of Jesus is described here, with allusions to Isa. 53:4, 5, 11. healed. The healing in the atonement does not refer to physical healing in this context (though cf. Matt. 8:17) but to the forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ death should lead to a profound change in the lives of believers, so that they now sever all ties with evil (die to sin) and devote themselves to living in a holy manner (live to righteousness).
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2409.
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2409.
Questions:
- Peter is telling disciples of Jesus that if we don't handle unfair treatment and abuse differently than the world does, then we could harm our witness for Jesus. As disciples, this should be all of our main concern, as it is for Peter. This is why it is our passion and mission to make disciples who are deeply rooted in their faith, who know and follow scripture, and who are spiritually mature. While Christians in America might have it easy at the moment, there is no guarantee that will always be the case. There could come a time when Christians in our country will have to endure REAL suffering for their faith. Do you think you have a faith that could withstand real persecution? What are you doing on a daily basis to ensure your faith is growing strong?
- We all carry scars. But the SAVIOR'S scars can redeem the the SLAVE'S scars, and the SLAVE'S scars can testify of the SAVIOR'S scars. In the end, it is the strength and depth of your faith in Jesus that will determine whether your scars will RUIN you or REVEAL Him to the world. What are some scars in your life and past that you need to turn into a testimony? How can you allow God to take whatever difficulty you're experiencing right now and turn it into something that points people to Jesus?
Pray:
- That you would develop a faith that could withstand suffering.
- That your scars would be a testimony.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
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