DECLARATION OF DEPENDANCE!

“For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame…you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, THAT YOUMAY DECLARE the praises of him who called you OUT OFDARKNESS INTO HIS WONDERFUL LIGHT.” (1 Peter 2:6-9)

[Peter gives us a description of Jesus Christ as a LIVING STONE; this description may seem rough and exacting, yet to the Jews, who placed much of their religion in their glorious temple, and who understood the prophetic style, which calls the Messiah “a stone” (Isa_8:14; Isa_28:16), it would appear very elegant and proper.]

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake TO EVERY HUMANAUTHORITY: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. FOR IT ISGOD’S WILL THAT BY DOING GOOD you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” (1 Pet. 2:13-15)

[One reason why Christians should submit to the evil judicial officer is because it is the will of God, and consequently our duty; and because it is the way to put to silence the hateful insults of ignorant and foolish men!]

“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” (1 Pet. 2:17)

[As faithful Christian we are to Fear God with the highest reverence, duty, and submission; if we lack this fear of the Lord, none of the other these duties can be performed as they ought!]

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. IF ANYONE SPEAKS, THEY SHOULD DO SO AS ONE WHO SPEAKS THE VERY WORDS OF GOD. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. TO HIM BE THE GLORY AND THE POWER FOR EVER ANDEVER. Amen.” (1 Pet. 4:10-11)

[The correct ordering of our body is of wonderful use to promote the good of the soul. When the cravings and feelings of the body are restrained and GOVERNEDBY GOD’S WORD and true reason, and the interests of the body are submitted to the interests and requirements of the soul, then our body is not the soul’s enemy, but its friend and helper; WHEN WE SUBMIT TO GOD!]

“So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and CONTINUETO DO GOOD. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that HE MAY LIFT YOU UP in due time.” (1 Pet. 4:19, 5:6)

TO OUR ABBA FATHER BE THE GLORY AND THE POWER FOR EVER AND EVER!

-Bill Stockham