1 Peter 4:1-11
Q.1. In what way does following Christ and being prepared to endure suffering unjustly, help us turn from sin? How does the coming judgment help us do God’s will? – (1 Pet.4:1-6)
We will never win the battle with the sinful nature without being prepared to suffer in the flesh. That is yet another benefit we learn from the suffering of Jesus for our sin. In other words, we will make little progress in holiness, without being willing to suffer. The world looks on incredulously, because they don’t understand the undeserved blessing that God’s children have received, nor what they will experience in greater measure in the life to come. When we choose not to indulge the flesh in all the pleasures and passions the world offers, they mock and malign the saints of the Most- High God (1 Pet.4:3-4). However, whether it is believed or not – they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead (1 Pet.4:5). Knowing that this world and its people will give way to God’s judgment, inspires us to engage in the Rescue Mission – For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God (1 Pet.4:6).
Q.2. How does the climax of the ages inspire us to pray? What makes love necessary to maintain unity? What should our attitude be to showing hospitality? – (1 Pet.4:7-9)
This climax of the ages not only motivates us to be faithful witnesses to a dying world, but it also makes all the difference in the way we enjoy relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ – The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer (1 Pet.4:7). We pray for discernment and the keeping of a divine perspective that factors God into our circumstances. Moreover, Peter had a realistic view of believers. All are still sinners. This demands an attitude of love toward one another – Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins (1 Pet.4:8). Living in a broken world also demands that those who have been made or kept whole by the power of God should extend hospitality (1 Pet.4:9).
Q.3. Has God withheld gifts from any believers? How did Peter categorize all the spiritual gifts? What should be done with the gifts that we have been given? – (1 Pet.4:10-11)
Peter insisted that every believer has been given at least one gift. However, these are not for show … but for ministry – As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Pet.4:10). Paul gave various lists of spiritual gifts (Rom.12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-14:39; Eph.4:1-16). Peter’s insight was that there are two categories of gifts – speaking and serving gifts. He again emphasized the need for gifts to be used for the blessing of the church, and for the glory of God – Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever (1 Pet.4:11).