Author: Sean Vickers

Living Under Stress

Living Under Stress

Sean Vickers

1 Peter 2:18-25

Are you stressed? Do you feel pressure? Everyone feels the pressures of life that causes stress. What we do with these pressures determines our health and the extent that we honor Christ with our lives. There are both good and bad stresses.

Good stress occurs when we exercise or challenge ourselves mentally or emotionally. Rising to the occasion to make a difference in someone else’s life brings stress. Take for instance the paramedic who arrives on the scene of an accident to administer CPR just in time to save a life, the soldier who puts himself in harm’s way to protect the freedom we enjoy, or the counselor who says just the right thing, at just the right time, that helps someone deal with life’s pressure. I am thankful for those who intentionally put themselves under pressure for others. This is the good side of stress. What are other examples of good stress?

Most of the time when we mention stress we are describing negative stress and its effects. Bad stress occurs when the pressures of this life lead to a helplessness and depression. Job related pressure, financial stress, and relational stress are all examples of negative stress we all experience. Since we all deal with the stresses of this life, good stress or bad stress, we must develop strategies to cope with stress that both honor Christ and lead to a healthy life. Every stressful situation we encounter is an opportunity to place our faith in God.

In 1 Peter 2: 18-20, Peter describes two situations a believer can get into that cause pressure: Stress in the workplace and stress in walking in the steps of Christ. This passage occurs as Peter is writing about the need for submission in the believer’s life.

Stress in the Workplace 1 Peter 2:18-20

Peter is writing in a day where slavery was common. His instruction is focused on slaves responding to their masters. Since we live in a society where slavery is illegal, we can apply the principles found in this passage to employees responding to their bosses. Peter instructs the reader to “Submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.” The principle of submission, although not popular, is the key ingredient to the employee / employer relationship. This submission is to take place with employers who are good and those who are difficult. It is easy to submit to an employer when we agree with them. Submission is tested when we don’t agree with the boss or feel their course of action is unfair. In this passage, Peter calls the believers in Christ to submit to and honor their employer.

In our working situations and in life, living a life that honors God and doing good will cause stress and suffering. When you think about it, if we are living as aliens and strangers in this world as 1 Peter 2:11 describes, it makes sense that there will be stress because of the uniqueness of our lives. The second stressor that Peter mentions in this passage is the stress that we encounter when we walk as Jesus walked.

1 Peter 2:21-25 shows that Jesus is our Example and that we must follow in His Steps. Peter paints three pictures of Jesus Christ that will help us understand how we should respond to stress and suffering.

He is our Example  1 Peter 2:21-23

Jesus suffered for us when He died on the cross for our sins. How he handled the lies, false accusations and shame of the cross set us a supreme example of how we should endure the suffering of this life. 1 Peter 2:23 says, “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” This is the key! When stress and suffering comes, we have an opportunity to trust God with the circumstances. We will find that He is faithful. It is during these times that our faith will grow beyond the place it can during peaceful times. Jesus endured the cross because it was the will of God and because of His great love for us. God’s will and our love for Him will motivate us too.

He is our Substitute  1 Peter 2:24

Jesus’ death on the cross provided a way that we can be saved. We can die to the old way of life and live lives of righteousness. His wounds healed us! If you have a relationship with God, never forget that Jesus has the power to heal our wounds.

He is our Shepherd and Overseer of our soul  1 Peter 2:25

Peter concludes this passage by comparing us to sheep. Sheep are defenseless, hopeless, and completely dependent on the shepherd for their well being. John 10:1-14 and Psalm 23 are great examples of our need for a Shepherd. He is the Shepherd of our souls who will never fail.

What stress or struggle in your life do you need to give to Jesus?

Remember our Savior, who is our ultimate Example.

Living as Strangers

Living as Strangers

Sean Vickers

I Peter 2:11-12

A person who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior becomes a resident of Heaven and becomes an alien of this world. As aliens, there are challenges that come with living “in” this world and aligning our action as someone not “of” this world. In 1 Peter 2 through the end of the letter, Peter describes how we can thrive in this world as we look forward to our place in Heaven.

In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter strongly encourages the reader, who is an alien in this world, to abstain from “sinful desires that war against your souls.” There is an active battle raging for the minds and souls of men. Peter has already shown the security of the believer in 1 Peter 1:5. Even in the life of a believer, there is a battle between the way we should live and the sinful desires within us. As we abstain from these sinful desires, we will have a powerful witness with those we come into contact with.

