Stewards of God’s Grace
4:1 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.
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (ESV)
I am really looking forward to going through this chapter of 1 Peter at True North in the next few weeks!
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
This verse brings the reminder that the END IS NEAR! We need to be ready! Let’s stay away from sin and alert! I want to be ready if the Lord returns today…Maranatha! Who is with me?
I am… ready and waiting, and living for God.
ELLO… I read
I like verse 19,”Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”
I like this verse because it talks about entrusting our souls to GOD who created them. This seems like a generally easy concept to do but it is actually quite hard for some to do. They are too focused on the world and what it has to offer that they don’t think of what is ahead of them and what actually matters. They are too focused on the here and now instead of thinking of eternity and how they are going to spend it.
CYA
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.
After reading some commentary by John MacArthur this reminds me of what Bobby was saying this weekend…Am I wiling to go to the end for Jesus? Am I willing to die for Him? JMaca explains that if we are to “arm ourselves” with the same way of thinking as Christ then what Christ did on the cross should be something that we are ready for and even celebrating in. Death would mean separation from sin, and suffering in this life is part of dying to that sinful nature inside of us that wants to live. So over all, suffering for the sake of Christ is a glorious thing that I should not run away from!
JMaca??? HOW have I never HEARD that before?! Wow…
Keep up your studies, Hunt. God will open your eyes somethin’ RADICAL if you keep pursuing Him with that unquenchable thirst and insatiable hunger. Stay focused and clinging to the Holy Spirit…
I would love to be ready freddy for Christ’s return. ;D (freddy, bc it rhymes…abbreviation bc of Mrs. Burdeyshaw thank you. she is a wonderful woman).
Lord come soon!
I could only pray that I suffered in the way Christ suffered…most likely, none of us will have to take up a cross physically but we have spiritually which is something that is exciting! Persecution everyday is fun when you know that you’re suffering because of God! The God of the universe is behind me…that’s so awesome! No matter what happens, He will always be there to back me up with whoever I’m talking to. Even when I face trial, He is there watching His chosen. WOW Now if that doesn’t make me feel special, then I just don’t know what will! I shall praise the Lord for my salvation and for choosing me, to face the persecution and trials that He has chosen for me. MARANNNNNATHA!
18 And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
That is so scary to think that if we are “scarcely” saved, what they non-Christians will have to endure when the time of Judgment comes. This is why it is our duty as Christians to plant seeds around us and pray for people. I know many people that are not Christians and i definitely do not want to see them suffer God’s wrath and it motivates me to reach out to others. Which ties into….
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
When we share the Gospel, we obviously can’t expect wide open hears and people that are willing to listen God’s word. This is a sinful world with people full of hate and we have to expect that people will deny it. If we stay strong in our faith and suffer because of His name, we are guaranteed that God will be satisfied with us. We have to trust that God will help us and give us wisdom while we are out sharing the Gospel in this broken world!
9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. it is important that we all show kindness to others with out complaining or grumbling. we need to be totally willing to serve 24/7. i need to work on being willing to serve others all the time and not just when i want.
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
This about sums it up, all that we have been learning from Peter.
Suffer: guaranteed, guys, so we need to train and be ready, because the enemy is in hot pursuit of us, and so is life in general (we’re already more than 1/6th through 2010, for crying out loud)–let’s master the small things so that we might prove faithful in the bigger sufferings that WILL come our way…
According to God’s will: setting ourselves aside
Entrust their souls: it’s not about the here and now (living in our flesh), but rather the There and Then (living in our spirits with the Holy Spirit)
Faithful Creator: unchanging, sovereign, loving, expectant Father
While doing good: obediently serving and living according to His instruction as outlined in His Holy Word
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
I remember when Pastor Bobby mentioned how we all have spiritual gifts in a sermon before! We are all like different body parts that work together to function. The gifts we all have should serve God and one another! Everything should be done for the glory of God! I pray that I will use my gift wisely to glorify and serve God and my brothers and sisters in Christ. I don’t think there would be a point of having a gift if you are not using it!
3 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
This verse really stood out to me because it is something I need to work on. When I am going through a hard trial that I may think is impossible, it’s not because ALL things are possible with Christ! And when I am faced with a hard situation, I need to trust in God and rejoice! Also, when persecution comes my way, I am sharing in Christ’s sufferings and I should be glad and rejoice in that. God gets the glory he deserves when his people are persecuted because they are representing him and standing up for the faith! I pray that I will always rejoice with persecution and hard trials in my life. In the end, God gets the glory and it will be revealed!
1 Peter 4:5-6 …but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 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.
This is the reason God wants us to live the gospel and speak it with words to those who, like us, were dying! Doesn’t it make you want to share the cure for cancer with everyone who is going to hell? Lord, thank You for your unmerited grace and the command to share it with Your enemies to make them children! Please come soon!
Good Morning!!!
Verse 8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
If we truly love one another, our love will keep us away from many sins that we could possibly do to the other. For if we love someone, we will not covet anything of theirs, we will not kill or hurt them, and we should not lie to them, just to name a few.
