Scripture:
1 Peter 1:3-12; 2:1-3
Thu, 16 June 2022

A Full Picture of Salvation (2)

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about salvation in these texts?

Deeper Reflection
PETER LOOKS AT SALVATION FROM THREE POINTS OF salvation history: past, present and future.The Present in Salvation History: The “sufferings of Christ” “predicted” by “the Spirit of Christ” points to our redemption through “the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” (v.11, 1 Pet 1:18-19). Having been redeemed, what do we do from here? We are to “grow up in your salvation” (1 Pet 2:2, NIV) – to “grow into a full experience of salvation” (NLT). How are we to grow up in salvation? By the Word of God – “the pure milk of the word” (1 Pet 2:2, NASB). And for this we must have the appetite of “newborn babies”, and the attitude of “crave pure spiritual milk…Cry out for this nourishment” (1 Pet 2:2, NLT).The Future in Salvation History: Twice in his doxology – praising God for His saving works (vv.3-12) − Peter speaks of “salvation” eschatologically: “for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (v.5) and “receive the outcome of your faith, your final salvation”32 (v.9). “In this” already-and-not-yet eschatological salvation, we will be “distressed by various trials” for the testing of our “faith” (vv.6-7). We are to view the duration of our “various trials” eschatologically – however long it may be: It is “for a little while” (v.6; 1 Pet 5:10). These eschatological trials are according to divine necessity: It is always “if necessary” (v.6). And our eschatological vision is: “to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (v.7).
32 J. Ramsey Michaels, 1 Peter, Word Biblical Commentary (Word, 1988), 25
Application:

What do I understand and appreciate about my salvation in Christ that bears significance on my discipleship journey?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To grow into the full experience of salvation
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 7:13-18, 25-27; 11:29-36
Sat, 2 December 2023

The Triumph

Observation:

What characterises the triumph of God’s people in tribulations under tyrants?

Deeper Reflection
God’s people living under tyrants and suffering tribulations under them can triumph – whether we are delivered from or destroyed in tribulation. The triumph rests on a threefold confidence.We know the conclusion of evil. It is repeated in manifold ways in Daniel that evil that comes through inhuman kings – no matter how great and how long – will definitely come to an end: “he will be broken” (Dan 8:25), “he will be found no more” (Dan 11:19), “yet he will come to his end” (Dan 11:45) and “all these events will be completed” (Dan 12:7).We know God’s calling for us: To be a suffering people – to be captured, plundered, burned or killed (Dan 11:33). But in our suffering, we can be strong as “people who know their God” (Dan 11:32), knowing that God is purging and purifying us to become a sanctified (Dan 11:35; 12:10) and shining people who “shine brightly” with heavenly brightness in the hostile world (Dan 12:3). And we will be a steadfast people who “keep waiting and attain to the 1,335 days” (Dan 12:12) – until we become a sovereign people who “receive and possess the kingdom forever” from “the Ancient of Days” (vv.13-14, 18, 27).We know who is in control. The tribulations under the tyrants in Daniel 7 to 12 are all subject to and subsumed under “that which is decreed will be done” (Dan 11:36; 9:26, 27) “at the appointed time” (Dan 11:27, 29, 35).We conclude Daniel with this theological-discipleship summary statement: We can triumph in tribulations under tyrants when we trust with tenacity in the One who is on the throne.
Application:

How can I triumph in tribulations?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for Church Board: To grow in the faith and perseverance of overcomers in Christ
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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