A LIVING FAITH IS ACCOMPANIED BY GOOD WORKS...

WE ARE SAVED BY FAITH AND NOT BY WORKS BUT, A FAITH WITHOUT WORKS: IT IS DEAD!

WE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW, WE ARE UNDER GRACE. HOWEVER, THAT DOES NOT EXCLUDE US FROM PRACTICING JESUS' COMMANDMENTS IN OUR DAILY LIVES. WE ARE SAVED BY FAITH IN JESUS, BUT A FAITH TO BE ALIVE! COMES WITH GOOD WORKS, OTHERWISE IT IS DEAD! READ THE WHOLE STUDY FOR YOU TO UNDERSTAND. THANKFUL.

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

Galatians 2:16 we are fully aware, however, that man cannot be justified by keeping the Law, but only through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, we also came to believe in Christ Jesus in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not at all by keeping the Law, since it is certain that by keeping the Law no one will be able to be justified.

Hebrews 9:1-25

1 The first covenant had laws about worship and also had a sanctuary built by human beings where God was worshiped.

2 A tent was pitched, divided into two parts. At the front, called the Holy Place, were the lampstand and the table with the bread offered to God.

3 Behind the second curtain was the part that was called the Most Holy Place.

4 There was placed the golden altar where the incense was burned, and also the ark of the covenant, all covered with gold. Inside the ark were the golden bowl of manna, Aaron's rod from which sprouts had sprouted, and the two stone tablets with the commandments written on them.

5 On top of the ark, representing the Divine Presence, were the cherubs, with their wings spread over the place where sins were forgiven. But now is not the time to explain the details of these things.

6 After all this has been prepared, the priests enter the front of the Tent, which is the Holy Place, every day to carry out their religious duties.

7 But only the High Priest enters the back, which is the Most Holy Place, and that only once a year. He offers to God the blood of animals, in favor of himself and also for the sins that the people committed without knowing that they were sinning.

8 Through all this the Holy Spirit teaches us very clearly that the entrance to the Most Holy Place has not yet been opened while the front part, which is the Holy Place, continues to be used.

9 This is a symbol for today. It means that the offerings and animal sacrifices offered to God do not make the hearts of the people who worship him perfect.

10 These offerings and sacrifices have to do only with food, drink, and various purification ceremonies. They are external rules that have value only until God renews all things.

11 But Christ came as the High Priest of the good things that are already here. The tent in which he serves is better and more perfect and not built by human beings, that is, not of this world.

12 When Christ came and entered, once for all, the Most Holy Place, he did not take with him the blood of goats or calves to offer as a sacrifice. On the contrary, he offered his own blood and obtained eternal salvation for us.

13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a burned calf are sprinkled on unclean people, and they are purified on the outside.

14 If this is so, then imagine how much greater is the power of the blood of Christ! Through the eternal Spirit he offered himself to God as a faultless sacrifice. And his blood cleanses us from within, taking away our guilt; so we can serve the living God, for we no longer practice worthless ceremonies.

15 Therefore, it is Christ who succeeds in making a new covenant, so that those who have been called by God may receive the eternal blessings that God himself has promised. This can be done because there was a death that freed people from the sins they practiced while the first covenant was in effect.

16 Where there is a will, it is necessary to prove that the person who made it has died.

17 For a testament is worth nothing while the one who made it is alive; only after the death of that person does the will have value.

18 That is why the first covenant came into force only with the use of the blood of animals.

19 First, Moses told the people all the commandments as they were in the law. Then he took the blood of the calves and goats, mixed it with water, and sprinkled the book of the law and all the people, using wool dyed red and hyssop.

20 Then he said, “This is the blood that seals the covenant, which God commanded you to obey. ”

21 In the same way Moses also sprinkled blood on the Tent and on all the objects used in worship.

22 In fact, according to the law, almost everything is cleansed with blood. And if there is no shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.

23 These things, which were copies of heavenly realities, were to be purified in this way; but the heavenly things themselves demand far better sacrifices.

24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

25 God offered him as a sacrifice for atonement through faith, through his blood, demonstrating his righteousness. In his forbearance he had left the sins previously committed unpunished;

26 but at present he has demonstrated his righteousness, that he might be just and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.

