Philippians 4:8,”Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Northwestern U. motto, founded 1851)

Northwestern was the first campus pioneered in Chicago UBF and one of the first in America. Five SNU Korean women nursing graduates came to Chicago in 1977. Four of them are still active in UBF: Sweety Rhee at UMKC, Ruth Yoon at MSU, Sarah B. Choi in Chicago and Pauline Park at OSU. They didn’t speak English very well, so initially they shared Jesus with hospital staff since they worked the night shift as nurse aides. Cofounder Sarah (“Mother”) Barry directed them not to stay with missionaries, but to get an apartment next to a college and stay there. They asked someone to take them to the nearest campus, which was Northwestern. They didn’t know how to find an apartment, so they prayed. As they finished praying, they saw a man that looked like a “janitor”. (Actually, he was a Northwestern professor.) They asked him how to find an apartment and he helped them. They got an apartment right across the street from where they prayed. Later, they invited this professor to lunch and since they didn’t have any napkins, they gave him a toilet paper instead of napkins. They lived poorly and purely: their only furniture was a table for Bible study; they had no beds. They were the first missionaries to begin “fishing” on campus, directly inviting students off the street to Bible study. Every day they went fishing, with great joy and without shame; every night they held prayer meetings, then worked the night shift at the hospital to support themselves. Sometimes in their prayer meetings, they were so sleepy that they prayed according to their nursing study lesson. Because of the language barrier, these young missionaries held 5-to-1 Bible studies (5 missionaries to 1 student), rather than 1-to-1. Many students came and left. A few remained, or brought friends who remained. The first to remain was Geordan Griggs, who was extremely smart, but wrecked by his broken-family background. He was very nervous and had difficulty concentrating. He had found only one friend at Northwestern–his roommate, partly because he was extremely eccentric, often eating raw meat or walking barefoot in snow. When his roommate brought him to Bible study, he was on academic probation and could scarcely function. He enjoyed Bible study and eventually accepted Christ. He began to change. Co-founder Dr. Samuel Lee gave him public speaking training as a presider. Initially this was difficult for Geordan, but he remained faithful and overcame his Red Sea. He became a leader in Cincinnati UBF before going to heaven a few years ago. Another early disciple was Alan Wolff, the 1st American to study the Bible with an American. Alan was an atheist, punk rocker who mocked Christians. In his first Bible study he said, “You have to be really stupid to believe this stuff!” But one thing that intrigued him was the joy he saw in the missionaries. In time, he accepted Christ. But he was such a poor student that he was kicked out of NU. He went back home to Washington DC and participated in UBF there. He finished college, returned to Chicago and worked his way back to NU as a successful employee and PhD student, as well as being an elder in UBF. Another NU graduate, Pastor Mark Vucekovich has pioneered DePaul UBF in Chicago. Yvonne Timlin was a journalism major with several boyfriends at once. But through Bible study with Pastor Mark, and living with a missionary family (Dr. James and Sarah Kim), she has been changed into a most sacrificial, dedicated woman of God in Chicago UBF. Pastor Kevin Albright was a proud, self-righteous Catholic student. At his first UBF Easter conference he accepted the living hope in Jesus Christ and has been serving NU students with Bible study every since. He could get a high-paying job with two NU engineering degrees; but he gladly serves NU ministry full time. Another NU student, a music composition major named Joshua DeWitte grew up in a Christian home. He accepted Jesus’ words, “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Through this, he decided to join the UBF orchestra, humbly as a triangle player at first, even though he studied violin and composition. He became assistant conductor in the Chicago UBF orchestra and a great influence on high school ministry. Tony King was involved in UBF starting in high school in Chicago. He was deeply wounded by his parents’ separation. But he accepted Jesus and always wears a smile on his face. He finished his degree in Math at NU and works on campus. He led Brian Annear, a theater major, to Christ. Brian recently finished a 6-month missionary stay in Moscow and recently just married. Erik J. was a reclusive atheist, who came to Bible study mainly to get help to resolve a car problem. Handel’s Messiah chorus impressed him and the prophetic word of God from Daniel spoke to his highly intellectual mind to see that the Bible is more than fiction. He is now a missionary in Asia. Maggie Straczek is in Sri Lanka as a missionary. At present, there are 12 families serving NU as Bible teachers, and about 50 students come each quarter to Bible study, usually once a week. Many students have come and gone at NU UBF, but God has called a remnant from Northwestern—some we see, some we don’t— and has been using them mightily in His work. Early ministry at Northwestern was the fruit of prayer and depending on God, and it bore lasting fruit. It is our prayer that God may continue to raise servants of Jesus Christ as Bible teachers and missionaries from among Northwestern students.

“So God said to him, ‘Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.’”

In chapters 1-2 we saw how God established Solomon as king and how God established the kingdom under his reign. Chapters 3-7 are about the early reign of Solomon. It was a great success and the kingdom was blessed because Solomon ruled with the wisdom of God. We all want this kind of success and to be a blessing. It is possible when we have the wisdom of God. There are two kinds of wisdom: worldly wisdom and divine wisdom. Worldly wisdom can be obtained through education, books, experience, or googling the internet. Usually, worldly wisdom makes man proud; sometimes it hurts people. Divine wisdom cannot be gained by human effort. It comes from God. It is life-giving. It helps man to be humble and reveals God’s glory. With divine wisdom we can shepherd others, even our children. We can manage a family, a fellowship, a church, a community, even a nation. How can we acquire divine wisdom? Let’s learn from Solomon today.

First, Solomon shows his love for the Lord (3:1-4). Look at verse 1. “Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and married his daughter. He brought her to the City of David until he finished building his palace and the temple of the Lord, and the wall around Jerusalem.” At that time, Egypt was a superpower nation. It was very hard to make an alliance with Egypt, and even harder to marry Pharaoh’s daughter. But Solomon did both. This means that Israel was recognized as a significant nation in the world. However, Solomon’s marriage to a foreign woman was against God’s command (Dt 7:3,4). Solomon might have thought that he could handle her, but it was the seed of disaster. Solomon still had humanistic elements in his heart, though he had removed them from his kingdom. A huge dam can be destroyed by a small hole. In the same way, man can fall into disaster through one small element of humanism. So we should not compromise even in small things.

At that time, there was no center for the spiritual life of the people because the temple had not yet been built (2). According to God’s command, the Israelites had to make burnt offerings at the place God designated to put his Name (Lev 12:5). This was Jerusalem. But they did not follow this command and were sacrificing at the high places. Spiritually speaking, building the temple was most important and urgent for the nation of Israel.

Look at verse 3. “Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the statutes of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.” Though the author does not excuse Solomon for compromising with the high places, in essence Solomon loved the Lord with all his heart and walked in the footsteps of David in obedience to God. Solomon went up to Gibeon, the most important high place, where the tabernacle and altar that Moses had made were still kept (4; 1 Ch 21:29). There, Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar. Solomon spent a lot of money and engaged the help of many people. Solomon did this deliberately at the beginning of his reign. He showed his love for God and sought God’s favor and blessing first.

Second, Solomon asks for wisdom (5-9). God was not legalistic toward Solomon. God was moved by Solomon’s expression of love for him. In 1 Samuel 2:30b, God had said, “Those who honor me I will honor and those who despise me will be disdained.” When Solomon honored God, God wanted to honor him. So he appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (5). God was ready to give Solomon whatever he asked of him. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” God is our loving Father and he wants to bless us. Some people misunderstand God, thinking that he is harsh and demanding. But God is our loving Father who wants to give everything to his children. And though he knows what is best, he still asks us what we want him to do for us. Our problem is that there are so many things to ask. What would you ask for? Someone may say, “Please pay my mortgage.” Many people first think of asking for money, believing that they can do all things with money. We can go anywhere in the world with money, except to the kingdom of God. We can buy all things with money, except happiness, righteousness, truth, a happy family, true honor, and good health. What should we ask for as children of God? Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt 6:9-10).

How did Solomon respond? Look at verse 6. Solomon remembered God’s grace upon his father David. He knew that he became a king, not because of his own merit, but because of God’s grace toward David. Likewise, we receive God’s grace through Jesus Christ, who forgave all our sins. So we have to remember the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. We must also remember God’s grace to us through forefathers. We should realize that God has blessed us through his servants who have gone before us. When we recognize God’s history, the stream of God’s blessing will continue.

Furthermore, Solomon recognized that it was God who made him king. In verse 7a, he said, “Now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king….” Solomon recognized God’s sovereignty over his life, in contrast to Adonijah. Solomon also recognized his weakness, that he was only a little child who did not know how to carry out his duties (7b). He was humble. God gives grace to the humble (Pr 3:34). Solomon said, “Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number” (8). Solomon respected the people he was called to govern as God’s people. He knew that they were not his subjects, but God’s subjects, and truly respected their greatness in God. David had the same attitude. When God’s people were hiding themselves before Goliath, he did not see them as cowards, but as the army of the living God (1 Sam 17:26). Solomon was aware of God’s destiny upon the people of Israel and upon himself. Solomon wanted to lead God’s people in a right way to fulfill God’s purpose.