Please pray for me to truly love those around me so that I will not commit any of these sins against them. Thank you. LOVE THE LORD!!
great comment you are completely right
I love this bro! Love is number one — I’m excited for Small groups tomorrow ~ I def will see you there!
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace
God has given every Christian on this earth at least one spiritual gift. These spiritual gifts range from things like encouragement to the gift of teaching. But no matter what the gift is, the Bible makes it clear: the gifts that God has given us are to be used to serve the body of Christ, not ourselves. I need to be using the gifts that God has given me to serve others, not to serve myself.
11…in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
In the latter part of verse 11 Peter talks about how spiritual gifts are to be used so that in our use of them, God will be glorified. Our spiritual gifts were given to us by God, that we might not use them for ourselves, but for His glory. God has given us these things so that we can delight in serving and glorifying Him. These two verses have really helped me to understand that I need to be giving it my everything when I serve others and serve God. The gifts He has given me are not to be used so that I am happy with myself, or so that I puff up with pride, but so that My Lord and My Savior well get the glory that HE rightfully deserves!!!
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name
This verse is very similar to the verse I commented about last chapter, but I still love the message that is weaved into this verse. We should not be ashamed for loving God!! We should glorify God even through trials.
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
We have just talked about love recently, both in Pastor Bobby’s message “How to Be a Good Date” and in the Free Campus Lunch on “What is Love?”. One verse that was brought up was John 14:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” The latter of these verses says that by their love, Christians will be recognized from non-Christians. Complete strangers should be able to tell that a Christian truly is a Christian by the overflow of love in his life.
I need to live a life of love, so much that I am characterized by my love. Jesus Christ came down to earth and showed the most amazing act of love. He left the glories of heaven, being very much God, to come down to a sinful world, though he is perfect, to live the life all have failed to live and to die on the cross the death that all the sinners deserve to die. And seeing this love that Christ has for me, I need to strive to demonstrate the same kind of love to others. I need to always view Jesus as my example in loving others, seeing that their is no limit to how mush I can or should love. Instead, I need to let love overflow from my life. But I must rely on the Spirit’s strength, for on my own I can have no true love.
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
This verse has ministered to me greatly during times of painful trials and testings. Many fishy Christian churches/pastors are preaching the prosperity gospel, which directly defies this verse. They say that if you are a Christian you will live a life full of wealth, health and happiness. They must have skipped over large chunks of the Bible because it is clear that the people of God endure suffering and hardship during their life on earth. As Pastor Bobby pointed out this weekend, our persecution comes as a result of not living according to the world’s standards and not being on Satan’s team. We don’t face God’s wrath on earth, nor will we face it on Judgement Day, but we will face the world’s and Satan’s judgment during our time on earth. Look at those who were the most righteous men in the Bible, the Old Testament saints and prophets, the New Testament apostles and disciples, and Jesus Himself. They all suffered greatly on earth, many of them facing severe beatings and even death! When I think about the intense suffering they all had to endure I count myself blessed to be able to suffer for the sake of the gospel. Knowing that suffering is normal in my life helps me to embrace it and thank God for the opportunity to suffer for His name’s sake!
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
Mmmmm this is encouraging! I really liked how Pastor Bobby was talking about this weekend how we should be completely living for God, no matter what people say. These verses made me think though how back then (during the time this was written) the persecution was a lot worse. People would be stoned for what they believe in and this made me think: am I willing to be stoned/die for Christ? I’m sure that just about all Christians would say yes to that question but how many would stay strong in the Lord if they were in a life or death situation. I pray that I would be living with all I have for God and His glory, fearing Him over what man can do to me. 116!
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Something that really stood out to me from this weekend’s sermon was that sharing in Christ’s suffering is a privilege (Philippians 3:10). Sometimes when I have suffered I am tempted to wonder where God is in the situation but this sermon and this chapter are a great exhortation to me to be entrusting myself always to the Lord, basically to be handed over to him, knowing with full confidence that he is good and he is faithful. He has a perfect track record and always works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). I have no real reason to freak out, worry or try to take things into my own hands, God is entirely trustworthy! I can rest in God and be faithful in obeying him. That is my prayer today!
I totally agree just said the same thing in my post. What great encouragement we have in entrusting ourselves to a faithful God
9 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
The word in this verse entrust really stood out to me this morning. The definition of entrust is to give over (something) to another for care or protection. When we entrust our souls to God we are giving ourselves over to his care and his protection. There may be times when we suffer for the will of God and it may seem that things that we truely care about are taken away or that our comfort is ripped out form under us. But we have the creator of the universe protecting us and caring for our every need including our expressed needs and our unexpressed needs.
I also love the adjective used to describe God, Faithful. We have a God who is always constant, he never fails, he never makes a mistake, he carries out his purposes to the very end. And we can entrust our selves completely to a faithful God.
What great encouragement this brings to me. My God is so much greater than anything I will endure on this earth. I was talking to a lady who’s husband lost her job and she said is ” all we can do now is trust God”. It made me think, what were you doing before…not trusting God? That how we are when things happen to us. we try and accomplish every thing first on our own and the last resort is to trust God. May it never be with any of us. May we live consistent lives of trust not letting that be our fall back but entrusting our selves every day of our lives to our great God and creator of all things.
