I Peter 4
Christian to end past enjoyment of sinverses 1-2
Forasmuch then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh
ARM yourselves likewise with the same mind
For he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin
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
Christian has to deal with former friendsverses 3-6
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 – reveling
banqueting abominable idolatries
wherein they think it strange that you run
NOT with them to the same excess of riot
speaking evil of you
Who shall give account to HIM that is ready
to judge the quick and the dead
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
Christian is to show deep love for fellow believersverses 7-9
BUT the end of all things is at hand
be you therefore sober and watch to prayer
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves
FOR charity shall cover a multitude of sins
Use hospitality one to another without grudging
Christians are to manifest their spiritual giftverses 10-11
As every man has received the gift
even so minister the same one to another
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God
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 gives that God in all things
may be glorified through Jesus Christ
to WHOM be praise and dominion
for ever and ever
AMEN
Christians are partners with Christ in sufferingverses 12-13
BELOVED – think it not strange concerning the fiery trial
which is to try you
as though some strange thing happened unto you
BUT rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings
that – when HIS glory shall be revealed
you may be glad also with exceeding joy
Christians are the first to be judged of the LORDverses 14-19
IF you be reproached for the name of Christ – happy are you
for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you
on their part HE is evil spoken of
BUT on your part HE is glorified
BUT let none of you suffer as a murderer – thief – evil- doer
busybody in other men’s matters
YET if any man suffer as a Christian – let him not be ashamed
BUT let him glorify God on this behalf
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?
And if the righteous scarcely be saved
where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
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
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
:1 Forasmuch then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. (3695 “arm” [hoplizo] means to equip, to make ready, to train, to arm oneself with courage, to provide, or prepare oneself)
DEVOTION: We are in a battle. The Christian life can be one of suffering. The Christian life is one of obedience.
Christ left us a perfect example on how to live here on this earth. HE came to give HIS life for us. HE was one who was lied about and called names. HE was questioned as to HIS authority. HE was sinless but accused of all kinds of sins. HE was one who suffered at the hands of wicked men. HE was falsely accused. HE was nailed to a cross for our sins. HE shed HIS blood for us. HE didn’t stay in the grave. HE arose. HE is presently sitting at the right hand of God the Father making intercession for us.
Now it is our time to serve. We will never be sinless. We can sin less but remember that we need an advocate.
We are to follow HIS example. We have to be willing to suffer for our faith. We have to look to HIM as our perfect example of what to do when we are falsely accused. We are to live sober lives. We are to live lives that are watchful. We are to life lives that are given to charity or love for one another. We are to cover a multitude of sins with our love. We are to open our doors to our fellow believers. We are to watch what we say. We are to realize that there are going to be fiery trials coming our way on a regular basis.
Why? Because Christ had them come HIS way on a regular basis. There are at least two ways we can suffer here on this earth, either for Christ’s sake or because of our sin. The more we follow HIM, the less we should sin. Judgment will begin at the house of God. Rewards will be given to those who serve faithfully.
Are we ready for the LORD to return? Are we ready to suffer in the mean time? Peter told believers that the LORD was coming. HE is still coming. Each day we should expect HIM. Each day we should serve HIM.
CHALLENGE: Are we equipping our minds to think like Christ thought while HE was here on this earth? Do we realize the outcome for eternity?
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 4 Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you. (3579 “think it strange” [xenizo] means to be surprised, astonished, to be astonished by the strangeness and novelty of a thing, be shocked, or to be left with one’s mouth open)
DEVOTION: When you are a follower of Jesus Christ you will lose friends. If you are saved later in life you will have many friends who are not followers of Jesus Christ. They will not understand the change in you. They will ask questions and when you give the answer that you can’t do some of the things you used to do with them they might get angry with you. Many of them will stop wanting you to come around anymore or you might not want to be with them except to tell them about Jesus.
If you are saved at a young age and live for the LORD there will be individuals who will not want to be your friend. If you are a good witness for the LORD you will tell them about Jesus and they will not want to hear you.
There is a third group of friends. These are the ones who will see a difference in you and want to know more and once they do know more will become a follower of Christ with you.
You have to set the standard for your life around the Word of God no matter what your age. You will mature in your understanding of Jesus Christ and want to even than change other things in your life to please HIM.
Again you could lose friends who said they were believers but don’t want to give up some of their old habits that you can no longer practice.
CHALLENGE: These friends as well as others might want to slander you or put you down. Don’t let that bother you – move on.
