1 Peter 4: Suffering for the Glory of God

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.

Christ suffered in the flesh

He has all authority

But still suffered in the flesh

suffering in the flesh completed a mission

Philippians 2:6–7 ESV

who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

We are to “arm ourselves” with the same way of thinking

Prepare yourself to suffer

As one who prepares for war

Spiritual disciplines

Our suffering does not save anyone

But it is evidence of salvation

it does lead to holiness

You have wasted enough time living like pagans

1 Peter 4:3 ESV

For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.

Notice the contrast

The will of God

The will of pagans

The will of the flesh or pagans is the opposite of self control

Every urge is pursued

This list is still the same today

Just as rampant inside the church

This is a life of chaos and sin

We will be judged as a result of our pursuits

1 Peter 4:4–6 ESV

With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 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.

When you don’t act like the world, they become confused

Your convictions will surprise them

As a result, they will malign you

But everyone will face judgment

The Gospel separates the living from the dead

You have to decide the path

You may face human judgement

But that will lead to life in the Spirit

We are in the last times so live like it

1 Peter 4:7 ESV

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

Jesus fulfilled the Law, so there is nothing preventing His imminent return

Is your conscience clear enough for everything to end?

Does your life demonstrate the confidence of a coming savior?

Self-control and awareness is the evidence of a life expecting the return of Christ

This will guide you in prayer

And make your prayers more effective

In the mean time we seek refuge in the church and in ministry

1 Peter 4:8–11 ESV

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Love each other with hospitality

Without grumbling

Willing to forgive

We have each received a gift for the ministry

And each of us is responsible for being a good steward of that gift

God provides the words to be spoken and the strength to serve

So that He may be glorified in our ministry

This is how we survive suffering

But stop acting as if suffering is abnormal

1 Peter 4:12 ESV

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.

Remember, the pagans expect fulfillment and pleasure immediately

But we are a people that are waiting for a promised inheritance

Instead, we have the honor to follow Christ

1 Peter 4:13–14 ESV

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.

Because we will receive a resurrection like His

If we persevere, we will see His glory

Especially if we suffer for His Gospel

Suffering for Christ is evidence of His presence

Suffer for the right reasons

1 Peter 4:15–16 ESV

But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

1 Peter 2:20 ESV

For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.

Many times we blame God for the suffering we have brought on ourselves

There is no reward for lying in a bed of our own making

But we can glorify God in suffering for doing the right thing

Judgement begins in the household of God

Judgement serves a purpose

It restores God creative order

God refines His people

Micah 3:1–4 ESV

And I said: Hear, you heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel! Is it not for you to know justice?— you who hate the good and love the evil, who tear the skin from off my people and their flesh from off their bones, who eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them, and break their bones in pieces and chop them up like meat in a pot, like flesh in a cauldron. Then they will cry to the Lord, but he will not answer them; he will hide his face from them at that time, because they have made their deeds evil.

And if He is willing to refine His people, what do you think will happen to the disobedient?

There is a terrible judgment for those who deny Christ

The sinner and ungodly should beware

1 Peter 4:19 ESV

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

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