The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is studying the book of 1 Peter.
The thing that separates Christianity from other religions is grace. It is simply God doing something for you with no strings attached. God’s grace is solely motivated by love: deep, abiding, unconditional, sacrificial love.
Peter wrote this letter to Christians who were going through various trials. The apostle knew that a severe “fiery trial” was just around the corner, and he wanted to prepare believers for it. God’s message to us is, “Be hopeful! Suffering leads to glory! God can give you all the grace you need to honor Him when the going gets tough! The future is still as bright as the promises of God, so—be hopeful!
Peter described four attitudes that a Christian can cultivate in his lifetime (“the rest of his time”) if he desires to make his life all that God wants it to be.
Here are the four attitudes that Peter describes
A Militant attitude toward sin
A patient attitude toward the lost
An expectant attitude toward Christ
A fervent attitude toward the saints
A militant attitude towards sin would mean that we hate and oppose sin. We should have a militant attitude toward sin because of what it did to Christ and with a militant attitude toward sin we can enjoy the will of God.
We should have a patient attitude toward the lost. Our contact with the lost is important to them since we are the bearers of the truth that they need. When unsaved friends attack us, this is our opportunity to witness to them. Instead of arguing with them, we should pray for them, knowing that the final judgment is with God.
Now to the next two attitudes that a Christian can cultivate in his lifetime (“the rest of his time”) if he desires to make his life all that God wants it to be an expectant attitude toward Christ and a fervent attitude toward the saints.
AN EXPECTANT ATTITUDE TOWARD CHRIST
1 Peter 4:7 NIV The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
Christians in the early church expected Jesus to return in their lifetime. No matter what we must all live in expectancy. The important thing is that we shall see the Lord one day and stand before Him. How we live and serve today will determine how we are judged and rewarded on that day.
Things to keep Christians balanced while we wait.
1. Be sober
1 Peter 4:7 NIV The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
keep your mind steady and
2. Watch unto prayer
1 Peter 4:7 NIV The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
If we are sober-minded, we will “watch unto prayer.” If our prayer life is confused, it is because the mind is confused.
4. A FERVENT ATTITUDE TOWARD THE SAINTS (4:8–11)
3. Have fervent love
1 Peter 4:8 NIV Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
If we really look for the return of Christ, then we shall think of others and properly relate to them. Christians need to love one another and be united in heart. This love should be “fervent.”
Christian love is forgiving. Love does not condone sin, for, if we love somebody, we will be grieved to see him sin and hurt himself and others. Rather, love covers sin in that love motivates us to hide the sin from others and not spread it abroad.
The opposite of that kind of love is to talk about the sin to others even unbelievers. This leads to gossip and slander
1 Peter 2:1 NLT [1] So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.
No one can hide his sins from God, but believers ought to try, in love, to cover each other’s sins at least from the eyes of the unsaved. After all, if the unsaved crowd finds ammunition for persecuting us because of our good words and works, what would they do if they knew the bad things that Christians say and do!
4. Use hospitality
1 Peter 4:9 NIV Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
In New Testament times hospitality was an important thing because there were few inns and poor Christians could not afford to stay at them anyway. Persecuted saints in particular would need places to stay where they could be assisted and encouraged.
5. Minister your spiritual gifts
1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV [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.
Christian love must result in service. Each Christian has at least one spiritual gift that he must use to the glory of God and the building up of the church (see Rom. 12:1–13; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4:1–16). God has entrusted these gifts to us that we might use them for the good of His church.
6. Think it not strange
1 Peter 4:12 NIV 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.
Persecution is not something that is alien to the Christian life. Throughout history the people of God have suffered at the hands of the unbelieving world. Christians are different from unbelievers, and this different kind of life produces a different kind of lifestyle. Much of what goes on in the world depends on lies, pride, pleasure, and the desire to A dedicated Christian builds his life on truth, humility, holiness, and the desire to glorify God.
7. Rejoice
1 Peter 4:13-14 NIV 13] But rejoice in as much 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.
Literally, Peter wrote, “Be constantly rejoicing!”. The world cannot understand how difficult circumstances can produce exceeding joy, because the world has never experienced the grace of God.
Peter named several privileges that we share that encourage us to rejoice in the midst of the fiery trial.
8. Do not be ashamed
1 Peter 4:15-16 NIV [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.
Peter warns against suffering due to criminal activity or meddling in others' affairs. He lists examples like murder, theft, or being a busybody. Suffering as a consequence of such actions isn't something to be proud of. It doesn't bring glory to God and isn't comparable to suffering for Christ.
This is when someone suffers because of their faith in Jesus. It could be persecution, ridicule, or even physical harm for following Christ's teachings. Peter encourages believers to rejoice in this kind of suffering because it identifies them with Christ, who himself suffered unjustly.
9. Glorify God
1 Peter 4:16-18 NIV [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?”
Overall Message:
Suffering for Christ is a badge of honor, not shame.
God refines his followers through trials.
The righteous face challenges, but those who reject God will face greater difficulties.
Being identified with Christ, even through suffering, is a reason for pride, not shame. "If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."
Judgment Begins Within One view suggests that God refines and tests his followers first. If the righteous face difficulties, those who reject God will face even harsher judgment.
The Difficulty of Salvation This emphasizes the challenges of living a Christian life. It doesn't imply salvation is impossible, but highlights the importance of faith and perseverance.
10. Commit yourself to God
1 Peter 4:19 NIV [19] So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
The verse emphasizes trusting God completely, even in suffering. Suffering doesn't negate the importance of good works and living a holy life. Even in hardship, Christians are called to act with compassion and integrity. God is a "faithful Creator," trustworthy and capable of taking care of those who rely on him. This reinforces the idea of placing complete trust in God's hands. It reminds us that God is with us even in difficult times, and that living a righteous life is important even amidst suffering.
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