https://esv.literalword.com/?q=1+peter+4
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Friday, 20 September 2024:
1 Peter 4:1, 2 — Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
These are powerful verses calling us to do away with self-centered emotions that would impassion us to respond to others from a position of pride, self-righteousness, fear, anger, or judgment. When we have learned how to suffer persecution in love, to “take up our cross,” we have learned to deny self, truly love Jesus, and trust in Him. This involves trusting in Him wholeheartedly with an eternal perspective.
1 Peter 4:1-6 – With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you….
Worldliness and godliness head in two opposite directions. It is impossible to partner with and walk with ungodly people and with Jesus at the same time.
1 Peter 4:7 — The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that is founded on the perspective of your world view, your faith, and your hope, and informed, inspired, and impowered by the Spirit which guides your spirit. Self-control is not hard when you really believe Jesus is Lord, when you really love Him, truly desire to please Him, trust Him with the results, and rely in His power over your own personal power. It is about perspective and focus, about what really matters most at the moment of decision, about what is most “real” in your mind, momentary pleasure or false hope of the temptation at hand, or the reality of God’s Sovereignty and perfect, loving guidance and provision. The unseen must be more real to you than what is visible. Simply stated, the love and will of God must have a greater influence on you in the moment than what tempts your limited mind, your fears, and your appetites. For example, the person who struggles with a diet craves certain foods. These foods are very appealing, accessible, and pleasurable, and the consequences associated with eating them are initially inapparent, distant, questionable, and arguably insignificant, though very predictable in the long-term – the visible is more powerful than the invisible, and for most people, the visible usually wins. However, some have the ability to focus on the consequences of their actions, perceiving that “the end of all things is at hand.” They are able to focus on what really matters to them rather than instant gratification. This confidence in unseen outcomes can be a “joy” in someone’s life which overpowers the immediate pain of sacrifice (no eating you’re your appetite craves). What is your focus? Have you ever noticed that when you are extremely busy doing something that really matters to you, sometimes you forget to eat? Likewise, when you are fully committed to serving God with a sense of urgency, many temptations in life become irrelevant.
1 Peter 4:8, 9 — Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
God’s greatest commandment for us is that we love Him and one another. So, your primary goal each day should be to grow in love. There are many verses in the Bible describing the attributes and requirements of love – probably a good idea to memorize these verses so they will remain on the forefront of your mind.
Today’s readings tell us love requires hospitality without grumbling. How are you doing on that one? This is particularly difficult because often people won’t treat you well in return for your hospitality, generosity, and graciousness; you will often suffer maltreatment from those to whom you are showing kindness. In fact, unwavering hospitality will remain impossible for you if you are attempting to demonstrate it from your own strength of will. Only through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit will you be able to love this way: We must serve “by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”
“For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does…. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:6, 10) When, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we demonstrate unnatural, supernatural love and hospitality, we are not demonstrating and proclaiming our personal “goodness” but rather the power of the Gospel; what is clearly impossible for us brings glory to Jesus – “To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11) Loving hospitality is a gift of grace, undeserved by those who receive it; but we don’t produce the hospitality we give, we only transfer what we have received from God to others: “as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10) “With respect to this they are surprised….” (1 Peter 4:4) Your shocking display of love and hospitality will certainly stand out, be misunderstood at times, even ridiculed, but it will be a powerful testimony to the love of Christ. And when you suffer in your hospitality, you will have a special fellowship with Christ, growing only closer to Him –
- 2 Corinthians 1:5 — For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.
- Philippians 3:10 — …that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death….
- 2 Timothy 1:8 — Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God….
- 2 Timothy 2:3 — Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
- Hebrews 13:16 — Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
- 1 Peter 4:13 — But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
- Luke 9:23 — And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking…. live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1, 2) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…. We have the mind of Christ…. Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16; 1 Peter 1:13) Prepare your mind, arm yourself to love today by setting your mind on Christ, His will and His grace. Don’t attempt to produce grace but rather to show grace, the grace of God which has been given to you – share it. Don’t hope in your strength and goodness but rather His strength and goodness. And be prepared to give an answer to anyone “who asks for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15)
- John 1:17 — For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
- Acts 11:23 — When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose….
- 1 Corinthians 1:3 — Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 15:10 — But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
- 2 Corinthians 6:1 — We appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
- 2 Corinthians 9:8 — And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 — But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
1 Peter 4:12-15 – Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
Suffering is a reason to rejoice.
Life is hard in this sinful, broken world. And the Bible says to Christians, “Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12).” Just as Jesus was persecuted by the world, his true followers will also be persecuted from the dark world that hates the light. In this we are to rejoice that we have been afforded the opportunity to “share Christ’s sufferings.” When God called you to proclaim Jesus to the sinful, hateful world, he knew you would get hurt; but in that suffering, He is drawing you closer to Him. However, the Bible also warns that living foolishly only causes pointless, needless suffering. As the saying goes, “Life is hard, but it is harder when you’re stupid.” How much pain in your life is really self-induced? How many times have you heard Christians complain about “attacks from Satan” or “spiritual warfare” when what they are really dealing with are the natural consequences of their own careless behavior? Obedience to the word of God will not take suffering out of your life, but it will remove the self-inflicted pain which is usually our biggest problem. Walk in the light of God’s word that you may live in as much peace as possible.
1 Peter 4:18 – If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?
No one deserves salvation. Thank God for grace, and don’t take grace lightly.
1 Peter 4:19 — Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
It takes faith to suffer and to return good for evil. Do you trust God enough not to vindicate yourself or demand justice for yourself? “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.”
It is sometimes hard to do what is right when everyone around you is doing wrong, but obedience is an act of faith and love. Obedience is a commitment to pursue faithfulness out of gratitude and reverence to our “faithful Creator” who hates sin of all kinds. The key to overcoming temptation is not developing greater will power but growing in greater love and appreciation for Jesus. Keep your eye on the prize, and you won’t see anything else.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 20 September 2024: Let God’s grace overflow from you to others today, and show unwavering hospitality without grumbling, even internal grumbling.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 