Word@Work 1Pet74 - 1 Peter 5:12
Published: Thu, 08/06/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
ON A STEADY COURSE
1 Peter 5:12 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. (NIV)
Why are some Christians stable and productive, but others are uncertain and confused? Either we base our life on lies, fleshly energy and human wisdom or on truth, grace and God's Word: one leads to confusion, the other to confidence. Peter now summarises the purpose of his letter: to encourage stability based on truth, freedom based on God's grace and perseverance encouraged by the apostle's teaching.
Even the apostles needed to be part of Christ's church and not aloof from fellowship. Silas has been a faithful companion and 'armour bearer' (cf 1 Sam 14:6-7) to Paul, and now to Peter. Both valued the gracious and courageous fellowship of this man, who probably wrote as Peter dictated the letter. Even the most powerful of God's servants is weak without the encouragement of Godly fellowship. The faithfulness of Silas was not just personal loyalty (although that is an essential part of any ministry team), but he could be trusted to fully participate in the gospel work, because he also trusted the faithfulness of God to him.
Encouragement is very important. This letter has already explained how easily Satan can discourage us; we don't need any more from the church, or the silence of indifferent Christians! We love to cheer on athletes to do their best: so let us encourage others to stand firm for Jesus, and urge one another to live in a way that glorifies Him. Even if encouragement is unusual in your culture, be radical and find a good reason to spur on your brothers and sisters in Christ to love and good deeds (cf Heb 10:24). It is not easy to follow Jesus, particularly in the workplace or where people are hostile to you because of your faith; so we need the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures and other believers. And they need you! Seek them out; and build them up by your example, prayers and teaching.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You for not leaving me alone, because You have given me Your Spirit, Your Word and Your family to encourage me. Help me to play my part in the life of the church by being pro-active to encourage others, including those who are leaders and teachers themselves, by loyal and humble service and gracious words of affirmation. For Your Name's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Why are some Christians stable and productive, but others are uncertain and confused? Either we base our life on lies, fleshly energy and human wisdom or on truth, grace and God's Word: one leads to confusion, the other to confidence. Peter now summarises the purpose of his letter: to encourage stability based on truth, freedom based on God's grace and perseverance encouraged by the apostle's teaching.
Even the apostles needed to be part of Christ's church and not aloof from fellowship. Silas has been a faithful companion and 'armour bearer' (cf 1 Sam 14:6-7) to Paul, and now to Peter. Both valued the gracious and courageous fellowship of this man, who probably wrote as Peter dictated the letter. Even the most powerful of God's servants is weak without the encouragement of Godly fellowship. The faithfulness of Silas was not just personal loyalty (although that is an essential part of any ministry team), but he could be trusted to fully participate in the gospel work, because he also trusted the faithfulness of God to him.
Encouragement is very important. This letter has already explained how easily Satan can discourage us; we don't need any more from the church, or the silence of indifferent Christians! We love to cheer on athletes to do their best: so let us encourage others to stand firm for Jesus, and urge one another to live in a way that glorifies Him. Even if encouragement is unusual in your culture, be radical and find a good reason to spur on your brothers and sisters in Christ to love and good deeds (cf Heb 10:24). It is not easy to follow Jesus, particularly in the workplace or where people are hostile to you because of your faith; so we need the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures and other believers. And they need you! Seek them out; and build them up by your example, prayers and teaching.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You for not leaving me alone, because You have given me Your Spirit, Your Word and Your family to encourage me. Help me to play my part in the life of the church by being pro-active to encourage others, including those who are leaders and teachers themselves, by loyal and humble service and gracious words of affirmation. For Your Name's sake. Amen.
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