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
We need to remember to live every day as if Christ is returning that day…because He might. I want Him to find me focused on Him, self-controlled, loving others, obeying His word. 2010 might be the year!
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
I love how God gives us clear instructions to follow in this time when we are waiting for his return. It simply tells those who are suffering according to God’s will (a.k.a. true Christians) should trust in our creator while doing good. This goes back to James 2:14- “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?”. We need to be fully trusting in God AND be doing good works. Its not enough to simply know that God is controlling your life, we need to respond to that knowledge by doing good things for His glory. I need to be actively seeking opportunities to glorify God and go after them with an earnest heart!
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.
I liked his verse because it explains how we as Christians should not be part of parties that involve drinking, enough if that is the most tempting thing.
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
This verse also explains that we need self-control. We are always being tempted but God will give us strength to have complete self-control. With our prayers God will help us through everything as long as we live in his word and glorify his name!
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
This verse really hits me because something that Bobby said during one of his sermons really stuck with me, “If you’re not being persecuted, your not taking a stand for Christ.” We need to put out for God and be stewards for Him!
1Peter 4:8-9 Above all, keep loving one another EARNESTLY, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
It is impossible! to love, or be hospitable to: an unappreciative guest, some one who doesn’t carry their own weight of work ,a grumbler, whiner, complainer, or a person that bashes the people you love etc; without being equipped by the Holy Spirit. What is our reaction going to be? Its not going to be enough to have the head knowledge of how God wants us to react!
We need to ask Jesus for help, we need to radically rely on him;by allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us in His Word, also as we spend time with him in prayer. Lets don’t try with our own strength to be Christlike. Lets draw near to Jesus daily, so that we are able to BE Christlike.
Thank you Jesus for loving me.
9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
I know for me this is definitely HUGE. When I first came to this verse it leaped off the page like no other. Hospitality… The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about hospitality is letting a stranger stay at my house. That’s true, I’m pretty sure, but I was thinking about it this morning when I was trying to decide which verse to post on (because this was an awesome chapter!) and I started to notice that hospitality is applied in our lives every single day! One of my biggest struggles is selfishness… I am totally ashamed to say this but it is true. Especially with my family, more specifically: my brother. I honestly have NO idea why I have such a selfish grudge towards him, it’s horrible! Anyway, back to the main idea of my post. I need to work on hospitality with my brother. But the main key is WITHOUT grumbling! How difficult is this? Man this was such a convicting verse and I know without a doubt that this is going to be a humongous battle that I need to fight. With God’s help and strength, ALL things are possible!!!
Thank you Lord for this beautiful morning you have blessed me with and the breaths I get to take at this very moment.
Nice post on SOTD Nicole!
I hope you feel better. I’ll be praying for you! and hopefully see you at smallgroups tomorrow
^agreed!
what happened to Revelation?
We are reading our way there! We started at Hebrews and are going straight through to The End! We are in 1 Peter and still have 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John and Jude to go until we get there!
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins
This is one that I will always need to work on. I need to love others earnestly and my life should be characterized by this life of love. If I love someone, then I will not envy them, gossip about them, etc. I will be kind and gentle and patient (1 Corinthians 13). I will be able to sacrifice myself for them and forgive them. Although they might be rude or mean, I am still commanded to show them love just as Christ did for me. Not only that but I have to be earnest and fervent in loving others sincereley.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Wow this passage really makes you think. If we as Christians suffer constantly for Christ, deny ourselves, and try as hard as humanly possible to become godly, and yet we ~still~ need God’s grace and mercy, then what are the chances of non-Christians going to Heaven? Many people I’ve talked to or evangelized to claim that all it takes is being a good person to get to Heaven; you don’t need to be that devoted to Christ. But in reality we need God’s grace necessarily.
“If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
There’s a sure test of whether you’re a Christian or not. Have you been persecuted? If so, things are looking good. d:- )
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded”
He’s coming back, people!–a thief in the night! We’ve got to be watching the door! Serving him!
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
I think it’s so interesting that the week Bobby talks about Persecution and suffering as a christian is the same week i get persecuted most so far! it’s awesome and I’m stoked that God is using me through it. If you really think about it being persecuted for christ is the biggest compliment ever! Because that means your doing your job as a Christian to Represent Jesus so people can see him through you. Yesterday this random guy asked me in my math class laughing,” aren’t you the girl who’s family is hardcore christian?” I said YES I am!
Even though he was mocking me and laughing about it like it was dumb, I really found it a blessing to let people know that I am a Christian and not ashamed of it! MARANATHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is awesome Katie! Keep reppin Christ to those Diablos!
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good
Gotta love 1 Peter! Especailly this chapter because it relates to the sermon that I heard over the weekend on how I need to be suffereing as a Christian. I liked verse 19 because it puts suffering and living for God in the same true thought! If someone does call themself a Christian, they will suffer because they are doing good for God, and what God wants versus what the world wants are completly different things. I should be suffering if I truly live for God!