Solomon asked, “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (9) Solomon knew that only God could lead the Israelites in the right way. As God’s servant, he had a strong sense of responsibility and compassion for them. But he did not know what to do. So he asked for a discerning heart to govern them and to distinguish between right and wrong. Solomon makes a great contrast with Adonijah. Adonijah asked for Abishag the Shunammite to be given to him as his wife (2:17). He wanted to marry first, and his motive was not pure. He was killed. But Solomon asked for a discerning heart to govern his people well.

Solomon knew that to distinguish between right and wrong is very important in establishing a lasting kingdom. Yet it is not easy. There are so many criteria to consider. Every generation has its own standard of what is right and wrong. In the eighteenth century, people valued human reason. But human reason cannot be the criteria to distinguish right and wrong. In the nineteenth century, people thought that science was the answer. They expected a utopia without diseases or death or destruction through scientific advancement. But this turned out to be a rosie dream without roots in reality. In our times, postmodern thought denies that there is any absolute right or wrong. Anything can be right and good, in some aspect, even serial killers, homosexuals or adulterers, or tyrants. In this postmodern era people say good is evil and evil is good. When we hear the words, “wicked,” or “sick” used by young people we hardly know what it means. We all need wisdom to discern what is right and wrong. Where can we find this wisdom? Only God’s word gives us the absolute truth about what is right and wrong.

When God created the garden of Eden he commanded man very clearly, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die” (Gen 2:16,17). To obey God’s command was good. To disobey God’s command was evil. God set the standard of good and evil. But the serpent deceived man saying, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen 3:4,5). The woman was deceived by the serpent and disobeyed God. Then mankind lost the absolute criteria with which to judge good and evil and began to develop his own standard. Man has been in confusion ever since. St. Augustine had an agony about the existence of evil. The Lord God created the world good. Then how did evil come into being? Through his deep meditation he realized that leaving God, who is absolutely good, is evil. Evil is the absence of God. In other words, to be close to God is good and to be away from God is evil because God is the standard of good. That is why the book of kings judges each one as good or evil “in the eyes of the Lord” (1 Ki 14:8; 15:5,11,26). When we obey God’s word, that is good. When we disobey his word and go away from God, that is evil. Solomon wanted to follow God’s standard of good and evil. He acknowledged that the Lord God is the only judge between right and wrong. So we must seek God first. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” True widom and understanding come from God. When we love and obey the Lord from our hearts, God will be pleased and grant us wisdom and understanding. Then we will prosper in all we do. However, if we do not love and obey the Lord, we become fools, though we claim to be wise (Ro 1:21).

We have many things to ask from the Lord such as long life, wealth and the destruction of enemies. These days many people pray for a good job and an improved economy. Many pray for a suitable marriage partner. Those who pray are much better than those who just look around and hope something will happen. Some pray for good health. We need these things. However, we must first ask for what God wants us to have. God really wants to give us the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of wisdom (Eph 1:17). Jesus said in Luke 11:13, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” God is very eager to give us the Holy Spirit. When God gives the Holy Spirit he gives us sparkling wisdom by which we can help God’s flock in the best way. Sometimes, though we eagerly desire to raise disciples, we lack wisdom to help them. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” God does not rebuke us, but gives us wisdom by his grace.

Third, God gives Solomon wisdom (10-15). How did God respond to Solomon’s prayer? Look at verse 10. “The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.” Let’s read verses 11-12. “So God said to him, ‘Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.” Moreover God wanted to give him what he had not asked for: both riches and honor. As long as he walked in God’s ways and obeyed God’s commands, God would also give him a long life. Here we learn two things.

In the first place, there is prayer that pleases God. This prayer is according to God’s will. 1 John 5:14 says, “This is the confidence that we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” When we pray according to God’s will he hears and answers. Sometimes we do not receive because we do not ask. Sometimes we ask but do not receive because we ask with wrong motives, that we may spend what we get on our pleasures (Jam 4:2b,3). George Mueller received God’s answer to his prayer 50,000 times. He said the secret of receiving God’s answer was a pure motive. Prayer should not be selfish, but according to God’s will. Then God surely answers our prayer. We must ask according to God’s will.

In the second place, God answers our prayer more abundantly than we ask. God is our Father. When we really ask according to his will, he provides everything generously according to our need. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When our prayer pleases God, God will give us all these things as well. Solomon had asked for a discerning heart to govern God’s people. God gave him that and more. God gave him riches, honor, and a promise of long life if he kept God’s commands. If children love and please their father, their father wants to give them everything they want, as long as it is good for them. But if a child does not care about his father and just wants to use his father for selfish gain, the father gives only what the child asks, and no more. When we please God and love God, God will give us everything we need.

Look at verse 15a. “Then Solomon awoke–and he realized it had been a dream.” Though it was a dream, it was the expression of Solomon’s deep desire from his heart. God accepted Solomon’s prayer and God began to answer his prayer. Look at verse 15b. “He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord’s covenant and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then he gave a feast for all his court.” When the king was right with God and his prayer was answered, the kingdom rejoiced.

II. Solomon, a wise king (3:16-4:28)

First, Solomon’s wise judgment (3:16-28). The wisdom that Solomon received from the Lord was well revealed through his judgments for his people. One day two prostitutes came before the king. Solomon was humble and willing to receive any kind of person who wanted to come to him. These two prostitutes lived together and had sons at the same time. One night, due to a bad sleeping habit, one mother rolled over on her baby and he died. She exchanged her dead baby with the other woman’s living baby. But the mother of the living baby realized what had happened and they began to argue. These days we could easily find out whose son it was by DNA testing. But in those days it was one prostitute’s word against another, and it seemed impossible to distinguish between the claims of the two women. It was a test case for the king, to see if he could give a right judgment and show himself to be a wise king.

Solomon said, “Bring me a sword.” So people thought that both prostitutes might be killed. But Solomon gave this order: Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other” (25). The woman whose son was alive was filled with compassion for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!” But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!” The real mother had compassion on her son and gave up her right to have him in order to save his life. The other woman revealed her envy and cold heart. Solomon discerned good and evil and made a right verdict. Solomon knew a mother’s heart.

True wisdom is the ability to see through to the essence of a matter. These days there are many people who say they are okay and doing well. But the Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. No matter who he or she may be, each person has a sin problem that is destroying their lives, causing great misery which will lead to God’s judgment and eternal condemnation. Each person needs the forgiveness of sins and the work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts to solve their sin problem and to find true freedom and peace. So we must see people with the wisdom of God and with gospel faith. Then we can truly help them. It is easy to judge them based on their appearance or wealth or honorable position or seemingly good moral life. But we should see through these things. Each person needs the gospel and must repent before God and receive the grace of salvation. When we see through God’s eyes and with God’s word, when we have God’s mind, we can make a right judgment and help people in a right way.

Second, Solomon’s wise administration (4:1-19). In governing one’s country, to choose the right people is most important. Solomon chose God-fearing people and put them in the right places. In King David’s time, it was a time of war, so the military general was the top person listed in his cabinet. But in Solomon’s time, it was a time of peace. So a priest was the top man in his cabinet (2 Sam 8:15-18; 2 Sam 20:23-26). Solomon embraced Abiathar the priest, though he had dismissed him from service. Also, two of Nathan’s sons were in Solomon’s cabinet. Solomon had two secretaries, one more than King David. In verses 8-19 Solomon appointed twelve district governors in order to rule his people in an effective way.

Verses 20-28 show the wealth and prosperity of Israel under the rule of Solomon. Verse 20 says, “The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy.” Solomon’s kingdom was prosperous economically, in military power, in foreign affairs and in all areas. So people were happy. They lived in safety and enjoyed peace and prosperity. When a ruler has God’s wisdom, people under him can enjoy peace and wealth. May President Obama ask God for wisdom.

In verses 29-34, we learn that God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than any other man and his fame spread over all the earth. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He had deep knowledge of plants and animals and birds and reptiles and fish. Many kings came to listen to his wisdom. His wisdom came from God. Those who receive God’s wisdom are far beyond all other men.

