Simon Peter had sinned grievously against the Lord. But because Jesus bore his sins on His body on the cross, there was forgiveness for him. Moreover, there was restoration waiting for him. Jesus restored this man. He could never be Rocky on his own by his own strength and will-power, but the Lord takes this man and brings him low before bringing him high. He humbles him before exalting him.
Jesus treated His disciples better than they deserved. He demonstrated to them His mercy, His provision, and His kindness. This is the Lord’s dealings with His elect. He will woo them and draw them to faith and repentance. This is indeed how the Lord deals with His elect throughout the ages. Those whom He has chosen He showers His kindness to lead them to repentance—though at times with the rod. May our hearts be warmed and led to surrender to the Lord in sweet yieldedness toward Him.
God has a purpose for our existence. Our time on earth is an opportunity to understand and carry out that will. In this study, we explore the will of God revealed in this text, book, and the whole of Scripture. May the Lord enable. us to not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is, and live as Spirit-filled men and women who speak like no one else, sing like no one else, give thanks like no one else, and relate to others like no one else. May we aim to spend much time with our Lord this year and grow in His likeness.
Jesus drew out of Simon these confessions of love. Jesus then entrusted to him the great privilege of the care of HIs flock, the apple of His eye. Jesus did not deal with Peter according to his sins; He bore his sins on His body on the cross and made him a shepherd in His likeness.
The Lord saw their needs and He gave them an impressive catch as a token of His provision for them. But He gave them much more than sustenance; He taught them a vital spiritual lesson.
Life is an opportunity to understand and carry out the will of the Lord and bear the fruit of light. We were created in God’s image and redeemed in Christ to reflect His holy character.
As God’s people living as strangers and exiles in this world, we are engaged in a real spiritual battle. Fleshly lusts do not merely tempt us—they wage war against our souls, seeking to weaken our devotion to Christ and damage our witness before others. At the same time, God calls His people to live lives marked by moral excellence, so that even in the face of slander, our good deeds may point others to His glory. This lesson reminds us that sin harms both our inner life and our testimony, while holiness displays the transforming power of God for the praise of His name.
Once separated from God and without mercy, believers have now been graciously called into a new identity as God’s chosen people. In Christ, the church is made a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God’s own possession—not by merit, but by divine mercy. God’s purpose in granting this elevated status is clear: that His people would proclaim His excellencies to the world. Having been called out of darkness into His marvelous light, believers now live and speak as witnesses of God’s saving work, declaring His mercy, glory, and transforming power to all.
Christ is the precious cornerstone that God Himself laid—the firm and chosen foundation of His church. To believers, He is invaluable, the One who never disappoints and upon whom all hope is securely built. Yet Scripture also teaches that the same Christ whom God honors is the One the disobedient reject, stumbling over His word and turning away from the very foundation meant to save them. This lesson reminds us that true faith recognizes the worth of Christ, embraces Him as the cornerstone, and stands firm upon the One whom God has exalted.
The Israelites have sinned against God and He will not go with them to the promised land. Moses begs God to go with them -- how can they be different from other nations if He doesn’t go with them? What will God say and do? We will see God’s answer.
God and Israel have made a covenant and God says He will dwell among Israel, but they quickly sin against God! The people God saved from slavery to be His own possession turned from Him to worship idols. What will God do?
God and His people are in a covenant now. Israel will be His people if they obey His covenant. God then says He will be among His people. What will that look like?
