|
| Chapter 4 |
| Bible Text | Notes and Thoughts |
|
1 ¶ For inasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind, for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3 For in time past our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, banqueting's, and abominable idolatries, 4 ¶ wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same dissolute excess, speaking evil of you: 5 they shall give account to Him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6 For, for this cause was the Gospel preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 ¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things, have fervent charity among yourselves, for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak according to the oracles of God. If any man minister, let him do it according to the ability which God giveth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 12 ¶ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; 13 but rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye, for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part evil is spoken of Him, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this account. 17 For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God. And if it first begin with us, what shall the end be of those who obey not the Gospel of God? 18 And, "If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. |
Using Time 1 Peter 4:1-11. Peter talks about ‘time’ in a number of places in his epistle, 1 Peter 1:5,11,17,20; 1 Peter 4:2-3, 17; 1 Peter 5:6. Our time on this earth is limited, if you believe in the love and salvation of Jesus you will want to make the best of your time here on earth, being prepared for and watching for the return of Jesus. Our attitude to sin 4:1-3 Peter uses a soldier as an example of our attitude, be ‘armed’ with a mind like Jesus, a mind which made Him suffer for our sin 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Peter 3:18. Jesus came to earth to deal with the sins of men and women, He conquered it completely on that cross making us right with God. Because of this we who have received forgiveness should not want to make more sin and hurt for Jesus. We will never be able not to sin until He comes back for us but we need to keep trying not to let Him down. 1 John 2:28. v2 The will of God. Living a life which is in the Will of God is the best way of using your time. We may not always understand what He is doing but it is best for us. Rom 8:28-39. v3 Remember what we were like once. The fact that we were a prisoner of sin, following the "will of the Gentiles," the will of the unsaved world. How foolish it would be to go back to that kind of life. v4-6 Our attitude to the unsaved. People think that those who turn to Christ are strange, but seem to forget what their lives are doing to their bodies. We must be prepared to tell others why we changed 1 Peter 3:15. The unsaved may judge the saved today but one day they will have to stand before God and account for their life. We must not think that v6 is saying that the unsaved will have a second chance after death, the Gospel is only preached to the living 1 Peter 1:25 Heb 9:27. While we are "in the flesh" the world may judge us by their standards, but one day God will judge. v7-13 One day Jesus will return, it may be today. 2 Peter 3:1ff. We must be v7 sober, v7 watching in prayer, v8 full of love, v9 helping others, v10 using our gifts,v10 good stewards, v12 be prepared for trials, v13 rejoice, v15-16 not ashamed, v16-18 Glorify God, v19 Commit to God. To be ‘sober’ means to ‘keep your mind clear and steady’, keep ‘cool,’ keep a balance of subjects and interests in the Word of God. Rom 14:10-13 Not just looking at one area of scripture, like prophecy and ignoring the others. Watch and pray: Mark 14:37-40; Eph 6:18; Col 4:2. Thinking of others, saved and unsaved: John 13:34-35; 1 Peter 2:19-20. Love and service to God: Rom 12:1-13; Eph 4:1-16. Suffering 1 Peter 4:12-19. The church was about to enter a period of opposition and persecution, a "fiery trial." The Christians had been accepted as part of the Jewish way of worship but beginning with Emperor Nero attitudes changed. v12 Christians are different from the world 2 Cor 6:14-18 and this different kind of life produces problems, the world looks for pleasure and wanting ‘more,’ to get this the world develops lust, lies and pride, so different to a Christian whose aim is to give God the Glory. ‘Fire’ has the image of pain and suffering but God considers that ‘trials of fire’ are a purifying action rather than a divine judgement, helping the Christian become closer to God. We must remember that not all problems of life are ‘fiery trials,’ some are just a part of human life, however, some we do bring upon ourselves by our poor life for God. v13,14 We must ‘rejoice’ as they are all part of God’s plan Rom 8:28. It is an honour to suffer with Christ and the way the world treats Him Phil 1:29; Acts 5:41; The world is actually persecuting Jesus. Acts 9:4. Not all believers are strong enough to go through this type of testing though. v13 Suffering leads to future glory. 1 Peter 1:6-9. v14 The suffering and trials will bring us the Holy Spirits ministry. Peter is indicating that the Holy Spirit has a special ministry for those who suffer for Christ. Glorify His name. The name of Jesus is hated in the world, most people will have no problem with Baptist, Methodist, Anglican etc but admit to being a Christian and the problems will start. v15-18 Look at the life you are leading. Why am I suffering? Are you breaking the law? then expect to suffer. Is it for Christ I am suffering? Am I ashamed for Christ? Phil 1:20,21. v17-18 If God is prepared to send fiery trials on His children, what will He do to the unsaved? v19 Commit ourselves totally to the Lord, let Him do what He wants to us so that we can give Him the glory. He will never fail in His promises. Our present actions are controlling our future, the more we commit to Him the more glorious it will be. |
| Back to previous page | Return to Home Page |
Easy English Translation
| 1st Letter of Peter |
| Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 |
| Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Introduction page |
