FINISHED WITH SIN: THE SPIRIT LIFE IS FILLED WITH PURPOSE
May 21
Scriptures to Remember: Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. Romans 8:12
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. Galatians 5:24-26
Gospel Story: John 21:15-25 Jesus asks Peter “do you love me?”
1 Peter 4:10-11
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Reflection: Peter had a defining moment with the Resurrected Jesus. A follow up you might say to that prophetic moment the two had before Jesus arrest. (Luke 22:32) It continues this theme of living a “SPIRIT LIFE” that comes as a gift to us through our faith in Christ.
Three times Jesus asked Peter, “do you love me?” Last week we highlighted the fact that “SPIRIT LIFE” looks like the love of Jesus revealed in us. Love is a big deal for Jesus. It’s why Peter’s answer matters so much. By the third time Jesus asks his “do you love me” question we feel like Peter might be on the verge of tears, “Lord you know everything! You know I love you!” (Jn21:17). … As with the first, what is Jesus response? “Then feed my sheep”.
Peter experience personally what it is to deny Jesus. He saw all his pears likewise “scatter” when Jesus was arrested. He would have tasted the bitterness in Judas’ betrayal and death. He knew the pain and temptations that often present themselves amidst our devotion to Jesus.
However, for each denial we see Peter was given an opportunity to reaffirm his love for Jesus. We remember prior to this moment, Peter knew Christ’ heart for him. Jesus changed his name from Simon to Peter. He affirmed Peter’s ability to hear the Father’s voice, “upon this rock I will build my church.” (Matt 16:18) Jesus prayed specifically for Peter making his request to Peter and the Father clear,
I have prayed for you, Peter, that you would stay faithful to me no matter what comes. Remember this: after you have turned back to me and have been restored, make it you life mission to strengthen the faith of your brothers (and sisters)* Luke 22:32 TPT.
So when in 1 Peter 4:10-11 we hear that “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts”, Peter is speaking from first hand experience, deep SPIRIT LIFE experience. Reflect upon some of these “SPIRIT LIFE” gifts. The examples he gives are the gift of speaking, the gift of helping, these are just two of I’m sure many. What makes the spiritual? Our walk with the resurrected Jesus, Holy Spirit and Father God.
Peter had a word from the Lord. As much as he did in his life, so too in his letters, he wants to use what God has given him to serve others. It’s the “SPIRIT LIFE”, a life of love and service. And what’s it’s purpose? To bring fame fortune and recognition like simon the magician wanted? No. As our freind Simon “PETER” puts it, when you live the “SPIRIT LIFE” then everything you do will be in love, in service to others and “will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ”. Father God says, you too are gifted, live the “SPIRIT LIFE”, walk with Jesus in love and service. Yay God!
* my addition
Comments