June 6
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ON SUFFERING AND BAPTISM
17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which He also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20 who once were disobedient when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.
– 1 Peter 3:17-22
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In this letter, Peter once again gives us good teaching regarding suffering and baptism. In verse 17, he almost sounds like it is a blessing when we suffer to do what is right. In verse 18, he gives us the reason why it is good to suffer for righteousness: because Christ himself suffered for our sins.
Peter explains the effect of that sacrifice of Jesus on the cross on verses 18-19. He says that Jesus died both for all so that those who are captives may also benefit from that sacrifice. They can now have the ability through believing in Jesus to put to death their sinful nature or their flesh and be alive in the Spirit. Peter reminds the people in the faith of God’s patience during the time of Noah, when all the sinners have disobeyed and abandoned God. God saved the family of Noah eight people in total, to start a new world. God’s mercy was manifested in giving mankind a chance at a new beginning through one righteous man, Noah. That’s how patient God is.
In verse 21, Peter reminds all believers of the baptism that saved us. A baptism that is an appeal for God for a good conscience through Christ’s resurrection. It is not just a physical cleansing of your sin, but making it possible for the believer to lead a righteous and holy life. Peter emphasizes the resurrection power in verse 21-22 and the sovereignty of Christ who is seated at the right hand of God the Father.
Peter is reminding all the believers to be able to reflect on the importance of what Christ’s suffering did for all those who believe in him. It sanctified their lives.
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REFLECTION
• Why should we never cringe or complain when we suffer for righteousness?
Tag Archives: Christian blog
SUFFER FOR THE SAKE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS ILMA’S VLOG
June 5
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SUFFER FOR THE SAKE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
13 And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE IN DREAD, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. – 1 Peter 3:13-16
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In this letter. Peter gives us a very important teaching. He wants all believers to suffer for the sake of righteousness. He didn’t say just suffer but the clause “for the sake of righteousness is the qualifier for that kind of suffering he is admonishing believers to follow. We can usually suffer because of some losses or because we made a wrong choice that resulted in a consequence that make our lives miserable or inconvenient. When we choose to do our will instead of doing God’s will, we will suffer, but not for righteousness. It is suffering as a result of foolishness. In verse 14, Peter says that suffering for the sake of righteousness comes with blessings. The kind of misery that we suffer for doing what is right proves our ardent love for the Lord. Peter says that when we have such fervent desire to do what is good, we won’t have a need to fear or be intimidated by anyone.
In verse 15, Peter gives us another very wise instruction. He says that we need to purify ourselves by making Jesus as Lord of our hearts, and always ready to defend Him to all those who asks for an explanation why we have such hope in Jesus. We need to remember to do in gentleness and respect. We do not want to argue or to bluntly force our defense to those who oppose Christ’s teachings. He wants us to have a good conscience so that when someone attacks us, they will be put to shame.
Sadly, the world system doesn’t recognize what it is to suffer for righteousness’ sake. The kind of pain we encounter as humans. It focuses much on suffering just because we didn’t get what we desire. Sometimes, we suffer because we disobeyed God’s will on purpose.
Peter wants us to endure ridicule or criticism or being ostracized for doing the right thing. It is not easy to take rejection, but Peter tells us that we will be blessed if we learn to face adversities when it is for the sake of righteousness.
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REFLECTION
• Share an experience that you suffered for righteousness’ sake.
KEEP YOUR MOUTH FROM EVIL & PURSUE PEACE ILMA’S VLOG
June 4
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KEEP YOUR MOUTH FROM EVIL & PURSUE PEACE
10 For, “THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. 11 HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.12 FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST EVILDOERS.” – 1 Peter 3:10-12
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In this letter, Peter warns all believes to stay away from evil. He says that if we desire life and witness good day, he gives us the formula for doing so.
Here are some of the things he wants all of us to do so we can never be waylaid to go the wrong way:
1. Refrain from saying evil things – Let your mouth only speak what is right and what gives life. Luke 6:45 reiterates this warning of Peter to the believers. It says that “for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.”
2. Do not let any lie or deceit come out of your lips – When you say things that are not true, you are opening doors for more sins. If we always align our thoughts with God’s will, we will never utter a lie or deceive anyone.
3. Turn your back from any wickedness and turn towards good – When we encounter temptations, we must literally turn around towards the Lord and obey his word. Obedience to God is the only weapon we have against the devil. He flees from anyone who is faithful to obey, depend and trust in the Lord.
