For His Glory

1 Pet. 3:10-11

As each has received a gift use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen

Peter is answering a very important question. How does one practically live out his or her Christian life? As a basis for the practical, Peter develops the thinking of the Christian. A believer must think the way that Christ did [Have this mind in you that was also in Christ Jesus.] in respect to suffering. That is through suffering in the flesh we learn the will of God.[Following the example of Christ who suffered til death.] The time has long since past when the passions of the faith ruled our lives. [sensuality, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry] These passions should not be seen in a believer's life, instead the gospel has provided us a way to live in the spirit as God does. Our new life! 

In light of our salvation coupled with the shortness of time we should be:

• self-controlled and sober minded
• Above all, love one another earnestly [so important is love!]
• Be hospitable without grumbling
• Use spiritual gifts to serve one another
• When speaking, speak the oracles of God
• When serving, serves by the strength that God supplies

And why do we live like this? ...in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen I have often heard believers express their confusion at knowing the will of God. Yet the Bible speaks clearly about how a believers life should look. In this short passage we have 6 things that should be incorporated into our lives not in our own strength but in the strength that only God supplies.

Father,

Teach me how to obey in the strength that You supply. I have often memorized these verses and meditated on them, yet still they are not a complete reality in my life. Perhaps this is to keep me constantly depending on You. Help me. Bring the things that I have studied to my mind.

In Jesus name,

Amen