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
Here God gives two commands for how to act, and they are both important. I need to make sure I follow his comands.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
I feel like ive finally come to the point in my walk with the Lord where i dont care about being insulted for Christ- it is a compliment (like Bobby said)…actually today in cooking class i was with haley litz and these kids around us were talking about how drunk they get each weekend and how they steal alcohol from vons and do bad stuff like that and i must say that it was comforting to know that im not the only one who felt bad for them, but haley did also. It was awesome to know that i could stand up for what i believed in and that i had a fellow sister in Christ to stand by me. They asked us if we drank alcohol and we both obviously said NO! And one kid said “ohhhh its because they are hardcore Christians…they go to that compass church” and yeah, i was pretty happy to know that haley and i could stick through it together and that we knew what was right! My point is, it is so important to surround ourselves with believers of the word!!I was so happy to know that haley and i have the save views and that we could stand strong together!Its so sad to know that people are wasting their lives away doing wrong, it made me even more determined to get out and spread the word more because peoples souls are being seared and its heartbreaking to know that they are ruining their souls at such a young age, and even at all! So i praise God for a great friend like haley litz and I am encouraged to be encouraged by persecution!!Its so cool to think that when the Lord is in your life, you feel such a peace and a knowing that God’s ‘got your back’ Praise God for His love!
Maranatha!
Wow! What an encouraging story! Thanks for sharing Michelle so we can praise the Lord with you! Go Michelle and Haley…reppin at Aliso…you know!
When I read that verse, Michelle, I totally thought of that same thing from class today!!! So thankful to have you in the class with me so we can take a stand together!!
This is a cool story yo. Def encouraging to hear
Keep it up Michelle and Haley 
What an encouraging comment to read! Keep repping Christ at ALISO :]
praying for you and that you will continue to be known as a hard core christian :]
That is awesome Michelle! Good for you (:
wow- thanks everyone! Its really encouraging to know you all feel that way:)
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
Such an encouraging chapter. I have been reading SO much about suffering for the Lord and it’s been encouraging reading all of your thoughts and comments on it too! This weekends sermon reminded me that we are to REJOICE (like it says above) in times of persecution. Just as Christ suffered, we will too. That’s part of the Christian walk. Pastor Bobby asked us this weekend if we want to suffer here for a little while, or suffer for eternity!? It’s up to us to choose that. And I choose to side with GOd’s team, where I know he will never leave me, and even if I suffer for a little while, I know that it will be worth it! Because I’m doing it for the Lord!
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
I love these two verses. This is showing that we need to be ready for Christ’s return. that we need to be ready and not have our wrong doing come to us as a suprise, and to just be ready. But to be glad and await for his coming so that we may be with him. MARANATHA <333
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.
Its so important as a Christian that we serve our church. God has given us all a spiritual gift that we are to use in the church body. Its so imporant that we serve our church. God specifically calls it the church ‘body’. Meaning that no one can do necessarily do each others jobs, and with out one limb or body part, we wouldnt be complete or effective. God command me to serve in my church in what ever way is possible. I know personally I love helping younger kids, and maybe that is what God has called me to do. As a young highschooler I need to be finding out what spiritual gifts God has given me and use them in the future and now. But I also need to be bringing God the glory in my serving and not doing it with a bad attitude or grumbling.
4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;
This verse stood out to me so much and the reason is i see it so much. In high school there are a lot of things going on. And almost 100% are bad. Im constantly hearing swear words, people talking about parties, and hearing Gods name be thrown around! Its awful! And the sadest part is almost everyone has some partake in it. Although, it does not surprise me when people notice me not partaking in any of it, better yet defending God. People ask me why i defend God and not participate in there conversations. And there is only one thing i have to say to them. “Im a christian.” But, the usual anwser back is, “Well, so am I.” It is then when my heart breaks. I ask myself, how can you call yourself a christain, yet encourage and speak of the exact opposite of what God commands you? Its hard for me to keep my cool around people like that. But because I do represent God i must have a calm and gentle spirit. The best thing to do for others like that is pray. God hears every prayer and is ready to anwser them. And by continuing my walk with God in the way of which i also represent Him, the others may see and follow my example of God! I pray that all hypocritic christians would come forward and truly give there lives to God, and live the real christian life!
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
This verse was really loud to me because, what if today was the day Christ returned? What if today was the day He came and found me ignoring Him, disobeying Him, and throwing His name around? SCARY! So i need to live everyday as if it were the day of his return, because it very well might be! and this will also help me to be a better Christian and please Him more! I also need to be excited and prepared for that day to come so that I can please him and get to spend the rest of eternity with him and my Christian brothers and sisters!
I pray that I can become a better, more true Christian and along the way learn to please God and glorify his name! Amennn<3
Verse 7: The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
This is a quite needed reminder that our Savior could come back at any given moment, and no matter if we think He is coming soon or not, we should always maintain a true and loving relationship with Him so that we may know we are one of His people!