JAMES 2:1-26

Equal treatment for all

1 My brothers, you who believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, never treat people differently because of their appearance. 2 For example, a man with gold rings and well-dressed enters your meeting, and another, poor and wearing old clothes, enters. 3 Let's say you treat the well-dressed better and say, “This is the best place; sit here", but they say to the poor man, "Stand up" or "Sit there on the floor, close to my feet." 4 Then you are making a difference among yourselves, and you are relying on bad motives to judge the worth of others.

5 Listen, my dear brothers! God chose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the Kingdom that he promised to those who love him. 6 Yet you despise the poor. Is it not the rich who exploit you and drag you off to be tried in the courts? 7 They are the ones who speak evil of the good name that God has given you.

8 If you obey the law of the Kingdom, you are doing what you must, for in the Holy Scriptures it is written: “Love others as you love yourself.” 9 But if you treat people by appearance, you are sinning, and the law condemns you as guilty. 10 For whoever breaks one commandment of the law is guilty of breaking all of them. 11For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not kill.” Even if you do not commit adultery, you will be guilty of breaking the law if you kill yourself. 12Speak and live like people who will be judged by the law that gives us freedom. 13 When God judges, he will not show mercy to people who have not shown mercy to others. But people who had mercy on others will not be condemned on Judgment Day.

faith and action

14 My brethren, what good is it for someone to say that he has faith if it is not accompanied by actions? Can this faith save him? 15 For example, there may be brothers or sisters who need clothing and who have nothing to eat. 16 If you don't give them what they need to live, it's no use saying, “God bless you! Wear warm clothes and eat well.” 17 So faith is like this: if it is not accompanied by actions, it is dead.

18 But someone may say, “You have faith, and I have deeds.” And I answer, “Then show me how it is possible to have faith without it being accompanied by actions. I will show you my faith through my actions.” 19 Do you believe that there is only one God? Excellent! Demons also believe and tremble in fear. 20 You fool! I will prove to you that faith without actions is worth nothing. 21 How was our ancestor Abraham accepted by God? That's what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. 22 See how your faith and your actions worked together. Through your actions, your faith was made complete. 23 This is what the Holy Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and therefore God accepted him.” And Abraham was called "God's friend." 24 So you see that a person is accepted by God through his actions and not by faith alone.

25 This is what happened to Rahab the prostitute when she lodged the Israelite spies and helped them out of the city by another way. God accepted her for what she did.

26 Therefore, as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without actions is also dead.

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JESUS CAN SET YOU FREE!!!!

 GOD DID NOT CALL YOU TO BE A SLAVE TO ADDICTION!

God created us for freedom in Christ. From the beginning of creation, He commanded man to rule over plants, animals and everything on the face of the earth. Unfortunately, with the fall and the arrival of sin, human beings have allowed themselves to be enslaved by all kinds of addictions and compulsions.

Drugs are one of the Evil One's strategies to kill, steal and destroy lives, families and dreams. Illicit substances (natural or synthetic), even the most common and permitted ones such as alcohol and cigarettes, can act in the body as stimulants, or disturbing/hallucinogens or as tranquilizers, and cause serious dependence in their users. Added to this evil obedience, other problems such as violence, abuse, abandonment, loneliness and spiritual emptiness will be associated.

Don't be overcome by evil... Drugs imprison you on a physiological, psychological and spiritual level. The Bible, however, shows us that there is a way out: in Jesus Christ we can be freed from all kinds of dependence. He wants you to be sober, to be someone authentic and free. And we achieve true freedom when we serve the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ.

We can only definitively abandon addiction when we humbly allow God to be Lord of our lives. The false sense of freedom you get from drugs doesn't compare to the true joy and peace you find in God.

The Word of God has the power to free the spirit, mind and heart of those who truly believe in the Lord. When we exchange our will for the will of God, we are no longer controlled by our bad impulses and desires and are guided by the Spirit of God.

Seek help! With God you can get out of this! It is not something automatic, but a process, a daily walk with Jesus and with his Word. Look for your family and a Christian church and ask for support. It is important to have people by your side on this journey. In addition, it will take time for the body to detoxify and rehabilitate itself again.

It is certain that, if you seek with faith and with all your heart, God will give you conditions to leave the addiction and help you to get back on your feet... Trust Him and seek to know Him through the Bible. By knowing the Truth, you will discover freedom in Christ, which will set you free from all kinds of drugs and addictions.