: 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1618 “fervent” [ektenes] means without ceasing, continuous, eager, deep, unfailing, zealous, stretched, intense, or earnest)
DEVOTION: What should are relationship be to fellow believers? What should people sitting in the pew next to us each Sunday expect of us? Is a hand shake and a promise of prayer enough for our fellow church members? What should the pastor expect of the people he serves?
These are questions that we need to ask ourselves on a regular basis and especially after reading this verse. Peter informs the believers that they are to have continuous, eager, unfailing agape love toward each other.
In many churches we find believers looking at other attending and judging them according to their standard. The problem with this is that once they start putting people in their church in a category of “worst sinner than me” the love is not showing.
The sin of pride is committed by those who are busy not loving fellow members but gossiping or just not helping them. Peter wanted the church members to realize that one of their responsibilities is to help someone who has committed sins in the past to help them stop committing the same sins. This can be done according to Peter by zealously loving them into a better relationship with the LORD.
Our responsibility toward those believers around is more than just praying for them or giving them a little help but to show them that we genuinely care to the point of hurting ourselves financially or in the giving of our time to help them.
Once a believer confesses his sins to the LORD and tries to turn his life around the church should not bring up the past but encourage them to continue serving the LORD in the future. The past should never be brought up in conversation in a church meeting or a private home.
CHALLENGE: How much are you willing to forgive and help a fellow sinner? Are you willing to stop all gossip in your church? When people walk into your house or your church do they feel the agape love?
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 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? (2917 “judgment” [krima] means condemnation, decision, evaluation, verdict, punishment, sentence, lawsuit, rule, or decree)
Remember that there are two judgments regarding the saved and the lost. Those who are followers of Jesus Christ will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. This will happen just after the rapture of the Church at the beginning of the seven year period of Tribulation according to my interpretation of Scripture. Those who reject Jesus Christ will appear before the Great White Throne Judgment after the end of the Tribulation time period.
The ones who appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ will not be judges as to whether they are saved or not but according to their service for the LORD after salvation. We are not saved by works. It is faith plus nothing. Our desire will be to serve the LORD with the gift the Holy Spirit gives us in the local church. Our years of service and kind of service will make a difference at this judgment. Rewards and crowns will be passed out for those who served the LORD faithfully. Some will be saved “yet so as by fire” because their works will be burned and they will receive no rewards or crowns for their lack of service. Some people who think they are appearing before the Judgment Seat of Christ will not be there because they were never really believers but acted like believers by attending church, giving money, and even sometimes even witnessing for the LORD.
The second group will stand before Jesus and the books will be opened at the Great White Throne Judgment and their names will not be written there, so they will spend eternity with the devil and his angels in the lake of fire.
Judgment is going to begin with the Church. That includes all those who are genuine followers of Jesus Christ from the first century until the call to heaven sometime in the future.
CHALLENGE: No one knows the date or hour except God. Our responsibility is to be busy serving until that time.
:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as to a faithful Creator. (3908 “commit” [paratithemi] means 1 to place beside or near or set before. 1a food, i.e. food placed on a table. 1b to set before (one) in teaching. 1c to set forth (from one’s self), to explain. 2 to place down (from one’s self or for one’s self) with any one. 2a to deposit. 2b to entrust, commit to one’s charge. [Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship].) (MW)
DEVOTION: In modern American culture, it is very hard to get people to commit to anything. Have you noticed? The goal of sales people is to get the customer to buy a certain kind or amount of merchandise, but many are indecisive and walk away from making a commitment. In fact, it seems that the only kind of commitments that people in our culture make now are to themselves and to their own comfort and pleasure.
How different this was from the culture of the Bible! The LORD had told His people to commit their ways to the Him, and He would make their paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). David, the psalmist, also encourages believers in the LORD to commit their way to Him (Psalm 37:5). What this means is that there is no room for easy believism in Christianity, because Jesus not only wants to be your savior, but also your master and Lord.
So when Peter challenges these people to commit their actions to God, he is doing so with the recognition that many of them were going through suffering for their faith in Jesus. He reminds them that God has not written the final chapter yet, and that their suffering may actually be the vehicle through which the unsaved are won to faith in Christ. This is a commitment which requires a lot of faith, and we are called to this same commitment every day of our lives.
CHALLENGE: Are you asking the LORD each day to show you how He wants you to what is good for Him? Start the day in prayer to Him asking Him what your first priority ought to be.
