cause and effect in God's economy

Proverbs 7

Luke 24

1 Peter 2

1 Peter 3

 

God created the universe perfectly, but man sinned and fell short of His glory. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life in complete obedience to the Father, died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins and mine, was buried, rose again on the third day, and before he ascended into heaven, he said:

46 ... "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.' 48 You are witnesses of all these things. (Luke 24)

Consequently, Peter addresses those who believe this Message with clear directives in 1 Peter 2 and 3 about how this faith practically works itself out in our daily living:

2:1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness. ... 7 Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. ... 9 ... for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. ... 13 For the Lord's sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. ... 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

 22 He never sinned,

      nor ever deceived anyone.

 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted,

      nor threaten revenge when he suffered.

      He left his case in the hands of God,

      who always judges fairly.

 24 He personally carried our sins

      in his body on the cross

      so that we can be dead to sin

      and live for what is right.

      By his wounds

      you are healed.

 25 Once you were like sheep

      who wandered away.

      But now you have turned to your Shepherd,

      the Guardian of your souls.

3:1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. ... 7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. ...   14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way.

Wow!  That is rich!  It would take months to unpack all of that!  The great thing is, that's what I'm trying to do - obey the scriptures and gain Christ (learning more of Christ and acting more like Christ - gaining more of Christ).  Whew!  I have a lot of stuff to work on!

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for these rich passages of truth that focus on Jesus Christ and how that gets incorporated into my life, tangibly.  Lord, help me believe and obey.  Jesus, I want to worship you as the Lord of my life and live in complete obedience.  Lord, help me honor you.  I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.