None of us likes the feeling that we have failed at something, but, sooner or later, all of us seem to fail--and sometimes we feel like we have failed the really big test: life itself.Peter certainly could understand the feeling that one is a failure: it was a feeling he sometimes shared. In I Peter, however, he provides us with a recipe for true success in life.
Please read through all of I Peter. Cite below a verse or two that seem to you to be particularly good examples of Peter's advice for success in life. Explain why you chose these particular versees.
24 comments:
1 Peter 3:15 "...Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence."
Peter continues along the lines of showing faith through one's works, and in doing this people will help a single person out when they feel low, who then has the oligation to pass such help along to another, and him or her to another, and so on downstream.
Peter does not doubt the value of any person because he knew that in all of us is this spark of faith that can be ignited if approached properly, which then accompanied by teaching of Scripture creates the person of faith that pleases the Lord the most.
Peter knows that some people need to be pushed in this direction so he includes a warning, "Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seekiing some one to devour," 1 Peter 5:8.
Peter does not want anyone to join the devil, envisioned by Dante in his Inferno as being trapped in ice and unable to find the grace of the Lord again.
"Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation (I Peter 2:11-12).
Throughout I Peter, the author gives a thorough list of do's and don'ts, which, basically, is the author’s advice for a successful and happy life.
Similar to James, it will be a person's works that will lead them to a successful life.
Annie Merkel
1 Peter 2:1-3 "So put away all malice and all guile and insincerity and envy and all slander. Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation; for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord."
In these verses I think that Peter makes it clear that we have to get over all of our wrongs. He states malice, guile, insincerity, envy, and slander must be stopped. Christians should be trying to be pure - like when they were babies with only original sin. Furthermore, Peter is just simply telling the Christians to return to the simple state of life - no worries, no jealousy, no lies. Be pure and the Lord will give you salvation.
1 Peter 5:8-11
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10 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. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
This time of persecution is despairing, but Peter reveals that this is actually a time to rejoice. He says to count it a privilege to suffer for the sake of Christ as their Savior suffered for them. This letter of Peter's makes reference to his personal experiences with Jesus and his sermons from the book of Acts. Peter confirms Satan as the great enemy of every Christian but the assurance of Christ's future return gives the incentive of hope.
I Peter 3:21,"There is also an antitype which now saves us -baptism(not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
The conscience. Though some deny it, everyone has one. That little voice inside that lets you know when you have done something that was wrong. Peter seems to be saying that if one walks and lives by God's rules you will have a clear conscience with God. So yes Virginia, there is right and wrong in the world, not murky shades of gray. Live your life by the golden rule as Mr. Kant would say.
I also found 2:17 to be helpful if not a bit troublesome.
"Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King."
This is really good advice. It is , however, difficult for most of us to live by. Fearing God and Honoring the King are far eaiser to do than love the brotherhood and honor all people. I don't think I consider Democrats to be worthy of honor. Can I live a happy life if I don't?
Brian Johnson
1 Peter 1: 6-7
"...ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ"
This verse tells us that our trials and temptations are for our good. Though they may seem a heavy burden to bear, in the end they help us to grow stronger.
Thus Peter is telling us that when trials come we should not be discouraged but should face them with strength and realize that overcoming them will provide joy and happiness in our lives.
1 Peter 3:8-9 “…be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult, but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing.”
Of all the advice Peter gives, these two verses seem to sum up what it takes to live a successful life. When we are of one mind, treating others with a kind heart as described here, there would be no room for evil or insult.
Amanda Imberi
Sam Merkel
1 Peter 3:8-9 “…be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult, but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing.”
To me this is important because it tells me that if you can stay true to what is right in your mind and if you are sincere, good things will happen to you. Also there is no need to be full of yourself and if you are insulted stay true to yourself and keep the high road and don't drop to the level of insulting someone in order to achieve self satisfaction.
1 Peter 3: 10-11 "For, Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn for evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it."
Here you have Peter telling us too keep are tongues quiet from saying harmful things to others as well as to seek peace. To me verse 11 is very important because to seek peace is something everyone should hopefully do and to find it is something special. Finding peace and being humble are probably two things that are key to being happy. If you can find that balance in your life at a young age or even near the end of your life, it should help you in being happy and also let you know that you have had a good life.
Eric Bengs
6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
This tells you the cure it tells you the poison and it tells you that you do not have to do it alone. I think these passages give you the insight into what will make you happy. You can cast aside your problems to God. You are not alone in your perils which is comforting and you are deeply cared for. I think that these verses get to the root of what humans crave and explains what they need to do to fulfill their needs.
I felt as if 3:3-4 was particularly relevant to me.
" Do not let your adornment be merely outward- arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentile and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God."
Many, in my opinion, extremest Christians often seem to frown upon women who pride themselves in their looks. Though I do agree that this can be harmful if taken too far, I think that this is important for women to feel pretty. Women must first 'attract' men physically, and then the men learn from the women about how to have a quiet subtle faith.
I think that this is a sentiment to all women on how we need to not only feel good about ourselves by beatifying ourselves but by also by showing by example.
