Lesson 4995

 (Lesson 4995) (10-04-25) 2nd Peter 1:1-9 

   “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” 

 

   Today’s quote encourages us to grow in our faith, reminding us that God has given everything we need for life and godliness through our faith in Christ. We are called to build on our faith by adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, because if we maintain those qualities, they will keep us from being unfruitful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. In simple terms: strengthen your faith by continually growing in character and love, because these things prove your relationship with Christ to be genuine and fruitful. ~ 

Lesson 4994

 (Lesson 4994) (10-03-25) 1st Peter 5:5-14 

   “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.” 

 

   Today’s lesson, in simple terms: stay humble, trust God with your problems, be alert against spiritual danger, watch out for Satan, stand firm in faith, and take comfort that God Himself will restore and strengthen us in the end. ~ 

Lesson 4993

 (Lesson 4993) (10-02-25) 1st Peter 5:1-4 

   “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 

 

   Today’s quote gives guidance to the elders in the churches. Peter urges elders to care for God’s people willingly, not because they must, certainly not for money, but with a glad heart. They should serve by being examples rather than as rulers. When Jesus Christ returns, faithful leaders will receive an unfading crown of glory. In modern terms: the elders of the church are called to guide with humility, sincerity, and love, not out of greed or power, knowing their true reward will come from Christ upon His glorious return. ~ 

Lesson 4992

 (Lesson 4992) (10-01-25) 1st Peter 4:12-19 

   “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” 

 

   Today’s quote tells us not to be surprised when we face trials and suffering, because Jesus suffered for us. Instead of groaning about our problems, we should rejoice, since suffering for Christ’s sake means we will also share in His glory when He returns. If we are insulted because of our faith, we are blessed, because God’s Spirit rests on us. If we suffer for being a Child of God, we should not be ashamed. Rather, we should glorify God knowing that judgment begins with God’s own people. The quote ends by encouraging those of us who suffer according to God’s will to entrust ourselves fully to Him, continuing to be the best we can be. In simple terms: this section reassures us that suffering for our faith is not a sign of failure, but a confirmation that we belong to Christ, and we should endure it with trust and joy, knowing God is always faithful. ~