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 verses.
I enjoyed reading I Peter 4: 1-7. In this passage, Peter gives some good advice on how live right. He says that the people must strengthen themselves mentally and not be controlled by human desires. Peter goes on to say that living like heathens is not the way to live life successfully. In order for success, one must live more like Jesus lived. This is a good example of how being a good Christian can be a burden, but it is totally worth it in the end.
ReplyDelete"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this verse. For me an aspect of Peter's way to live a successful life is to help spread the Word. The afore mentioned verse, however, doesn't mean we Christians should go around shoving the Good News down everybody's throat. No, we should be around to answer any and all questions honestly and be respectful to the asker, so that they of their own free will would come to accept the gospel message.
Petra- Ready, Willing And Able
from their 1991 album "Unseen Power"
Based partially on 1 Peter 3:15 (with 2 Timothy 4:2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ztwENiiS98
I’ve always been lifted up by reading I Peter 2:4-5. In these verses, Peter compares Christ to a stone - a living stone - being precious and beautiful and chosen by God. Peter then compares us as living stones - in the same way that Christ is! Jesus being the corner stone and the foundation has always made a profound impact for me, and for Peter to call me a living stone like Christ is certainly a pick-me-up when I’m feeling down or out of my faith life.
ReplyDeleteI like what Peter said in 1 Peter 3:8-12. In these verses, Peter talks about how one should not do evil, but do good: "For the one who wants to love life and to see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit, and he must turn away from evil and do what is good" (1 Peter 3:10-11). To be a good Christian, you should not do evil and only good, and Peter's words here really echo that statement.
ReplyDeleteI like Peter 2:11-13. This verse says to be good and live like God would want you to. You will show other people that don't believe that God is good. I chose this verse because it speaks to both people that believe and it could make the church grow. I think it also says don't care about what other people are doing.
ReplyDeleteI feel that I get tested constantly. Usually I fail these tests miserably, however, slowly but surely I am learning from my mistakes. God does not want us to fail. Peter says in 1 Peter 4:12, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." We are not supposed to be sad at these tests, we are supposed to rejoice. God is helping us to prove ourselves.
ReplyDeleteThe best thing about this is God never gives up on us. Even when we fail, which I do...often, he always gives us another chance. It is like have unlimited lives in a video game. The eventual goal is to not fail the tests, but God does give you some leniency.
I really liked 1 Peter 1:5-7 which says, "5 You are being protected by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 You rejoice in this,[a] though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." I feel that this is a good reminder why we face trials in our lives which is to ultimately result in bringing glory and honor to God.
ReplyDelete"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 with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." I Peter 3:8-10. I think that this is one of the best suggestions that he makes about life, because how you interact with other people is extremely important. Life is about the interactions and relationships that you have and form with other people. Thus, Paul is reinforcing the idea that these relationships can cause one to be successful in life, if they are made in the right way.
ReplyDelete1 Peter 4:15-17. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God.
ReplyDeleteI think that this shows how to live a good life. You should live a life for God because there is heaven at the end for you even if you suffer for it. There is none for the ones who suffer because of being a murderer or their.
I liked 1 Peter 2:13-20. It says to submit yourself to the Lord, to be a servant of God, and to honor and love all man. He says that if we do this all patiently, and we do it the right way, with suffering comes great reward. Just as Jesus suffered for us, even though he committed no sin, we must sacrifice as well in order to be successful.
ReplyDeleteAs I quoted in class, 1 Peter 3:15 is an important verse for me. It tells us to be prepared to defend our faith but be gentle and never condemn others in the process. Harsh words never win believers.
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