4. Seek peace and pursue it- Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit which is a result of the constant abiding in Christ. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. You can only experience it when you seek Him. The only thing that this world offers is the opposite of peace.
Peter gives the reason why we need to follow these pointers in verse 12. God gives favor to those who are pure, holy and righteous and He listens to their prayers attentively. The Lord will not even hear or turn towards those who do wicked things.
In this world we live in, evil is so pervasive. Everywhere we look, we are faced with many forms of wickedness. Sometimes, they are even packaged very nicely and subtly that we don’t even discern that they are deceptions and manipulations to trick us into engaging in it. I love how Peter admonishes all believers and challenges them to live holy lives that gives praise and honor to God alone.
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REFLECTION
• Why is refraining from speaking evil and pursuing peace such a challenge?
GODLY WIFE’S ADORNMENT ILMA’S VLOG
June 2
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GODLY WIFE’S ADORNMENT
In the same way, you wives, be subject to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won over without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your pure and respectful behavior. 3 Your adornment must not be merely the external—braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; 4 but it should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way the holy women of former times, who hoped in God, also used to adorn themselves, being subject to their own husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; and you have proved to be her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. – 1 Peter 3:1-6
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In this letter, Peter addresses the believers scattered all over Asia Minor. He is concerned that amidst the suffering and trials that they are undergoing, they may be discouraged and lose faith. In this part of his letter, he focuses on the wives role in the family. Notice in the first verse that godly women are commanded to submit to their own husband’s authority. He is the head of the family and he is responsible for the whole health of the household. Peter stresses the unconditional submission of the wives to their own husbands. The theme of the act of obedience is unconditional love. It didn’t say that you only submit when they are obeying the word. Respecting and honoring their husbands even though they do not deserve it is what all godly wives are called to do. The world will never understand this concept because they have no idea about authority and the order of God’s creation. It is required for women to be leading back their husbands to the Lord when they stray. It is not with words that this is done but with their behavior and demeanor. When the wife continues to be pure and respectful, the Holy Spirit will deal with their lawlessness to God using the submission of the wife.
Peter gives a guideline of what constitutes a godly woman’s adornment. He says that it is not the external or physical look that should be their ornament of beauty, but the purity in their hearts and their obedience to their husbands. Peter draws out the example of Sarah in Old Testament, who treated her husband as her lord and obeyed and followed him in his own obedience to God’s directive. Although we know how beautiful Sarah was from the bible description, her inner beauty is what’s more important to the Lord.
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REFLECTION
• What can you say about ungodly women who do not submit to their husbands?
WHEN YOU DO WHAT’S RIGHT AND SUFFER FOR IT ILMA’S VLOG
May 31
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WHEN YOU DO WHAT’S RIGHT AND SUFFER FOR IT
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person endures grief when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. – 1 Peter 2:18-20
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In these following passages, Peter builds a case on the importance of being subject to your masters in all respects. He clearly identifies the condition for submission. You also submit to those who are harsh. The world would question this concept of submission to authorities. We have been so brainwashed to think that it is our rights to speak our minds and disobey those who do not deserve to be honored and respected. In God’s economy, authority and submission is key in living a life of peace and order. This is why we need to obey because God has put all these people in authority in position and allowed them to be leaders. When we rebel against leaders or authority figures, we are also defying God himself as Paul says in Romans 13:1-2.
In verse 19, Peter stresses the importance of withstanding grief when being treated unjustly: It brings the person favor because God honors it when we suffer silently. It also grows our faith and character. James mentions in his letter about the importance of suffering in the development of our faith and character in James 1:2-3. He says that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness.
In verse 20, he brings about a very important teaching about suffering patiently for doing what is right. It brings favor from God. We all know that patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. In other words, we can’t do it without the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The bible dictionary defines patience as the quality of self-restraint or of not giving way to anger, even in the face of provocation; it is attributed to both God and man and is closely related to mercy and compassion. In other words, we cannot be able to be patient without knowing God’s character. God is love and only in love can we restrain ourselves from walking in the flesh. We can only have the fruit of patience if we are in Christ. We can never in our own strength produce such fruit. Only the Holy Spirit can.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think doing right and suffering for it is not an easy thing to do?
SILENCING THE IGNORANCE OF FOOLISH PEOPLE ILMA’S VLOG
May 30
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SILENCING THE IGNORANCE OF FOOLISH PEOPLE
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. – 1 Peter 2:13-17
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In this letter, Peter emphasizes the importance of submission to every human institution. He wants all believers to set an example of obedience to authority, whether they are political, social, spiritual or civil leaders. Paul also reiterates the importance of submitting to authority in Romans 13:1-2 when he said in this letter to the believers: “Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow.”
