Bible Study

Peter was present when the Savior said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." In 1Peter he passes on the heart of those words as they went on to face their suffering.

You have God's favor or grace. Whatever your occasion or need you have God's peace or rest. Don't rely on your own strength, enable God's grace and peace. Count on it, pray it and live it in any situation. Refuse to create disturbances and bear with tranquility the disturbances caused by others.

In the Pentateuch we see the Figure of the sufferings of Christ

In the Psalms we see the Feelings of the sufferings of Christ

In the Prophets we see the Forecasts of the sufferings of Christ

In the Gospels we see the Facts of the sufferings of Christ

In the Epistles we see the Fruits of the sufferings of Christ

In Revelation we see the Fulfillment of the Sufferings of Christ

and the Glory that will follow

How would a prisoner or slave act toward the one who paid the price for his freedom? So how has Jesus' sacrifice for you impacted your life? You can judge the quality of a painting that sold for $25 as opposed to one that sold for $600,000 just as you can judge by the price Christ paid for us, the depths into which He had to reach in order to save us-unlovely sinners. In turn we are to demonstrate the same love toward others, even the unlovely. Love should be slow to suspect, condemn, offend, expose, judge, reprimand, belittle, demand, provoke, resent...

The desire for revenge comes from thinking others are in control and wronged us. God is in control. When you feel wronged remember; Jesus suffered wrongfully-He did not sin, He suffered patiently-He did not react, He suffered submissively-He committed Himself to His Father, He suffered quietly-He held his peace. Submission is a mark of security, it is voluntary unselfishness, a willing and cooperative spirit that seeks the highest good.

Suffering will perfect us, make us steadfast and solid, strengthen us, give us a character of Jesus, and will settle us if we are fixed on the foundation of God's grace which is always sufficient, all we need, and always available. Rest in God's presence, trust in His wisdom, accept His ways, know He is in control.