1 Peter 2:20-21

After all, what kind of credit is there if, when you do wrong and are punished for it, you endure patiently? But if when you do what is right and patiently bear (undeserved) suffering, this finds favor with God. For (as a believer) you have been called for this purpose, since Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His steps.

Christians around the world and in our own country are suffering because of Christian beliefs. The world may put pressure on people to conform to sin, but our jobs as Christians are to represent Jesus and light. When we do, we expose the error and sin and follow the example of Jesus on this earth. We will be the light in the darkness, and Jesus will be with us. 

Jude 1:17-19

But as for you, beloved, remember the words spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They used to say to you, “In the last days there will be scoffers, following after their own ungodly passions.” These are the ones who are (agitators) causing divisions-worldly minded (secular, unspiritual, carnal, merely sensual-unsaved), devoid of the Spirit. 

Jesus prepared us for the last days, so we must recognize the signs and keep our faith strong. Though the world chooses sin over the Savior, our hope remains in Jesus. We are not to let the state of the world shake our faith, but we are to occupy until Jesus returns, operating in our faith. Keep strong in faith and focus on Jesus, and we will overcome.

Jude 1:4

For certain people have crept in un-noticed (just as sneaking in by a side door). They are ungodly person whose condemnation was predicted long ago, for they distort the grace of our God into decadence and immoral freedom (viewing it as an opportunity to do whatever they want), and deny and disown our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

God’s word directs our conduct, morals, behaviors, and values. The teaching is set before us so we know when we have missed the mark and remove ourselves from sin. The world must break down the Word and God (to sneak the door) to continue in sin without their consciousnesses feeling guilt for missing the mark.  

2 John 1:9

Anyone who runs on ahead and does not remain in the doctrine of Christ (that is, one who is not content with what He taught), does not have God; but the one who continues to remain in the teaching (of Christ does have God), he has both the Father and the Son.

The Bible teaches us to test all teachings to ensure they align with God’s world. We can hear teachings that sound close to what the Bible says, but those teachings have distorted scripture. We are to increase our knowledge of the word so that we are not deceived when we hear a verse taken out of context.  

1 John 4:16

We have come to know (by personal observation and experience), and have believed (with deep consistent faith) the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides continually in Him. 

God so loved the world that He gave (sacrificed) His only son for our sins. Love is not selfish, unkind, or demeaning. Love builds up and doesn’t tear down. Love is a choice and not a feeling because feelings change. When we abide in the God kind of love, God abides in us.

1 John 4:7

Beloved, let us (unselfishly) love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves (others) is born of God and knows God (through personal experience).

If we have problems receiving from God, we must check if we are not walking in love in an area of our life. Love is the curtain on which everything else in our Christian faith hangs. Without love, it is impossible to please God because God is love, and He first loved us. 

1 Peter 4:7

The end and culmination of all things is near. Therefore, be sound minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer (staying balance and focused on the things of God so that your communication will be clear, reasonable, specific and pleasing to Him).

The pressure will increase to conform to the world as the end nears. Keeping our minds strong and renewed in the Word of God is essential. The flesh may want to react in fear, but our spirit remains strong through its connection with the Holy Spirit and the Bible. We will keep our balance with prayer and focus on the Word.

1 Peter 1:13

So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober (in spirit- steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert) fix your hope completely on the grace (of God) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

The mind should not be allowed to wander or think about just anything. All thoughts that come to mind need to be judged and cast down when they do not align with God’s word. When we manage our thoughts, we keep ourselves out of trouble and our spirits alert and sober.  

James 1:22

But prove yourselves doers of the word (actively and continually obeying God’s precepts), and not merely listeners (who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning), deluding yourselves (by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth).  

We will succeed when we follow God’s word if we keep doing and following His instructions. God tells us to renew our minds, which keeps our minds sound and able to hear from God. When we commit to being a doer of the word, we build ourselves up in scripture, prayer, and praise, keeping ourselves from unsound truth.

James 1:5-6

If any of you lacks wisdom (to guide him through a decision or circumstance), he is to ask of God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame and it will be given to him. But he must ask (for wisdom) in faith, without doubting (God’s willingness to help), for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed the wind. 

What is the difference between a doubter and a believer? Where the focus resides and the thoughts the focus generates. Faith comes from a concentration and belief in the word of God. Doubt comes from letting the interference of the devil and the world into the mind and believing that over the Word of God.