S – He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds^, you have been healed.

1 Peter 2:24 CSB

O – Commentary:

God was justly judging our sins which His Son bore (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21). In the Greek the words “our sins” are near the beginning of the verse and thus stand out emphatically, while He Himself stresses Christ’s personal involvement. His death makes it possible for believers to be free from both the penalty and the power of sin and to live for Him: so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness (cf. Rom. 6:2, 13). Christ suffered so it would be possible for Christians to follow His example, both in suffering and in righteous living. Peter made a general reference to salvation: by His wounds you have been healed (Isa. 53:5). This does not refer to physical healing for the verb’s past tense indicates completed action, the “healing” is an accomplished fact. The reference is to salvation. Christ’s suffering (lit., “wound”; mōlōpi, “stripe left by a lash,” referred to Jesus’ scourging) and death accomplished “healing,” the salvation of every individual who trusts Him as his Savior

 Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 848.

A – Our sin, our penalty, His death, His sacrifice, our victory.  Then emphasized by words  saying “It is accomplished already.”  We are ensured salvation when we accept the work of the cross and recognize that Jesus is our savior.  In accepting that gift of salvation, it opens up healing in our minds, bodies and areas that are wounded from life’s challenges, words said over us and spiritual battles.

R – Heavenly Father, you are our Savior.  Thank you for the work of the cross that heals us spiritually and physically.  We invite your Holy Spirit to continue the work in our minds and bodies that allows us to live in freedom and grace today.

S – Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls

1 Peter 1:8–9 CSB

O – Peter tells those who have not seen Jesus that even though they have not seen Jesus in person, they believe in him with joy.  They have faith in someone they have only heard about which develops faith leading to salvation.

A – We are the same as these people – we have never seen Jesus.  All we have is the Bible which tells stories and teachings about him.  And still, we believe in him.  It can look foolish to an outsider.  Personally, there truth of who God, Jesus and Holy Spirit is overwhelming and it is foolish not to believe in Him.  That is faith.  My life is better living a life of faith in God and what Jesus did on the cross.  The character of God, his purpose for my life and his love for me convinces me that my faith where it should be.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the one and only God.  Thank you for our relationship today.  I am in total trust in Christ’s sacrifice for my salvation and relationship with you.  I desire to grow in my faith today so I can know you more intimately.  I invite your Holy Spirit to lead me in my thoughts, words and actions today.

– Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. ¹⁷

James 5:16–17 CSB

O – Commentary:

therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other. A mutual concern for one another is the way to combat discouragement and downfall. The cure is in personal confession and prayerful concern. The healing (that you may be healed) is not bodily healing but healing of the soul (iathēte; cf. Matt. 13:15; Heb. 12:13; 1 Peter 2:24). It is the powerful and effective … prayer of a righteous person that brings the needed cure from God. This of course relates to the closing two verses of James’ letter.

 J. Ronald Blue, “James,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 835.

A – We need each other to work through the daily challenges.  Left alone, all we have is our one perspective and faith.  In community, we have other wisdom, encouragement, and insights to approach the things we face.  It also invites their gifts and talents into the challenge that we face together.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Creator of all things.  Thank you for the gift of others to walk with in our journey with you.  Help us to walk humbly and help each other.  We are better together.

S – Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded

James 4:7–8 CSB

O – Commentary

The point is that a person who lives by God’s values (in this case, his way of peace) is no part of *Satan’s *kingdom (in contrast to the religious-sounding revolutionaries)…Double-minded” again alludes to the general ancient contempt for hypocrisy: one must act from either God’s peaceful wisdom or the devil’s hateful wisdom (3:13–18; 4:4

 Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2014), 679.

A – In spiritual warfare, we fight from a place of victory that Christ achieved when he went to the cross and was resurrected.  He has already won the battle.  Yet, we do have a part to play in moving away from the thoughts, actions and words that are evil.  They do not help us grow in our relationship with God.  We can’t play in both camps – we must choose God if we are going to walk out that victory.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Alpha and the Omega.   Thank you for providing us the victory over the devil when Jesus went to the cross.  Give us the strength to make choices that will help us grow closer to you and put distance to those things that will draw us away from you .

S – And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among our members. It stains the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 

James 3:6 CSB

O – Commentary:

The tongue acts as an agent of the whole unrighteous world which is opposed to God (1:27; 4:4). • for it is set on fire by hell itself: Or for it will burn in hell (Greek Gehenna). Gehenna is the place of eternal punishment (Matt 5:22, 30; 23:15), in contrast to Hades, the abode of the dead (Luke 16:23; Acts 2:31). The reference to hell is an allusion to the devil (4:7; Matt 5:22; John 8:44) as the ultimate source of evil speech

 New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Jas 3:6.