Yes! Awesome to see and hear that you’re reading God’s Word consistently on here David, even when the person who encourages you to isn’t! ^_^
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.
The importance of being a Christian is living fully for God and his glory and purpose, not for myself or my own desires. I need to remember to thank God for all his blessings and let nothing in my life come before him–not school, not dance, not friends, or just the business of life. Every breath I take is a gift from God and I need to live continually for Him! I need to pray more to God that I will carry out His will for me. Especially as I am deciding where to go to college. As a huge step in my life, I want to shine my light for Him wherever I go:) My actions should also lead others to Christ. I need to continue demonstrating brotherly love and being bolder in my faith.
4:1 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,
This is a very convicting verse. It is saying that we need to be ready to suffer anything, even physical pain for the Lord. There have been times in my life where I could not honestly say that I was ready to suffer physical pain for the Lord but it is very important that I am ready. No matter what, I am ready to suffer for the Lord because I know that if I do suffer, I will be blessed ten fold. It will be sooo worth it to suffer for the Lord and recieve his blessings when I die. I pray that all of us would be ready to give up anything we have for the Lord and dedicate our lives to him so that he may use us to fulfill his will!!
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,
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.
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
No one ever said being a Christian would be easy. We have to throw away ALL fleshly lust and live ALL out for Him(vs 3). And I personally had this verse pop off the page and slap(yes verses can slap) me in the face. If I am Christian, I NEED to away from all these things! That means choosing the right friends, thinking the right thoughts, and doing the right things. After all Jesus did for me, I want to give Him as much glory as possible.
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
One thing to say to this verse, AMEN(:
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.
This is so important. I need to make sure that I am living for God and not for things of this world that will distract me from living a godly life.
4 With Respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you
Love this verse!
12-14
I have heard so many Christians say oh, God is testing me!!! I can’t handle this!!! But really, they should be happy that God loves them enough to test their faith.
18 And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Wow. Though I have read this chapter multiple times, I never realized how powerful these verses are. I especially like how it says, “entrust their souls to a faithful Creator.” We are not just letting God borrow our souls, we are completely giving and trusting our souls, our lives to him. When we suffer, we better make sure we suffer while doing good because even we are “scarcely saved.”
God is soo amazing!!! I liked verse 14 “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
When we get persecuted for our faith it is just like what pastor Bobby said in his message, we should say thank you because then we are really getting the gospel out there and people can see God’s light shining through us.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
Awesome Scripture!
It’s funny how doing something right is wrong in the worlds eyes. However in God’s eyes the worlds wrong is His right. It’s another way that refreshes me in how messed up the world can be. That I need to stick to my faith, and nothing else.
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
It is so cool at how the Bible shows us something that we can work on in our life’s every time we read it. This verse showed me just how important it is to be loving. As a christian I need to be the most loving,trusting,kind, respectful,hard working, person that others know. I need to be striving to be a Godly man and love others by putting them first. Also I need to welcome others into my church,school,and home without grumbling.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
I need to remember that as I am suffering that I am suffering for the Lord. That through all trials I am persevering to Glorify God. I need to make sure in all trials I bring glory to God.
Maranatha!!!!!!
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.
Good verse here. Talking about how if you speak about and serve god to glorify him, you will have a place in heaven. Good way to set some guidelines. At least that’s what i think.
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
This verse is so true! God tests us and it is up to us to live godly lives and pass those tests. The key word is “choice.” It is up to us to make the right choices. We choose to do things everyday and the key thing to do is to make sure that those are the godly ones. Christ challenges us in life and tests our faith! We shouldn’t be surprised when Christ does this because no matter what we should represent Christ in our lives and think “WWJD” about everything!
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
the end of times is coming near and we need to be ready for it
4:1 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,
THis is a great verse. When we are persecuted we can know that although we suffer now, we will be rewarded later. It is also a promise that when you are persecuted for CHRIST’s name, it is an assurance that you are a Christian. I need to stand up for CHRIST more at school.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
Like we were talking about in small groups, persecution is a good thing! Jesus was persecuted, if we are persecuted it mean we are like Him! And that is really good! persecution is good, and i don’t need to be afraid of it, but rather expect it and want it! Being persecuted shows that others acknowledge that i’m a Christian. The next time i’m persecuted (haha most likely math class tomorrow) i’ll be thinking about how it’s a good thing.
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.
As Christians we should hold ourselves to higher standards since we know what’s right and wrong in our Lord’s eyes. But, since we know what’s right we should help our brothers and sisters stay out of these harmful and sinful situations.
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
I love this verse! We should love others just as Christ does. Our Lord is love and we should demonstrate that to the world by loving one another! It is so much more uplifting to be loving then to be hating. I need to try to focus on loving all of my brothers and sisters and representing Christs love!
9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling
we need to be hospitapl towords other people and we need to have a good attitude when we do it
c u all later
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—God has given all of us something and he gave us these specific gifts to share with people and to use them for his glory! God has given me the gift of being joyful and being friendly to people and I want to make sure that I can use all of that to be an example to the people around me. I really need to be using these gifts and make sure that the main reason for their use is that I am lifting up his name. Like Pastor Bobby has said, “Christian people have an entourage.” I want to attract many people because of my attitude and that way I can tell them the truth and what God has blessed me with!