Our lives, when lived for God, become a witness and an opportunity to glorify God. Peter writes, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 1:12 Wow! The way we live our life matters. Peter is writing about a life that is above reproach, meaning that if someone tried to find something to accuse you of, they would be unable to find anything. This type of clean living has a direct effect on our witness. We validate or invalidate our witness with the actions of our lives. The good deeds of our lives become evident to those around us that lead to praise and glory for God. This is a demonstration of who we are in Christ, a new creation with new desires.

People are watching you. They want to know if your lifestyle matches what you say you believe. They want proof that there is a difference in the life of a believer when compared to the life of a “pagan.” Could it be that we are reluctant to speak for Christ because our lives contradict what we know to be true?

Clear Application for Today

  1. Realize that there will be a struggle as you live as an alien in a hostile world.
  2. Declare war on the sinful desires that rage in your life. 2 Corinthians 10:5
  3. Confess sin, receive God’s forgiveness, and pray for God’s strength to live the “good life” Peter is writing about.
  4. Look for opportunities to share the good news about Jesus with those whom you come in contact with.
Family Matters

Family Matters

Sean Vickers

Family Matters

I Peter 2:1-10

1 Peter 1: 3 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”. In the first part of Chapter Two, Peter continues to give the reader reasons we have for hope.

Peter starts by instructing the reader to rid themselves from malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. These vices keep the child of God from living a hope-filled life that honors God. He then goes on to encourage them to “crave pure spiritual milk”. (1 Peter 2:1-3) God’s Word is the source of spiritual nourishment that the believer needs to experience new, hope-filled life. If a child of God stops feeding on the Word, he becomes unhealthy and stops growing. This keeps him from enjoying the grace and peace of God working in his lives. The child of God who feasts on the Word gets the spiritual nourishment needed to live as a stranger in this world and live in the hope that new life in Christ brings.

The next reason that Peter gives for hope is that we can take our place in the building God is constructing – the Church. (1Peter 2:4-8) Jesus is described as the living stone because He was raised from the dead on the third day. He is now the foundation for the church. (Matthew 16:17-19) We take our place in the church as we act as priests and offer God spiritual acts of worship. (Romans 12:1-2) For those who do not believe and are unwilling to worship Him, Jesus becomes a stumbling block.

Finally, Peter describes our place as God’s children in the People of God. Peter is very careful with His description of God’s people. 1 Peter 2:9 describes the child of God as a “chosen people, royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness in His wonderful light.” When we understand who we are in Christ and the place we have in the “people of God”, we will gain strength for our journey and find hope for hard times.

Clear Application Questions for Today

  1. Do you hunger for the “pure spiritual milk” of the Word of God? What adjustments do you need to make in your life to make more time to get into God’s Word?
  2. Do you actively serve God and offer him the worship He deserves? What evidence is there in your life that you belong to the “People of God”?

Do you understand your place in the “people of God.” Read 1 Peter 2:10 to be reminded on the change that has happened in your life.

A Letter of Hope

Sean Vickers

1 Peter- A Letter of Hope

This week we begin a new study through the book of 1 Peter. The apostle Peter wrote this book to encourage the Christians of his day who were experiencing persecution because of their faith. Although we are not yet persecuted for your faith in our context, 1 Peter has words of encouragement for us in our time and our culture.

The epistle starts off by identifying Peter as the author and believers who find themselves as aliens in a world hostile to Christianity as the recipients. Throughout the book, Peter exhorts believers to remain faithful and trust God no matter their circumstances.

In 1 Peter 1: 3-9, Peter writes about the reasons we have to praise God:

1. We should praise Him because His mercy has provided a way of salvation and new birth by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

2. We should praise Him because of the promise of an eternal inheritance that is “imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading.” 1 Peter 1:4

3. We should praise Him because there is a place in Heaven for all who will believe. 1 Peter 1:4

4. We should praise Him because we can be eternally secure. 1 Peter 1:5

5. We should praise Him because He brings purpose to the trials that we face on this earth. We praise God by how we handle the hard times of our life. When trials come, they are opportunities for us to place our faith in God and glorify him in our time of need. 1 Peter 1:6-7

6. We should praise Him because following and loving Christ leads to joy that is unexplainable. 1 Peter 1:8

7. We should praise Him because the outcome of our faith will be the salvation of our souls. 1 Peter 1:9

He deserves our praise!