A – There is a spiritual battle for our words.  The devil cannot make us say anything.  Yet, he barrages our mind and thoughts continuously with accusations, lies and temptations.  The more we allow that, our words will follow our minds.   We need to take authority over any wicked thought and remove it.  Then, we should allow God’s word and truth shape our minds and thoughts.

R- Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Thank you for guarding our hearts and minds as we seek you.  We must do our part so you can do your part.

S – For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. 

James 2:26 CSB

O – Commentary:

The conclusion is most clear. Faith and deeds are as essential to each other as the body and the spirit. Apart from (chōris) the spirit, or the “breath” (pneumatos) of life, the body is dead. Apart from (chōris) the evidence of works, faith may be deemed dead. It is not the real thing. True faith continually contributes to spiritual growth and development

 J. Ronald Blue, “James,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 827.

A – The relationship between faith and works is just as vital as the body and the spirit.  Our faith in God is evident in the works we do for others because that is one of the foundational avenues for us to express it.  If we love God and it doesn’t result in others experiencing it, it is a misguided love.  The Bible tells us to examine the “fruit” or results of a person.

R – Heavenly Father, your are Holy.  Empower our faith to grow closer to you and our works to display genuinely demonstrate “good fruit.”  We don’t want to do this to be right.  We want our love for you shared in the lives of others.

S – My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 

James 1:19 CSB

O – James gives a three fold approach to argumentative situations and in general, a life lesson.  We should move to the posture of listening and receiving quickly, measure and think about our words and control our emotions to give a rational response.

A – What would everyday life look like if we followed this discipline?  There would be less emotion driven words and actions that cause more pain and miscommunication.  There would be a greater sense of understanding and connection with others.  There would be unity even in disagreement.  God didn’t create us to be “robotic.”  We have feelings, emotions, passions and deep seated beliefs – all should point to a love for Him and others.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the creator of all things.  Thank you for all the gifting, talents and inner workings that you have created in us.  We don’t negate those – we desire to use all of them today to bring honor to you.  Help us to steward them to share genuinely and honestly in a way that glorifies your name and shows your love for others.

S – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

 Hebrews 13:8 NIV

O – Hebrews 13 shares a list of life experiences and challenges.  This verse is in the middle of all of it.  Jesus was, is and will be “there” in all that they faced.  He is there in all three characters of the trinity – God, Son and Holy Spirit in the past, present and future.

A – No matter what you are facing, you God is present.  Since he is unchanging, you have absolute truth that has remained from the beginning of time to now and will remain into perpetuity.  That gives us great confidence that we can put our faith and trust in God.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship you today.  Thank you for being unchanging in your character and truth.  We step toward you in faith and trust knowing that you and your word are absolute.  

S – No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11 CSB

O – Commentary:

There are at least two limitations on an earthly father’s discipline. First, his discipline, or education, is only for a few years (literally for a few days)—children eventually leave home. Second, earthly fathers were doing the best they knew how from their limited perspectives. By contrast, God’s discipline lasts throughout life and is always good for us, based on his limitless knowledge and love. His goal is that we might share in his holiness. Although it is painful, discipline brings about a peaceful harvest of right living. It brings God’s children into a state conducive to harmonious relationships and doing what is right

 New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Heb 12:10–11.

A – The commentary gives a fresh perspective on difficult times and challenges that God allows.  In his limitless knowledge, he is working with an eternal perspective. It doesn’t lessen the pain but it puts a time frame on it that is different.  It also allows us to view it from a spiritual perspective.  This ties into the scripture earlier in the chapter where it says, “For the joy set before him, he endured the cross…”

R – Heavenly Father, your are limitless and eternal.  Open our eyes to see through an eternal lens today.  We are facing challenges and difficulties today that are tough.  Yet, we know you are present and with us.  Bring all of that together in a way that we can step toward you in love, faith and trust.

S – Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ² This is what the ancients were commended for.

Hebrews 11:1 NIV

O – Commentary:

Before presenting the list of examples, the author defines what faith is: It is acting on what God has revealed about his will and character. • The confidence of faith is based on the God who fulfills his promises. • The word translated assurance means an active certainty that what God has promised will come to pass despite our not yet seeing it.

 New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Heb 11:1.

A – God reveals himself to us in many ways in various demonstrations.  Faith is distilling down our observations to what we believe about his will and character – the person of God that He is.  That allows us to believe with great confidence, knowing that he will fulfill his promises. It will always stretch us out of our comfort zone because God is big and infinite.

R – Heavenly Father, you are big and infinite.  There is no lack in ability, power or presence in you.  Empower us today to grow in our faith and trust in you.  We want to know you more and have greater faith in your will and character.