1 Peter 4:

• v.1-7 Living for God: Goals
• v.8-11 Living for God: Practicalities
• v.12-19 Handling Opposition (2)

[Chapter 4 Synopsis: A chapter all about coping with opposition and persecution, coping graciously and righteously, simple as that!]

v.1-7 Living for God: Goals

[Passage Synopsis: We will be helped by remembering Christ’s example and work on our behalf, helped to live out new lives different from our old friends]

v.1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.

v.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.

v.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.

v.4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.

v.5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

v.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.

v.7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

[Note: Let Christ’s death be an example of sin’s power being broken, letting God’s will prevail over personal preferences. That latter approach belongs to your past so your old friends may now be surprised by you, but it’s them who will have to answer at the Judgment. The gospel reveals the reality of sin in both the living and those who have passed so be ready to face the end whenever it comes.]

v.8-11 Living for God: Practicalities

[Passage Synopsis: Ways of living as lights in a dark world]

v.8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

v.9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

v.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.

v.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.

[Note: Love one another, be hospitable, seek to bless others with your gifts, and when you speak, do so as God’s representatives and glorify God.]

v.12-19 Handling Opposition (2)

[Passage Synopsis: recognizing the face that persecution and opposition are part of the Christian package]

v.12 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.

v.13,14 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

v.15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

v.16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

v.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?

v.18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

v.19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will, should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

[Note: Don’t be surprised at opposition but instead rejoice that you walk the same path as Christ. If you have to suffer don’t let it be for doing wrong, if you do suffer for Christ, don’t be ashamed of it. God’s disciplinary judgments starts with His own people and it will certainly end with sinners [Prov. 11:31]. So in persecution trust in God.]

For those who may wish to make a study of this chapter, to perhaps think some more about what you have been reading, use the link below: