This post is the Devotional version of Lesson Six. You can also access the Quick Study (2 page version) of today’s lesson in a PDF. If you want to do the Full Study you can purchase the book on Amazon or CBD.
When my children misbehaved, they often avoided me to try to keep me from discovering they had disobeyed. There have been seasons when I avoided God for the same reason. I failed to spend time with Him because I didn’t want to “hear about” the attitude or behavior that displeased Him. The result was a lack of fellowship with God and no sense of His presence. Intimacy with God and rebellion can’t coexist.
Unshakeable Faith Trait Six: Pursues Holiness with Eyes Focused on the Father
Peter wrote clearly and passionately about a Christian’s need for holiness. He knew that holiness is necessary for intimacy with God. He heard this truth many times from Jesus Himself.
Read Matthew 5:8 from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. What is a blessing given to the “pure in heart?”
From the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus taught the importance of a “clean” life, one free from corrupt desire and sin. Peter used the adjective “holy” to call believers to this kind of life.
Read 1 Peter 1:13-16. Peter’s call to holy living begins with a “therefore” in verse 13. Look back at 1 Peter 1:3-4. What is the wonderful truth that deserves our response of a holy life?
How does Peter describe a holy life in verses 13-14?
I don’t want to be far from God when tough times hit. I want to be close enough to God to feel His strong arms around me. What about you? If there is something in your life that’s gotten between you and your Savior, don’t wait another day without going to Him in repentance.
As we strive to live a holy life that is pleasing to God, our intimacy with Him will deepen. We will understand Him better and more fully sense His presence. We will continue to face trials as long as we live in this earthly body. But if we pursue holiness, we will not fall when adversity strikes. We will be unshakeable!
In what ways can a deeper experience with God and a more intimate understanding of Him bless our life and help us in times of trials?
The more I learn about Him the more I trust in Him. My kids and I were trying to find scripture verses yesterday that would help them out when they are afraid. I found some amazing verses, but they didn’t just help them, they helped me to remember how much He loves us. We are dealing with spiritual warfare. Instead of monsters in the closet we have satans (yes, more than one). My kids are amazing. My younger son told me that his special angel (Michael), who he is named after, kicks the satans out. The are so brave and trusting in God. Oh what they have taught me. This study on Peter has really showed me how I need to continue to learn about God who turned Peter’s life around but also can give me the strength to withstand anything.
Darcey, I love that you are being so diligent in teaching your kids about God! Sounds like you are all learning from each other!
Like Darcey said, the more we know him, the more we will rely on his promises. I constantly need to grow not just more in loving the Father, but also in hoping and trusting his grace to continue helping me in the future like he has in the past. Thanks for this reminder today, Kathy.