Chapter 3:
Verses 1-7 Wives and Husbands - These verses are about BOTH wives and husbands submitting to each other. A lot of men quote some of these verses but neglect verse 7, which ends with "that your prayers may not be hindered. Is God saying that if we don't do this that our prayers will be hindered? How would they be hindered?
Verses 8-22 Suffering for doing right - God is instructing us to do what's right and letting us know that we will probably suffer because of it. Why does "the world" dislike righteousness? Have you noticed the rise of anti-Christian thought, even outright hatred towards Christians? What are we doing, or not doing to anger so many?
15 but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 16 yet do it with gentleness and reverence.c Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.
Do you have the knowledge and ability to do this?
Chapter 4:
1-11: Being a good steward of God's grace. What does it mean to be a good steward of God's grace? According to dictionary.com, a steward is
a person who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as
the agent of another or others.
Are we doing this with God's grace?
12-19 - more about suffering for Christ -
Are these verses saying that the more that you become like Jesus, the more that you will suffer? Is it possible that our lives are too easy because we aren't being all we could be in Jesus?
Chapter 5:
Tending the flock of God
back to dictionary.com for the definition of flock:
a large number of people; crowd. the Christian church in relation to Christ.
Are these verses referring to the whole church? or just the people at church you like? Does it refer to other churches, other Christians who got to churches who do things you think are odd?
5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders.c And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time
“God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.”
Do you accept authority from those who are your elder?
8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert.d Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.
Does the devil still prowl around looking to devour YOU? or was this just back when this chapter of The Bible was written? Is it possible there is a spiritual battle going on between good and evil, today? Which forces do you associate with?
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