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Malachi 3:1-6 (view passage online)
The Lord refines and purifies His people like silver. God uses trials to shape believers according to His purpose. The refiner watches the silver closely and knows the work finishes when he sees his reflection in it.
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2 Peter 1:1-11 (view passage online)
Peter writes to those who obtain like precious faith, explaining that God’s divine power gives us all things for life and godliness. He instructs believers to add virtue, knowledge, and self-control to their faith. These qualities flow directly from our identity in Christ rather than from our own self-effort.
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2 Peter (view passage online)
Peter introduces himself and writes to those of like precious faith. God uses His divine power to give us all things pertaining to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him. Believers become partakers of the divine nature and escape the corruption of the world.
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Romans 15:14-21 (view passage online)
Paul describes himself as a minister of Jesus Christ who takes the gospel of God to the Gentiles. He desires to preach where people have not named Christ, refusing to build on another man’s foundation. He works so the offering of the Gentiles becomes acceptable to God.
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1 Peter 5:5-13 (view passage online)
Jesus calls Himself the vine and His followers the branches, stating that apart from Him we can do nothing. We must abide in Him as He abides in us. The Father prunes fruitful branches so they bear more fruit and glorify God.
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1 Peter 5:1-4 (view passage online)
Peter exhorts elders to shepherd the flock willingly rather than for dishonest gain. Leaders must not act as lords over the people but rather serve as examples. Elders who faithfully shepherd will receive the crown of glory when the Chief Shepherd appears.
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1 Peter 4:1-7 (view passage online)
Peter commands believers to remain serious and watchful in prayer because the end of all things is at hand. Christians must have fervent love for one another and use their gifts to serve as good stewards. We do all things so God receives glory through Jesus Christ.
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Romans 15:7-13 (view passage online)
Peter tells believers to arm themselves with the mind of Christ and live the rest of their time for the will of God. He who suffers in the flesh ceases from sin and no longer lives for the lusts of men. Former companions will think it strange when believers no longer run with them in sin.
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Psalm 22 (view passage online)
David prophetically describes the suffering of the Messiah in Psalm 22. The details perfectly match Christ’s crucifixion, including His pierced hands and feet, divided garments, and the casting of lots. The psalm moves from deep suffering to praise as David declares God’s saving work.