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Watch to prayerverse 7
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
Gospelverses 6, 17
Oracles of Godverse 11
Gospel of Godverse 17
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
Godverses 2, 6, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17
Will of Godverses 2, 19
Ready to judge the quick and the deadverse 5
Grace of Godverse 10
Oracles of Godverse 11
Ability given by God to believersverse 11
God glorified through Jesus Christverse 11
Glorify Godverse 16
House of Godverse 17
Gospel of Godverse 17
Faithful Creatorverse 19
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
Christverses 1, 11, 13, 14
Christ in the fleshverse 1
Christ suffered for believersverse 1
Jesusverse 11
Jesus Christverse 11
Praiseverse 11
Dominionverse 11
Christ’s sufferingsverse 13
Glory revealedverse 13
Name of Christverse 14
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Spiritverses 6, 14
Spirit of gloryverse 14
Spirit of Godverse 14
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Lusts of menverse 2
Will of the Gentilesverse 3
Give account to Godverse 5
Men in the fleshverse 6
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Sinverse 1
Lusts of menverse 2
Will of the Gentilesverse 3
Lasciviousnessverse 3
Lustsverse 3
Excess of wineverse 3
Revelingsverse 3
Banquetingsverse 3
Abominable idolatriesverse 3
Excess of riotverse 4
Speaking evil of believersverses 4, 14
Sinsverse 8
Grudgingverse 9
Reproach believersverse 14
Spoke evilverse 14
Murdererverse 15
Thiefverse 15
Evil-doerverse 15
Busybodyverse 15
Obey not the gospel of Godverse 17
Ungodlyverse 18
Sinnerverse 18
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Arm with mind of Christverse 1
Will of Godverse 2
Preach the gospelverse 6
Live according to God in the Spiritverse 6
Soberverse 7
Watch to prayerverse 7
Fervent charity among Christiansverse 8
Charity covers a multitude of sinsverse 8
Hospitality one to anotherverse 9
Giftverse 10
Minister one to anotherverses 10, 11
Stewardsverse 10
Graceverse 10
Gift of speakingverse 11
Fiery trialverse 12
Rejoiceverse 13
Suffer verses 13, 15, 16, 19
Partakers of Christ’s sufferingverse 13
Gladverse 13
Exceeding joyverse 13
Reproached for name of Christverse 14
Happyverse 14
Spirit of glory and God rests onverse 14
Glorify Christverse 14
Christianverse 16
Not be ashamedverse 16
Glorify Godverse 16
Righteous scarcely savedverse 18
Savedverse 18
Commit the keeping of souls to Godverse 19
Well-doingverse 19
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Church (New Testament people of God)
Gospel preachedverses 6, 17
Hospitality one to anotherverse 9
Giftverse 10
Minister one to anotherverses 10, 11
Belovedverse 12
Christianverse 16
Last Things (Future Events)
End of all thingsverse 7
Christ given praise and dominion for eververse 11
Christ’s glory shall be revealedverse 13
Judgment must begin at the house of Godverse 17
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QUOTES regarding passage
12 “Dear friends” (agapētoi, “beloved,” as at 2:11; cf. its use in 2 Peter 3:1, 8, 14–15, 17) marks the beginning of a new section. Some scholars have argued that since the situation revealed in 4:12–5:14 is so different (“distress and terror occasioned by an actual persecution,” so Beare, p. 188) from the general tenor of the letter, 4:12–5:14 is the real letter. The preceding section (1:3–4:11) was, they assume, only hypothetical and was perhaps general baptismal instruction. But the letter makes good sense as a whole, and 4:12–5:14 makes a fitting climax to its argument. There are also a number of unifying items that reveal connections between this section and the previous one. See, for example, the use of xenizein (“be surprised”) in 4:4 and 4:12. This verb is uncommon in the NT and only occurs in Acts (seven times) and in Hebrews (once). The idea of the glory of God occurs in 4:11 and 4:14, 16. Eschatology and the judgment of evildoers are also common to both units (cf. Kelly, pp. 183–84).