 

Sean Vickers

Kinsman-Redeemer

In Ruth, chapters 2-3, there is a great love story recorded about the widowed Ruth and her kinsman-redeemer, Boaz. This is a beautiful account of grace, love, and redemption. This account can be seen as a representation of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Understanding the details of the love story of Ruth and Boaz helps us understand the love relationship we can have with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ruth and her mother-in-law had traveled back to Bethlehem after their husbands died. They were in a tough situation and needed to find a way to survive. Ruth began gleaning in Boaz’s field where she met Boaz face to face. Boaz was kind to Ruth and provided safety and food. Once Naomi hears that Ruth met Boaz, they develop a plan for Ruth to offer herself to Boaz. Ruth must prepare herself as she goes to Boaz. This preparation is also how the believer prepares themselves to be acceptable to a holy God. These are the five things Ruth did before going to Boaz:

  1. Ruth washed herself. Ruth 3:3 – In order to be acceptable to God, we must cleanse ourselves from the sin that displeases God.
  2. Ruth anointed herself. Ruth 3:3 – This is a picture of a bride getting ready for her groom. We are called to be the “fragrance of Christ” by our character and conduct. These are the decision we make as we live for Him.
  3.  Ruth changed her clothes. Ruth 3:3 – In the Bible, clothing has a spiritual meaning. Salvation is pictured as putting off the “old self” and putting on Christ.
  4. Ruth learned how to approach her Redeemer – Ruth 3:3-4 – Naomi instructed Ruth about how to offer herself to Boaz. Approaching him in the wrong way would be a deal breaker. Ruth approached Boaz by lying at his feet. We approach Christ by kneeling at His feet and placing our faith in Him and what He did to redeem us.
  5. Ruth acted on what she knew was true. – Ruth 3:5 – Ruth did not only listen to Naomi, she did what she said. In the same way, we must be doers of the Word, not just hearers only.

God wants to cleanse our sin so that we become the fragrance of Christ. We do this by placing our faith in Jesus Christ and putting off our “old self” and putting on the garments of Christ. This allows us to approach God with confidence as we strive to live a life that honors God.

Ruth

Sean Vickers

Hope, Love and Redemption

The book of Ruth in the Old Testament is a compelling story that contains hope, love and redemption.

During the time of the Judges, there was a famine in the land. The book of Ruth is the story of Naomi and Ruth making a pilgrimage back to the Promised Land where they encounter their Kindsmen-Redeemer, Boaz.

Elimelek, Ruth, and their two sons traveled to Moab to find food during the famine. While they were in Moab, their two sons married Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth. After the father and two sons die Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth are widows with a bleak future. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. During this journey Naomi tells her daughter’s-in-law to return to Moab where they can remarry and live out peaceful lives. Orpah decides to return, and Ruth refuses by expressing her commitment to Naomi and to her God.

Ruth 1:16-17 says,

16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.
17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”

This amazing confession represented Ruth’s commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and a decisive rejection of the pagan religion of the Moabites. This is a bold statement of her faith in the God of Israel.

When they arrive in Bethlehem, Ruth begins gleaning in a field owned by Boaz. Ruth has a face to face conversation with Boaz which starts the most famous love story found in the Bible.

This love story becomes a representation of Jesus Christ and His relationship with His bride, the church. Like Ruth, we are lost and outside the covenant family of God. We are bankrupt with no hope of God’s mercy. But God took the initiative and provided a way for us to enter His family through faith in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Clear Application for Today

  • Commitment to family is valuable.
  • God blesses hard work.
  • God blesses His children in the midst of their circumstances.
  • God provided a Redeemer, His name is Jesus!

 

Gideon’s Poor Finish

Sean Vickers

Gideon was used by God to defeat the Midianites and restore peace to Israel. He is remembered as the reluctant leader that had a great victory with 300 soldiers. His story however is tarnished by how he finished the race of his life.

In Judges 8, Gideon conquers the two kings of the Midianites, Zebah and Zalmunna. Judges 8:22-23 records how the Israelites wanted to make Gideon King. To his credit, he refused this offer and redirected the people back to their real ruler, the Lord. Although Gideon refused kingship he began living an extravagant life style of wealth with many wives and children. Gideon then used his wealth and influence to build an altar to foreign gods that caused God’s people to prostitute themselves. This altar also became a snare to Gideon’s family.

The Scottish Presbyterian pastor Andrew Bonar said, “Let us be as watchful after the victory as before the battle.”

It is painful to see leaders that God used in a great way finish poorly. This is a wake up call for all of us, who follow Christ in a leadership position, to make sure that we finish well.

During our staff meeting this week, Pastor Hank encouraged the staff to stay humble and stay clean. This is a great prescription for finishing strong.

Gideon let his wealth, success, and popularity lead him to pride. When we go the way of pride we get into dangerous territory. Only when we remain humble, realizing that we need God to fight our battles can we walk close to Him and avoid pride. We also need to realize that we are nothing apart from God. This will help us stay close to God and finish strong. Stay humble.

