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

1 Peter_3

Scripture

1 Peter 3:8⁸ Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

Observation

Peter is writing to “…those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.”  He is writing to Christians in these various regions of the Roman Empire.  He starts with the duties (within the marriage, towards one another) of wives and husbands but then turns his direction to ALL of them and calls for…UNITY (sounds familiar, no?...maybe like something we heard yesterday??) and gives practical ways to create unity – being sympathetic and compassionate towards others, loving one another and staying humble.

Understanding

Just like PG talked about yesterday, we (the [global] church) are called to unity.There’s many reasons God desires unity for his church…but I think the most critical are that 1) that’s what he designed us for – community, and 2) we are more effective when working together for a common goal.  God can use us to do more, reach more, provide more, love more, if we are working in unison.  Plus, as we know, he created us all differently for the purpose of working together.In working together, we accomplish more but an additional benefit is that it builds us up.Ephesians 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.Working in unity, builds up the body, creates confidence, fosters consideration and kindness and sympathy, creates social/emotional wellness for the individuals involved, allows for refreshing (instead of burnout), etc.

EVERYONE WINS!

 

Life Application

May we live in unity, community, together. May we look for the things that bind us, rather than those that separate us. May we seek peace…even if it takes an uncomfortable conversation to get there.Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,

May we look for ways to destroy the barriers, tear down hostility and instead, lift and encourage one another, love one another and work together to accomplish the plans and purposes God has brought us together for.  Remember, you’re not here by accident! :)

 

Perhaps it's time to revisit those NEXT STEPS from yesterday's sermon...

 To check out the discussion or to join in click here.

1 Peter 2

Scripture  

2 Peter 2:9  But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

Observation-What does it say?  

In chapter two, Peter “The Rock” is encouraging believers to push forward in growth.  In doing so, he points out our status as being chosen by God.  But, we weren’t chosen by God for our good.  We were chosen by God for his purposes, to make known the goodness and richness of His love.  Also, as a result of Him choosing us and setting us apart, we become holy, which is not something we can do on our own.

Understanding-What does it mean?  I am a big fan of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series.  I love the books, the movies, the action figures, all of it.  For my 33rd birthday, I was lucky enough to have a hobbit themed day, compliments of my wife.  It sounded great at the beginning of the day, because hobbits love to eat and so do I.  But, after breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon and afternoon tea, I was about to bust at the seams.  We still had two more meals to go!!  But I digress.

One of my favorite character developments in the stories was that of Strider/Aragorn.  Aragorn was the rightful heir of the crown of men in middle earth.  Yet he chose a life of exile of sorts because he felt unworthy to lead.  He had seen both the failures of his ancestors and his own, and decided to neglect his duty to a higher calling.  As the stories progress, Aragorn realizes his position is not for his benefit, but for the benefit of the people.

Often times I have felt stuck in the same place as Strider.  I don’t feel worthy of the goodness of God (which I’m not), so I allow myself to make poor decisions and act in ways that do not display the love of God to others.  But, as I wallow in self-pity about how I am not good enough to do anything good, God is calling me out and urging me to rely on His goodness. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Life Application  Jesus, help me to act in the newness you have given me.  Give me the courage and boldness of a son of the king.  In finding this confidence, help me to find new ways to serve others for You.  For I am no longer a slave to sin.

and just for fun.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6t9OF8_3n8  

-Tyler Galloway