MARANATHA!!!
4:1 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,
This is what we talked about in small groups tonight. If you are being persecuted its actually a good thing because it means that people are recognizing you as a christian, and since Jesus promised persecution for following him, we get to see His promise fufilled.
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.
god is coming back soon maranatha! i want to be so ready for this, serving the lord when he comes back, not living in my own sin. I need to make sure i am loving and encouraging other Christians, i love the last part of the verse, “since love covers a multitude of sins”, what an awesome thing to remember! i need to be living everyday like this is the day Jesus Christ could come back!
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
I have found that the times when i feel most joyful is when im pursecuted for Christ. it used to be that i would back down to these persecutions and feel terrible but God keeps sanctifying me and i am so thankful for that. ‘
MARANATHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Love one another, even when you don’t like ‘em. I mean it even says right here “love covers a multitude of sins.” THAT is why Christ died for us. He Loved us, not cause we deserve it or because we were enjoyable company, because His Love is perfect. Love others as Christ Loved you.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
I love this verse! I have been called a “goody two shoes” many times. I love knowing that even though I am being insulted, I am also being blessed. These kinds of verses make it so much easier to stand up for Christ because now we can take every insult we recieve for doing the right thing as a great compliment
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
I need to truly love those around me. When I truly love someone I don’t get so irritated with them. Love is a choice I make, not necessarily a feeling I have. I need to love others like Christ loved me, with a sacrificial love. Serving them and not expecting anything back. I want to work on serving my roommates like Christ would serve them and not just what’s easy for me.
I read…
Verse 12… “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
In this verse, Paul warns the Christians of the day to not be surprised if tough times arise. This is because if we ally ourselves with God, we put a target on ourselves; the whole world is against us. I pray that Christians would be able to rally together and support each other, in the Lord, so that we may be able to persevere through this life.
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
I like this verse because it made me think about all that we’ve been talking about with street cred at true north. This last sermon really spoke to me because I WANT to be called a Jesus freak, or something along those lines. That just means that I’m doing something right. But also when the world criticizes me I need to explain to them that it isn’t Godly and try and help them out too, maybe plant a thought in their head, because they too will be judged and if they never got any knowledge on Godly or ungodly, then they never even had a chance.
Wow, what an awesome chapter, and it totally expounds upon the subject of pastor Bobby’s sermon this past weekend: suffering as a Christian. God lays it out clearly for us here: we should not be surprised when (and it is guaranteed for someone living a godly life) we are insulted, ostracized, and generally persecuted by the world. They don’t understand why we don’t plunge into the pit of sin with them, and they persecute us as a result. But while most people would be disheartened and wanting to avoid suffering–even for what is right–we’re told here that instead we can rejoice! In doing so we bring glory to God and possibly encouragement to fellow Christians. I want to shine God’s light in every part of my life, regardless of what other people say or think, because it is glorifying to Him. God, please let this be a reality for me!
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.
I think the NIV reads “be self-controlled and sober-minded *so that you can pray*.” This really stood out to me. I know from personal experience that it is hard to really pray continuously for any period of time, long or short, without a focused mind. Why isn’t my mind focused? Because so many other random (sometimes even bad), less important things intrude upon my thoughts. If I exercised self-control in my behavior and continually focused my mind, however, I could pray without so many things distracting me. What I do, does, indeed, affect how focused I can be in prayer. God, please give me a self-controlled, focused mind, so that I can more effectively pray, read your Word, and think about you.
4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;
This is the main kind of “persecution” that I receive. I’ll ask someone not to cus in front of me and they’ll think I’m joking and then when they see that I’m not joking they’ll kid of laugh at me and think my ways are foolish. When I read a passage like this, however, I see the disgusting nature of their ways and the purity of God’s ways. Let me be more like you Lord.
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
Jesus is coming SOON!!!!! I need to be ready! I want to be living every moment ready for his return. I don’t want to be caught sinning, but I want to be serving the Lord and glorifying him with my life!!!
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
If you are insulted because of how you tell people about the bible don’t be ashamed of it, because you are doing what God wants you to do and you know that it is the right thing to do. If you preach God’s word you are building up rewards for doing what God calls you to do.
16 “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”
This is what Bobby was preaching on this weekend. When I am persecuted, I should be overjoyed, then I know I am being a witness. As Bobby said, I should be having a “persecution party.” If I’m not being persecuted for being a Christian, I should be scared. If nobody sees anything different, am I even really a Christian? I need to make sure my goal is to be persecuted and glorify God’s name.
!!!MARANATHA!!!
5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
Seeing the imminence of the return of the Lord, this verse really stood out. God is going to judge the living and the dead. Verse seven even says that the end of all things is at hand. How much more is that true of our time? I need to have a heart for the lost and live in light of this verse. If I truly see this as a reality, my life will be marked by reaching out for those who are deceived.