Note: You may need professional help on this walk to stay drug-free. God also uses health professionals to set you free, that's not a lack of faith.

Liberation from Drugs in the Bible:

Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.

John 8:36

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, who was given to you by God, and you are not your own? You were bought at a price. Therefore, glorify God with your own body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Be alert and watch. The Devil, your enemy, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21

Now the works of the flesh are manifest: sexual immorality, impurity and licentiousness; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before: Those who practice these things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to men. And God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when they are tempted, he himself will provide a way of escape, that they may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Do you not know that you are God's temple and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

1 Corinthians 3:16

And they will know the truth, and the truth will set them free."

John 8:32

Wine is mocking

and the fermented drink provokes quarrels;

it is not wise to be dominated by them.

Proverbs 20:1

Whose are the woes?

Whose sorrows?

And the fights, whose are they?

And the unnecessary injuries?

Whose red eyes are they? Of those who linger drinking wine,

of those who are looking

of mixed drink. Don't be lured by wine

when it's red,

when it sparkles in the glass

and flows smoothly! In the end he bites like a serpent

and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things,

and your mind will imagine distorted things. you will be like who

sleep in the middle of the sea,

like someone who lies down

on top of the mast ropes. And he will say: "They beat me,

but I felt nothing!

They hit me, but I didn't even notice!

when will i wake up

so I can drink it again?"

Proverbs 23:29-35

Therefore, let us not sleep like others, but let us be alert and sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk are drunk at night. But we who are of the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of the hope of salvation.

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8

Woe to those who rise early

to get drunk,

and warm themselves with wine until night!

Isaiah 5:11

 

Be careful how you live; let it not be as foolish, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but seek to understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Ephesians 5:15-18

 

The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it to the full.

John 10:10

 

Promising them freedom, they themselves are slaves to corruption, for man is a slave to what dominates him.

2 Peter 2:19

 

Live as free people, but don't use freedom as an excuse to do evil; live as servants of God.

1 Peter 2:16

 

It was for freedom that Christ set us free. Therefore, stand firm and do not allow yourselves to be subjected again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

 

"The Spirit of the Lord

it's over me

because he anointed me

to preach good news

to the poor.

he sent me

to proclaim freedom

to the prisoners

and sight recovery

to the blind,

to free the oppressed

Luke 4:18

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 June 12th MAY NOT BE A FORNICATION DAY FOR YOU!

“For the works of the flesh are manifest, which are: adultery, fornication, impurity, lewdness, drunkenness, orgies, and the like, concerning which I declare to you, as I forewarned you, THAT THOSE WHO PRACTICE SUCH THINGS SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD.” Galatians 5:19-21

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1st Corinthians 6:9-10

“Flee from sexual immorality! All other sins that a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit (or Holy Spirit), which dwells in you, and which you have received from God? The truth is, you are not your own, but you were bought with a high price (blood of Jesus). So use your body to glorify God.” 1st Corinthians 6:18-20

Sex with a boyfriend is fornication and fornicators have no part in the Kingdom of God. This is serious. It doesn't matter if it's normal in the soap opera, if it's normal in the movie or if it's normal in the whole world and everyone does it. For the Eternal is not, never was and never will be. That's why anyone who likes to live like the world is an ENEMY of GOD.

“Marriage must be honored in all respects; the marriage bed, kept pure. The Supreme YHWH will, without a shadow of a doubt, punish FORNICATORS and adulterers.” Hebrews 13:4

“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, lying and slander.” Matthew 15:19

“But as for the cowards, and unbelievers, and the abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

“Dogs will be left out. sorcerers (and addicts to illicit and licit drugs), prostitutes (any relationship outside of marriage is prostitution), murderers, idol worshipers, and everyone who loves and practices lying.” Revelation 22:15

"But to write to them to ABSTAIN... FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY." Acts 15:19

“TO ABSTAIN… FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY.” Acts 15:29

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification: THAT YOU TURN AWAY FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY.” 1st Thessalonians 4:3

“For be assured of this: no SEXUALLY IMMORAL, UNCLEAN person… has no part in the Kingdom of God.” Ephesians 5:5

“Therefore, put to death the earthly parts of your nature: SEXUAL IMMORALITY, IMPURITITY, LAUGHTERY… Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming upon those who disobey him.” Colossians 3:5-6

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ARE YOU SAVED IN JESUS?