III. Solomon builds the temple (5:1-7:51)

The temple which was built by Solomon was the first of several temple buildings which were constructed in Jerusalem. It was built according to the pattern of the tabernacle which God gave Moses through a detailed set of instructions. God had shown the pattern to Moses while on the mountain (Ex 26:30). So in fact, Solomon’s temple was built according to God’s wisdom. David had a great desire to build the temple of the Lord. But the Lord would not allow him to do so because he was a man of blood. God ordained Solomon to build the temple for him (1 Chr 22;9,10). The temple was God’s dwelling place. God wanted people to come there to worship God, repenting of their sins and sacrificing to the Lord. It was the center of Israel’s spiritual life. It was very important to build the temple of God. Before the temple was built, there was no central place to worship God according to his law. So they worshiped God in their own way on the high places. Solomon knew the meaning of the temple. So he built it according to God’s wisdom.

First, Solomon prepares to build the temple (5:1-18). Building the temple was a huge job. So they needed to prepare materials and technicians and laborers. In verses 1-5 Solomon sent his people to Hiram king of Tyre and explained his purpose of building the temple. He emphasized that the building of the temple was God’s will. It was the right time to build it. So he asked the help of Hiram with great respect, requesting cedars of Lebanon and workers to bring them. When Solomon requested this from Hiram gently and humbly, he was greatly pleased and said, “Praise be to the Lord today, for he has given David a wise son to rule over this great nation” (7). So Solomon received a lot of help from Hiram. The important material in building the temple, which was cedar, was in Hiram’s territory of Lebanon. According to 7:13-15 the most skillful craftsmen were also in Tyre. So having a good relationship with Hiram was very important in building the temple. Solomon knew that and he made a good relationship with Hiram. He won the person and then the material. In doing the work of God it is important to win the hearts of others. In doing great work of God, no one can do it all by himself. We need wisdom to work together with the right people who are essential in God’s work. So after making a treaty with Hiram, Solomon conscripted laborers from all Israel, 30,000 men. He sent them off to Lebanon in shifts of ten thousand at a time, so that the laborers could spend one month at work in Lebanon and then have two months at home. That is also wisdom. Those who are in positions of leadership can learn from him that we should win people’s hearts in doing the work of God, not just prepare materials and then drive people in a task oriented manner.

Second, Solomon builds the temple (6:1-38). Look at verse 1. “In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the temple of the Lord.” The second month was April or May and it was about 966 B.C. The temple was completed after seven years in 959 B.C. (6:38). Verses 2-10 show the outward construction of the temple. Verses 14-36 show the inside construction of the temple. In verse 7, in building the temple, there was no hammer or chisel or any other iron tool used at the construction site. Construction work went on quietly. It was because the temple was the place of God’s presence. Even in building the temple there should be quietness.

Look at verses 11-13. “The word of the Lord came to Solomon: ‘As for the temple you are building, if you follow my decrees, carry out my regulations and keep all my commands and obey them, I will fulfill through you the promise I gave to David your father. And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.” The Lord’s word came to Solomon in the midst of building the temple. It was to teach Solomon the purpose of the temple once more. Building the temple was not just building the physical temple of God. The important thing was to love God and obey his commands. The Lord didn’t want Solomon to finish his obligation to the Lord by building the temple. Rather, he wanted him to follow his decrees and carry out his revelation and keep all his commands and obey them. Then the Lord would dwell among them and not abandon them. The temple itself was not a guarantee that God would dwell among them. God would dwell among them when they obeyed his word.

Look at verses 37-38. “The foundation of the temple of the Lord was laid in the fourth year, in the month of Ziv. In the eleventh year in the month of Bul, the eighth month, the temple was finished in all its details according to its specifications. He had spent seven years building it.” The temple had several characteristics. In the first place, the inner part of the temple was all covered with pure gold. Here pure gold refers to light and purity. It reveals that God is light and he is pure. Pure gold also means unchanging character and nobility. It means that God is never changing and he is the most noble. It also shows that the relationship between God and his people never changes. So the temple covered with pure gold is compared to the kingdom of God which never changes and is filled with God’s glory.

In the second place, on the wall of the temple there were cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers (32). The covered cherubim in the temple show that angels protect God’s glory. Palm trees refer to life and open flowers refer to fullness of life. That means that God is the source of life and the temple is the place of God’s life.

In the third place, the entrance door of the Most Holy Place was smaller than the door to the entrance of the temple. In the Most Holy Place there was the ark of the covenant, which refers to God’s presence. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year. The narrow door to the Most Holy Place reveals that God is separate from man as the Creator and he is the Holy One whom man cannot approach in his own way.

Third, Solomon’s palace and the temple’s furnishings (7:1-51). In verses 1-12, Solomon built the palace, taking 13 years. He built a throne hall and a Hall of Justice in his palace. It shows his desire to judge his people in a right way. Verses 13-51 show the detailed descriptions of the temple furnishings. Solomon invited the most skillful craftsmen to build the furnishings of the temple. Look at verse 51. “When all the work King Solomon had done for the temple of the Lord was finished, he brought in the things his father David had dedicated–the silver and gold and the furnishings–and he placed them in the treasuries of the Lord’s temple.”

What was the meaning of Solomon’s finishing building the temple? Firstly, the one and only altar where all the Israelites came to worship had been made. In the past, when there was no temple, many people offered their sacrifices on high places in their own way. Although the Lord accepted their sacrifices, it was not the right way to offer them. Now, since the temple was built, the Israelites could offer sacrifices in the right way. In this way, the priestly nation, where God ruled as king had been prepared. Secondly, the building of the temple was done by the hands of Israelites and Gentiles. It means that God is not only the God of Israel but the God of Gentiles. Thirdly, the building of the temple was done according to Solomon’s wisdom. When the tabernacle was built God showed all the details to Moses. God did not teach Solomon how to build the temple. But Solomon built the temple beautifully, understanding its meaning. He built the temple with all the wisdom God gave him. He used the wisdom, not for his selfish purpose, but for the glory of God. It was the fruit of his love and fear of the Lord.

Solomon was a man of wisdom. He had wisdom to distinguish between right and wrong in order to serve God’s flock. His wisdom was given by God when he asked. Also, his wisdom came from his deep desire for loving God and showing his glory. If we really love the Lord and God’s flock from our hearts, we must ask God’s wisdom to serve them. Then God will surely give us wisdom.

Isaiah 49:6b “I will also make you a light for the gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the very ends of the earth.”

The annual Medical Mission outreach to Lyantonde for 2009 took place from the 26th to 28th  of January 2009.  This was the 3rd UBF free medical camp in Lyantonde, Uganda. This year there was a great increase in the number of volunteers. From Korea, 21 people including Physician(Dr. Hana Kim), General surgeon(Dr. Byungchol Kim), Pediatricians(Dr. David Park, Dr. Joseph Ahn), Orthopedic surgeons(Dr. Luke Jung, Dr. Yoonhong Kim), Oncologist(Dr. Chiyoung Park), Family doctor (Dr. Changgyu Oh) and Dentist (Dr. Inhan Yoon) participated. From Germany, Cardiologist (Dr. Samuel Lee), Pediatrician (Dr. Titus Keller) and Dentist (Dr. Maria Keller) joined the team. From the USA, Senior Consultant Pediatrician from Chicago UBF (Dr. Joseph Chung), ICU nurse from Indiana (Younse Wert) and Dentist (Dr. Sam Zun), Family Medicine Specialist (Dr. Hannah Zun) from Cincinnati participated. The Ugandan team was comprised of Pediatricians(Dr. Luke Lim, Dr. Lilian Ogwang),
Chest Physician(Dr. Samuel Yoo), Oncologist(Dr. Abraham Omoding), Anesthesilogist(Dr. Spekcy Mbula), Pharmacist (Patrick Ogwang) and other support staffs who made sure that everyone in need got the help needed.

On January  25th, 2009, all the medical personnel and the support coworkers embarked on the 2009 medical outreach visit to Lyantonde organized by the University Bible Fellowship and ICOD, a Lyantonde based community NGO. It was quite comforting that some members of the team had attended one or both of the previous outreaches. Due to the gradually strengthening bond between the UBF outreach team and the community in Lyantonde, the degree of involvement went far beyond mere short medical volunteerism and has over time developed into a long-term collaboration. Needless to say, the UBF team was happy to contribute to this growing relationship in yet another way. On the first day, Dr. Titus Keller from UBF Germany taught many of the waiting patients at Lyantonde hospital about HIV/AIDS, its spread and treatment after infection. This was very well received by waiting patients and curious onlookers.

Within the span of 3 days, the team performed 20 operations – all under the conditions rivaling the most hardened of any surgical field hospital, where the lack of running water, working surgical lights, and functioning instruments created an additional element of difficulty. Most of the procedures consisted of providing relief to the patients with gigantic goiters and hernias, tumors, burn scars. However, since surgical care has always been hard to come by in many district hospitals of Uganda, and Lyantonde was no exception to this rule, the operative log covered a multitude of problems that required surgical intervention. Despite all of the challenges mentioned above, most operations went as smoothly as expected, with all patients doing well.

