1 Pet 4

4:1
So, since Christ suffered in the flesh, you also arm yourselves with the
same attitude, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has finished
with sin,
2
in that he spends the rest of his time on earth concerned about the will
of God and not human desires.
3
For the time that has passed was sufficient for you to do what the
non-Christians desire. You lived then in debauchery, evil desires,
drunkenness, carousing, drinking bouts, and wanton idolatries.
4
So they are astonished when you do not rush with them into the same flood
of wickedness, and they vilify you.
5
They will face a reckoning before Jesus Christ who stands ready to judge
the living and the dead.
6
Now it was for this very purpose that the gospel was preached to those who
are now dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh by human
standards they may live spiritually by God’s standards.
7
For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and
sober-minded for the sake of prayer.
8
Above all keep your love for one another fervent,
because love covers a multitude of sins.
9
Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
10
Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good
stewards of the varied grace of God.
11
Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the
strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified
through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and
ever. Amen.
12
Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among
you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13
But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of
Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice and be
glad.
14
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed,
because the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God, rests on you.
15
But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or as a
troublemaker.
16
But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that
you bear such a name.
17
For it is time for judgment to begin, starting with the house of God. And
if it starts with us, what will be the fate of those who are disobedient to
the gospel of God?
18
And,
if the righteous are barely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and sinners?
19
So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their
souls to a faithful Creator as they do good.

One thought:

We suffer and we serve for God’s glory and we will get joy from this when that glory is revealed.

Three questions:

 

If Christ is coming back soon – what should you be praying for?

 

What will it be like to see God’s glory, what images come to mind.

 

How could you serve someone else today or this week? Do something that you wouldn’t have done anyway.

Prayer:

Give thanks that Christ suffered and that we are blessed because of that.

Give thanks that we will get to see God’s glory and have everlasting joy.

Ask God to help you to serve others and to endure if you are insulted or treated poorly for your beliefs.

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