Jim Peters

Actively Getting Ready for Jesus to Come

Posted on 03. Jan, 2010 by Jim Peters in Hearing God - Jim's Daily D

1 Peter 1:12-21

¹² (The Spirit of Christ) revealed to (the prophets that) they weren’t serving themselves, but you, in (these) same (things) which have now been told to you by[1] those who brought you the good news from the Holy Spirit (who was) sent from heaven.  Angels have longed to look into (this)[2]. ¹³ Therefore, prepare[3] your minds, be calm and collected[4], put your expectation[5] completely in the kindness that will be brought to you (when) Jesus the Christ is revealed.

¹⁴ As obedient little children, don’t pattern you behaviour (around) your previous desires (that you followed) in ignorance, ¹⁵ but also be set yourselves apart in all your behaviour, like the Holy[6] One who called you, ¹⁶ because it is written (in Scripture), “You will be set apart (because) I am set apart.”

¹⁷ If you call (the One who) impartially judges each one according to their work “Father”, then live in fear (of him during) the time of your stay (here on earth), ¹⁸ knowing that you weren’t set free after (someone) paid a ransom of destructible silver or gold from your worthless way of life, inherited from your ancestors[7]. ¹⁹ But you (were set free) by the precious blood of the pure and spotless lamb – by Christ’s (blood).

²⁰ He was known before the foundation of the world and appeared in these end times for your sake. ²¹ Through him you completely trust God who raised him up (from being) dead and gave him honour and glory, so that your complete trust and hope (would be) in God.

 

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[1] “through” [2] “which” [3] “gird up” same as roll up your sleeves (for action or work) [4] “sober/sober=minded/restrained” [5] Hope/expect” [6] “set apart one” [7] “forefathers”

Application

God sent prophets thousands of years ago to serve me and provide me with insight and proof that his plan to redeem was through Jesus.  This is what the good news is – Jesus set me free by paying the ransom with his own blood.  It’s such wonderful news that even the angels longed to be able to delve into it.  However, it was saved for sinful people, like me, and revealed so that I could be made right with God.

Therefore, I need to be actively preparing for the day when Jesus will return or the day when I will go to be with him.  It’s no use saying I believe and then living any way I want.  God’s instruction is for me to be set apart from sin and the world in the same way that he is set apart from sin and the world.  As best I’m able and by the power of the Holy Spirit, I am called to live every day in his power and for him.

We don’t like to say the word “fear” these days.  However, the Bible is very clear.  I need to fear God.  If I’ve accepted his forgiveness, I no longer need to fear his judgement.  Having said that, and knowing my own weakness and susceptibility to temptation, I need to live with a reverent fear that acknowledges how he is the judge of sin and that the punishment for sin is death.  It’s only by his kindness and the death of his own Son that I can be set apart for him and be with him.  Holy fear means that I will live for him, trust him completely and put all my hope in him.

Prayer

Father, thank you for the gift of life, forgiveness and eternal privilege.  You are amazing and I thank you that you are my real dad.  God, please let me know how to walk in holy fear so that I will please you and not allow my desires for the world to have any influence in my life.  I trust you complete.  Please help me to trust you even more.

IJN Amen

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