HOPE
The growth of the medical mission ministry in UBF started as a small outreach ministry. But over the last three years there has been a great increase in the number of personnel willing to come and participate. This year even artist was part of the team and did face painting. It is hoped that the mission will go beyond offering medical services but will attract professionals from water and sanitary engineers, construction specialists, agricultural extension workers and many others. There was great work of God among participants. God opened their spiritual eyes and touched their hearts that many participants made decision of faith to join mission field in near future. Though it was short period to experience mission field, they saw the reality and necessity of mission field. May God use them preciously for His redemptive work in His time. This year more Ugandan UBF members joined medical mission. Many of them are medical professionals so  they could serve  Ugandans with their knowledge and skills. Ultimately, it is the most desirable that Ugandans serve their own people. Many members  experienced unutterable joy when they served the sick. It was a time for practical teaching of  Jesus’ love and to serve the needy for Ugandan UBF brethren. It was also a wonderful fellowship opportunity between Ugandan brethren and coworkers from abroad. They shared their feelings and prayer topics together. Subsequently they could realize that they were one in Jesus Christ and precious coworkers for God’s work.

Unfortunately many patients especially the elderly couldn’t be helped due to a lack of specialists. It is hoped that future outreaches will encompass ophthalmologist so that some of these services may be covered. Furthermore UBF chapters from around the world made a Christmas offering in 2007 to help HIV/AIDS orphans in Uganda. Through collaborating with FOCUS (Fellowship of Christian Unions) Mulago Children Project, UBF plans to support them. There are many HIV orphans and vulnerable children in Lyantonde district. 2007 UBF Christmas offering will be used to help them this year.

COMMENTS
Dr Titus Keller from Koln UBF lamented the lack of basic knowledge and facilities at the hospital. He reiterated the call of the other doctors that there is more that needs to be done in terms of creating awareness and education on basic health issues. In the pediatric clinic, the services included the monitoring and evaluation of malnourished infants, multivitamin supplementation, mass deworming and information and education campaign on health and nutrition. Dr. Keller said they found out that the most prevalent disease of children here were acute respiratory infection and skin infection. According to Dr. Park Chi Young from Kwangju UBF III, most of the adults suffered from acute respiratory infection and arthritis such as rheumatism and degenerative osteo-arthritis. Dr. Hannah Kim from Kwangju UBF I , was very excited at the opportunity of being able to volunteer this year. She had a mixed reaction to the whole experience. She said she was happy but
sorry. She said “I was extremely happy to be part of this team this year but I saw there are too many patients. I witnessed first hand that even with limited drugs, there can still be a difference!” Dr. Maria Keller from Koln UBF seemed to reecho the same sentiment. She said “there was no time to educate the people about oral hygiene because the patients were too many. May be we should plan for this on our next visit”

Dr. Samuel Zun, UBF medical mission director lauded the efforts of all the doctors and volunteers. He hinted that in the future, a complete hospital will be established to train Ugandans locally to help their people instead of doctors having to come here each year. He said “Uganda has excellent potential to carry on this work. All that is needed is the will, stewardship and responsibility to accomplish the great task ahead of helping the most vulnerable in every way” Dr. Joseph Chung from Chicago UBF was also optimistic that even though the state of the health conditions is still deplorable, there is hope. He said, “About 50 years ago, Korea was even in a worse situation than Uganda currently is. All that is needed is a huge education drive to make people aware of how to avoid disease” Dr. Samuel Lee, a cardiologist from Koln UBF commented that the medical mission should not be like ‘a drop of water on a hot stone’. He said that even though follow up of
patients after such medical missions is difficult and limited diagnostic facilities, community leaders and community people should be educated on basic health care. Dr. David Park, Kwangju UBF III director, recognized the need to send more surgeons, dentists and tropical medicine specialists in the future. He said “We spend a lot of money on equipment and personnel to come to Uganda. We can very easily go to Vietnam or Cambodia where the need is even greater. But we feel that Uganda can become a centre of healing for Congo, Sudan and all neighboring countries.”

CONCLUSION
Though the hospital facilities were poor and the working environment was inconvenient, none of medical mission team members complained. They worked tirelessly to serve many patients. As a result 1733 patients were treated and 20 patients underwent operation. Some surgical cases were not able to be handled in Lyantonde. For these patients, transfer arrangements were made for them to travel to Kampala, Mulago hospital for further investigation and treatment. Most patients who were so poor to afford their own transportation and treatment were sponsored.  Many people were so grateful for the UBF medical mission team’s sacrificial work and treatment. The Uganda UBF director Dr. Luke Lim held some consultation meetings with the Local government officials.

Through UBF medical mission work we could learn the compassionate heart of Jesus and the need for the medical mission work especially the third world. There is a lot to be done but coworkers and partners are very few. More workers, especially doctors, medical personnel, evangelists and volunteers are all needed to partner in this noble adventure.  It is our hope that the next medical outreach mission shall have a greater impact than this one through reaching lives and touching communities with the love of Jesus. May God continue to use us for his world salvation work through campus discipleship ministry and healing.

Reference: http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/9/34/672304

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve….” (5:2)

This chapter contains the final verses of Peter’s first letter to scattered early Christians. As we have studied, persecution was ongoing. Most likely, Peter was martyred shortly after writing this letter. Persecutors intended to destroy Christianity. However, God used them to purify his church and to spread the gospel to the world. To do so, God equipped his church with the spiritual truth through Peter. Primarily, Christian leaders must live as shepherds of God’s flock, following the example of Christ. In addition, we must all learn the humility of Christ. Then God will lead his church to victory.

I. Elders, be shepherds of God’s flock (1-4)

In this part Peter speaks to elders. Look at verse 1. “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed….” Who, then, are the elders? Someone may think this refers to older people. This is largely true. Yet, “elders” refers primarily to spiritual leaders in the church. When Paul pioneered a church, he appointed elders, prayerfully entrusting the local church to their care (Ac 14:23). Elders had to meet qualifications in regard to their moral and spiritual lives (1 Ti 3:1-7). Sometimes, a young person who was spiritually mature, like Timothy, became an elder, but this was unusual. Peter respected elders of the local church.

In addressing the elders, Peter did not use an imperative tone, as one speaking to subordinates. Peter did not consider himself “the Elder of the elders.” Rather, he appealed as a fellow elder who shared responsibility and suffered together. Peter did not advocate “a one strong leader” model of church government. Rather, he recognized that leadership of the church is entrusted to a body of elders who pray and work together.

Though given humbly, Peter’s appeal had great weight. It came from one who was “a witness of Christ’s sufferings….” Peter had been with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry to the end. He had witnessed firsthand Jesus’ life as a suffering servant for his people, especially his crucifixion and death (Ac 1:21-22; Lk 24:46-48). He saw how Christ loved God’s sheep so much that he shed his blood on the cross for them. When he testified to Christ’s suffering, he did so with deep spiritual meaning. Furthermore, the word “witness” means “martyr” in Greek (martys). Peter was willing to give his life to testify about Christ, believing that he would also share in his glory.

Peter was not giving elders a pat on the back or a place of honor, but a solemn charge. Look at verse 2a. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care….” Peter said this, passing on what he had learned from Jesus. In John’s gospel, Jesus’ final charge to Peter was, “Feed my sheep” (Jn 21:15-17). Then Jesus foretold that Peter’s life would be a transformational journey from selfish to sacrificial, from carefree to obedient, and that it would end in martyrdom (Jn 21:18-19). Jesus concluded, “Follow me.” In this way, Jesus commissioned Peter to be a shepherd just like Jesus. Now, Peter is charging the elders to be shepherds of God’s flock that is under their care.

What, then, does it mean to be a shepherd of God’s flock? First of all, it means to take care of God’s flock with a life-giving spirit. A shepherd’s first concern is not about himself, but about God and the flock of God. In times of fiery persecution and extreme hardship, he does not abandon God’s sheep. He serves them always, remembering Christ, our good shepherd, who laid down his life for the sheep (10:11). Lottie Moon was a single woman missionary in China, right after the American Civil War. She led many Chinese people to Christ, including Dan Ho-bang, a Chinese man. One day Dan was tortured and nearly killed for his faith. On hearing about this, Lottie hurried to the place and confronted the persecutors. One of them raised a sword against her. She looked straight at him, with a calm assurance that if she died she would be with Jesus. Strangely, he lowered his sword and his hands fell limp at his sides. Then the entire crowd of persecutors lost their strength. Lottie rescued her sheep from danger and nursed him back to health. Later, he pioneered a lively and growing church. Many Chinese were profoundly moved that an American woman would give her life to save a Chinese man. They began to understand the sacrificial love of Jesus. In the end, Lottie died from starvation, refusing to eat, while the people of China were suffering from a famine. Closer to home, Dr. Joseph Chung carries out one-to-one Bible study with God’s sheep with a life-giving spirit. Through his care, Edwin’s family has been saved and are becoming shepherds for others.