 LET'S DO OUR PART IN THE IDE OF JESUS!

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word, be instant in season and out of season, rebuke, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Romans 10:14-16

But how will they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear if there is no one to preach? And how will they preach if they are not sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not everyone obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our preaching?”

And when Jesus came, he spoke to them, saying, All power in heaven and on earth is given to me.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit;

Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20

WATCH THIS PREACHING FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL EDIFICATION:

LIVE WORSHIP - Save the World - Paulo Junior

https://youtu.be/56C1AUVUVVM

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THE RELEASE OF A YOUNG GUESSER!!!

ACTS 16:1-40

TIMOTEO ACCOMPANIES PAUL AND SILAS

1Paul arrived in the cities of Derbe and Lystra. In Lystra lived a Christian named Timothy. His mother, a Christian, was of the Jewish race, but his father was not Jewish. 2All the brothers who lived in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy. 3Paul wanted to take him with him, so he circumcised him, for all the Jews who lived in those places knew that Timothy's father was not a Jew. 4 In the cities through which they passed, they told the Christians what decisions had been made by the apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem and advised them to obey those decisions. 5So the churches grew stronger in the faith, and the number of Christians increased every day.

THE VISION PAUL HAD IN TROAD

6When the Holy Spirit did not allow them to preach the word in the province of Asia, they passed through the region of Phrygia-Galatia. 7When they came near the district of Mysia, they tried to go to the province of Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them. 8Then they crossed Mysia and came to the city of Troas. 9 That night Paul had a vision. He saw a man from the province of Macedonia, who was standing and asking him, “Come to Macedonia and help us!” 10 Immediately after this vision, we decided to leave immediately for Macedonia, because we were sure that God had called us to preach the gospel to the people there.

IN THE PHILIPPINES: THE CONVERSION OF LYDIA

11We embarked from Troas and went directly to the island of Samothrace. The next day we arrived at the port of Neapolis. 12From there we went to Philippi, which is a city in the first district of the province of Macedonia and also a Roman colony, where we stayed for several days. 13On the Sabbath we left the city and went to the riverside, for we thought that there must be a place of prayer for the Jews there. We sat down and started talking to the women who were gathered there. 14One of those women who were listening to us was Lydia, a purple seller from the city of Thyatira. She worshiped God, and the Lord opened her mind to understand what Paul was saying. 15She and her household were baptized. Then Lídia invited us, saying:

“Come and stay at my house, if you really think I believe in the Lord.

So she convinced us to stay at her house.

IN THE PHILIPPIAN CHAIN

16One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, a female slave came to meet us. This girl was dominated by an evil spirit who guessed the future, and her owners made a lot of money from the guesses she did. 17The girl began to follow us, shouting thus:

— These men are servants of the Most High God and they announce how you can be saved!

18She did this many days. Finally, Paul got annoyed, turned to her and commanded the spirit:

"By the power of the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to get out of this girl!"

And instantly the spirit left. 19When the girl's owners saw that they could no longer earn money from her riddles, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the public square before the authorities. 20They presented them to these Roman officials and said,

“These men are Jews and they are causing trouble in our city. 21They are teaching customs that are against our law. We who are Romans cannot accept these customs.

22Then a crowd gathered to attack Paul and Silas. The authorities ordered them to take their clothes off and beat them with sticks. 23After they had been beaten badly, the authorities threw them both in jail and ordered the jailer to keep them safely. 24 After receiving this order, the jailer threw them into a cell at the back of the jail and trapped their feet between two blocks of wood.

25 About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26Suddenly, the ground shook so much that it shook the foundations of the prison. At that moment all the doors opened, and the chains that held the prisoners broke. 27Then the jailer woke up. When he saw that the prison gates were open, he thought the prisoners had escaped. So he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, 28but Paul shouted aloud,

- Do not do it! We are all here!

29The jailer asked for a light to be brought to him, and he quickly entered the cell and knelt, trembling, at the feet of Paul and Silas. 30Then he took them both outside and asked,

— Gentlemen, what must I do to be saved?

31They replied:

— Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved — you and the people in your household.

32So they told the word of the Lord to the jailer and to all the people in his house. 33At that same hour of the night, the jailer began to tend to them, washing the wounds from the beating they had received. Soon afterward he and all the people in his household were baptized. 34Then he took Paul and Silas to his house and gave them food. The jailer and his household were overjoyed because they now believed in God.

