"On every page of the God-breathed writings are many thoughts that stretch out like long, clear arms of light across the darkness, discovering things otherwise hidden and illuminating wider areas than those of the immediate context. They are searchlights. I have selected one in each chapter of Scripture, for at least one central thought in every chapter should arrest the mind and affect the life," wrote G. Campbell Morgan, a skilled, wise, warm-hearted Bible teacher who conducted a classic 3-year study called Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible. Here is the fruit of that research—summarized, illustrated, and amplified with useful details—on all 66 books of the Bible.
DEUTERONOMY, JOSHUA, JUDGES, RUTH,
1 JOHN, 2 JOHN, 3 JOHN, JUDE, REVELATION
1 Peter 2:7 "The honor or preciousness is for you who believe." This is speaking about the preciousness of Christ, the stone the builders rejected who in fact became the cornerstone of God's building. The declaration is not that believers know the preciousness of Christ, but rather that they share it. Preciousness speaks of honor and the qualities worthy of honor. Twice in this passage Christ is described as precious in God's estimate. We know the things in Christ that made Him precious and honorable in the sight of God: His purity, His love, and His conformity to the perfect will of God. All these things are communicated to those who believe in Christ! His very life and nature are given to the believer, and by the might of their working, make that believer precious with His preciousness. He is the living Stone, and those who come to Him in saving faith receive that very quality of life that is His, thereby becoming living stones in God's building. It is in the power of that preciousness that they become "an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession," and so enabled "to show forth the excellencies" of God.
1 Peter 3:15 "In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." At the center of the Christian life is but one Lord, and that is Christ. Christians faithfully honoring that fact maintain unity of being, consistency of conduct, and accomplishment of purpose. To do otherwise is to be divided in our own life, inconsistent in our conduct, and ineffective in our service. Divided loyalties, such as our own selfish desires, worldly wisdom, and the pressure of circumstances, bring disaster. Therefore the urgency of this command. To hallow the heart by excluding all other lords except Christ Himself is to be strong, true, and effective. His knowledge is perfect, not only of the heart, but also of our circumstances and the true way of life. To be governed by many lords is to be in bondage to them all and desolated by their conflicting ways. To be in bondage to Christ is to be released from all other captivity. Living like that will lead to good and sincere spiritual questions from people seeking hope. Our answer is to be a defense. The Greek word translated "defense" is apologia so Christian apologetics are not apologies but defenses based on evidence. The Christian faith is reasonable, but it is also humble, which is why Peter says the evidence we present for Christian hope is to be explained with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 4:16 "If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name." This is one of the few places in the New Testament where that description of believers is used. There are only three. In the first we are told where it originated: "The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch" (Acts 11:26). It was not necessarily a term of reproach, but one used to mark the fact that they were followers of Christ. The second is a cynical remark made by King Herod Agrippa II to the apostle Paul: "In such a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?" (Acts 26:28). The third and last time is here, where Peter makes it obvious that sometimes suffering comes with being known as a Christian. The apostle says two things in view of that fact. The first is that no shame is attached to such suffering. Perhaps he is remembering when he and his fellow apostles had been beaten before the Jewish council in Jerusalem and ordered not to speak about Christ. Although in actual physical agony from the stripes laid on them, they nevertheless "left the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name" (Acts 5:41). The second word is a command: "Let him glorify God in that name." That is more than glorying in the Name of Jesus Christ the Lord; it is also living worthily to the glory of God. If a person is known as a Christian but does not live as one, he or she dishonors God. To bear the Name is to take a responsibility both great and solemn.
1 Peter 5:9 "Knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brethren throughout the world." Peter ends the meat of his first letter to the church at large like this: "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brethren throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" (verses 5-10). This is comfort amid conflict. No brother or sister in Christ is fighting alone. Each one is at once supporting and supported by all the rest. Therefore to stop standing firm is to weaken the line of spiritual battle and create an advantage for the enemy of our souls, but to continue to withstand is to strengthen that line and make it difficult for the foe to break through. The resources of our enemy are not limitless. The greater the number of loyal soldiers opposed to him, the greater the difficulty he has advancing upon one soul. The resources of our Lord, the great Captain of our salvation, are limitless. In proportion as we avail ourselves of them, we are invincible. Remember that when temptation comes. If we yield, we weaken the whole battleline. If we stand firm in our faith, the strength of our victory adds power to all the ranks. We need never yield, not only because our Lord is on our side—that is enough—but also because all our brethren who resist are helping us. We never fight alone.
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