1 Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Such strong words these are. The word grumbling or (γογγυσμός) is often translated complaining and or complaint. God is commanding to love without complaining in anything. I struggle with complaining and this is something I need to work on. Being hospitable and not complaining are good attributes of a Christian. The word “complaining” reminds me of the two missions trips True North had in San Juan Capistrano (our lovely backyard!) Those weeks were the best times of my life, because there was no tolerance for complaining. It was a time where sin was taken extremely seriously and it was so reviving! I need to get back to the no complaining attitude like during those wonderful summers. Through not complaining I will grow closer to God and be made more like Him!
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you
As a Christian I persecuted for my beliefs but it is so worth in the end. The most damage that anybody could inflict on me is physical damage or no damage at all. They cannot eternally damage me though. The matters of the soul are left to the Lord and that is why I should not fear being persecuted or insulted by people. I should take being insulted as a compliment or something to encourage me.
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
I cannot wait for the day of Christ’s return! Everyday, every minute, we get closer to the time of His coming. This is such an exciting thought!!! I want Him to come back and find me glorifying His name. I need to be living each moment thinking He could come now. Come and take me home Lord!!
Pro-job today Summer! God definitely was glorified by the preaching you did at the SC today
God is good!
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.
This verse is encouraging!! Sometimes its hard when we dont fit in with the world. I know this with the girls on my cheer team. Some of them look at me weird and make fun of me because I dont cuss, or party, or drink, and I am going to keep myself pure. They think its strange of me that I am trying to be holy before God! But I shouldnt let this discourage me… I need to keep on living like I am for Christ and grow towards holiness more and more everyday. Even if I am going to be persecuted for it.
“The end of all things is at hand…”
Yes, the End is near as Pastor Bobby said. Christ is coming soon beckoning us to be ready and to not be surprised when he comes.
A few things I want to be doing when He comes back:
1.) First of all not sinning (I would be very ashamed)
2.) Reading my Bible at a maximum level
3.) Praying like there is no tomorrow (exactly the point)
4.) Vs. 8 “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” I want to be loving ‘one another’ as myself, for love sums up the law and the prophets.
MARANATHA!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE IT! That is what i want to be doing! (:
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you
Totally correlates with Bobby’s sermon this last weekend. It’s these kind of verses that make me almost excited to be persecuted because it not only proves that I am a follower of Christ but also will bring blessings from God.
I really love these past chapters and how they are relating to waht we keep talking about at church and small groups!!!! I really like the encouragement that the bible is giving us about rejoicing in suffering and persecution but not only does it tell us to rejoice but it tells us to see that we are sharing in the suffering that Christ did and that just really is so cool to me !! we Can personally share something that Christ did !!!!
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
Persecution bring it on!!!!! This toltally gets me pumped to suffer as a Christian. I was toltally reminded of Pastor Bobby’s message this past weekend….it is a good thing to be persecuted. Let us rejoice!
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.
90+ comments!!! :] KEEP IT UP TRUE NORTH! :]
I really liked this verse because it reminds me of all the gifts Christ gives us and how we use them for different parts of His will. I like to play basketball and God gave me the gift to pley, now for soccer, thats a different story. God gave me the gift to harmonize when singing and I love it. I am not going to try and play drums when i can harmonize. God has a purpose and I need to make sure that I pray to Him and do what He calls me to do for His glory and that I use my gifts to the best of my ability for His glory! :]
***GOD HAS A PLAN!!!***
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
This verse is easy to skim over, but it can be truly convicting upon closer examination. Do I really have an EARNEST love for other believers? Most sins are caused by selfishness – gossip and slander, jealousy, anger and stupid quarreling, and the like. Our sinful nature is so quick to try to prove that we are right and that others are wrong, to tear them down in order to make us feel better or provide us with twisted humor at others’ expense, and to hold on to bitterness rather than admit we are acting immaturely. But a true, earnest love for other believers will prevent all of this. If I truly care about other Christians more than I do myself, I am going to be eager to treat them well, not poorly. I need to display this lifestyle of love, putting others’ needs before my own and looking for ways to serve them and build them up instead of being selfish and seeking my own comfort.
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.
I think this is High Schoolers worst enemies is our sinful flesh. A lot of us will give into our flesh. We cam let our flesh take over us because our conscience will become corrupt and we can’t do anything right anymore just like what Bobby said in his sermon this weekend.
I just had this amazing experience this past Sunday. I want to write a song for the senior takeover. I’m not anywhere close to done. I was just thinking about the Gospel. Thinking of it’s power, it can leave me with tears. I just felt the power of the Gospel.
