1 Peter 4

Scripture

 

1 Peter 4:1-6

 

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done 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.

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

Peter speaks about living for God and suffering for being a Christian.

 

The book of 1 Peter “gives persecuted Christians a powerful reminder that they have hope in the midst of their suffering. From the time of Abraham, God's people were a misunderstood minority and should expect to face hostility because they live under King Jesus' rule (thebibleproject.com-1 Peter)."

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

When living set apart from the world, suffering and opposition are part of the package, but there is Hope!

 

“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 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? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” 1 Peter‬ ‭4:16-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 

Life Application

 

Christ’s love and strength are sufficient to handle any suffering or opposition that the enemy/world tries to throw our way.

 

When I accepted Jesus’ invitation for salvation at 16 years old and it was no longer my parents’ faith, but mine personally, opposition happened immediately.

 

I was still in high school and I became very different. I was in my 2nd year and attended a public high school. I no longer had my hope in boys or looks. While a couple of my best girlfriends were sleeping around with their boyfriends, rebelling against their parents and having hope in worldly things, my hope shifted to more eternal things. I was listening to Christian music, serving in church ministry, working part time and concentrated on school. That was my life. I was also very vocal about my faith and brought a Bible to school. A guy that I had liked for the longest time got a hold of one of my best girlfriends and asked her what had happened to me. He said, “She is like a God-fanatic now!” He said it in a very negative way. That really broke my heart and after 7 years of crushing on him (knew him since elementary school), I IMMEDIATELY lost interest in him. My hope was now in Jesus Christ and Christ became completely sufficient. Christ gave me my worth and value. It didn’t matter how much I was made fun of, how people were gossiping about me behind my back, or even how it drew a wedge between me and my best friends. The Lord was changing me from the inside out and the joy I felt because of being loved by Him helped me through all that opposition and suffering in my high school years.

 

Fast forward to today and opposition and suffering still occur; however, through it all, God continues to build and strengthen my character and make me more into Christ's image. Every step of the way, He has been with me like He was in the past.

 

Dear Lord, I pray that as we suffer according to Your will, that Your Holy Spirit would help us commit ourselves to You. Help us continue to do good. Help us to remain faithful to You as You are to us. Amen.

 

-Michelle Gaddi