Got Milk?

AUG 07 / Sunday – Read 1 Peter 2:1-3 / 1 Peter 1:15-16

Overview: Remember the “got milk?” ad campaign? Well, Peter is asking us to get spiritual “milk” to grow as Christians.

08 / Mon – Got milk?  |  Read 1 Peter 2:2-3

When a baby is born, milk is the food that helps them grow. It is the same in the spiritual realm when someone is born again. God does not expect them to understand everything right away, just the basics (the milk) of His word as they begin. What would ‘spiritual milk’ consist of? What do you consider most important for a baby Christian to take in and why? Find scriptures to illustrate.

09 / Tue – Satisfied with just milk?  |  Read Hebrews 5:11-14 and 6:1-3

As babies grow and mature, their diet changes. Soft or pureed foods are added. Teeth appear and they can chew on solid food. As Christians grow and mature in understanding God’s word and God’s ways, they are able to move on and tackle spiritual ‘meat’, teachings that aren’t easily understood. What concern was expressed in these verses? Do you know someone who has been a Christian a long time but can’t seem to get beyond the milk stage? What is the danger in that?

10 / Wed – Be holy?  |  Read Leviticus 11:45 / 1 Peter 1:15-16

The first thing God did after releasing his people from slavery was the command to “be holy as I am holy.” Then he showed them how. Does being holy intimidate you? Its definition denotes utter purity of character and moral excellence. This may be an accurate way to describe God but does it seem an unreachable goal when applied to people? (See Hebrews 10:10) Why would God require this? Does it have something to do with us being created in his image?

11 / Thu – Living it out |  Read 2 Peter 1:3-8 / 1 Thess 4:3-7 / James 1:19-22 / 1 Peter 2:1, 11-17

God has called his people to live a holy life and made a way for it to be possible through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Being sanctified is the process of becoming holy. What are the characteristics of a life of purity and moral excellence? List some specifics from these verses of things to avoid and things to adopt? Which ones do you recognize a need for in your own life? Change starts by knowing what you lack.

12 / Fri – The why of being holy  |  Read Hebrews 12:14-15

Why is it so important to live a holy (pure) life?  Unbelievers understand what moral character looks like and are quick to point out when Christians fail. As you know God better and live in a way that reflects his moral character and purity, you will give no cause for others to dismiss Jesus. Instead, people will listen to you. Why? Because everyone knows how hard it is to be ‘good’. Will you make it your goal to live the kind of life that honors God and represents him accurately?

13 / Sat – Need help?  |  Read Ephesians 1:3-4 / Colossians 1:21-23

Living a holy life of purity and moral excellence might seem daunting to even the most optimistic of us. Maybe that is a good thing. It means you know your own inadequacy. It also points to what can happen when you submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who teaches you and shows you how to live a life worthy of the one who loves you, gave himself for you, and who will take you to live with him at the right time. Does it help that you don’t have to do it on your own?