35 When day came, the Roman authorities sent some police officers with the following order to the jailer: “Release these men.” 36The jailer said to Paul,

— The authorities had them released. You can leave in peace.

37But Paul said to the police,

“Silas and I are Roman citizens, and yet, without being tried, we were beaten in public. And then they threw us in jail. And now they want to send us away like this in secret? Not that! May the Roman authorities themselves come here and release us!

38The police went to tell the Roman authorities what Paul had said. When the authorities learned that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were afraid 39 and went to apologize to them. So they took them out of prison and asked them to leave the city. 40Paul and Silas got out of jail and went to Lydia's house. There they met with the brothers, cheered everyone up and then left.

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DO NOT CONSULT CARTOMANTS OR WIZARDS!!!

 Watch out! there are deceiving spirits, demons...

  Just as Satan deceived Saul, using the image of the prophet Samuel today, Satan deceives people who consult the dead, who are actually demons, using the image, face and voice of the deceased loved one. Who dies, does not come back to talk to loved ones alive. Satan speaks through his puppets, things that only loved ones know, so they believe in deception. Satan knows information about people's lives because he watches him from the womb. That's why Satan is an accuser!!!

  1 Samuel 28

1 And it came to pass in those days, when the Philistines had gathered their armies to battle to make war against Israel, that Achish said to David, Know thou surely that thou and thy men shalt go out with me to the camp.

2 Then David said to Achish, So you will know what your servant will do. And Achish said to David, Therefore I will hold you for my guard forever.

3 And Samuel was already dead, and all Israel had mourned for him, and had buried him in Ramah, which was his city; and Saul had banished the soothsayers and the enchanters.

4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came, and encamped in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Israel, and they encamped at Gilboa.

5 And when Saul saw the camp of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.

6 And Saul asked the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

7 Then Saul said to his servants, Find me a woman who has the spirit of a sorceress, that I may go to her and inquire for her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman in En-dor who has a spirit of divination.

8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other clothes, and he went with two men, and by night they came to the woman; and she said: I beg you to divine me by the spirit of a sorceress, and bring me up to whomever I tell you.

9 And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath destroyed the soothsayers and the enchanters from the earth; Why, then, do you lay a snare on my life to make me die?

10 Then Saul swore to him by the LORD, saying, As the LORD lives, no evil shall come to you for this.

11 Then the woman said to him, Whom shall I bring you up to? And he said, Bring me up to Samuel.

12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice, and spoke to Saul, saying, Why have you deceived me? For you yourself are Saul.

13 And the king said to him: Fear not; what do you see? Then the woman said to Saul: I see gods coming up from the earth.

14 And she said to him, How is your figure? And she said, An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped in a cloak. Understanding Saul that it was Samuel, he bowed down with his face to the ground, and prostrated himself.

15 Samuel said to Saul, Why have you troubled me by bringing me up? And Saul said, I am very distressed, because the Philistines war against me, and God has turned away from me, and answers me no more, neither through the prophets nor through dreams; therefore I called you to you, that you would let me know what I should do.

16 Then Samuel said, Why then do you ask me, seeing that the LORD has forsaken you, and he has become your enemy?

17 For the LORD hath done unto thee as he hath spoken unto thee by my mouth, and the LORD hath torn the kingdom out of thine hand, and hath given it to thy neighbor, to David.

18 Because you did not heed the voice of the LORD, and did not execute his fierce anger against Amalek, therefore the LORD has done this to you today.

19 And the LORD will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me; and the camp of Israel shall the LORD deliver into the hand of the Philistines.

20 And immediately Saul fell flat on the ground, and he greatly feared because of those words of Samuel; and there was no strength in him; because he hadn't eaten bread all that day and all that night.

21 Then the woman came to Saul, and when she saw that he was so troubled, she said to him, Behold, your maid has obeyed your voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and I have heard the words which you have spoken.

22 Now therefore, hear thou also the words of thy handmaid, and I will set a morsel of bread before thee, and eat, that thou mayest have strength to go forth.

23 But he refused it, and said, I will not eat. But his servants and his wife constrained him; and he gave ear to his voice; and he rose up from the floor, and sat down on a bed.