Though a shepherd must have a life-giving spirit, most of his work is a routine of caring for the sheep. In order to care for the sheep, he must know the sheep: their character, tendencies, strengths and weaknesses, and everything about them (Jn 10:14). This comes from having God’s mind toward them. It also comes from spending time with them and observing them. He does not observe them dispassionately like a scientist, but out of love, in order to build them up and make them healthy and useful. Jesus knew Peter’s great weakness, but he had hope for Peter to be the rock of his church. Jesus knew the Samaritan woman’s past life in detail and how to help her. Only Jesus knows each of us fully. When we truly want to help another person, we should pray to understand them with Jesus’ mind. Then we can help them. When Dr. Samuel Lee prayed for American young people intensively, he came to understand the broken hearts of children from broken homes and could help them as a spiritual father. In our times some American young women are having children in unusual ways, without marriage. We can understand that this comes from their desire for unconditional love and help them to come to Jesus, who alone can give this.

A shepherd’s primary task in caring for sheep is to feed them with the word of God. The word of God convicts us of sin, points us to Christ for salvation, opens our eyes to heavenly hope, and creates in us right attitudes. What God’s sheep need most is to be fed with the living word of God (2 Ti 4:2). For this, a shepherd must constantly grow in knowledge of God’s word and especially in the mind and heart of Christ. He must prepare Bible study material for regular lessons. In addition, he must be ready in times of crisis. When a troubled soul calls at 3:00 a.m., he must have God’s wisdom to share, just as a mother nurses her child in the middle of the night.

A shepherd must also give spiritual direction to God’s sheep. Young sheep want to play, eat and sleep. But they need to set life direction and to use their time fruitfully. Shepherds must help them find their gifts and use them in ministry. Shepherds must help them find their talents and use them in vocation. Shepherds must pray for them to marry a person who knows Jesus, instead of following flesh desires. Shepherds must have a national prayer topic and world mission vision and help God’s sheep to be good stewards of their nation and of the world.

Peter not only said, “Be shepherds…,” he also taught us the attitude of a shepherd, saying, “not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be….” A willing heart is the heart of God who loves his sheep so dearly that he wants nothing more than to be with them and to serve them. God’s heart rejoices over one lost sheep who comes back to him. The great privilege of a shepherd is to experience God’s joy together with him. Peter also said, “…not greedy for money, but eager to serve….” Shepherds must never use sheep for their benefit, but serve with humility and sacrifice, for the glory of God, and the benefit of the sheep. Peter said, “…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” In the world, leaders make subordinates do their bidding with threats of force that can break their backs. But shepherds lead by example, going ahead of the flock. Shepherds are the first to suffer, the first to repent, the first to face danger, the first to take up the cross of mission. They inspire others to follow by their example, not just with their mouths.

As we have seen, a shepherd is a living sacrifice for God’s sheep. What, then, is the reward for a shepherd? Look at verse 4. “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” Someday, our Lord Jesus Christ will return to this earth. He will establish his holy, everlasting reign in glory and power. At that time, there will be a great awards ceremony. Before the heavenly angels and the holy men and women of God, our Lord Jesus Christ will call us, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” and will place upon us a crown of glory. It will be unlike the glory of the world, such as the Nobel Prize, Academy Awards, or Super Bowl trophies; these things fade and perish. The crown of glory that Jesus gives never fades away. It is to bear the image of Christ, the Chief Shepherd. It is to see the eternal fruits he has born through us. All of God’s sheep under our care will be changed into heavenly princes and princesses. We will spend eternity with them and with our Lord Jesus Christ in love and peace. This eternal glory far outweighs our momentary sufferings. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus and join him in glory.

II. Young men, humble yourselves (5-14)

In this part, Peter particulary speaks to young people, but he really speaks to all of us about humility. Look at verse 5. “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” No matter how mature elders may be, they are not perfect. Only Jesus is the perfect shepherd. It is tempting for young people to study the weak point of their elders and use this as a basis to refuse to listen to them. When young people have this attitude, they do not grow. They can become prey of the devil, who disrupts the church through their proud mind. It is essential that young people acknowledge their elders and submit to them. Then they can grow. David was anointed king while still a young man. But the reigning king Saul was still alive. Saul had a murderous jealousy of David and hunted him down relentlessly. David had two opportunities to kill Saul. But David feared God and respected God’s sovereignty, regarding Saul as “the Lord’s anointed.” This required great humility. God used this to train David and to mold him into a shepherd who followed God’s leading. Young men can grow under any kind of elder when they are submissive. But if young people become proud, they oppose God.

How can we be humble? That is a good question. Peter says, “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” We must put on the humility of Christ. Christ is truly humble, so humble that he does not break a bruised reed or put out a smoldering wick. Anyone can find rest and peace in Christ because he is gentle and humble in heart. When we recognize our sin as it is and come to Christ, he forgives us and dwells in us; then we can be humble.

When God’s children are humble, God can direct his church without hindrance. God trains young men to make them truly great (6). Young people should remember that God humbles those he uses greatly, like Joseph or Moses. So we must be patient and learn all we can from God, both through our situation and through our elders. When we are truly ready, God will raise us up. We will be able to stand fiery trials and help lead God’s church with the mind of Christ. Admittedly, it is hard to be submissive to imperfect human leaders. But in fact, this is not submission to men; it is to God. So we can cast all our anxiety on God. God loves us and uses everything to help us grow to maturity in Christ.

Look at verse 8. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” The real enemy of elders are not troublesome sheep. The real enemy of young men are not imperfect elders. Our enemy is the devil who wants to exploit our relationship problems and devour people. Then what can we do? Look at verse 9. “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of sufferings.” We must resist him, remembering the word of God we have received. When we stand firm in the word of God, the devil runs away from us.

Though we do our best, we cannot win the absolute victory that God gives in our own strength. This victory comes by God’s grace. Look at verses 10-11. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.”

Peter’s purpose in writing was to encourage the early Christians so they would stand firm in the grace of God during trials (12). Though times were difficult, Peter was full of love for his coworkers (13-14). His affection for Mark was so deep; he called him his son. Peter wanted to impart the love and peace of Christ to all of his dear coworkers in Asia Minor.

In this passage, we have thought about what a shepherd does and with what attitude. Yet Peter’s words, “Be shepherds,” are not explanation. They are exhortation, “Be shepherds!” Knowing about shepherding does not make us shepherds. Knowing about humbleness does not make us humble. We must be shepherds, and we must be humble. Let’s pray for God’s help and strength and decide to be humble shepherds for God’s flock.

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…”

In chapter 1 we learned that God has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. With this living hope we can live a holy life. In chapter 2 we learned that we are a royal priesthood and a holy nation. This sounds fantastic. We can imagine ourselves wearing royal garments and performing important priestly duties to bring the lost world back to God. It may be teaching the Bible one-to-one, or engaging in spiritual warfare through prayer, or serving as a missionary in a faraway land. Of course, there are many important tasks to carry out. However, the words “you are a…royal priesthood,” tell us that being a royal priesthood begins with “being” rather than “doing.” We “are” royal priests through the blood of Christ, by the grace of God. Our being itself has been transformed, and this affects our life at home, work, school, church, and in our nation. In brief, a royal priest lives like one, always and everywhere. In chapter 3, Peter tells us how to do so. It is by setting apart Christ as Lord: in the home (1-7), in Christian community (8-12), and in a hostile world (13-22).I. Set apart Christ as Lord in the home (1-7)

First, “wives…be submissive to your husbands” (1-6). Look at verse 1a. “Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands….” Peter boldly tells wives to be submissive to their husbands. To be submissive is an attitude of heart that recognizes the husband as the leader in the family and is willing to follow his guidance. It is not spineless submission but voluntary humility and service. Let’s note that this is not a general teaching about men and women. It is specifically directing wives to submit to their husbands. Marriage is designed by God to work properly when men of mission lead their familes in the way that pleases God, and women submit willingly in harmony, to be suitable helpers (Gen 2:18; 1 Cor 11:3).

