Glorify The Lord With Our Lives

BIBLE STUDY #635–CHURCH IN THE HOUSES WEEK OF MAY 11- MAY 17 ,2010

Topic: “Glorify The Lord With Our Lives” John 21:18, 19 We can see this in Philippians 1:29 “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him…” To not be aware about God brings great problems. You see, when we preach to people we say to them “Come to church”! But, we are mistaken if we allow them to think that the gospel is the solution to the problems. Then, their expectations when they come to church would be-“They have to resolve my needs, I’m here so that all the problems I’ve had all my life can go away.” But this is not how it works. We have believed in Christ as our Lord and personal Savior. It is our privilege to believe in Him, but remember that you also have to suffer for Him. If all those who arrive at the church had this knowledge, then they would know what to expect and would prepare to receive that love. But, when they do not have this knowledge, then they glance at the altar as if they were in demand, seeking what they want. You can see that each person acts according to his needs. For example, you have petitions but you cannot worship because in your extravagance of requests to God you forget that you were also chosen to suffer for Him. We can see here in this biblical passage when Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. It is as if Jesus said “Love what I love!” This is why there is suffering. Peter is told to pasture the sheep. Peter’s love towards the Lord brought upon him a great responsibility to fulfill. The Lord imposed upon him the following: “Peter, dedicate your life to pasture the sheep, the lambs of the flock! It wasn’t that Peter was going to have his hands full to satisfy his desires, but on the contrary, to suffer. It was to suffer! What would you say? Some would say, “Don’t tell me that because I’ll walk away.” Peter should not expect from his call comforts or honors, but rather suffering and persecutions. Mathew 5:10, 11 If men would seek to suffer for Jesus, then they would prepare better in the Lord and nothing would surprise or shock them. But, nowadays many say that they serve the Lord, but what they are really searching for is to be served by the Lord and to receive answers and benefits. Jesus wanted Peter to see what he would expect. With His words He revealed to Peter that he would die in the hands of a tyrant. An old tradition informs us that Peter was crucified in Rome under the Government of Nero. It is said that when he found out how he was going to die, executed, he asked to please be crucified with his head upside down, because it wasn’t honorable to imitate the Savior’s death. In their youth men are arrogant; they make false pretenses about big things and live in vanities of greatness. But, as the years go by, all that disappears. Peter was willing to die on the cross by the faith and honor towards the Lord. The honor and the speculation of death on the cross add many elements of terror to death itself. A violent death preceded by frequently horrible tortures has been and is the common luck of a great number of faithful Disciples of Christ. To suffer as Peter did for Christ is a great honor and a special grace, but not because of this the suffering is less. Galatians 3:27 When one is clothed of Christ it doesn’t mean that we are deprived of our human nature. We can see in Mathew 26:39, 42 when Jesus Himself asked the Father if this cup may be taken from Him. Because of our human nature we can be against suffering pains and death, especially a violent death, but there is also a submission to the holy will of God for our lives. Peter had freedom during his youth which he lived without God’s discipline, his behavior in those times lacked discretion. He did what he wanted; he was selfish in his youth. Now he was different, now he wanted to glorify the Lord with his death. He glorifies Him because he goes where Jesus takes him. His persecutors were going to take him violently to the place of execution. With that violence his body suffered he would glorify God. He would glorify the Lord; Peter was ready to retire pacifically from this world. God was going to protect him from the anger of his enemies until he became older, because all this was so that he would be more willing for the suffering and the church could enjoy for a longer time his ministry. He complied with God’s will and because he was obedient and meek he was able to glorify God in his last moment, in his tragic death. He did not give up but rather he exalted Him. Peter believed the Lord and glorified Him in his death. And you, will you please and honor Him in your days of comfort. Like Peter, may we love God and be willing not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for Him. Amen.