24 And the woman had a fattened calf in the house, and she hastened and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and baked it into unleavened cakes.

25 And he brought them before Saul and his servants, and they ate; then they got up and left that very night.

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YOU ARE SUFFERING INJUSTICES...

ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN AND SUFFER?

IF YOU ARE A TRUE BELIEVER, SATAN HATES YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE THE IMAGE BEARER OF CHRIST

Pleasing God, in unjust suffering -

Pleasing God, in unjust suffering. 1 Peter 2:18-25

Message: The true disciple of Jesus Christ, has in Him the model, the instruction and the training to patiently, in a way pleasing to God, deal with unjust suffering.

Instruction and Encouragement in Times of Suffering - Message: Instruction and encouragement to Christians, in living under the will and grace of God in a holy way - joyful - with the hope of glory in Jesus Christ, in the midst of sufferings - hostilities, gifts and /or future.

1 Peter 2:18 Servants, be obedient to your masters with all fear. And not only if he is good and cordial, but also if he is bad.

Servants - 'oiketes', everyone who is under the authority of the head of the household; servant, domestic, referring to domestic or domestic servants …

In our culture, Peter's guidelines apply to how we behave towards those directly over us in society (employers, bosses, administrators, teachers, etc.). (Constable, p. 56)

There are times when even "doing good" (doing what pleases God), the disciple of Christ will go through unjust sufferings caused by "wicked" people, in the family, church, corporate, academic world, etc.

Why patiently bear unjust suffering?

I. Because it is pleasing to God, 2:19, 20

2:19a For this is pleasing to God, that someone should endure sorrow, suffering unjustly, …

They patiently endure 'hupophero', to suffer for being under; bear patiently, bear patiently; stay, i.e., remain, not withdraw or flee; to preserve: under misfortunes and trials, to hold fast to faith in Christ; suffer, endure bravely and calmly: mistreatment, mistreatment…

Pleasant ('charis') to God - 'charis', grace, that which gives joy, delight, pleasure, …, to God; what is due to grace 3a) the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace.

In this context, it means what counts with God's approval, or what pleases Him, and not what He gives (Constable, p. 57);

Because of your conscience toward God - The fact that this is how God wants us to behave is reason enough for obedience.

The praiseworthy motivation for patiently enduring unrighteous suffering is the believer's awareness of being in the presence of God. No credit is given for being punished for doing something wrong. It is the patient enduring of undeserved suffering that finds favor with God, because such behavior demonstrates His grace. (Raymer, R.M., Vol. 2, pp. 847–848)

Why patiently bear unjust suffering?

II. Why we should follow Christ's example, 2:21-25

2.21 For to this you were called (‘eklēthēte’, 1.15; 2.9)… - refers to patiently enduring suffering for the sake of doing good, following the example of Jesus Christ, who suffered in our place.

2.21 Leaving example … 'hupogrammos', written copy, which includes all the letters of the alphabet, given to beginners as an aid in learning to draw them; example presented to someone; refers to a writing or drawing that a student reproduces.

2:22 He committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth.

See Mk 14:53-15:32 - Christ was judged and condemned unjustly.

He was humiliated, mistreated, beaten, and endured one of the worst deaths, the death of a cross. A shameful and cruel death.

What was the example set by Jesus Christ?

2:23 For he, when insulted, did not retaliate with insults; when he was mistreated, he made no threats, but gave himself to the one who judges righteously, 24 bearing our sins in his own body on the tree, so that we, dead to sins, might live for righteousness. By his wounds you were healed.

Jesus Christ "patiently endured the pain and humiliation of the Cross. God was justly judging our sins that His Son bore (cf. 2 Cor 5:21). In the Greek, the words "our sins" are near the beginning of the verse and therefore stand out emphatically, while He Himself emphasizes Christ's personal involvement.His death makes it possible for believers to free themselves from the penalty and power of sin and live for Him: that we might die for sins and live for righteousness (cf. Rom. 6:2, 13) Christ suffered so that Christians could follow His example, both in suffering and in living righteously. Peter made a general reference to salvation: by His stripes you were healed (Isa 53:5). This does not refer to healing physical, for the past tense of the verb indicates completed action, "healing" is an accomplished fact. The reference is to salvation. The suffering of Christ (lit., "wound"; mōlōpi, "band left by a scourge", refers to the scourge of Jesus) and death brought about the "healing", the salvation of every individual who trusts Him as their Saviour. (Raymer, R.M., Vol. 2, pp. 847–848)

The true disciple of Jesus Christ, has in Him the model, the instruction and the training to patiently, in a way pleasing to God, deal with unjust suffering.