So what is the problem? Genesis 3 reveals that the woman was seduced by the serpent and ate the forbidden fruit. Then she gave some to her husband and he fell into sin. Later, when God judged their sin he said to the woman: “Your ‘desire’ will be for your husband, and he will rule over you” (Gen 3:16). The same word for “desire” is found in Genesis 4:7 in which God warned Cain that sin “desired” to have him. It meant that sin wanted to control him. In the same way, women have a hidden, or not so hidden, “desire” to rule over men. The Net Bible translates Genesis 3:16b, “You will want to control your husband, but he will dominate you.” A woman’s desire to rule her husband is rebelliousness toward God, inverting creation order. To live a holy life, a wife must be free from the desire to control her husband; she must be submissive. A submissive wife is pure in heart and reverent in attitude toward God, and her husband. No doubt, we women need the blood of Jesus to sanctify us and to make us submissive to our husbands. Dr. Helen Rarick is a good example. She was once somewhat domineering. But the blood of Jesus worked powerfully in her soul. So she gave up her position as a top researcher in her field to be a suitable helper, a good mother, and a campus Bible teacher. Now she teaches at Wright College instead of Duke University in order to have enough time to serve her husband, her children and her sheep. She is a holy nation woman. Christian wives should be noted for godly submission to their husbands. A submissive woman does not nag her husband to change. She quietly sets a good example and prays for him, depending on God to change him.

Look at verses 3-4. Christian women must value the inner beauty of a transformed life more than outward beauty, which is already fading. Then how can they grow in this inner beauty? Verse 4b tells the secret. It says, “They were submissive to their own husbands….” When a woman submits to her husband out of reverence toward God, she learns the submission of Christ. She learns the humility of Christ, the patience of Christ, the gentleness of Christ, and the prayerful quietness of Christ. She grows in the image of Christ and attains a true and everlasting beauty that eminates from within. Even God takes note of her, and values her highly (4). So, a wise woman will spend quality time with Christ in the word of God, and use leftover time to shop for clothes, go to the beauty parlor, or buy cosmetics. In doing so, she will become truly beautiful with an unfading beauty.

In verses 5-6 Peter shares the example of Abraham’s wife Sarah. She obeyed Abraham and called him her master. Consider her submission. One day Abraham came home and said suddenly, “Sarah, quick, pack everything. God just told me to leave this land and go to a land he will show me.” Sarah might answer, “Where is that, dear?” And Abraham replied, “I don’t know. But God said he will show me. Let’s go.” Sarah did not argue. She quietly packed and went with Abraham to a new land. There, a famine drove them to seek relief in Egypt. Abraham was afraid that Pharaoh would kill him and take beautiful Sarah for himself. To protect his own life, Abraham persuaded Sarah to lie that she was his sister. Then Sarah ended up in Pharaoh’s palace as a harem candidate. How could she submit to such a person as Abraham? She put her hope in God. She believed God was leading Abraham. Even though Abraham made mistakes, God would not make a mistake. Indeed, God saved them from Pharaoh. In fact, God nearly killed Pharaoh to protect Sarah. She is a model of faith for all women in Christ. Hope in God drives out fear and frees a woman to be submissive to her husband.

Second, “husbands…be considerate as you live with your wives…” (7). After spending six verses on women, Peter gives one verse to men. Look at verse 7. “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” The problem for many husbands is a lack of consideration for their wives. Many husbands continue to think and act like bachelors, even after marriage. Husbands must shed their “bachelor mentality” and be considerate of their wives. A couple days after I married Deborah, Dr. Samuel Lee invited all Chicago staff for lunch to a Korean restaurant. I gladly went along, hungry and ready to eat as usual. Suddenly he looked at me and said, “Where is your wife?” Feeling somewhat of an ominous sensation, I found her and brought her with us. When we arrived at the restaurant, he asked me to wait in the parking lot, standing by the car, while everyone else went in to eat lunch. Many passersby looked at me with strange expressions. I missed lunch that day. It was a good lesson. After that, I began to think of my wife at mealtime. It is natural for sinsick husbands to take their wives’ sacrifice and serving for granted. However, the word of God tells us to consider them, understand them, and appreciate the sacrifices they make. In fact, what a woman really wants is to be truly understood by her husband and appreciated.

Furthermore, husbands must respect their wives as the weaker partner. Now, if she is the weaker partner, that means that the husband is the weak partner. He is weak; she is a little weaker physically, and perhaps, emotionally. She is not weaker morally, intellectually or spiritually, as we all know. In treating the weaker members, we need wisdom. A “survival of the fittest” mentality urges us to despise and cut off the weaker member. Some men live by this mentality and abuse their wives physically. They destroy their families and themselves and provoke God’s wrath. God’s wisdom is to treat the weaker partner with respect, making an atmosphere of love and trust to build up their partnership, making it strong. Husbands must care for their wives during times of emotional stress. Husbands must be mindful of their wives’ health. If she is pregnant, he must treat her tenderly. If she is exhausted, he must help her to rest, always showing great respect. Husbands and wives are partners, they are one in the gracious gift of life. When we truly live as are one we can and offer effective prayers.

In our society, there has been a tragic breakdown of the family. In this environment godly families in which wives submit and husbands are considerate shine like stars in the universe and hold out real hope in this troubled world. One of the specific prayer topics that Dr. Lee gave us is for 10,000 house churches in North America. This means more than having 10,000 wedding ceremonies. It means raising 10,000 women who can submit to God and to their husbands, and 10,000 men who can be considerate of their wives until they make a vessel of prayer for God’s world salvation purpose. May God raise 10,000 such house churches in North America!

II. Set apart Christ as Lord in the Christian community (8-12)

In this part Peter turns his attention from the family to the Christian community. Look at verse 8a. “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another….” In order to have a beautiful harmony, each different part must be played well, and in rhythm with the other parts. The Christmas Chorus made such a beautiful harmony that it moved our hearts to tears. Each section–soprano, alto, tenor, bass–mastered their parts and learned to sing together in harmony. Likewise, in the Christian community each person has their own part to play, yet it must be played together with all others, in harmony. Then there will be beautiful work of God. The problem arises when we want other people to be just like us, or when we want to be just like other people. Perhaps we envy a talent or ability that someone else has, or stir envy in others. This is foolish. God gifts each person in a unique way and provides unique opportunities to serve him. We must transcend self-centered thinking and look for ways to build up the body of Christ as a whole. We must lift our eyes to Jesus, our master conductor, and play the music he has given us to play. Then there is beautiful harmony.

Peter develops the idea of how to have harmony. Look at verse 8b. “…be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” To be sympathetic is to understand things from another person’s point of view. We can do this when we overcome our selfishness by the help of the Holy Spirit and truly see others as they are. Every human being has some kind of painful wound in their soul, which, if we understand it, will fill us with sympathy. Every human being also has some kind of greatness that is matchless, which, if we understand it, will fill us with profound respect for that person. To love as brothers is to realize that we are in the same family, going in the same direction with the same goal. Brothers will stick together, defending each other and helping each other to the end. Christians are family members, not just for a span of time on earth, but for all eternity. We should practice loving one another as family members now. Being compassionate is similar to being sympathetic, except for an additional emphasis on the action that relieves others’ suffering. Being humble may be the foundation of all of the spiritual qualities. Humble people realize their need for Christ and for his help. They do not depend on themselves, but on Christ. Then his vast resources of compassion, love and understanding flow through them. When Christ is at the center of our community, and we all try to imitate his spiritual qualities, we can live in beautiful harmony with one another.

However, maintaining this beautiful harmony is not always easy. From time to time a brother or sister allows their sinful nature to manifest itself in the community of believers through evil words or wicked deeds. This causes pain to the body. The natural reaction is to repay: evil with evil, insult with insult. But we must not do this in Christian community. Look at verse 9. “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” As Jesus taught, we must bless those who curse us, and bless those who do evil against us (Lk 6:28; Ro 12:14). Then God in heaven sees this, and pours out a blessing upon us.

Sometimes we take our words too lightly. We don’t realize the power of words. However, in building up a healthy Christian community, we must pay close attention to our words. Careless words can cause others to suffer unbearably. Evil words can spark a fire of criticism and vengeance that ruins a Christian fellowship. In verses 10-12, Peter quotes Psalm 34 emphasizing that to live well, we must not speak evil, deceitful words. On the other hand, he emphasizes that the prayer of a righteous man is heard by God, and God answers his prayer. Let’s appreciate the tremendous power of our words and use them in prayer to God, not to criticize our dear brothers and sisters. We can do this when we set apart Christ as Lord in our community.

III. Set apart Christ as Lord in your hearts and share the gospel (13-22)

In this part we learn what it means to set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts while we live in this world. As Christians, we want to do good things in the world for the glory of God. Generally, no one wants to harm those who are doing good things (13). Yet some evil people will want to harm us. Then we may suffer for doing what is good. We should not fear this kind of suffering. The devil uses fear to paralyze people so that they will not do good things, but rather bad things. Fear, especially through peers, drives young people to commit sin, such as drug abuse or sexual immorality. God commands us not to fear the devil, conspiracies, or worldly powers (14). How can we overcome fear and go on the offensive?

