Perusing 1 Peter 4 Today
Reading 1 Peter 4 today ... Leave your thoughts. Verse 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. We need to live for the will of God, not for ourselves. Do not stay in the past, especially in past sins. Your friends may wonder why you no longer participate in certain activities, but it is because you have been saved. God will judge per verses 5 and 6.
Verse 7 seems timely: 7 The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. We do need to pray. Verse 8 emphasizes love. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. We need to love people. It is the great commandment to love God and to love people. We need to give grace to others, just like Jesus did for us.
Verse 10 tells us what to do: 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. God has given all of us gifts and talents to show hospitality, to minister, to encourage, to help, and to serve others. We all have a part to play in the body of Christ. Verse 11 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.
The rest of the chapter is about suffering. See the passages below. To live is to suffer. It means God is working on us. Verse 17 shows that judgement begins with the believers. It starts with me and it starts with you.
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.
Well, those are my thoughts about today's reading. I appreciate your participation. Please share how these scriptures have blessed you.