These verses are a great example for women to follow. It is hard in today's society to want to be a beautiful,inside and out, self worthy, strong woman. But this shows that by example you can be strong and God fearing. That is what men really want and what other women admire from others.
Zach Anderson
1 Peter 3:8-9 "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.Do not repay evil with evil or insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
When thinking of success I think of someone who is humble, to me just being wealthy does not make you successful. Being a caring strong humble person makes you successful, understanding others and caring about people and god equals success.
I think Peter does a good job in preparing a person for success because he does not describe a boastful person, he describes a reserved quiet steady individual, and that is success to me.
Chapter 1:13 "Therefore gird up your minds , be sober, set your hope fully upon the grace that is coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
In this passage Peter is writing that to be successful in life you must fasten your mind around Jesus Christ. There should be nothing else that should prevent you from doing this since Jesus should be the center of your life.
^Jon Adam
Chapter 5 verse 8: "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour"
In this verse Peter warns to be on our guard from temptations from Satan. He knows first hand how easy it is to fall into temptation and he wants us to be prepared for the challenges we may face in life. He knows that the Devil will always be looking for some way to cause us to sin, so Peter reminds us that we must always be alert to these temptations and have the self control over our minds and bodies. This will help us keep our focus on God rather than earthly things.
Chapter 5 verse 7 is also a good passage for success. "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." This verse is probably one of the best passages on how to have success in life. If we rely solely on our own strengths and knowledge we will inevitably fail. But if we instead trust in God and cast all our worries on him, he will watch over us and guide us through any hardships we have. This is an extremely comforting passage for us because it reminds us that we have a loving God who will always watch out for us.
John Rawerts
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, do you take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable to God.
1 Peter 2:20
Peter says here if you do somthing wrong admit it and be punished if you deserve it. When he says take it patiently, I think he means to think about it and learn your lesson from whatever you did and what happens after.
Jon Hepola
Joe Adam
St. Peter the Apostle 2:13-15
“Be ye subject therefore to every human creature for God’s sake: whether it be to the king as excelling,
Or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of the good.
For so is the will of god that by doing well you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.”
Now, what I think of what these verses are trying to say is that be humble to all peoples. I think that this is a good life lesson because it is telling you to be humble to your neighbor. Also it includes if you do well you will be able to put down evil men.
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
-1st Peter 3:17 (KJV)
With this verse, Peter shows that there is a reason for those who endure burden even though they do good in their life: it is the possible will of God. Peter states that not all good deeds are rewarded, which is obvious in everyday life, but the 17th verse of Chapter 3 states that there is one possible reward one can receive through doing good.
My father has stated that it is always best to make little by hard work and honesty than to make a lot by little work and trickery. Though one may toil under the former, it is by the will of God. There is a reason for a possible burden.
This is reinforced with Romans 8:28-
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
1 Peter 4: 7-11
These verses talk about the Christian charity. They talk about how you should love one another intensely beause love covers a multitude of sins. It also says to be hospitable to one another without complaining. It says to be a good steward.
I think these verses are very important because it guidelines how Christians are supposed to be charitable. It means pretty much that if you have something to spare and could help someone out with it, do it. One thing I did find very interesting at the beginning of the selected verses is it says that the end of all things is at hand therefore be serious and sober for prayers. I think that is really interesting.
I found these verses particularly satisfying while reading through Peter. I found that they give an overall slogan of "nothing can ever break you", and that we can overcome anything, because that bad thing has happened because God has willed it.
From 1 Peter 3:13-17
"Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good? But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. ... For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil."
1 Peter 4:8
love covers over a multitude of sins
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people a royal priesthood a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into a wonderful light
1 Peter 1:6
you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith of greath worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--by be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
These are all very powerful verses that give hope and light to the sinner. Do not be turned away from God in troubles and problems, for they are only there to test oneself onto high questions. We will come through them stronger united with God. Without out tests, our faith would not be as strong or special.
1 Peter 4: 8-9
"Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining."
I think that this is a good example of how to live in the ways of the Lord. Peter talks about ways to be good christians here, and his biggest issue is to be a servant of God. He goes on to say that "whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies." This is a very important thing for everyone to remember, and go by because not everyone realizes that without God we would not be what we are today.
Ruth Wilson
I Peter 1:13-16
"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
This is where the bar has been set. This is what we are to aspire to, and it is hard-- impossible, really. 'For by grace you have been saved...' Even though we will always fall short, there is no reason to act just as we always have, when we lived in ignorance. I find it hard, when life would be so much easier to just be like everyone else, to be holy. Yet when I act just like everyone else, things go wrong, much less so than if I had just done what I was supposed to. It sucks to be responseable.
I Peter 2:12
This verse speaks to me, because it tells us as much of I Peter does, to watch what we say and be honest in our conversation. He talks a lot about watching our tongues and what comes out of our mouth. The second part of that verse is what I really like. People that speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Meaning when people do things to you and speak evil of you. Do not retaliate, do not sink to their level and do or speak evil of them. But, rather do good works and the example that you set may win them over to Christ.
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