3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3 – 9, English Standard Version)
Theme: Rejoicing and Thanksgiving
Context:
Our study yesterday emphasized the need to be rooted in Scripture. Our commentators did an excellent job of explaining how our study of Scripture enables rejoicing and thanksgiving as a way of life.
Today we will focus on one of the key reasons why we need to be committed to studying all of Scripture. It is the entire Bible that provides a true characterization of who God is, and we can reasonably assume that our view of God impacts our approach to rejoicing and thanksgiving. For example, if a Bible reader concludes that God is more concerned about revenge than love, their relationship to rejoicing and thanksgiving will likely differ from a Bible reader who reaches the opposite conclusion.
Bible Study Passage:
Our Scripture passage above presents a view of God and paints a beautiful picture of a joyful response because of who God is. Please study the passage and respond to the question below.
Question:
What biblical image(s) of God best underpin your attitude towards rejoicing and thanksgiving?
Please share the most prominent image that comes to mind.
February 28, 2023 at 5:00 am
The most prominent image of rejoicing and thanksgiving that comes to mind is when Mary Magdalene and Mary visited the tomb and it was empty. They were surprised and happy.. “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.”
Matthew 28:8
They wanted to immediately share the good news.
February 28, 2023 at 9:00 am
One prominent image of rejoicing and gratefulness was when Zacchaeus, the tax collector climbed up the tree and was very happy and thankful he could see Jesus giving his message/healing or performing miracles. This story in the Bible showed the joy of being with Jesus and the encouragement he could give. It is also in this story where we could find attributes of Jesus as being humble, sovereign , compassionate and loving God.
February 28, 2023 at 10:02 am
The parable of the prodigal son, when the son returns home and how he he is greeted & celebrated by his father.
February 28, 2023 at 12:23 pm
I didn’t expect mine to come from Revelations but here we go 🙂
Revelations 4:6-11. The host worshipping day and night – and someday I will be able to join in that chorus!
6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
“‘Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,’[b]
who was, and is, and is to come.”
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being.”
March 1, 2023 at 6:05 pm
I now know where that came from. Have not read revelations.
Thank you.
February 28, 2023 at 9:19 pm
These are all very powerful images. Thanks to all of you!
I would add the image of God presented in Exodus 34:6 –
And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,