Gideon began living an extravagant lifestyle with riches and many wives. He turned to the gods of the Canaanites and forsook the Lord. He became so confident in himself that he stopped placing his faith in God. Gideon’s service as a Judge and mighty warrior was marred by pride and unholy living. This resulted in a “dirty” finish to his life.

As a child of God, you must stay clean before God. Where there is sin, confess it. Where there is harmful habits you cannot break, get help. Holiness is to be the pursuit of every believer. Stay Clean.

Judges 6-7 Gideon The Reluctant Warrior

Judges 6-7 Gideon The Reluctant Warrior

Sean Vickers

Judges 6 – 7  Gideon – The Reluctant Warrior

In Judges 6, the people of God are once again turning their backs on God. To chasten His people, God hands them over to the Midianites. The chastening of God is evidence of His love for His people. The Midianites pillaged the land and destroyed their crops. This causes the Israelites to cry out to God for help. God raised up another Judge to deliver His people from the Midianites. His name was Gideon.

No one would have picked Gideon as a leader. He would not even have picked himself. His decisions were uncertain, and his faith was shaky. However, despite Gideon’s shortcomings, God used Gideon to bring glory to Himself and victory to the people of Israel. Gideon is a great encouragement to anyone who struggles with accepting themselves and believing that God wants to use them in a significant way.

After “fleecing God”, Gideon assembles an army to attack the Midianites. God leads him through a process of reducing His army down from 32,000 men to 300 men. God was making sure He got the glory for the victory. Gideon defeated the Midianite army and once again restored Israel.

Be Encouraged with this Clear Application

  • God listens to the cries of His people.
  • God uses ordinary, even reluctant, people to do His work.
  • Victory is not found in skill or number, but in the power of God.
  • Strategy and focus are important.
  • God is not done with us even though we fail.
Judges 3 – 5 Broken People – Faithful God

Judges 3 – 5 Broken People – Faithful God

Sean Vickers

Judges 3 – 5 Broken People – Faithful God

The book of Judges is named after a group of leaders who led Israel after Joshua’s death. During Joshua’s farewell address Israel had committed themselves to honor and serve God. Joshua 24:14-18 As is the case with nations and individuals, that promise was soon broken. Through the grace of God Israel would be disciplined by God. Joshua 21: 25 is a verse that captures the situation in Israel, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

There is a pattern that emerges from Judges. Keep this pattern in mind as you read this book.

1. God is faithful to His children and will keep every promise.

2. The people abandoned the Lord’s instruction.

3. God punished them by raising up a foreign power to oppress them. He quits fighting their battles.

4. The people cried out to God for deliverance and mercy.

5. God raised up a deliverer, or judge, for them to follow.

6. The people follow the judge and repent. This leads to peace and the favor of God.

7. After a time the people forget and return to step 2.

This is the pattern for the Israelites in the book of Judges. This can also be the pattern of our lives.

1. God is faithful to us offering us salvation and strength to live a life that honors Him.

2. We choose to follow our own way and turn away from God’s plans for our lives.

3. God disciplines us as an act of love and we feel the consequences of our sin.

4. We cry out to God for mercy.

5. God shows us the way back to Himself.

6. We repent and recommit our lives to Him.

7. We forget the mercies of God and return to sin and return to step 2.

Clear Application for Today

We must understand this process and take whatever means necessary to stay close to God. It is better to live a life that honors God than it is to live a life where we follow our own desires.

 

Last Words from a Great Leader

Sean Vickers

Joshua 24:14-25

God worked through Joshua’s life in a powerful way. His life and the journey of Israel to the Promised Land provides great insight into the character and strength of God and how we should respond to Him. In this passage, Joshua gives a farewell address and makes a charge to the people Israel before his death. Joshua 24:14-25

Think about these ideas about final words:

  • Final words are chosen carefully
  • Final words are focused on the needs of the audience
  • Final words from credible sources should be heeded

In the first part of Joshua 24, Joshua reminds the people of Israel about God’s powerful acts and His faithfulness. Then starting in verse 14, he charges Israel to fear God and serve Him with faithfulness. He also charges them to throw away the gods their forefathers worshiped beyond the river and in Egypt. Choosing to serve the Lord becomes the focus of verse 15. Joshua 24:15 is the most famous verse in the book of Joshua. It says,

“But if it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship: the gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord.”

At the end of his life, Joshua challenged the people of God to follow his example by worshiping and serving God alone.

Clear Application for Today

  • Final words are important.
  • Remembering God’s faithfulness in the past helps us follow Him in the present.
  • Who we worship and serve is a choice all must make.
  • Fathers are the leaders of the family who can make this decision to honor God for the whole family.
  • God desires our worship, service, and allegiance.