It is sad to watch many people, including some believers who always have something to say negative about authorities or who defiantly disobey the laws set out by these rulers or leaders. Maybe if believers will strictly follow this command stated both by Peter and Paul, we could put a stop to those who just want to rebel and to criticize authority or state their opinion about what they assume needs to be done.
In verse 15, Peter explains why we need to submit to authority. This reminds me of Old Testament verse in Isaiah 53:7 that says Like a sheep being led to the slaughter or a lamb that is silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth”. The prophecy was speaking of Jesus who is abused, maltreated, ridiculed and maligned and tortured, yet he was silent like a lamb and didn’t say a word. He didn’t fight for his right and flaunt his position as God, He just submitted to the will of his Father in heaven, so he can let his will be done. He trusted in God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Jesus never questioned why he had to do it. Instead, he submitted and followed like a meek lamb. When you do the right thing and obey the law, it is a powerful force that can silence the ignorant and foolish people. He also warns them to use their freedom to cover evil and to act as free people. He reminds them to respect others and ensure that they fear God and honor their leaders.
To do what is righteous is the greatest proclamation of the gospel.
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REFLECTION
• Why is fighting for your rights and criticizing authority not a godly thing to do?
KEEP AWAY FROM FLESHLY LUSTS ILMA’S VLOG
May 29
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KEEP AWAY FROM FLESHLY LUSTS
11 Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God on the day of visitation. – 1 Peter 2:11-12
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In this letter, Peter cautions us about our flesh. Because of the fall of our first parents, Adam and Eve, it is very easy to be led by our inclinations. In these passages, Peter reminds all believers that we are foreigners and strangers in this world. As believers, we are expected to be set apart from this world. Even though we live physically in this world, every believer is warned not to live for the comforts and pleasures of this materialistic world. In verse 11, Peter focuses on abstaining from fleshly lusts. What are fleshly lusts? They are the cravings of our physical bodies. They are things that lead us away from God. Anything that keeps us out of the road of righteousness is coming from human desires that wage war against the soul.
In verse 12, Peter gives all the believers wise advice so they can abstain from fleshly lust. He tells them to keep their conducts exceptional as they are with the Gentiles so that when these Gentiles defame them as evildoers, they may be able to recognize God through their demeanor.
It is a real challenge for all of us to keep away from our flesh. It is inside us, constantly and unless we have found Jesus, we won’t be able to fight this pervasive evil inside us. Paul explains very clearly in Galatians 5:17 that the sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. If we do not know Jesus, we will never be able to do anything good because our flesh is naturally evil. This is the reason why our heavenly Father gave his only begotten Son Jesus so we can be able to receive his grace and fight our flesh. Peter constantly reminds us to be able to live in God’s grace and mercy so we can bring back all the glory to our heavenly Father.
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REFLECTION
• How can we constantly keep away from fleshly lust?
• Why do many people think that they can actually fight their natural tendencies to be a slave to their lustful desires?
OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT
May 28
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OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT
9 But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD’S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.
– 1 Peter 2:9-10
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In this letter, Peter reminds us of our stand in the kingdom of God. He speaks of the honor that was given to the chosen people. They come from a royal priesthood, a holy nation and God’s own possession. Although the Old Testament talks about the Levitical/Aaronic priesthood that were given to the tribe of the Levi, the coming of Jesus and dying on the cross changed that. All who come to serve the Lord Jesus Christ becomes royalty in God’s kingdom, they are considered holy and part of the priesthood who will be mediated by the Christ himself to his heavenly Father in heaven. In the Old Testament, they were mediated by the priesthood of the tribe of Levi. When Jesus died, he became the direct link to the Father and if we believe in Him, he elevates us to the royal priesthood and gives us the ability to be a holy nation. What an honor to be chosen by the Lord God himself!
