Take Root 1st & 2nd Peter - 40 day challange

  Take Root  B e | What should I be because of what I read? O wn | What truth does this verse show me that I need to own? L ove | The goal of instruction is love. (1 Timothy 1:5) D o | Now, w hat can I do to better Be, Own, and Love. Applying scripture boldly will allow it to take root in your life but being surrounded by other sequoias will better prepare you for the storms ahead. Be BOLD is seeking to surround yourself with likeminded men. Go over these scriptures with your group or journal alone until you recruit some comrades – if you need help getting connected let us know! Take Root Day 1  1 Peter 1:1-5 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as strangers, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, [a]to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of

  1 Peter 1: 6-10 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and [d]full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, Salvation is the “this” that they are talking about rejoicing greatly in….do I do that? Peter makes a cursory nod toward the trials of this world but says we greatly rejoice in the salvation that comes through faith  - and that is the most precious thing we possess.  I am afraid at times I may g

  Day 3  1 Peter 1: 11-21 11  seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.  12  It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look. 13  Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober  in spirit , set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  14  As obedient children, do not ] be conformed to the former lusts  which were yours  in your ignorance,  15  but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all  your  behavior;  16  because it is written: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17  If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of

Day 4 – 1 Peter 1: 22-25 22  Since you have purified your souls in obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brothers  and  sisters, fervently love one another from the heart,  23  for you have been born again not of seed, which is perishable, but imperishable,  that is , through the living and enduring word of God.  24  For,“All flesh is like grass, and all its glory is like the flower of grass. The grass withers, And the flower falls off, 25  But the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word which was preached to you. Here Peter assumes we have followed through on verses 13 and 14:   “ 13  Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  14  As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,” Verse 22 picks up right there.   Since we have done this our hearts are free to love as God intended them to lo

 Day 5 1 Peter 2: 1-3 T herefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, 2 and like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, 3 if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. Peter gives us a pretty tall order to start this chapter.  He says take out the trash of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. I looked them up and here are the definitions: - Malice is the intention or desire to do evil. - Deceit is lying…whether it is by what I say or what I don’t say or just the way I act…if I am misrepresenting the truth, I am practicing deceit.   - Hypocrisy is defined as the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform.   - Envy  is a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck. - Slander is making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation

  Day 6 1 Peter 2: 4-8 4 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by people but is choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a choice stone, a precious cornerstone, And the one who believes in Him will not be put to shame.”  7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for unbelievers, “A stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief cornerstone,”8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this they were also appointed. The point that jumps out at me from this passage is that there is no neutral ground here…. This stone demands a reaction.  You either build with it – or face plant.   God is a choice that changes trajectories we must o

  Day 7 1 Peter 2:9-12 9  But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for  God’s  own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  10  for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11  Beloved, I urge  you  as foreigners and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul.  12  Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe  them , glorify God on the day of visitation. Chosen, royal, holy…does that describe the way I live? Peter says that is what I am.   I am someone who once lived in darkness but have been called out into the light. Simply based on mercy…. nothing I did to deserve it.   Jonathan Edwards said “You contribute nothing to your salvation ex

  Day 8 1 Peter 2:13-17 13  Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,  14  or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.  15  For such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people.  16  Act  as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but  use it  as bondservants of God.  17  Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. I wonder how many times I will honor the President today?... How about the VP?   It would take a lot of “open field running” to get around the requirements outlined in verses 13 & 14. Clearly, I am to pray for those whom God has allowed to be in leadership roles for my country. Funny how I judge others for picking and choosing which verses they incorporate into their lives - and then do the same thing myself. The flip side of verse 15 basically says if I d

  Day 9 1 Peter 2:18-25 18  Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are harsh.  19  For this  finds  favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person endures grief when suffering unjustly.  20  For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer  for it  you patiently endure it, this  finds  favor with God. 21  For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps,  22  He  who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth;  23  and while being abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting  Himself  to Him who judges righteously;  24  and He Himself brought our sins in His body up on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by H

Day 10 1 Peter3:1-4  In the same way, you wives, be subject to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won over without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your pure and respectful behavior. 3 Your adornment must not be merely the external—braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; 4 but it should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.  This seems like a great verse for us men, but if you dig just a little it is actually pretty ominous.  God clearly is telling our wives to submit…He says be pure and respectful…that sounds great until I consider what that means from God’s viewpoint.  I have a daughter who is engaged – my advice to her has been that she should be a respectful wife …however I have informed her fiancé that I expect him to absolutely earn that respect by putting her first. God’s command to our

