Daily Devotion

Reflection: Ying Ying
Voice: Lisa Seah

Audio

Living a New Life in Christ

Today is Monday, the 26th of May. Praise be to God for another day to be still before Him to hear His Word.

The Psalm reading for this morning is Psalm 80, reading from verses 17-19.

17 But let your hand be on the man of your right hand,
the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself!

18 Then we shall not turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call upon your name!

19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts!
Let your face shine, that we may be saved!

The New Testament reading for today is 1 Peter 4:1-11.

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ² so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. ³ For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. ⁴ With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; ⁵ but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

⁷ The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. ⁸ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹ Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection
Psalm 80 was written by psalmist Asaph. In distress, Asaph demonstrated that turning to God in faith and obedience will lead to restoration and salvation. Asaph asked God to be with and to bless the man of God’s right hand. Perhaps Asaph had first in mind the present king of Israel; but ultimately, as we now know fully well, the Man of God’s Right Hand is Jesus Christ. In faith, Asaph promised unwavering devotion to God from His people, that they will never turn away from Him by living a new life in Him.
Peter gave very good biblical and practical examples on how to live a new life in Christ. In 1 Peter 4:1-6, he said that because Jesus suffered, we must not live our lives in unrestrained behaviour and involved in immorality. We must leave our old sinful selves behind. We must choose not to partake in sinful acts even though we may suffer because others will malign or ostracise us.

In 1 Peter 4:7-11, Peter said that because Jesus suffered, we must be self-controlled, sober-minded, love one another, show hospitality and serve. This is so that others will see Jesus in us and give God the glory.

Are there any past sinful habits that you have yet to fully leave behind? Will you kneel before Jesus and lay these habits at his feet? How can you stand firm in faith when faced with temptations and sufferings from this fallen world? Since Jesus suffered, we will also suffer. Jesus chose to suffer rather than sin because he was dead to sin. Let us show spiritual maturity when we arm ourselves with the mindset to suffer with Jesus instead of giving in to sin.

Prayer
Father, we thank You for giving us Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to redeem us from sins and the gift of salvation. Heavenly Father, help us to live for Your will and not for the desires of the world. Strengthen us to stand firm in faith, even when facing opposition. Teach us to pray with urgency, love with sincerity, and serve with joy. May everything we do glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Link to today’s Morning Office