1. CEASE FROM SINNING, BE SOBER
(1 Pet 4:1-11; Col 3:1-10)

How well do we appreciate our Lord's suffering and death for us? He bore it all to destroy sin in us. Willingly He submitted to unspeakable pain for our sakes. “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities … with his stripes we are healed” (Isa 53:5). He suffered for our sins to make us good. Are we thankful to Him for what He has done? How shall we express our thanks?

The Apostle stated it plainly: There is only one true way and one reasonable way to show our gratitude to Him: we must put away sins from our lives -- sins that sent Jesus to the Cross. In true penitence and gratitude, we should no longer live in the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof. Rather we should give ourselves wholly to the will of God.

Our Christian walk should be a complete break with the past. Those "bad old days" were spent doing the things of the Gentiles (men of the heathen world). It is very painful to recall that once we too walked in lasciviousness (immorality), lusts, drinking and drunkenness, revellings (wanton merry-making), banquetings (unrestrained gluttony), and abominable idolatry. True conversion must be seen! There must be a radical change in direction, friendships, lifestyle, and habits. Unbelievers may speak evil of us, but what does it matter if God is pleased?

Be sober, Christian reader! Perilous days lie ahead. Times of peace will be short-lived. Let the frame and temper of our minds be balanced and serious, knowing that shortly the present world order must end when the Judge of all the earth returns. Christians who return to their former ways of sin, drunken with the world's deadly pleasures, are going the way of destruction. Awake! Be sober! Watch unto prayer. Only constant and unceasing prayer will keep our hearts fervent for the Lord and charitable one to another. And for whatever good we do, remember, we are only stewards of the manifold grace of God.

PRAYER: Father, keep me sober till Jesus’ coming again.

2. FIERY TRIAL AND COMING JUDGMENT (1 Pet 4:12-19; John 15:18-21)

"Beloved, think it not strange ..." should fiery trial come your way. It is something Christians should be prepared for. Did not our Lord say to the disciples, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33)? The trial may be fiery, fierce and sharp, yet it is only for a time. Besides, it is meant to test us, not to destroy. It is to prove our sincerity and faith in God.

Dear reader, when testing comes your way, are you discouraged or fainthearted? There is really no reason to be so. Rather, rejoice in the face of trial "inasmuch as you are a partaker of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy" (1 Pet 4:13). Let us see our sorest trial as a token of divine favour, for by it the Lord makes us better equipped to share in His glory to come. Shortly we shall see the Lord. Then our trials will be a thing of the past. Be patient, therefore! But there are sufferings and sufferings. To suffer for righteousness' sake is truly blessed, but to suffer for one's own misdeed or evil-doing is regretful. The good name of the sufferer, of the group, and of the Lord will all be brought low. So let none of us suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil doer, or as a busybody in other men's matter. But let us walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called (Eph 4:1), worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Col 1:10).

There is a Day of Judgment coming for all men, from which none shall escape. One's standing in the eyes of the Judge is of the utmost importance. How we shall stand on that day is determined by how we walk today. Judgment must begin in the house of God. In His fairness, He will reckon with His own before the rest of mankind. The unbelieving on that day will be sent to destruction. We who have the Gospel of salvation, should we not re-double our efforts to make it known, that men may escape the Judgment to come?

THOUGHT: Today is Gospel Day. Go, tell! Many have not heard!

3. CARING FOR THE FLOCK (1 Pet 5:1-4; John 21:15-17)

While the Apostle's instructions were addressed to elders, nevertheless there are pertinent lessons for all concerned and caring members, for in the Lord we are one family. Let all deacons, Sunday School teachers, fellowship leaders and others take note: the care of the flock is the responsibility of every mature Christian. Every member of the fold is precious, being purchased with the Saviour's own blood.

a) Feed the flock. The faithful elder (pastor, presbyter) must ensure that only pure, wholesome, unadulterated "milk of the word" (1 Pet 2:2) is fed to the sheep. He must guard against the intrusion of false teaching, against devious and perverted doctrines creeping into the church. He must be alert to detect and keep out much "spiritual poison."

b) Take the oversight thereof. Never let us neglect the safety and security of the flock. Every member is precious. It cost the Saviour His life blood to purchase his salvation. It is the business of the elders (and deacons, and others) to see to the spiritual growth and maturity of each member, not neglecting the weakest and youngest. This demands personal care and constant vigilance.

c) Be examples to the flock. The elder cannot hope or expect the flock to be something which he himself is not. "Like elder like people." It is well for all responsible leaders to take note. Whether you like it or not, the members will inevitably imitate you. How important it is for leaders to conscientiously practise holiness, self-denial, mortification of sin -- and, imitation of Christ.

These are hard demands on church leaders, but they are what our Lord expects of us. Therefore let us do it as unto the Lord, not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, and not as lords over God's heritage. When the Chief Shepherd shall appear, we shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

THOUGHT: Every faithful service will be rewarded.

KEYNOTE: Be faithful.

God bless you dear readers.