Suffering is not to be regarded as something foreign to Christian experience but rather as a refining test. Peter has already mentioned the necessity of faith being refined through suffering and testing (1:6–7). Here the idea of refining is found in the word “painful” (pyrōsis, lit., “burning”), which occurs in the Greek OT (LXX) in the metaphor of the refining of metals (TDNT, 6:951). Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18); and John writes, “Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you” (1 John 3:13). In the light of Jesus’ experience and teaching, his followers should expect troubles, but troubles should only encourage them (cf. John 16:33). (Blum, E. A. (1981). 1 Peter. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Hebrews through Revelation (Vol. 12, pp. 247–248). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
Think it not strange (μη ξενιζεσθε [mē xenizesthe]). Prohibition with μη [mē] and the present passive imperative of ξενιζω [xenizō], for which verb see 4:4. “Be not amazed.” Concerning the fiery trial among you (τει ἐν ὑμιν πυρωσει [tei en humin purōsei]). Instrumental case, “by the among you burning,” metaphorical sense of old word (since Aristotle), from πυροω [puroō], to burn (πυρ [pur] fire). See 1:7 for the metaphor. See Rev. 18:9, 18 only other N. T. examples. It occurs in Prov. 27:21 for the smelting of gold and silver and so in Ps. 66:10 (LXX 65:10): “Thou didst smelt us as silver is smelted” (ἐπυρωσας ἡμας ὡς πυρουται το ἀργυριον [epurōsas hēmās hōs puroutai to argurion]). Which cometh upon you (ὑμιν γινομενῃ [humin ginomenēi]). Present middle participle of γινομαι [ginomai] (already coming) with dative case ὑμιν [humin]. To prove you (προς πειρασμον [pros peirasmon]). “For testing.” As though a strange thing happened unto you (ὡς ξενου ὑμιν συμβαινοντος [hōs xenou humin sumbainontos]). Genitive absolute with ὡς [hōs], giving the alleged reason, and ὑμιν [humin], dative case with συμβαινοντος [sumbainontos] (present active participle of συμβαινω [sumbainō], to go together, to happen (Mark 10:32), agreeing with ξενου [xenou] (strange, Heb. 13:9). (Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (1 Pe 4:12). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.)
4:12. Peter warned his readers about the coming of a more intense period of persecution. He again stressed mental readiness (cf. 1:13; 4:7): Do not be surprised (xenizesthe, “amazed”; cf. v. 4) at the painful trial you are suffering. The NASB translates this last phrase “the fiery ordeal among you.” Literally rendered it could read “the among you burning.” The verb pyrōsei is from pyroō, “to burn.” The meaning may be metaphorical as in 1:7 where the context is quite similar. However, the verse could also be aptly applied to the historical reality of the Neronian persecution. Christians were blamed for the burning of Rome. Some were covered with pitch and used as living torches to light the imperial gardens at night. Peter may have believed that the provincial officials were likely to follow their emperor’s example and stake-burn Christians in Asia Minor. Such persecution should not take the Christians by surprise as though something strange (xenou) were befalling them. (Raymer, R. M. (1985). 1 Peter. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 854). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
Expect Suffering (1 Peter 4:12)
Persecution is not something that is alien to the Christian life. Throughout history the people of God have suffered at the hands of the unbelieving world. Christians are different from unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14–18), and this different kind of life produces a different kind of lifestyle. Much of what goes on in the world depends on lies, pride, pleasure, and the desire to “get more.” A dedicated Christian builds his life on truth, humility, holiness, and the desire to glorify God.
This conflict is illustrated throughout the Bible. Cain was a religious man, yet he hated his brother and killed him (Gen. 4:1–8). The world does not persecute “religious people,” but it does persecute righteous people. Why Cain killed Abel is explained in 1 John 3:12: “Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” The Pharisees and Jewish leaders were religious people, yet they crucified Christ and persecuted the early church. “But beware of men,” Jesus warned His disciples, “for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues” (Matt. 10:17). Imagine scourging the servants of God in the very house of God!
God declared war on Satan after the Fall of man (Gen. 3:15), and Satan has been attacking God through His people ever since. Christians are “strangers and pilgrims” in an alien world where Satan is the god and prince (John 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:3–4). Whatever glorifies God will anger the enemy, and he will attack. For believers, persecution is not a strange thing. The absence of satanic opposition would be strange!
Jesus explained to His disciples that they should expect opposition and persecution from the world (John 15:17–16:4). But He also gave them an encouraging promise: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). It was through His death on the cross of Calvary, plus His resurrection, that He overcame sin and the world (John 12:23–33; see Gal. 6:14).
