[Linux4christians] 1 Peter 4-5 (Wednesday)

[Pastor David]

*1 Peter 4-5 (Wednesday)*

*‭Commentary*

‭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, 4:2 in that he 
spends the rest of his time on earth concerned about the 
will of God and not human desires.

‭[Note:  When one discovers that physical appearance and 
physical pleasure do not result in lasting happiness but joy 
in the Lord fills the heart endlessly, one experiences a 
transformation of perspective.  Sometimes this comes through 
an emotional-intellectual-spiritual encounter with God and 
His Word through the Holy Spirit and sometimes we make it 
necessary for God to deprive us of appearance, health, 
and/or the resources to feed our narcissism.]

‭4:3 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.

‭[Note:  "... the time that has past" is a phrase Peter uses 
to draw a line in the life of the believer which clearly 
separates them from who they were versus who they have 
become in-Christ.]

‭4:4 So they are astonished when you do not rush with them 
into the same flood of wickedness, and they vilify you.

‭[Note:  Those who knew you are peers-in-sin now find your 
sin-resistant spirit a stumbling block which triggers the 
condemnation of the Law within - so from their rebellious 
hearts they attack you instead of dealing with their sin.]

‭4:5 They will face a reckoning before Jesus Christ who 
stands ready to judge the living and the dead.

‭4:6 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.

‭[Note:  Some might speculate that Peter was returning to 
his prior point about Jesus preaching to the "dead" from the 
day of Noah, but it seems more likely that he is speaking of 
those who used to be dead in their sin but because of the 
gospel are now made alive eternally in Christ.]

4:7 For the culmination of all things is near. So be 
self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer.
4:8 Above all keep your love for one another fervent, 
because love covers a multitude of sins.
4:9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
4:10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve 
one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 
4:11a Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words.
4:11b Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God 
supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified 
through Jesus Christ.
4:11c To him belong the glory and the power forever and 
ever. Amen.

4:12 Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire 
is occurring among you, as though something strange were 
happening to you.

[Note:  Peter wants his readers to avoid the confusion that 
comes from thinking that their circumstances are unique.]

4:13 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. 4:14 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.

4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or 
criminal or as a troublemaker.

[Note:  We may never blame God for suffering that results 
from sinful rebellion, though we may turn away from that sin 
and ask God to redeem something good from it, even as we 
accept the worldly consequences.]

4:16 But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, 
but glorify God that you bear such a name. 4:17 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? 4:18 And if the 
righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly 
and sinners? 4:19 So then let those who suffer according to 
the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as 
they do good.

[Note:  Peter warns that God will judge those in the "... 
house of God" who continue in their sin, yet notes that if 
they are to be judged - while protected from eternal 
consequences by grace - what might those not so protected 
anticipate as their fate?]

5:1 So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s 
sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be 
revealed, I urge the elders among you: 5:2 Give a shepherd’s 
care to God’s flock among you, exercising oversight not 
merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction, not 
for shameful profit but eagerly.

[Note:  Peter exhorts "elders", spiritual leaders, to assure 
that the integrity of the teaching of the gospel, 
discipleship (including discipline), and care-giving to 
believers is maintained.  They are to do so without drawing 
attention to themselves nor accepting more compensation - 
which diverts funds that might otherwise go to the care of 
the needy and/or to evangelism and discipleship - than 
necessary.]

5:3 And do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be 
examples to the flock. 5:4 Then when the Chief Shepherd 
appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never 
fades away.

[Note:  Every leader is a peer "child of God" with every 
other believer.  Arrogance and bullying is not acceptable. 
leaders are to lead-first from the example of their lives, 
embodying the "fruits of the Spirit.]

5:5a In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the 
elders.

[Note:  Just as elders/leaders are to be subject to the Holy 
Spirit those who are younger in spiritual maturity - 
regardless of chronological age - are to submit to those who 
are more spiritually mature.]

5.5b And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward 
one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace 
to the humble.

[Note:  Peter challenged everyone to live with humble 
spirits as the tendency of "the old man", the flesh in this 
world, is toward pride.]

5:6 And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble 
yourselves under his mighty hand 5:7 by casting all your 
cares on him because he cares for you.

[Note:  Peter reminds his readers that ours is a loving God 
with all power - we trust everything to Him because He wants 
to bless us - and He is already aware of our needs.  When we 
don't cast all our cares on God we come to either resent God 
or look to ourselves or to fellow humans for answers - 
guaranteed imperfect answers.]

5:8 Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring 
lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.

[Note:  Peter alerts his readers to the reality of spiritual 
warfare, a genuine evil enemy, and our need to be on our 
guard against him.]

5:9 Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that 
your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring 
the same kinds of suffering.

[Note:  Peter reminds that we have the authority to resist 
the enemy and we are expected to do so.  He does not suggest 
that we will not suffer in the struggle, any more that any 
army is without injuries in a battle, but he affirms that we 
hold the superior hand in-Christ.  He wants his readers to 
remember that their struggles are in common with other 
believers "throughout the world".]

5:10 And, after you have suffered for a little while, the 
God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in 
Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and 
establish you. 5:11 To him belongs the power forever. Amen.

[Note:  God allows our suffering to mature us and to serve 
as a witness to our faith - then He steps in and 
demonstrates His loving power.]

5:12 Through Silvanus, whom I know to be a faithful brother, 
I have written to you briefly, in order to encourage you and 
testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in 
it. 5:13 The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, 
greets you, and so does Mark, my son. 5:14 Greet one another 
with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.


*Interaction*

*Consider‭* that when one discovers that physical appearance 
and physical pleasure do not result in lasting happiness but 
joy in the Lord fills the heart endlessly, one experiences a 
transformation of perspective.  Sometimes this comes through 
an emotional-intellectual-spiritual encounter with God and 
His Word through the Holy Spirit and sometimes we make it 
necessary for God to deprive us of appearance, health, 
and/or the resources to feed our narcissism.]

*Discuss& ‭some practical ways ‬to "... be self-controlled 
and sober-minded" (see verses 4:7-11a)

*Reflect* upon Peter's challenge to leaders in 5:1-3.  Do 
you observe these characteristics in your leaders?  Have you 
prayed for them?  Have you thanked them for honoring the 
Word in this way?

*Share* a practical example of your submission to leaders 
who are faithful to God's expectations in the text of 5:1-3.


*Truth in Action*

Today I am choosing to "be sober and alert" to the enemy who 
"... is on the prowl looking for someone to devour" and to 
"resist him, strong in your faith".  I will review the 
teaching of Paul re. "Putting on the full armor of God" and 
discover where you fall short - then I will partner with the 
Holy Spirit to shore-up my spiritual defenses.

*Be Specific*  ________________________________________


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Thursday's text will be: 2 Peter 1
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Have an http://Ultrafidian.com Day!  Pastor David
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Senior Pastor (Interim) Bethel Missionary Baptist
http://bethelstatesboro.org (new site pending)
Bible Commentary & Daily Reflection-Action-Devotional
http://bibleseven.com/b7/b7studies.html
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