1 Peter Chapter 4

I just finished watching a Movie called the hiding place. It is about a family that hides Jews during world war 2. They are caught and eventually taken to a concentration camp. If this chapter of 1 Peter wasn't written for people like them, then I don't know what is. This chapter is written for all Christians who might suffer persecution.

1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

This chapter begins with Christs suffering on the cross, and that we should bare our suffering with the same righteousness as him. Just as Christ ceased from sin in the flesh, we should do likewise. We should not live our lives fulfilling the lusts of the flesh, but for will of God.

3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Verses 3 talks about the sins of our former lives, which we all have. We walked in the will of man and not of God. People will think it is strange when you do not want to live in sin like the rest of the world. God however is watching. Verse 5 discusses the impending judgement these people (the quick and the dead) will face. None of these people will want to give an account of what they have done. This is why the gospel is preached. To save those who are dead. All people outside of Christ our spiritually dead. Those who believe on Christ will be judged by men, but live according to God. The judgement of men is far better than the judgment of God. Verse 7 says: the end will come for all of us, so be sober and pray.

8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

This section covers how we should treat others. It says in all things have fervent love, for love shall cover the multitude of sins. Even with some sin in our lives, God can still bless us if we live in love. We should not hold grudges, but be hospitable. Verse 10 instructs us to lead by example. By our good deeds we will magnify the Grace of God. Do all things to the glory of God.

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Here we get into suffering for Christ. We are to accept persecution no matter what it may be. Verse 12 says: to not be surprised when a fiery trial comes upon you. As though some strange thing has happen to you. Rejoice, because you are partakers in Christs suffering. This will draw you closer to Christ. When Christ is revealed you will be filled with joy. Verse 14 says: if you are wrongly accused for the name of Christ, be happy, Gods spirit rests upon you. To them, God is evil spoken of, but through you he is glorified. Do not retaliate with these people or try to get even. If any Christian suffers, let them not be ashamed, but let them glorify God. Think of those who were put into concentration camps, were persecuted for their faith, or burned alive in the Roman coliseum. They endured with love and glorified God.

17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

This chapter ends with the judgement of the lost. It asks: what shall the judgement be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? If believers are barely saved, where will the ungodly sinner appear? They will appear at the great white throne judgement. God will be the the one who punishes them, not you. Verse 19 says: let them that suffer according to Gods will, commit their soul to him, in well doing. I believe the well doing part means, not lashing out and seeking vengeance. We must trust God in everything.

Thank you for reading my blog, and I will leave you with the only way to heaven, the gospel.

I Corinthians 15

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: