Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”   (Hebrews 12:14) 

When things begin to go wrong in your life, when it seems that the foundations are breaking, when the pressure seems unbearable, it's easy to lose our perspective. This may have been the case with these Christians. The early part of the chapter refers to the discipline of the Lord. Such discipline may have come in the form of some kind of persecution. Thus, words of encouragement follow. 

During times of such duress, it is easy to point the finger at others, and play the blame game. This disposition promotes persistent grudges and quarreling. To guard against such differences, God counsels these disciples to pursue peace with one another.

Peace is essential to spiritual progress and usefulness. In times of suffering disciples need to join arms and face the enemy together. Our brother needs to be edified (Romans 14:19) and encouraged. This best happens in an environment of unity and harmony.

In addition to peace, the saints are called to holiness. Holiness is a state of being separated unto God. The state of holiness is a lifestyle that proceeds from a pure heart, a heart fully devoted to God. Given the context, holiness would also include peaceful inclinations towards the brethren.

We must pursue holiness by developing a more intimate relationship with God. Such glimpses of God’s purity will provoke us to move more closely to his image. This is accomplished by prayer and meditation of God's word. By diligent effort and constant attention to these things, we become more the people God wants us to be.

The writer then adds a warning: "without which no one will see the Lord.”  We must never lose the loving favor of God. We must stay on the path of spiritual courage and growth. One day heaven will open and we will see God.

By George Slover

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”(1 Peter 2:1,2)
 
Just as there is danger if a child fails to grow, there is spiritual peril for a child of God who does not mature. The preposition “therefore” connects Peter’s admonition with previous thoughts. Having received spiritual life through the new birth, they must now move on to perfection. 

To “grow” means to increase in stature or character. Growth is a sign that someone or something is living and vibrant. The fruit bearing tree is desired over the plant that is stagnant. It is rewarding for a child to grow in character. In like manner, it is refreshing for a child of God to mature, bear fruit for the Lord, and shine the light of Christ.

The child of God must remove some debris before God's word can have an impact. To “lay aside” implies a decisive action such as removing the clothes. Peter specifically lists those sins that would greatly hinder the fervent love he commanded in the previous chapter. (see1:22) They needed each other. They were team. The sins of envy, gossip, ill intent, and hypocrisy destroys relationships. They must remove these sins so God's word could work in their lives.

Peter acknowledges the word of God as the active agent that promotes the spiritual growth. Peter describes the kind of word that is desirable. Only the pure word of God will accomplish the desired results. Just as food tainted with poison is harmful to the physical body, God's word mixed with doctrines of men is spiritually harmful.

Peter further states that they were to desire the “milk” of the word. The sweet milk is used for nourishment in a young child. The milk would contain all the necessary nutrients to promote spiritual growth in these newborn Christians.

Furthermore, Peter encourages them to “desire” of the word. This is a strong admonition that means to yearn for or to crave. The imagery is an infant crying for food. Every Christian ought to have such a keen appetite for God's word.

Does this eager appetite for God's word describe you? The word of God should be sweet to our ears and hearts. Its wisdom is a treasure. But, it is even more precious when manifested in holiness of heart and life.

By George Slover

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”(Psalms 51:10)

The verse above contains two of 18 separate petitions found in this Psalm. David is appealing to a God of mercy, loving kindness, and righteousness to forgive him. He is filled with sorrow over the sin he has committed. David, motivated by this deep regret, is not only asking for reconciliation, but for a change of heart. 

In this petition "heart" or "spirit" are used interchangeably. The Bible reveals that man is a dual being of body and soul. For there to be a change on the outside, there must be a change on the inside. "Heart" and "spirit" refer to the inward essence of man. David is requesting a change of emotion, will, and desire.

"Create" (“bara” is the Hebrew) is the same word found in Genesis 1:1: in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The word “bara" means to create something out of nothing. David is asking for a heart transplant. He wants a new one. He is tired of the old emotions and desires. "Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel?”  (Ezekiel 18:31)

The same the life-giving Spirit who created the world is able to give the penitent a new heart. However, God does not deal with human robots. He gives them a choice. Through his word (1 Peter 1:22; James 1:18; John 6:63) he beseeches, warns, and instructs. When the word is received God uses his creative power to renew the heart. When God's word has accomplished its mission it provides a life of sacrifice and service acceptable to God. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

Dear reader, God wants to give you a new heart. That's what David asked for. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. “ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

By George Slover 


 

When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” (Acts 11:23,24) 

Early Christians, forced to leave Jerusalem because of persecution, came preaching the Lord Jesus in Antioch. Some of these exiles were even sharing Christ with the Gentiles. When this good news came to Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to confirm these new souls. 

Barnabas was just the one qualified for the job, for he was a good man. The quality of such a teacher would include one of conviction. He was a firm and steadfast believer. Though there is some dispute here, some of the manuscripts suggest Gentiles were among the new converts.  This presented a challenge to Jewish Christians. (Acts 10,11) Barnabas was the kind of individual that would be perfect for the delicate job of bridging the gap between Jews and Gentiles, and to encourage these new disciples. 

Some six to seven years had passed since the death of Stephen. However, the persecution at Jerusalem caused the message of God to spread to other regions. When Barnabas arrived at Antioch, and mingles with the disciples, he witnesses the fruit of God's grace.

Prior to the arrival of Barnabas, followers of Christ had come from Jerusalem to Antioch preaching the Lord Jesus. Those who received the message “turned to the Lord”. Now, one more step is necessary. Having received Christ, they must resolve to cling to him.

Even in such an atmosphere of gladness, Barnabas knew of the temptation to turn back to the world. This is a world that is hostile to the cause of Christ. Apathy coupled with persecution could entice these Christians to fall away. They must cleave to the Lord.

Have you, dear reader, basked in God's grace? Have you received the blessings of Christ? If so, hang on to Christ. One day he will give you eternal blessings.

By George Slover 
 

Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.”  (Hebrews 12:12,13)

Prior to these verses the author compares the disciples life to a race. The life of a Christian is a test of endurance. Jesus (vs. 2,3) is our example of endurance and patience. Like the Lord, his disciples can anticipate those who resist their goal to finish the race. God allows these disciplines to sharpen the character of his people. (see vs 3 through 11)

The word "therefore" (vs. 12) connects our verses to these previous thoughts. The “hands that hang down” and the “feeble knees” refer to those who are weary of healthy action. Though their hearts are sincere, they were still suffering from lameness. In context with this letter, these weary souls may be those who were wavering between Christianity and Judaism. They were in danger of completely falling out of the race.

Because of this condition, he exhorts the disciples to “strengthen the hands that hang down and the feeble knees.” This may be accomplished by trusting in prayer to God (James 5:16), recalling God's former mercies (2 Corinthians 1:3,4), and contemplating the prize God offers at the end of the race. (Philippians 3:13,14)

The author then adds “make straight paths for your feet”. (vs. 13) It is so easy for the feeble to veer off course. Isaiah speaks of a highway of holiness for the people of God to follow. (Isaiah 35:8)  The Bible tells us there is only one right way to serve God. To go any other way leads to destruction. (Proverbs 14:12)

It seems the author is urging his audience to personal, self-recovery. So many worldly hindrances may weaken us in our walk with God. Let us take heart, find strength in God, focus on the path, and persevere to the finish line.

By George Slover