The War Against Your Soul

 

 

PRAY THAT THE SPIRIT WOULD INTERCEDE ON YOUR BEHALF AGAINST WHATEVER EVIL YOU’RE FIGHTING.

 

Read 1 Peter 2:1-11.  Reflect on 1 Peter 2:7-12.

 

Those who believe in Jesus have the honor of being “living stones” in a “spiritual house” that is built on Jesus himself (2:5-7; compare Lesson 8).  But for those who refuse to believe, Jesus is a stumbling block.  Why is this (see 1 Peter 2:8)?

 

Peter tells his Jewish-Christian audience that they are the extension of Israel’s mission – a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and a holy (set apart) nation (2:9).  This fulfills what God had told Abraham and later King David about their descendants (see Gen 12:1-3; 2 Sam 7:1-16); God always honors his promises.  What does God show us about ourselves and his view of humanity (2:10)? (Compare Hosea 1:9-10; 2:23.)

 

We often assume temptations are the work of Satan, but more often than not we tempt ourselves as we let evil into our lives.  The result is desires waging war on our souls (1:11).  The solution isn’t to lock ourselves away from the world, but if something leads us astray – away from God’s purposes – we need to be transparent about the problem and pursue a different course.  We will always find peace in fleeing from evil.

 

Peter tells his Jewish-Christian audience to maintain good conduct among non-Jewish people.  This gives them the opportunity to articulate the message of Jesus in a convincing way.  Serving God is a way to show others who He is and what He is all about – to provide a way for people to come to him (2:12).  And if people come to Jesus, they will be present on the day when he returns to Earth, and they will glorify him.

 

In what ways can your life better glorify God?  How can you end the war waging in your soul?  What are some practical steps?  (Remember, glorifying God is not just about you – it’s also about others and their salvation.)

 

 Reflect and pray through these questions throughout your week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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