MoZes Marius

Q3. (3:18a) Meditate for a few minutes on this verse: "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." Now personalize it to imagine (1) your sins, (2) your unrighteousness, and (3) your reconciliation with God. Each of these ideas is awesome! Which of these three aspects of the verse has God impressed most strongly on you today? Select one of the three and share it. I feel unworhty of all the three aspects but Christ died for my sins, unrighteousness, and reconciled me with God the Father. From time to time, I still struggle with trials and temptations be it small or big that causes me to slip apart from God. But knowing that Christ has died for me once and for all has shown me a different perspective; giving me a living hope and strength to face any situations.

Q2. (3:15-16) Why is it so hard for us to be a witness when we're persecuted? Why is it easy in tough places to be the wrong kind of witness? Which one of Peter's four instructions do you find most needed in your particular situation? When we are persecuted, fear will normally begin to set in, thus clouding our focus on Christ. Out of this fear that causes most of us to loose stand in our belief. Perhaps out of this fear also could cause us to blend easily into the circumstances that hence make us go along in the flow (ie. giving wrong kind of witness). For me, I need to firmly set my focus on Christ instead of my Fear. Also to be well prepared for an answer.

Q1. (3:8-9) Which of the qualities Peter mentions in 3:8-9 are most evident in your congregation? Which are most needed? What can you and your friends do to change the relational climate at your Church so it is more Christ-like? From personal experience and observation, glad to say that most qualities are quite evident but the most I would say is LOVE. Since I joined the congregation, my family was overwhelmed with love and care especially from our "cell group". We were also able to grow deeper spiritually through fellowship. Starting this year, our church theme is "Breakthrough and Breakforth". a year whereby all congregation are urged to have a real breakthrough and breakforth in our lifestyle beginning with total commitment. Thus will continue to be focused in our destiny and calling to our city. To be a christ-like church, the congregation needs to have a real breakthrough in their life style first!

Q5. (3:7) How can treating one's wife wrongly hinder a husband's prayers. How can treating a husband wrongly hinder a wife's prayers? The true head of the family is God himself. As husband and wife, they are accountable in their deeds and actions to HIM. God hates hypocrisy. He hates when we potray different appearances in public and at home. God looks at the inner being and the condition of our hearts. Surely if the condition of the heart is not right, husband's or wife's prayer will be hindered!

Q4. (3:7) Why should a husband relate to his wife with knowledge and wisdom? In what way does this demonstrate love? In what way does this demonstrate self-interest? Why do men sometimes try to dominate their wives? Why do wives sometimes try to dominate their husbands? What harm does this do? How is domination of another person contrary to God's nature? When a man and a woman are united in matrimony, the two shall become ONE. While wives submit themselves to their husbands, husbands should in return demonstrate their love by relating to their wives with knowledge and wisdom. Sometimes, husband and wife fall into a situation whereby they try to dominate each other. This happens when they misintepret the word of God concerning submission and not putting God himself as the head of the family. In whatever we do, we should have focus in our lives, that is God. In the marriage covenant, God himself is the Head.

Q3. (3:4-6) How does a person cultivate inner beauty? How does one gain character? Why is true character so important and precious to God? How can character help a Christian woman win and hang onto her husband? Inner beauty is cultivated through dwelling in the presence of God and be filled with His spirit. Character can be gained through being reverent, pure, gentle, and Quite. God treasures only those characters that come from within. It's the reality of womans' inner characteristics that worked out through her life give testimony to the husband.

Q2. (3:3) Why should women try to look their best? How can trying to look their best divert women from what is more important? What is the balance? Women should try to look their best because it is not just appropriate but also reflects on themselves, their husbands, and most importantly on GOD! When their focus on beauty is emphasized more on the physical rather than the inner beauty. Adorn themselves so as to look beautiful but not overly. Keep the focus right.

Q1. (3:1) Why is submission so difficult for us humans? Does submission require you to be silent when you don't agree or feel something can be improved? When is submission wrong for Christian? Apart from the ego-pride, we also are reluctant to release our personal freedom. To some of us, submission simply means the curtailment of this freedom. As for our submission to God, the desire of the flesh seems to overwhelm us in many instances. Unless we are filled with the spirit of God, submission will deem difficult. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Unless we are under a dictatorial submission, we have no personal nor speech freedom. But other than that, we are still entitled of voicing our comments, especially those that are constructive. Submission is wrong for Christian when we submit ourselves to something that is of an ungodly nature and motive.

