Proverbs 2:4

If you seek skillful and godly wisdom as you would silver and search for her as you would hidden treasures; then you will understand the (reverent) fear of the Lord (that is, worshipping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome) and discover the knowledge of God.

One word of wisdom from God can change everything in our life. God will answer our call when we diligently seek Him with hearts of faith. We don’t have to fear circumstances when our minds are set on Christ. Praise, worship, and pray to God while waiting for the answer.  

2 Peter 2:1

But false prophets arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will subtly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves.  

A false prophet comes to pervert the word of God with false teaching and doctrine. We need to read our Bible and learn the word of God for ourselves. This way, we will not be swayed into false doctrines. When we focus on God and the world, we will ensure we adhere to the truth of God’s word.  

1 Peter 2:10

Once you were Not a People (at all), but now you are God’s people; once you had Not Received Mercy, but now you have received Mercy.

As born-again believers, we now have transformed lives. We are no longer in the shadow of our past mistakes but have been made new. We have become God’s people, called to follow Him and finish our lives in faith. God showed us mercy and transformed the lost and broken into His chosen people.  

1 Peter 1:17

If you address as Father, the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in (reverent) fear (of Him) and with profound respect for Him throughout the time of your stay on earth.  

When we draw near to God in fellowship and prayer, we must respect God. God has never been casual toward His dedication or love for us, especially when He sacrificed Jesus for our redemption. We must also act accordingly toward God and reciprocate the love and respect toward our God and redeemer.  

Colossians 1:13-14 

For He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in who we have redemption (because of His sacrifice, resulting in) the forgiveness of our sins’.

Jesus rescued us and transferred us out of the dominion of sin. We don’t have to feel the guilt and condemnation of our old selves and the world of sin. We no longer walk in that world as we were born again and developed our faith in Jesus. Our lives should transform as butterflies emerge from a cocoon and our faith grows.

2 Corinthians 6:14

Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers (do not make mismatched alliances with them, inconsistent with your faith). For what partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness. 

Our relationships matter because they either work to keep us on track with God or steer us off course. We don’t want to be influenced into sin because of another person. Our beliefs will seem foolish to someone in sin. Our boundaries, if not protected, will be crossed by someone who doesn’t respect those beliefs. Find relationships that build up faith!

Romans 14:12-13

So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Then let us not criticize one another anymore, but rather determine this-not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block or a source of temptation in another believer’s way. 

The only thing that we can control is ourselves and how we act and react. We may get frustrated with others and be tempted to criticize their choices, but our criticism does not change their circumstances. Praying for guidance for that person would. Redirect the frustration to a more powerful force and ask for help from God.

Romans 2:23-24

You who boast in the Law, do you (repeatedly) dishonor God by breaking the Law? For “The Name of God is Blasphemed Amon the Gentiles because of You,” just as it is written (in Scripture). (Is 52:5)

Sin has corrupted people inside and outside the church. Our job is not to be a Christian in name only but to show the true Jesus in word and deed. Yes, we may mess up but repent and don’t stop trying. People need to see true Christians who keep God’s law and who they can trust. That is the Christian who will reach the lost.  

Romans 1:18-19

For (God does not overlook sin and) the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth, because that which is known about God is evident within them, for God made it evident to them.  

Evil and sin are not ignored or prevail against God. God is still in charge even though sin is becoming more prevalent before the return of Jesus. Our hope remains and will be fulfilled by God, and our confidence securely remains in His promises. Don’t be discouraged or give up hope!

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 strength of our faith depends on our diligence in preparation and study. We will have trouble if we don’t prepare ourselves in the spirit and be self-disciplined according to God’s word. Our hope in Jesus and His coming again should motivate us to remain steadfast in the faith.