Peter explains in this letter the responsibility that we have as royal priests and holy nation. In verse 9, the position of honor and royalty comes with an obligation. We are to proclaim the excellencies of God who has called us out of the darkness into His marvelous light. Just like a king or queen has a big responsibility to take the concerns of the nation and his/her subjects as priority, we have similar position as royalty. It means that we are not free to do our own will because we need to think of our priorities. We cannot be selfish and be concerned with personal matters and self-gratification. We are expected to be accountable to our Heavenly Father. Everything we do needs to be focused on the kingdom. If you have watched or read biographies of kings and queens, you will probably be thinking how lonely and stuck they are in their positions because they are not free to be doing what they want. They have to take into consideration everything that they have dominion over. It is an honor to be royalty, but it is also a big responsibility. As people of God, we cannot behave like those living in darkness anymore. We have now received the marvelous light of Jesus. No more excuse to live our old lives when we weren’t his priests.
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REFLECTION
• How can you ensure that you don’t live in darkness after Jesus brought you light?
DISOBEDIENCE TO THE WORD CAUSES STUMBLING ILMA’S VLOG
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May 27
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DISOBEDIENCE TO THE WORD CAUSES STUMBLING
6 For this is contained in Scripture: “BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNERSTONE, AND THE ONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME.” 7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for unbelievers, “A STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE,” 8 and, “A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this they were also appointed. – 1 Peter 2:6-7
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In this letter, Peter addresses the sin of disobedience and rejection of the Lord and His word. Peter quotes an Old Testament verse from Isaiah 28:16. In the prophecy of Isaiah, the whole of chapter 28:14-29 is talking about a cornerstone in Zion.
Matthew Henry comments on Isaiah 28 from verse 16 and says: “Here is a promise of Christ, as the only foundation of hope for escaping the wrath to come. This foundation was laid in Zion, in the eternal counsels of God. This foundation is a stone, firm and able to support his church. It is a tried stone, a chosen stone, approved of God, and never failed any who made trial of it. A corner stone, binding together the whole building, and bearing the whole weight; precious in the sight of the Lord, and of every believer; a sure foundation on which to build. And he who in any age or nation shall believe this testimony, and rest all his hopes, and his never-dying soul on this foundation, shall never be confounded.”
Peter reiterates Isaiah by admonishing believers of the importance of believing in the cornerstone that the builders rejected. In Isaiah’s prophecy, he addresses scoffers who made a covenant with death and Sheol and God’s response to this is the foundation he laid in Zion, a stone, a tested stone. In this letter, Peter addresses and warns the believers to ensure that they are not disobeying or rejecting the cornerstone that the Lord God has provided to all believers.
Peter was emphasizing the importance of such focus on the foundation that is eternal and can only be found in Christ Jesus. He shows them the aftermath of rejecting Jesus Christ and the Word. It will lead them to stumble. Why is disobedience to the Word of God a grave sin? Note that in 1 Samuel 15:23, the great prophet warns us that disobedience or rebellion is a sin of witchcraft. When we reject the truth that only comes from God’s word, we are actually acting like we want to be like God, just like our first parent’s disobeyed..
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REFLECTION
• What have you disobeyed from God’s word that caused you to stumble?
LONG FOR THE PURE MILK OF THE WORD ILMA’S VLOG
May 26
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LONG FOR THE PURE MILK OF THE WORD
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, 2 and like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, 3 if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.4 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by people, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 2:1-5
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In this letter, Peter calls all believers to be like newborn babies because they are innocent, naive and constantly longing only for the pure milk so that they can develop and grow. He likens it to Christians who ought to crave only for the pure spiritual food that only comes from the word of God. But before they can long for the spiritual milk, they are required to do something first. Peter admonishes the believers in verse 1 to get rid of the following:
• Malice- Extreme enmity of heart, or malevolence; a disposition to injure others without cause, from mere personal gratification or from a spirit of revenge; unprovoked malignity or spite.
• Deceit-The intentional misleading or beguiling of another
• Hypocrisy-an inconsistency between external religious activity and religious profession
• Envy-Sin of jealousy over the blessings and achievements of others, especially the spiritual enjoyment and advance of the kingdom of Christ freely and graciously bestowed upon the people of God.
• Slander-To defame; to injure by maliciously uttering a false report respecting one; to tarnish or impair the reputation of one by false tales, maliciously told or propagated.
These definitions I just identified are from KJV and bible dictionary. Why did Peter enumerate these unregenerate acts that defiles a person? Because if he didn’t specify all these, we won’t examine our hearts that is naturally sinful and impure.
In verses 3-5, Peter explains why it is important for a believer to stay pure like a baby and long for the milk of the word of God. Because we were saved and being built up through the Lord Jesus Christ to be part of his royal priesthood. Therefore, we must stay pure.
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REFLECTION
• Why are the sins Peter listed in these passages so pervasive in humans?