The image of “fire” is often applied to testing or persecution even in modern conversation. “He is really going through the fire,” is a typical statement to describe someone experiencing personal difficulties. In the Old Testament, fire was a symbol of the holiness of God and the presence of God. The fire on the altar consumed the sacrifice (Heb. 12:28–29). But Peter saw in the image of fire a refining process rather than a divine judgment (see Job 23:10; 1 Peter 1:7).
It is important to note that not all of the difficulties of life are necessarily fiery trials. There are some difficulties that are simply a part of human life and almost everybody experiences them. Unfortunately, there are some difficulties that we bring on ourselves because of disobedience and sin. Peter mentioned these in 1 Peter 2:18–20 and 3:13–17. The fiery trial he mentioned in 1 Peter 4:12 comes because we are faithful to God and stand up for that which is right. It is because we bear the name of Christ that the lost world attacks us. Christ told His disciples that people would persecute them, as they had Him, because their persecutors did not know God (John 15:20–21).
The word “happened” is important; it means “to go together.” Persecution and trials do not just “happen,” in the sense of being accidents. They are a part of God’s plan, and He is in control. They are a part of Romans 8:28 and will work out for good if we let God have His way. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 423–424). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
4:12 the fiery ordeal. Peter probably wrote this letter shortly before or after the burning of Rome (see Introduction: Background and Setting), and at the beginning of the horrors of a 200 year period of Christian persecution. Peter explains that 4 attitudes are necessary in order to be triumphant in persecution: 1) expect it (v. 12); 2) rejoice in it (vv. 13, 14); 3) evaluate its cause (vv. 15–18); and 4) entrust it to God (v. 19). some strange thing were happening. “Happening” means “to fall by chance.” A Christian must not think that his persecution is something that happened accidentally. God allowed it and designed it for the believer’s testing, purging, and cleansing. (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (1 Pe 4:12). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
Ver. 12. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, &c.] By which may be meant either the destruction of Jerusalem, which was at hand, and of which the apostle may be thought to give the Jews he writes to notice of before-hand; that they might be prepared for it, and not be overwhelmed with consternation and amazement when they should hear of it; who, though in other countries, must be affected with it, and would be a trying dispensation to them: or else the afflictions and persecutions which daily come upon them, for the sake of Christ and his Gospel; signified by fire or burning, because grievous to the flesh, and gave great uneasiness, distress, and pain to it; and because of the fury of men, and the violence and fierceness of their rage, expressed thereby; as also because the people of God under them are sometimes ready to conceive that the wrath of God is poured out, like fire, upon them. But the apostle would not have these saints entertain any such thoughts, and therefore he calls them beloved; that is, of God, as they were notwithstanding all the fiery trials and afflictions which were brought upon them; or he means, that they were beloved by him, and dear unto him, and other saints, though they were ill-treated and reproached by the world: the Syriac and Arabic versions read, my beloved; and the Ethiopic version, our brethren: and the apostle exhorts them not to look upon their afflictions that either did or should attend them as strange and uncommon things; since afflictions, of whatsoever kind, are not things of chance, and do not rise up out of the dust, but are by the appointment, and according to the will of God; and are also the common lot of the people of God in all ages, from the beginning of the world, the same afflictions are accomplished in others; yea, Christ himself endured the same hatred, reproach, and contradiction of sinners, against himself; and they are what he has given his people reason to expect, having told them of them before-hand, that they might not be offended at them; and as they lay in his way to glory, it need not seem strange that the saints also should, through many tribulations, enter the kingdom. Moreover, this fiery dispensation, be it what it will, was not to destroy them, but to try them, and that for their good, profit, and advantage; just as gold and silver are tried in the fire, and lose their dross, and become purer and brighter: which is to try you; afflictions try the graces of the saints; as their faith in Christ, which becomes thereby much more precious than of gold that perisheth; and their love to him, by which it appears that no tribulation can separate them from it, nor many waters and floods of afflictions drown it; and their hope of eternal life, which grows more lively and strong, and is as an anchor, sure and steadfast, amidst the greatest storms. These try a man’s profession of religion, whether it is took up on good principles, and without sinister views; since, if it is not, when persecution, because of the word, comes, he is offended and gone; and likewise what a man’s principles are, whether worth suffering for or no; and whether they will bear him up, and he abide by them, when called to suffer for them; and therefore, since such ends are answered by fiery trials, they should not be looked upon as Strange and unusual things: as though some strange thing happened unto you; which was never known and heard of before; and as if useless, and of no service, and as foreign to the characters, cases, and circumstances of the saints in this world. The apostle in this verse returns to his former argument, to animate and encourage the saints in suffering afflictions patiently for righteousness-sake. (Gill, J. (1809). An Exposition of the New Testament (Vol. 3, pp. 571–572). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
The importance of such constancy in love has already been underlined in 1 Pet 1:22, and the theme is broached again because love is central in the Christian life. Indeed, Jesus himself warned that love is apt to grow cold at the end of the age (Matt 24:12). Hence, the need is to continue to stoke the fires of love, so that it is displayed to others. (Schreiner, T. R.)