The sermon awesome this weekend!!!! And this chapter brought back many things that i can apply to my life. (:
“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.” This is how i try and live my life everyday, for the glory of God. Doing the works that he has called me to do, and make disciples as to further His kingdom, but as Peter said, this task is not easy, and we will be tested. But though this persecution, we should be filled with joy, “13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” There is nothing i want more (other than to be in heaven with my savior) than to have God’s glory be revealed. “In order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace
I do no use the gifts that God has given me to serve other people nearly enough. Instead of having a humble heart, searching out ways to serve someone else, I often find myself looking for ways that I can benefit myself, or raise my personal status, or achieve something for me. This is so opposite of what the Bible and this verse say… I want to be a person, as this verse says, that exhibits God’s grace all the time and goes around thinking about and putting other people above myself. I am praying that God really helps me to completely eradicate my pride, replacing it with a humility that that is similar to that of Jesus, who displayed more humility than anyone ever could have or will.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
This is just like Sunday’s sermon. Persecution does not mean we are in the wrong but rather that we are doing what God has commanded. God blesses us when we suffer for Him and he will definatley reward us in full. It does get annoying being call “goody toe shoes” or a “Jesus Freak” but it should be a compliment because they are acknowledging that we are representing God! Instead of sulking because of our persuection we should have persecution parties! Almost a hundred postssssss!!!!!
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
This verse talks about the coming of our LORD!! We must be ready for the day he returns and always be doing something that is honoring and glorifying God for when we do not know when he will return and we sure dont want to be doing something that we would be ashamed of and not pleasing to God!!
MARANATHA!!!!!!!!!!!!
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
Yes! This is exactly what we talked about at small groups tonight! Our natural reaction to persecution is discomfort and anger, however if it weren’t for the persecution than we would have no external proof that our salvation is legit! As Pastor Bobby told us last weekend, if someone calls you a Jesus Freak then you should be cheering and having a persecution partY! Persecution is how we know that the world sees us as Christians and gives us confidence in our lives. Stand strong through your trials and you will be blessed!
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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.
This verse really makes me reconsider my actions as an ambassador for Christ. God has given me many things, and I should be using each one to glorify Him. I dont know if the NIV version doesnt translate it as well, however its a little more impacting to me when it says speak as if speaking the very words of God. This verse might refer specifically to people to whom God has given a gift of speaking; however it just makes me consider whether or not my actions in general are using my gifts to glorify God. Do I speak to others as if I were speaking the very words of God or do I say things that I would be ashamed for God to hear? LORD, please help me to use every word I speak, every ability you have granted, and every opportunity presented to bring you honor by obeying your commands and bringing you praises.
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
As Christians we should never be surprised when trials come our way, rather we should be expecting them, I have sign hanging above my bedroom door to help me remember this truth. The sign says, God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, nor sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the way, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. Life will be full of troubles and it shouldn’t surprise or depress us as Christians when we find ourselves in trials and tribulations…… Sorry Joel Olsteen, but this verse has inspired me to write a book titled ” Why its impossible to live your best life now”.
Small group is the place to be!!!
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
I love these 4 verses! It reminds me of this weekend and what we talked about earlier this year at true north. Christians are designed to suffer and go through trials. These trials are like tests of our faith, they can make us or break us in our walk with the Lord. So in these verses it talks about how when these trials come in life, we should not surprised because we are meant to suffer. We must rejoice while we are in those trials because we are sharing in Christ’s sufferings and our distress will bring God glory! It is time for judgement to come in the house of God, so let us not be ashamed of God and let us preach his word!
I also love verse 2. WE must live like Jesus did, he lived for the will of God. He did not live for himself or in the flesh. He lived for the will of God and that is so important to remember. I am on Gods team and if i am on His team, i will live for Him and strive to do his will!
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.
For the rest of my life here on earth, I should have one consuming passion: God’s will! This should motivate and drive my every action. The only way for this command to become a reality in my life is to saturate myself in his Word. Only then can I truly know God’s will and live fully for Him. May I never slack off in obedience to his will and may I never have use excuse of not knowing his will because I am not in the Word!
“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.”
These verses are a good encouragement to me. As I look towards the distinct possibility of getting an office job sometime in the near future, it occurs to me that much more of my time will be spent around unbelievers, and therefore there will be more opportunities to be exposed to the world’s way of living, much like many of you are exposed to the world’s way of living in your high schools. But I draw encouragement from the fact that when I am exposed to this sin and choose not to participate and “they are surprised because [I] do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign” me, I will be able to stand firm with confidence, knowing that I am forgiven by the Savior, and not subject to the judgment they are so eagerly heaping on themselves. This gospel is what motivates us to bear up under any persecution!
4:1 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.
As I am reading through 1 Peter again, the military language keeps grabbing my attention. Today, God’s Word exhorts us to arm ourselves with a mindset that is even willing to suffer in the fight against sin. I think about how much soldiers suffer in war; their fight is not easy. I must have the same wartime mindset toward sin. I have been trying to think about this over the last couple days as temptations arise. They are not just thoughts I need to avoid, they are thoughts I must wage war against!
I’ve been persecuted before and well the end doesn’t really turn out well. Doesn’t mean that I stop sticking up for what I believe in. Sometimes they turn out to be great. Last year my friend made fun of me because I was a Christian, but this year started to go to compass and she likes it very much and now sees my point of view now. I like to think of it as Mathew 10:28 how these people that persecute us can’t really do no harm to us. The only thing they can do is kill us. I know that sounds bad, but God can do so much more damage than that. Also the reward in hevean is greater than anything you can imagen