Hidden in My Heart

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2; NKJV)

Life Lessons from 2 Peter

1.  It is possible for a child of God to be “led away with the error of the wicked” (3:17).

2.  Growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is our God and Father’s prescription for overcoming error (3:18).

3.  We can look for and hasten the coming of “the day of the Lord” because the longsuffering of our God and Father will result in the salvation of His children (3:12-15).      

Conclusion:  Read 2 Peter and determine not to be led away with the error of the wicked by giving your life to growing in the grace and knowledge of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Practical Lessons from 1 Peter

1.  We have a salvation worth suffering for (1:3-12; Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

2.  We will suffer because He suffered – there is a divine purpose behind our pain (1:6-9;

2:18-25; 3:18; 4:1, 12-19; 5:10; John 13:16; 15:20).

3.  Suffer well (1:13-19, 22; 2:12, 20, 23; 3:1-2, 8-9; 4:7-11; 13, 15-19; 5:11).

Conclusion:  Read 1 Peter and rejoice in your salvation, submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and determine in your heart to suffer well, all to the glory of our God and Father!

Life Lessons from James

1.  Outward tests of faith are designed to produce mature endurance and a sense of dependence upon God, to whom the believer turns for wisdom and enablement (1:2-18).

2.  A righteous response to testing requires that one be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (1:19 – 5:6).

3.  We must patiently endure the sufferings of this present life in view of the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ (5:7-20).      

Conclusion:  Read James and become a doer of the Word!

Life Lessons from 2 Timothy

1.  Develop the heart of Jesus (4:16).

2.  Rely on the strength of the Lord (4:17).

3.  Glorify the King (4:18). 

Conclusion:  Read 2 Timothy and determine to fight the good fight, finish your race, and keep the faith!

Practical Lessons from Titus

1.  God has made His word known through preaching (1:3; Romans 10:14-17). 

2.  Titus was not a pastor (1:5; 2:1).

3.  The grace of God prompts us to obedience (2:11-14).

Conclusion:  Read Titus and determine to do God’s work God’s way!

Practical Lessons from 1 Timothy

1.  Timothy was not a pastor (4:6; 5:19).

2.  The work of a pastor is not the work of a minister (3:1-7; 5:17-20).

3.  The work of a deacon is not the work of a minister (3:8-13).

4.  Each of us must learn how to conduct ourselves in the house of God – know your role!  (3:15)

5.  When God’s work is done God’s Way God is glorified (3:15; 1 Peter 4:11).