  Day 11 1 Peter3:5-7 5 For in this way the holy women of former times, who hoped in God, also used to adorn themselves, being subject to their own husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; and you have proved to be her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. 7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. Interesting passage that clearly states our relationship with God is impacted by how we treat others…I would expect to read that my relationship with others can be impacted by my relationship to God - but not necessarily the other way around.  It makes my relationship with others more important when it is tied to how I relate to my Heavenly Father.  Peter says women showed their hope in God by honoring their husband…and men’s communication with God could be hind

Day 12 1 Peter3:8-12 8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble; 9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing. 10 For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. 11 He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against evildoers.” There is an entire chapter in James about the tongue. It is condensed here in verse 10.  If you desire life... watch your mouth. So simple and to the point - yet so hard.  How easy it is to say something condescending about a brother…not that you don’t love him of course, but he really struggles with ____________.    Don’t we feel wise and righteous when we “lovingly” point out the fla

Day 13 1 Peter 3:13-17 13 And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be in dread, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. Two issues here…. “And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be in dread…” the writer here is talking about real fear and dread from real attacks.   I recently watched a documentary on William Tyndale who was burned at the stake in 1536. He was executed for translating the bible into English so

  Day 14 1 Peter 3:18-22 18  For Christ also suffered for sins once for all  time, the  just for  the  unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;  19  in which He also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison,  20  who once were disobedient when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through  the  water.    21  Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you— not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ ,  22  who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him. I can’t get past the fact that He suffered for my sins…the just for the unjust…so He could bring me to God. The King of Kings the Lord of All…loved me enough to send His Son to SUFFER for m

  Day 15 1 Peter 4:1-4 4 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,  2  so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the will of God.  3  For the time already past is sufficient  for you  to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries.  4  In  all  this, they are surprised that you do not run with  them  in the same excesses of debauchery, and they slander  you ;  Peter seems to be saying that once you have endured something you don’t fear it anymore.   As long as you are actively avoiding persecution you are preoccupied by it…. but once you suffer, live through it - and then arm yourself with purpose the fear of it is reduced. I used to be afraid of scorpions…but a couple of times in the last few years I have

  Day 16 1 Peter 4:5-9 5  but they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.  6  For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as people, they may live in the spirit according to  the will of  God. 7  The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober  spirit  for the purpose of prayer.  8  Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.  9  Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 1 st Peter 3:19 says “ 19  in which He also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison” so this is the second reference to this in this letter.   It is worth reading the commentaries as they have some interesting thoughts. After that though the instructions are clear – grow up spiritually – Be of sound judgement, sober in spirit…basically keep your head in the game.   And even when you are not completely sure abo

  Day 17 1 Peter 4:10-11 “As each one has received a  special  gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.  11  Whoever speaks  is to do so  as  one who is speaking  actual words of God; whoever serves  is to do so  as  one who is serving  by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” I was reading in Exodus when God was having the Tabernacle built and he continually called people by name whom He had empowered to do various task.   He had given them skill to achieve what He wanted done.   It dawned on me that God wanted life to be a team sport. He could have had Mosses strike a tree with his staff and the tabernacle appear, but He wanted us working together to worship Him. Each of us have received a special gift to serve others with…It is different form everyone else, like a thumbprint we have our gifted abilities.

  Day 18 1 Peter 4:12-16 12  Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though  something  strange were happening to you;  13  but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed.  14  If you are insulted  for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you.  15  Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a  troublesome meddler;  16  but if  anyone suffers  as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. When I was coaching if one of my linebackers had run off the field and told me someone tried to knock him down, I would of said “of course they did – they are on the other team!” I think God feels this way when I pray at times…they don’t love me…they don’t treat me well…they don’t include me…. Of course, they don’t

  Day 19 1 Peter 4:17-19 17  For  it is  time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if  it   begins  with us first, what  will be  the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?  18  And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?  19  Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. When I was in College Steve Camp had a song that was titled “Judgement begins in the house of God”.   The verse has always impacted, and kind of confused me.  It seems to be one of those near/far prophecies as Peter is likely referring to Ezekiel 9:6 and Jesus also speaks of judgement and tribulation at the end for the church. In Matthew 24: 8-9 “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains. 9“Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.”   It is