DEVOTION – DAY 470

1 Peter 1: 5-7 “Walking With God”

1 Peter 1:5-7 “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”

In these verses, the apostle Peter set out some Christian virtues that will produce a well-rounded and fruitful Christian life. Virtues like faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection and love. It begins with faith – faith in God and His Word. When we put faith in God and His Word, it will lead us to do good deeds, and we will gain knowledge of God’s Word as we study it. With more knowledge, we will learn to exercise more self-control in situations and in our relationships with others. When we are walking closely with God, we will show warm-hearted affection for all who are in God’s family. This is the kind of outgoing selfless attitude that enables us to make sacrifices for the sake of others. Then, we will be able to show love – the “agape” love – the love that Jesus showed, the brotherly love that Jesus had for others. This is how we can live a fruitful Christian life.

These verses mirror the spiritual journey of a number of people we know. It began with them hearing the gospel – the truth about Jesus dying on the cross for their sins. They put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Then, they want to get to know Jesus better. The best way to begin a relationship with the Living God is to know Him through God’s Word, the Bible. The more they know God’s Word and are convinced of its truth, they start making changes to their lives so that it pleases God. They learn to exercise self-control over bad habits, attitudes and behavior. It was not easy but they persevered. They become less selfish and more giving to others. This was the beginning of loving others as Christ would have them love. 

When we consider the icons of Christian faith, people like George Mueller, Hudson Taylor, Billy Graham, John Wesley and many others – it always began with them putting their faith and trust in God. Then, they have a hunger to know God through His Word. And they slowly make changes in the way they live as they serve the Lord in ways pleasing to God. This is a journey we all can take.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for including us into your family through the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Please help us to make changes in our habits, attitudes and behavior so that we will be more and more like the Lord Jesus and give him the glory. We pray this in the lovely name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. Where are you in your spiritual journey with the Lord? Share.
  2. What are some habits, attitudes and behavior that you know are not pleasing to God that you need to change? Will you do so?
  3. What are some steps you can take to help others in need to show that you love and care for them? 
  4. Why is it important to know God’s Word well and to apply it? Discuss.