Conclusion / challenges

The true disciple of Jesus Christ, has in Him the model, the instruction and the training to patiently, in a way pleasing to God, deal with unjust suffering.

Steps to face injustice in a healthy and victorious way (*)

1. Recognize the root of injustice

Rom 1:18 The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of human beings who, through their unrighteousness, suppress the truth.

There is injustice because human beings have rejected divine standards, and preferred their own human standards…

2. Recognize two of the roots of human suffering

A. Our own sins, v. 20

2.20 For what glory is there, if, having sinned and being punished for it, you bear it patiently?

There are situations, not always, in which suffering is the result of our sin, our wrong choices and decisions...

B. The sins of others, v. 18 ("bad")

2:18 Servants, be obedient to your master with all fear. And not only if he is good and cordial, but also if he is bad.

Sometimes we suffer because of the wickedness, the perversity of others.

3. Relate to the cross of Christ, v. 24; 2 Cor 5.21

2:24 he himself bore our sins in his own body on the tree, so that we, dead to sins, might live for righteousness. By his wounds you were healed.

We die in Him, to sin... Our attitude must not be that of promoting injustice... We must not live in the practice of evil, being instruments of the suffering of others...

We live through Him, for justice... Our attitude must be that of promoters of justice, being an instrument of divine blessings, such as peace and well being, in each other's lives.

4. Turn to "Pastor and Bishop - Jesus", v. 25

2:25 Because you were like sheep going astray; but now you have converted to the Shepherd and Bishop of your soul.

A. Admit your rebellion, v. 25 - “they were strayed”; Rom 3.10-12

B. Accept your calling, v. 21 - “you were called”; 1 Pet 1.15; called to discipleship, to communion and submission...

D. Follow in His Footsteps, v. 21 - "leaving an example for you to follow in his steps"; 1 Jn 2.4-6; Mt 11.28,29

E. Surrender your righteousness and care, v. 23 - "but he gave himself up to the one who judges righteously"; v. 25 "...but now you have turned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls"; Ps 23; Jn 10.

The true disciple of Jesus Christ, has in Him the model, the instruction and the training to patiently, in a way pleasing to God, deal with unjust suffering.

Remember if:

His responsibility, under divine grace and enablement, is to persevere and confidently apply the divine principles and truths you have heard (Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Tim. 4:7-9; Jas 1:22-27). As you meditate on this message, ask yourself:

· What does God want to transform in my way of thinking and acting?

· How can I put this into practice in my life?

· What is the first step I will take in this direction (so that there is real transformation in my life)?

Know... believe... Appropriate yourself... And, practice the divine truth so that you may experience the full life that is in Jesus Christ - Jo. 10.10

Bibliography:

Bible New Almeida Updated© Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Bíblica do Brasil.

Constable, Dr. Thomas L., Notes on 1 Peter 2020 Edition

Keller, Timothy. “Refined By Fire” 1 Peter 1:1-9, April 24, 2011 - http://www.christcovenantcullman.org/.../notes-04-24-11.html

MacArthur, John. Study Bible, ARA text. Barueri, SP: Bible Society of Brazil, 2010.

Mueller, Ênio R. 1 Pedro, introduction and commentary - Series Cultura Bíblica. Sao Paulo, SP: Ed. New Life & Ed. Christian World, 1988.

Pinto, Carlos Osvaldo C. (1950 - 2014). Focus and Development in the New Testament. Sao Paulo: Hagnos, 2008.

Piper, John. Theology of Joy: The Fullness of Satisfaction in God. São Paulo: Shedd Publications, 2001.

Raymer, R.M. (1985). 1 Peter. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 839–840). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Rienecker, Fritz & Rogers, Cleon. Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament. Sao Paulo, SP: Ed. New Life, 1985.

Welch, W. Wielber. First Epistle of 1 Peter (The Value of Our Faith). São Paulo, SP: Batista Regular Press, 1978.

Wiersbe, Warren W. Expository Commentary: New Testament: Volume II. Santo André, SP: Geographic Editora, 2006.

Pr. Domingos M. Alves

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