1 Peter 4

Peter is filling out his thoughts on suffering from chapter 3.  We should prepare ourselves to suffer the same as Jesus.  Peter is giving us practical ways to be “stewards of God’s Grace” (this is the BEAT of using the heading above a section of verses).  He balances the idea of suffering with the encouragement to continue using the gifts God gave you.  Proverbs 11:31 is quoted in verse 18. 

We should be prepared to suffer for Christ.  It’s a truth  that if you’ve suffered in the flesh for God to death, you are no longer a slave to sin.  But until then, we have to put aside our sinful tendencies and live as God wills.  We used to live in sin, and those we sinned with are ticked that we’ve left the party.  But we can know that it’s not because they miss us; it’s the fact that we see that lifestyle as sin, and that has shined the spotlight on their own terrible choices.  So they will no longer accept us, and that leads to a form of suffering for us.  (Maybe not the worst, but it’s pretty painful to lose friends and people we love because of our former sinful testimony.) The gospel was preached to those who have long since died—they died because that was their inheritance in Adam, but they were offered a spirit-filled life in Jesus.  The end is coming, we should be serious and calm so we can be effectively praying for and serving those around us.  Above anything we can do, we should be showing love, real love.  Because if we don’t do everything exactly right, or sometimes stumble, if we have love one to another, it makes it a whole lot more bearable!!! Whether you speak or serve in any capacity, do it with the strength only God can give, through Christ Jesus, who has power and glory forever.  Don’t let suffering catch us off-guard.  Find a way to rejoice and bring glory to God.  It’s a blessing to be insulted because you carry God’s name.  “Suffering” because  you’re a terrible person doesn’t count.  If you are suffering for Christ, entrust your soul to God.  He is faithful to complete a good work in you.  

This chapter changes me by reminding me both sides of the coin of Christianity.  I should be prepared to suffer for Him, but I shouldn’t be cowering in fear of suffering.  I should be aware of my surroundings and use common sense around those who might want to hurt me, but I should look for ways to serve and extend the grace God has given me.  It reminds me that I might someday be called to die for God.  But every single day, I’m called to live for God.  So I entrust my life and my death to God, knowing that the One who created me is faithful.