Look at verses 15-16. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” We learn 3 things.

First, in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord (15a). Sometimes we are hard pressed in our loyalty to Christ by Satan’s fear. Peter tells us how to deal with this. It is to commit our hearts all the more to Christ in surrender and submission. This means to take him at his word and to pray, not giving in to Satan’s pressure, until Christ wins the victory in our hearts. We cannot do this by our will power. But God gives us the Holy Spirit to help us. The Holy Spirit, coming in Christ’s name, drives out fear and sets our hearts free to love and serve Christ. Romans 8:15 says, “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” When Peter tried to be loyal to Christ by his will power, he failed miserably (Mt 26:75). But through the Holy Spirit, he became bold enough to preach to those who had crucified Christ, and 3,000 repented in one day (Ac 2:14-42). To be useful to Christ in this sinsick world we must fight the spiritual battle through the word of God and prayer until Christ reigns in our hearts and we are full of the Holy Spirit.

Second, always be prepared to give an answer (15b). When we are free in Christ, there will be opportunities to share the gospel. But it is our duty to be ready for such moments. We must prepare in advance. Chicago UBF ministry grew most during persecution by ungodly people. At that time, we all memorized 14 gospel key verses, like soldiers who prepared a battle. We also memorized four page lectures that tied the gospel key verses together. We were ready to share the gospel in five minutes or less, anytime, anyplace and with anyone, quoting Bible verses with the cadence of a machine gun. Then God used us to share the gospel with hundreds of people every week. Are you ready to share the gospel with someone this afternoon?

When I traveled to Turkey last week, I had several opportunities on long airplane rides, sitting next to strangers. In God’s grace I could share the gospel with an Egyptian businessman named Ali and an Indian grad student named Praveed. I am sorry that neither made an immediate decision to accept the gospel, though we did exchange contact information. I often have opportunities on facebook to respond to comments that students post. Sometimes in just a couple of minutes I can type out a relevant gospel presentation that speaks to the need of a particular person. I am still looking for my first facebook conversion. God gives opportunities; are we ready? We have many opportunities to evangelize Muslims who live and work just two blocks away from here. If we are not ready, let’s repent and prepare to share the gospel.

Third, have hope and share it with gentleness and respect (15). When we have a burning hope in Christ in our hearts, we are different than the world, and people notice. They may ask, “How can you smile when the stock market went down so much today?” Or, “Why are you so joyful even though you just got a parking ticket?” This is an open door presented to us by God for the sake of sharing the gospel. When this kind of opportunity comes, we should not beat people over the head with our Bibles, but explain with the gentleness of Christ and with great respect, how we came to have this hope. It is very good to share our personal testimony.

Will we suffer for sharing the gospel in this way? Yes. Yet the truth is that we will suffer in this world no matter what we do. It is better to suffer for doing good. In verses 18-21, Peter summarizes the gospel. In verse 18 he says, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit….” In verse 20b,21 he says, “It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand–with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.” Christ died, arose, ascended and is now ruling from the right hand of God with all things in submission to him. He shows us that submission is the way to victory. We who set him apart as Lord and share his sufferings in this world will also share his glory in the everlasting victory in the kingdom of God.

In this passage we learned how to live the practical Christian life. It is to set apart Christ as Lord in our homes, in our community, and in our hearts as we live in this troubled world. Christ gives us freedom through the Holy Spirit and enables us to serve God in holiness and righteousness. When Christ is Lord in our hearts, we can live every day as a royal priesthood and a holy nation for the glory of God. Let’s set apart Christ as Lord in our heart!

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do…”

We are beginning a new year 2009. Many of us have chosen new year key verses to guide us and help us to grow spiritually in Christ. We are also studying Peter’s first epistle. Today, Apostle Peter tells the early Christians, “Be holy, because God is holy.” A few years ago there was a saying for young basketball fans, “Be like Mike.” Many youngsters wanted to imitate Michael Jordan. Other young people imitate rock stars or Hollywood stars. But usually these stars are not good role models to imitate. On the contrary, so many ‘famous’ people live miserable and deplorable lives. Christians have a better role model: Jesus Christ. He is our example. He is also our hope. Those who endeavor to be like him are truly wise. Of course, it is not easy to be like Christ. In fact, it is impossible by our own effort alone. Yet, as children of God, we are expected to make our best effort. God promises to do the rest. Let’s learn from Peter how we can be more like God by considering 7 imperatives he gives. These imperatives are:

1. prepare your minds for action, be self-controlled, set your hope (1:13)
2. don’t conform to evil desires you had (1:14)
3. be holy (1:15-16)
4. live as strangers in reverent fear (1:17)
5. love one another deeply (1:22)
6. rid yourselves of all malice… (2:1)
7. crave pure spiritual milk (2:2)

Before looking in to these seven imperatives, note the first word of verse 13: “therefore.” One Bible scholar said, “When you see a ‘therefore’ in the Bible, try to figure out what it is there for. Peter’s therefore refers to verses 3-12. In these verses, Peter praised God for giving us new birth into a living hope and salvation in Jesus Christ. Peter also gives Christians reason to rejoice amidst trials: it is that hardships refine the faith of believers. A friend of mine is in financial hardships right now. His car broke down and he had to have it towed. But he showed up to our campus prayer meeting even though he had to travel two hours by train. He said he was reading the book of Job and was amazed that Job praised God amidst suffering and loss, something he wants to be able to do. He was glad that when we jump-started his car with my van, it worked. He was also glad to grow in deeper faith in a time of trial. The next morning, my van wouldn’t start. That’s another story. Peter’s point is that even trials are not so bad, when we remember who God is and what he has done for us. Now let’s consider the seven imperatives Peter gives us here.

First imperatives: prepare your minds for action, be self-controlled, set your hope (1:13). Let’s read verse 13 together: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Peter says, “Prepare your minds for action.” The idea is of a traveler getting ready to go. To say it another way, “Get ready to do something.” What should we be ready to do as Christians? One good thing is to be ready to share our hope and faith in Jesus with others (3:15). Peter also tells us what to do in the rest of this verse and this passage.

Peter says, “be self-controlled.” “Be self-controlled” occurs two more times in this letter. 4:7 says, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” 5:8 says, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” These verses say that being self-controlled goes along with being alert, clear minded and prepared in mind for action. Self-control is an interesting expression. Self-control sounds like we are to control ourselves, for example, to control our temper. But we all know how hard it is to control ourselves. In fact, without God’s help, no one can really control oneself. Galatians 5:22 says that ’self-control’ is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. So self-control is the power to control ourselves, which comes from God. If we are not controlled by the Spirit of God, the Bible says we are controlled by evil spirits or by our sinful nature. For example, Abel and King Saul were both controlled by jealous, evil spirits when they did not listen to God or depend on God. As a result, Cain murdered Abel, and Saul tried to kill David. Even though self-control comes from God, we are still commanded to grow in self-control. 2 Peter 1:5-7 describes this saying, “…make every effort to add to your faith, goodness…knowledge…self-control…perseverance…godliness… brotherly kindness; and…love.”

Peter says one more thing in verse 13: “set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” The hope spoken of here is similar to the living hope in last week’s passage, in that both are heavenly hopes. Peter says to hope for a gift from Jesus when he comes. What we hope for or hope in motivates and drives our lives. Last year, I searched long and hard for a new home, since I had a hope to find a suitable, affordable home for my family. I’m glad that God provided a home for us near our main church. Last year, I also put a lot of effort in to a 20th anniversary trip to Hawaii in September. I looked forward to being alone with my precious wife Maria, catching up on lost conversation from our hectic lives. Of course, to keep our trip spiritual, we attended a Christian conference. But you know what made the trip most memorable? It was two things: a morning in prayer with Maria near the beach, and a 5-person worship service with the Akins’ missionary family. In what is your hope? Examine your heart. What thrills and excites you? Is it something heavenly or worldly? What encourages you to press on? Recently, I came across a last lecture by a Carnegie Mellon professor on YouTube. He made the lecture, knowing that he had only months to live. He shared his philosophy of living life to the full: have fun, work hard, don’t give up, etc. At the end he said it wasn’t for his listeners, it was for his young children to see later. It was a beautiful moment of a father leaving this videotaped lecture for his wife and children. But I couldn’t help but feel a bit empty, since there was no mention of God or “I’ll see you again some day.” More beautiful is the faith and love of Christians who have passed on and left their loved ones the hope to reunite in heaven with Jesus some day. Consider this question: if you knew you had one year to live, would that change your life today? How we answer that question expresses our real hope.

Second imperative: don’t conform to evil desires you had (1:14). Let’s read verse 14. “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.” As children of God, we want to be obedient children. We want to please our Father in heaven. Before hoping in Christ, we lived to please ourselves. Peter calls this ‘living in ignorance.’ Self-centered living is quite natural and normal. But it is devoid of wisdom and perspective. It is foolish to live as if there is no God. Yet we all lived this way before knowing Christ. In fact, we are still pulled in to this old way of living from time to time. It might come in the form of a temptation to go and hang out with unbelieving friends, rather than with Christian friends. Of course, to hang out with unbelievers in order to share Christ with them is a good intention, if we actually do it. But if we don’t share Christ with them, or worse yet, if we are pulled in to ungodly behavior or talk with them, then it does more harm than good. Suffice it to say, Christians are not immune to the sinful diseases and pulls of the world. Furthermore, we all have bad habits to kick; vestiges of our sinful nature to put to death. How can we do this? When we, with the help of God, decide to live as obedient children of God. A good example is Peter, the trained fisherman, who obeyed Jesus’ words: “Put out into deep water and let down the nets for a catch.” (Lk 5:4) Peter curbed his fisherman’s pride and obeyed Jesus, and made a miraculous catch of fish. If we love Jesus, we will curb our own idea and desire, and obey him. Obeying Jesus leads to victory in the spiritual battle.

Third imperative: be holy. Let’s read verses 15 and 16. “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” God has called Christians to be holy. What does ‘holy’ mean? Simply put, it means ’set apart from sin.’ God is holy. God is perfect, righteous and without sin. Then are we supposed to live without sinning at all? Yes, that is the goal. Some might think, “That sounds no fun. It sounds boring.” Some people, to encourage sinful behavior, say: “Well, everyone else is doing it, so it can’t be that bad, right?” That way of thinking is not in sync with God’s word. For example, Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Mt 7:13-14) Herein is one of the primary challenges of being holy: it is not popular. There is great pressure to conform to be like others. Those who don’t dress or talk like others are strange. Of course, some people like to be strange or different to catch attention, like with an unusual hairstyle. Though the word ‘holy’ has the connotation of being different from others, it is not just for the sake of being different or defying the culture. Christians are different from the world because they strive to be like God: holy, pure, righteous, loving and perfect. Jesus said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt 5:48) We are to aim for perfection. So the excuse, “Well no one is perfect, right?” can be no excuse for a Christian. We are called to be holy, because God is holy. Though we are not God, we are called to be like him. We are called to be God’s children. Good children do not want to shame their parents’ reputation and name; they want to be a good example and representative that others can look up to. Good parents set a good example for their children to follow. Jesus is our model. We are called to be conformed to his likeness. We are called to be graceful and truthful, pure and loving as he is.

Fourth imperative: live as strangers in reverent fear (1:17). Let’s read verse 17, “Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.” God our Father is also the Judge. He does not play favorites. He will judge each person according to what he or she has done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.” (Ro 2:6-8)

Peter says that Christians are to live as strangers. In 1:1, he called Christians “strangers in the world.” So it’s normal if you are a Christian and a worldly person says to you, “You’re not from around here, are you?” Christians are to be different, not in a bad way, but in a shining way. Christians are to be salt and light in a decaying, dull and dark world. Why? Because we follow Jesus, the light of the world. Christians are to be pure, as Jesus is pure. So we don’t enjoy impure jokes, as the world does. Christians are to be joyful, not gloomy or complaining, because they have ample reasons to be joyful in Jesus. People of the world are drawn to real joy and purity, because they also long for it in their souls. No one will follow a gloomy, lazy or complaining person. As Christians, we are called to be good advertisers of Jesus Christ.

Peter says that Christians are to have reverent fear of God. These days, the fear of God seems largely absent in our society, even in our churches. Statistically, it is said that churches have similar rates of divorce, abortion, and suicide as unchurched people. This should not be. Something is definitely wrong with the modern church. Could it be the lack of a proper fear of God? To fear God is to have a proper view of God as the holy and righteous Judge of all souls, including me. To fear is to know that I am a sinner, deserving of condemnation and only God’s mercy will save me. Recent polls say that many people, even unbelievers, think they will get to heaven simply because they are not a bad person. Perhaps they think that God will give them a last-minute pardon of their sins. Even a criminal dying next to Jesus had no fear of God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Prov 1:7)

Before moving on to imperative five, we must think about very important connecting verses, 18-21. These verses contain the key to obeying these imperatives. Verse 18 says that Christians have been redeemed or ransomed, not with gold, but with the precious blood of Christ. The salvation and freedom of Christians has been bought by Jesus’ blood shed on the cross. Peter already mentioned the evil desires we lived according to when we did not know Christ. It is Jesus’ blood that saves us from the guilt and condemnation of our sins. The blood of Jesus redeems us from slavery to sin and sets us free to love and serve God. The blood of Jesus empowers us to live a holy life. No one can live a holy life before God apart from the precious blood of Jesus. Jesus’ blood redeems us from an empty way of life. Without Christ, the world is crazy and we don’t know what we are doing or why we are here–life is empty. Blaise Pascal wrote: “Apart from Jesus Christ, we cannot know the meaning of life, of death, of God or of ourselves.” King Solomon wrote these discouraging but true words about worldly life: “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (Eccl 1:14) This verse scared a new believer, since it sounded like the Bible admitted that there is no meaning to life after all. But life has meaning in Jesus Christ. Suffering has meaning in Jesus Christ. Love has meaning in Jesus Christ. Through Jesus’ shed blood and resurrection, we have redemption and hope. Through Jesus, our faith and hope are in God.

Fifth imperative, love one another deeply (1:22). Look at verse 22. “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.” This verse tells us several things. Obeying the truth of God’s word purifies us and gives us sincere love for others. Yet Peter says not to stop there: keep on loving one another, deeply from the heart. It would seem that love has many levels or depths. For some people, the words “I love you,” are easy to say and don’t mean much. For others, to say “I love you” is harder than buying a gift or doing something for someone. Peter says, “love one another deeply, from the heart.” Jesus gave this command to his disciples on the night before he died: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Jn 13:34-35) The model of love is Jesus. Jesus said, “As I have loved you…” How did Jesus love them and us? He gave his life. That is the deepest level of love. Insincere love has strings attached and wants something in return. Jesus’ love is not self-seeking, not easily-angered and keeps no record of wrongs. Jesus’ love always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Jesus’ love never fails.

Again we must not miss the very important connecting verses, 23-25. Peter again mentions the new birth of being born again. Our physical life is from perishable seed for we will all die some day. But our spiritual rebirth is eternal. This new birth came through believing the word of God, the gospel. Our new person, our spiritual body, which was born through believing the word of God, and which has a relationship with Jesus and an inheritance in heaven, shall never perish. Peter then quotes the Bible again from Isaiah 40:6-8: “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” All people are like grass in the field and all our human achievements and honors are like flowers. Grass withers. Flowers fall. It’s sad but true. There is no guarantee that any of us will live to next year. We will all die some day, some sooner, some later. Then what can we do during our short lives on earth? We must invest in eternity. We must store up treasure in heaven, rather than focusing on treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. We must not cling to things of the world for the world and its desires pass away. But the one who does the will of God lives forever.

Sixth imperative, rid yourselves of all malice… (2:1) Chapter 2 begins with another ‘therefore’: “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” This is similar to imperative two about not conforming to evil desires. Peter lists things that we are to rid ourselves of as Christians, things that are contrary to love: malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander. Also, they are all relational words, pointing out sins against others. Then how can we rid ourselves of these things, which are not Christ-like? Firstly, we must repent of these things in our minds and hearts whenever we recognize them there. Also, we must fill ourselves with something better. This leads to the last imperative.

Seventh imperative, crave pure spiritual milk (2:2). Let’s read 2:2-3 together. “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” Again Peter returns to the notion of new birth. As babies need milk to grow, so Christians need pure spiritual milk to grow spiritually. What is the pure spiritual milk? It is the word of God, which gave us new birth. As milk gives babies the nutrients and calories they need to grow, the word of God has power to make us grow spiritually. The word of God has power to purify and sanctify us. The word of God is living and active. Look at verse 3 again: “…now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” The pure spiritual milk is also God himself, the Holy Spirit. Please think about these two questions: What do you crave? Are you growing spiritually? Worldly things cannot fill or satisfy our souls and deepest longings. Only the Lord and his word can fill our soul’s longing. The writer of Psalm 42 understood this: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? (Ps 42:1-2) How strong is your desire for God’s word? Do you want to grow spiritually? What are you going to do? Be holy, for God is holy. Crave pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow up in your salvation. May this be the desire of our hearts, the longing of our souls, and our daily prayer and endeavor.