Q4. (2:24b) If Jesus died to set us free from sin's power, why does sin have such power over us still? According to 2:24b, how must we deal with sin? In practical terms, how can we "die to sin"? In everyday language, what does "live for righteousness" mean? So long as we are in this present homeland, we are bound to be exposed to sin. And sin will overwhelms us so long as we get attached to the lifestyle of this carnal homeland. Unless we "die to sin" by submitting and surrendering all our sinful nature to Jesus, sin will continue to have power over us. Jesus has won the victory on Calvary and its for us to CLAIM that victory over sin. By the strenght that Jesus gave us, we should be able to overcome any desires of the flesh by striving to live for righteousness through obedient to the word.

Q3. (2:24a) This may seem like a simplistic question, but give it thought before you answer, and then answer thoughtfully. What is the significance to you personally that Jesus bore your sins in his own body on the cross? Jesus being the Son of the Living God loves us so much that He gave up His life for the atonement of our sins. What greater sacrifice than this that for the sins of others He became the scapegoat! This, to me, shows the unfailing love of God. IT'S NOT BECAUSE OF WHO I AM BUT IT'S BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS!!

Q2. Why is Jesus' sinlessness important to understanding your salvation? In what way do you think Jesus suffered when your sins were poured into his soul? How could a sinless Man stand this kind of corruption? Our Salvation did not come cheap and trivial. It cost an innocent blood, the blood of the ultimate sacfricial Lamb that which without spot and blemish, for our eternal salvation. It's heavy enough pain to see the depiction of suffering that Jesus endured for our sins, but it's even harder for that shoulder of Jesus of which the burden of our sins rested upon. Although Jesus might have endured such physical torturing, but spiritually His soul suffered unbearable pain due to the feeling of being abandoned by the Father because of the effect of our sins. No ordinary man can stand this kind of corrunption unless He who is filled with the spirit of God and in full submission to the will of the Father!

Q1. (2:21) According to 2:21, in what sense did Jesus suffer for you personally? Jesus is the Ultimate Sacrificial Lamb of God who gave His life for the sake of eternity. This of course includes me and my generation before and after. He died and suffered for us ALL. I am indeed forever grateful for what my Savior has done for me. All Glory and Honor be unto Him!!

Q4. (2:21-23) How does Christ's example speak to your situation? How is your behavior going to be different because of what you see in Jesus' character in this passage? Christ has set an example for me to follow. Whatever action or reaction I want to take will be governed by Jesus' example. I would tell myself, "What would Jesus do?" if He is in my situation. It is not easy most of the time but I learn to strive towards that goal.

Q3. (2:18-20) How does being an employee "conscious of God" affect the way we act and react to injustice in the workplace? Can a conscientious Christian be a complainer? Why or why not? How do you usually react to prolonged, unfair treatment at your work? When we are conscious of God, we have the assurance that God is in control and we need not worry about any injustices in the workplace. We will be able to submit to any situations knowing that God is with us and He knows our situations. Conscientious Christian CAN be a complainer provided that it is something constructive and words are not of an unwholesome nature. I am a submissive kind of person. When I face a prolonged, unfair treatment at work, I would tend to acquiesce to the situation and just pray to God for wisdom on how to tackle it.

Q2. (2:18) If we are to submit to our employers and respect them, what is that saying about God's expectation that we do a good job? In what sense do we dishonor God when we don't give our full effort to our jobs? If Christians say that they respect God but fail to do likewise to their employers, then what does it reflect upon their lives? Thus, our submission to our employers should reflect our submission to God. I believe God wants us to work for our employer as if God Himself is the employer. If that is the case, then any sign of lack of commitment in line of duty will indeed dishonour God!

Q1. (2:15-16) In what way is God's glory dependent upon us living submissive, obedient lives? How is God hurt when we get rebellious? God does not delight in the offerings or sacrifices that we present BUT in our obedience to His word. In these verses, Peter tells us to live a submissive lives to authorities in this world. We are the ambassadors of Christ and we ought to live as such. What reflection does it show to others if we as Christians are rebellious to authorities around us (ie. parents, schools, governments etc.) This will tarnish the true image of Christians and most of all will hurt our God the Father!

Q5. (2:12) How can the good deeds we commit by living openly as Christians increase God's praise. How does our "blending in" detract from God's praise? We are the temple of the Holy Spirit and being a Christian, made us ambassador of Christ. Thus, by potraying good deeds according to God's word, we are able to bring glory to Him! But "blending in" into the carnal world's norm, we are detracting ourselves from God's praise. Peter urges us to live a good lives so that we may bring glory to god!