That is, when one Christian truly loves his fellow Christian, he will not publish abroad his failings, but will cover them up from the sight of others. How much gossip is eliminated when we love each other. (Wuest, K. S.)
THE CROSS TEACHES HOW TO SUFFER
Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.
1 Peter 2:21
Christ teaches us how to live, and He also teaches us how to suffer. Because we live in a world of suffering and we need to be taught how to suffer, He teaches us how to suffer. The cross teaches us how to suffer—not only how to live morally and ethically, but how to suffer. “The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” come to us all: people misunderstanding us, injustices done to us, the failure of trusted friends, people in whom we reposed every confidence letting us down, disappointments, loneliness, physical pain. How do you stand up to these things? These are the things that come to all of us. How do we meet them—how do we live? Read what the apostle Peter says about this: “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judges righteously: who his own self bear our sins in his own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:21-24).
There is the only way—the cross. Christ experienced misunderstanding, injustice, the treachery of friends, loneliness, even his disciples forsaking Him and fleeing from Him. In the dark night, they all forsook Him. And so no experience can ever fall to your lot but that he has gone through it. The treachery, the misunderstanding, the abuse, the injustice, the loneliness, the agony, the sweat.
In every pang that rends the heart,
The Man of Sorrows had a part.
Michael Bruce
Yes, in the light of the fact that He has been made in the likeness of sinful flesh and “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” He is able to help us.
A Thought to Ponder: No experience can ever fall to your lot but that Christ has gone through it. (From The Cross, pp. 213-215, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
Jesus appears to His disciples again to reassure them and to build their faith.
INSIGHT
Without a shepherd, the sheep scatter. After Jesus’ death, His disciples scatter and the fishermen return to the sea. They simply do not know what to do next.
After an evening of unfruitful fishing, they return to shore to find Jesus there with breakfast ready. We see a picture of Peter and Jesus, eating together in perfect harmony. Bear in mind, this is the man who denied that he ever knew Jesus. This incident adds weight to Jesus’ statement that the one can love greater who has been forgiven for the greater sin.
The Lord is mindful of our frame and knows that we are but dust. You must not let sin fester in your heart. Confess it and accept His forgiveness. (Quiet Walk)
Thanks for Everything
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20)
Being thankful for everything that happens in his or her life to a Christian believer is listed in this section of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians as one of the evidences that a Christian is indeed “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
That is not all. Not only for everything, but in everything we should give thanks to God. “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). These two commands are easy to obey when the living is easy, as the song says, though we might easily forget to do so. But when the Lord is allowing us to hurt for a while, thanksgiving becomes hard. It is hard while we are experiencing the difficulty and just as hard when it has passed with no relief in sight. The two small prepositions “in” and “for” are different in New Testament Greek as well as in modern English, and God really wants us to learn how to thank Him both during and after the hard experience.
Because He has allowed it for a good purpose! The apostle James urges us to “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (that is, “various testings”); “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:3-4). Paul says that we can even “glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:3-5). Patience and real love will come to characterize a habitually thankful Christian.
(HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
When prayer is no longer central to the church, we have lost the very life that makes us the unique body of Christ. When we do not pray, we stop being the church and we become a social club, a place for people to meet, encourage one another, and have fun together, but a place that is no longer in vital relationship with God. (p. 86)
Charles Hummel writes, “We usually think of murder, adultery or theft as among the worst. But the root of all sin is self-sufficiency – independence from God. When we fail to wait prayerfully for God’s guidance and strength we are saying, with our actions, if not our lips, that we don’t not need Him. (p. 87)
The ability to lead the church and effectively influence the church comes not through the development of programs nor through the development of specific strategies, it comes through the avenue of prayer. A board that prays is a board that will have an impact in the life and vibrancy of the congregation. (p. 89)
(Developing Leaders for the Small Church by Glenn C. Daman)
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