1 Peter 4
This devotional is written by Uzo Onwere.
1 Peter 4
Living for God
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body has finished with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do – living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body has finished with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do – living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Reflection
Preparation. We have all had to prepare for events – big ones, small ones. The next biggest event in our lives and in the story of the universe is the second coming of Jesus Christ. There is no bigger scheduled event. Verse 7 says “The end of all things is near”. If so, we must prepare. We don’t know exactly when Jesus will return, so we have to embrace what Martin Luther King called “the fierce urgency of now” in our preparation.
How do we prepare? Peter shines a light on some key areas. Firstly, verse 7 again, we should live with an attitude of serious prayer. As we watch ourselves in readiness for Jesus’ return, we have to ask for his help.
Secondly, we should be willing and prepared to do God’s will and to suffer for it if necessary. Sin loses its power to defeat us in our suffering if we focus on Christ and what he wants us to do. Whenever we suffer because of our loyalty to Christ, he will be with us.
Next, we should live with an attitude of love; one way of showing love is to be hospitable. Love those you are going to spend eternity with. Your earthly possessions and status will be meaningless in God’s kingdom.
An attitude of love also means we invest our abilities where they will make an eternal difference. Everyone has some gifts. Use yours. Give to the church family what God has given you.
Real discipleship is sometimes hard but, verse 19 – God is faithful and we can call on him and count on him with the challenges that we face.
Christ is coming again. Live expectantly and focus on your preparation. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
How do we prepare? Peter shines a light on some key areas. Firstly, verse 7 again, we should live with an attitude of serious prayer. As we watch ourselves in readiness for Jesus’ return, we have to ask for his help.
Secondly, we should be willing and prepared to do God’s will and to suffer for it if necessary. Sin loses its power to defeat us in our suffering if we focus on Christ and what he wants us to do. Whenever we suffer because of our loyalty to Christ, he will be with us.
Next, we should live with an attitude of love; one way of showing love is to be hospitable. Love those you are going to spend eternity with. Your earthly possessions and status will be meaningless in God’s kingdom.
An attitude of love also means we invest our abilities where they will make an eternal difference. Everyone has some gifts. Use yours. Give to the church family what God has given you.
Real discipleship is sometimes hard but, verse 19 – God is faithful and we can call on him and count on him with the challenges that we face.
Christ is coming again. Live expectantly and focus on your preparation. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Posted in New Testament in a year 2023
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