Getting in the Word

I have been so blessed here to have met so many great spiritual role models and friends through the Campus Outreach ministry. Weekly, every Wednesday night, there's a meeting where a student first shares their testimony and what God is doing in their lives at that time followed by a talk by someone on staff. I am so grateful for this ministry, they actually get it. They are so encouraging, while living out the example of Jesus' love in their own lives where they're students living on a college campus as well.

I've met with several older girls and done what they call "getting in the word," not a social event a.k.a. a "Bible study", not a chastising (tell me all your gossip) meeting, but an in-depth, fruitful study of God's powerful word with the primary intention of getting to know HIM better and what He has to teach us. I'm going to write about one of these studies, mainly so I can reinforce some of the wonderful things I learned into my little noggin.

The study was of 1 Peter 3: 14-17. We studied this passage in this format: Context, Observations, Q&A's, Principles (universal truths about God made clear through the passage), and Application.

'"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." 1 Peter 3:14-17

Context:

Godly Living, "Suffering for Doing Good."

Author: "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ."

Audience: God's elect, strangers in the world-this could be describing how we are strangers in this world, living in our temporary home, or it could be talking about how we as Christians aren't supposed to be worldly, we're set apart. God's elect-addressing Christians, reminding people you are saved and this is what you do because of your salvation.

Observations:

-You should suffer for what is right

-You are blessed

-We are called not to fear

-Set Christ apart in your hearts, out of the huge jumble that may be your heart, set him apart in the center, He's set apart as LORD.

-Be ready to give a reason to anyone who asks about the hope within us.

-Christ is our hope-We have hope!

-Told to be gentle and have respect to those who question us.

-Keep a clear conscience when you're slandered

-those who speak maliciously against you will be put to shame.

Questions:

Should it be our aim to suffer for the Gospel? What does it mean to sanctify Lord in your heart? What does sanctify mean? How can we do this with gentleness and respect?

Answers:

Suffering-feel pain or to undergo as of in pain. injuries or disease. to feel unwell or uncomfortable. be set at a disadvantage. put up with someone or somebody unpleasant.

Defense-Protect from harm.

We’re protecting our integrity in the cross, just as a child would boast in his father and defend him with pride when others try to wrong him, we defend our heavenly father with saltiness.

Sanctify-to make holy, set apart as sacred; consecrate. to purify or free from sin. Sanctify your hearts.

Principle:

Christ is LORD and our HOPE, and we are supposed to defend that hope!

Application:

Make it a point in my life to remember why i’m suffering-for the Gospel, defending our hope. In this, I will be more diligent with scripture memory (a big weak spot for me) so that I can BE READY to give an account of the Bible.