Spotless Lamb

Show Notes

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9

SHOW NOTES:

What brings you joy? What gives you hope in life? In today’s passage, Peter wants to direct our eyes and focus toward the one true source of joy and hope. This letter was written in a time filled with trouble and persecution.

According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

–1 Peter 1:3

Peter calls his readers to bless God. This undying hope rests on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because of His resurrection, we shall also live. God will preserve us and our inheritance until we receive it.

However, Peter tells us trials are necessary. God uses them to perfect His children (James 1). They can often rob us of joy, but Peter urges readers to remember this truth. Trials will refine faith just as the fire will purify gold. Trials reveal that our faith is valuable, proven, and glorious. We can rejoice greatly in this hope.

These words from the well-known hymn:

My hope is built on nothing less,
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand

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Show Notes

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:10-16

SHOW NOTES:

Are you facing trials, hardships, troubles, and struggles? The One we follow, the One we are to model our lives after, was mocked, rejected, scorned, and suffered terribly. The true source of strength for each new day is our personal trust in the Lord.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him … you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.”

– 1 Peter 1:8

Each of us must prepare our minds for action, control our actions and words, and have our hope set fully on the grace that will be brought to us when Jesus Christ is revealed. He will reward our faithful commitment.

As believers, we are called to walk in holiness. This future reward merits the discomfort of our current trials, troubles, and sacrifices. Let’s live as obedient children and not be conformed to our former passions.

Listen to the Full Episode:

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Show Notes

This episode is a re-release from the 2021 The Names of God series.

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Show Notes:

The LORD is my Shepherd.

He leads, restores, and guides the sheep. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep and the sheep know His voice. The agricultural imagery in this Psalm provides great insight about the LORD’s care and provision for each one in His flock. He invites each of us into a personal relationship with Him.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

– Psalm 23

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

– John 10:11-15

Show Notes

1 Peter 2:1-8

SHOW NOTES:

As we read and study the book of First Peter, this word comes to mind: “Rich. This book is so rich – verse by verse.” Peter is addressing the topic of our salvation and deliverance from sin. Our lives should be changed, and this is God’s work of sanctification in you and me. Peter continues with his instruction to believers in chapter two. Put away your negative behavior and change bad habits. The call is for positive action. You should crave the pure spiritual milk, and then you will grow in your personal walk with the Lord.

Peter moves from “eating” to “construction.” Jesus is the Living Stone, chosen and precious. He is the solid rock and the Cornerstone. Verse five says, “You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” As living stones, we are called to serve and to worship. Christ is the Cornerstone, and we are the living stones.

Listen to the Full Episode:

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Show Notes

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-17

SHOW NOTES:

Peter addresses his audience as “Beloved,” my dear friends. We are bound together in Christ’s love. Each of us is called to do good deeds so His name will be glorified.

And Peter continues this theme in verse 10, where he alludes to the Old Testament prophet Hosea.

Once, you were not a people, but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

We are chosen from all eternity. From our perspective, we were lost, hopeless, and helpless, dead in our trespasses and sins. Yet, our gracious God extends mercy to us. He calls us to be His people!

Peter’s summary for God’s children (1 Peter 2:17).

1. Show proper respect to everyone – recognize each one’s value in God’s eyes.
2. Love the family of believers – we are the children of God.
3. Fear God – live in reverential awe of the Lord.
4. Honor the emperor – respect those in authority over you.

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Show Notes

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:18-25

SHOW NOTES:

Peter encourages his readers to “live as people who are free … living as servants of God.” Show honor to everyone. Honor God.

“Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.”

– 1 Peter 2:18

He distinguishes between justifiable suffering and unjustifiable suffering. Some suffering is a result of wrongdoing and results in deserved punishment. You endure this discipline, but you don’t get credit. However, suffering when you have done right is gracious in the sight of God and follows Jesus’ footsteps. Jesus committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

– Isaiah 53:6-7

Because of Jesus’ sacrificial death, we can experience a profound change in our lives. Believers, return to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls!

Find it on the Discover God’s Truth website, on Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.