SCRIPTURE: 1 PETER 4
BIBLE VERSES:
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:7-10)
“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. ” (1 Peter 4″13-16)
“ So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” (1 Peter 4:19)
LIVING FOR GOD (VS. 1-11)
HOW TO LIVE FOR GOD?
- Live under the will of God (v. 2)
- Be clear minded and self-controlled (v. 7)
- Love each other deeply (v. 8)
- Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling (v. 9)
- Use your gift to serve others (v. 109)
- Administer God’s grace faithfully (v. 10b)
- Speak the very words of God (v. 11a)
- Serve with the strength of God (v. 11b)
SUFFERING FOR BEING A CHRISTIAN (vs. 12-19)
CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES WHEN UNDERGOING SUFFERING:
- Rejoice when you participate in the suffering of Christ for you will be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (v. 13)
- Consider yourself blessed if you are insulted because of the name of Christ for the Spirit of glory and of God rest on you (v. 14)
- Do not be ashamed to suffer as a Christian but praise God that you bear tHis name 9v. 16)
- Commit yourself to our faithful creator who suffered according to God’s will (v. 19a)
- Continue to do good (v. 19b)
THOUGHTS:
As follower of Christ, we should be willing and prepared to do God’s will and to suffer for it if necessary. We should live expectantly and get ready to meet Christ. That means we have to grow in love for God and for others. We have to pray, feed on God’s word and reach out for the needy people. We should use our abilities in serving God and others so that God will be glorified. Jesus said: “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Mat. 5:16)
If suffering is caused by our unpleasant behavior, we have to reap the consequences. But if the real cause of suffering is because of Christ, Christ will send his Spirit to be with us to strengthen us. Count on the faithfulness and promise of God to see us through the trials we face.