Q4. (2:11) Read 1 Peter 2:11 carefully. The world tells us (1) to conform and (2) that sin won't hurt us. What does Peter tell us to combat these lies? How can this reminder help us? Peter tells us that the war that we are waging is not against Flesh and Blood, but against the spirit realm which constantly attacking our soul. The demonic spirit incessantly tries to find loopholes or weaknesses in our lives. Satan will always speak lies into our lives. After all, he is the Father of Lies! Thus, Peter tells us to stand guard all the time. To live a good lives, obedient to the word of God. We should submit to the spirit desires and not the flesh desires!

Q3. (2:9) What actions and attitudes should this idea of being part of God's own people inspire in us? It is indeed a great priviledge for us to be chosen as part of God's own people. Thus, we should do all we can to be counted worthy as such. We should be "Faithful", be "Available", and be "Teachable" at any time to the calling as God's people.

Q2. (2:5) If your praise is primarily for God's benefit, not your own, how should you be offering praise? Praise should be offered with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. With such great humility and great joy for it is also an act of Love to God almighty!

Q1. (2.5) Christians often look at their relation to God as consumers, delighting in what God does for them. What is the mindset of a priest towards God? What actions does this mindset inspire in you? We as children shouldn't have the mentality of being served, or as consumers that delight only from receiving. Instead of being on the receiving end, we should be on the opposite end where we become the servant of God for others. The priest has a mindset of serving others by offering for them sacrifices to God. Because of our iniquities and lack of faith sometimes, we are not able and worthy to stand before God. Thus the priest comes in as our mediator. But how much better it is if we ourselves are able to deal straight with God instead of through others (ie. priest). This should inspire us!

Q4. (1:18-19) Have you ever felt you were of no worth or of no value? What does 1 Peter 1:18-19 say about your worth? What does it say about God's love for you? What does it indicate about the long-term value of your balance sheet and financial assets? What are your true long-term investments? Why? Have I ever? YES! But 1 Peter:18-19 has made me realize our real worth. Our worth is no match with silver or gold. God loves and treasures our soul so much that He redeemed us by the priceless blood of the lamb. Now that's a very strong indication of God's love for us. God has made an invaluable investment through His one and only begotten Son into our lives. For a greater return, on our part, we should tap into these resources (salvation) as for our eternal investment!! Forget about financial assets.

Q3. (1:17) Why are people in our culture so upset when they sense they are being judged by someone else? How do you reconcile final judgment with God's love for the world? Why must final judgment be at the core of the Good News of Jesus Christ? What happens to the Gospel when final judgment is left out or ignored? Generally people don't like to be judged because of their pride and ego. Human nature tends to notice the speck of dust on other people's eyes but fails to see the plank in their own eyes. God loves the world so much that He sent Jesus, but He is also JUST! We are still accountable for our deeds and actions. Therefore our faith mustn't be dead. If there is no final judgment, people will tend to take God's love for granted. Thus Jesus' death on the cross will be in vain.

To me, holiness simply means being free and rid ourselves from sins. When Moses approached the burning bush, God asked him to remove his sandals. This is symbolic to entering the state of holiness. Moses needed to remove all the dirt that he has been draging in his sandals before God could allow him to step into the holy ground. In the same manner, we should rid ourselves from life's dirt before we could have intimate fellowship with God. I feel unworthy and undeserving to be attached with the word Holy. But in order to cleanse myself of "dirt", apart from the blood of the lamb, I immerse myself in God's words and try to put into practise what they say, . . . that is being obedient to the word. My major struggle is discipline. Sometimes distractions around me could cause me to loose focus. Please pray for me!

Say that we recieve a letter from the President or Queen for that matter saying that they will be coming for a visit to our home. I believe most of us would start making preparation-plan soon after. And for the rest of the time until the day of the visit, we would be pre-occupied with matters concerning it. If the visit is meritted as such, why not for the coming of the King of kings and Lord of Lords!? And say that the President or Queen came unsuspectedly way earlier than expected. Most likely we would be surprised and caught up unprepared. Therefore, we should always be ready ... ever-ready and focused. Be always in the "stand-by" mode because Christ's coming is a fact that is imminent. The promise of eternal salvation that will soon come to pass is a strong basis for the hope in Christ. We look forward to this being fulfilled. For those who are ignorant to this fact will surely be trapped into the lifestyle of their carnal homeland! ie. being lazy and complacent, taking things for granted, etc..