Sufferings
1 Pet 4:1 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;
I am reminded of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment. When we suffer in the flesh, we look to God for help and he is there.
Mark 5:25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
Mark 5:26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
Mark 5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
Mark 5:28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
Mark 5:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
1 Pet 4:2 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.
Paul speaks of his sufferings in comparison to the things of God.
2 Cor 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
2 Cor 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
2 Cor 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
2 Cor 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
2 Cor 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
2 Cor 11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
2 Cor 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
Phil 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Phil 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Phil 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Phil 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Sufferings show what is in our heart. If we love God, suffering will bring us closer. If we hate or blame God, suffering will serve no purpose. Some, even cut or harm themselves thinking it will appease God, when in reality they are being followers of tormenting spirits. The priests of Baal cut themselves and they perished by Elijah's hand.
1 Ki 18:28 And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.
Be sure their suffering was in vain. If we love the Lord with all our hearts, he will bring all good things out of suffering. I look back at pain and do not wish to return, instead I look unto Jesus. His way is peace and blessings. his spirit is the spirit of peace, not of bondage. Follow after peace, torment may be from another spirit, Jesus is Lord of all afflictions, speak faith by speaking his word, and move in faith, touching the hem of his garment, release his grace in your life through faith.
Keep from Sin
1 Pet 4:3 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:
No need to go into detail about these bad things, you know what is of the devil and the flesh and what is of God and truth. Truth is light unto our feet, we do not walk in darkness. Sufferings to the pure of heart bring us closer to God.
1 Pet 4:4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
1 Pet 4:5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
Let them speak evil of you.
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
It was the world's crowd that yelled "Crucify him, crucify him." If we seek God's glory and praise and speak his word we will do well. If others speak evil of you, and they will, let them wag their tongues at God at Judgment Day. No, all will be silenced then, but it will be too late. Now is the time to be still, and listen to God.
Psa 4:2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? (lies and deceitfulness)
Psa 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
Psa 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.
1 Pet 4:6 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.
The gospel word is the power of God making you a spiritual member of God's family. If we continue to sin in the flesh, we will be judged in the flesh. God will not fellowship in your sins, you are allowing satan access to the driver's seat. He will drive you to your grave, destroying your flesh.
If you had a brand new car, would you allow someone who is destructive and who has no respect for you or your property to take control of it? How much more precious is your body and soul to our God who has saved you and filled you with his spirit. As a father I would not give my daughter into the care of a son of satan. Even if he is dressed in a white suit with pink carnation and is loaded with money. I know that he would only destroy the apple of my eye. This is how God sees us, we are the apple of his eye, his beloved. If we love our father we will obey him, for he looks out for us. Keep away from sin, and love your Father.
Love with Hospitality
1 Pet 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
As in the time of Noah is this time we are in.
Gen 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Mat 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Peter gives two things that we are to do: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
be sober -- to be in your right mind, to exercise self control. Many are in a dream state, seeking a make believe life. Some have through drugs altered their minds to where there is no reality or truth. Still others have given their minds over to spirits, angel guides. When talking to these the spirit speaks for them, opposing the things of God.
It is time to wake up! Be in control of your mind and thoughts. If you receive Jesus he gives you a sound mind. His Holy word, the Bible and his Holy Spirit guide you into all truth. Avoid the unreal, Jesus is real, he is coming soon. No, it isn't "just my opinion," it is the revealed word of God in a new heart.
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
and watch in prayer -- Paul referred to "watchings," it is sleeplessness. Many suffer from sleeplessness, if so then pray. Watch in prayer. Two things will happen, satan will put you to sleep, or you will reach God with your hearts request. He will respond to you, blessing you because of your faith in him through Jesus, his son.
1 Pet 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Above all things, love one another, especially your brethren in Christ. If they hate you, they hate Jesus. If we love one another, the love of God abides in us.
1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
Jesus gave us this command:
John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
1 Pet 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
Last night we were invited to share dinner with a beloved family. They gave their best to feed us and serve us and to make us welcome. This is as unto the Lord.
I am reminded of Jesus at Simon the Pharisee's home;
Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
Luke 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
Luke 7:48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
Hospitality is as unto the Lord.
Mat 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
Mat 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Mat 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
If we minister unto a homeless person, especially the brethren, we are showing hospitality to Jesus, the King of Kings. Can you think of the ways that you might show him hospitality?
God be Glorified
1 Pet 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
The gift, is any gift from Jesus that is powered by the Holy Ghost. Use your gift to minister to others. I am thinking of the bad reputation of the scribes, full of knowledge, yet lacking in grace. Full of self importance, looking for recognition among the people, loving the praise of men. This was not praised by Jesus. If you are looking for praise, you are not serving Jesus.
Mark 12:38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
Mark 12:39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
Mark 12:40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
1 Pet 4:11 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.
If you speak, do not use puffed up words to draw attention to yourself. Speak as the oracles of God; speak the word of God. Now that is something we can do, speak God's word from the Bible. Why is that so difficult for some?
If any man minister, don't do it in the abilities and talents of the flesh, but use the abilitity God supplies through faith in his word and his Spirit. If we put self ahead of the word, we are making self god. Who is our God?
That God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
We are who we are by the grace of God. He is our loving Father. We give him the glory and praise. Dominion refers to great power and strength which is through our relationship in Christ Jesus. He has given us his power to have dominion over all spiritual and earthly things. So do we strut before men as the scribes? No, we serve God and others with meekness and love and give the glory to God. We are channels of the blessings of God.
Fiery Trial
1 Pet 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
Trials are not a punishment, they are a part of our life. It is how we develop Godlike character. Trials and temptations, tests, are common to man and to women, they come into each life, but God gives us a way to escape.
1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
This verse God has honored to free many held in bondage. God gives us help in his unbreakable word.
1 Pet 4:13 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.
There is a truth, difficult to realize perhaps, but joy comes from sorrows and sufferings. Joy comes from enduring trials and temptations. The character of Christ is being manifested in our lives through the fruit of the Spirit. faith works patience.
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Now here is something, patience brings about a perfect work in your life. Be patient as God perfects you in Christ's image.
1 Pet 4:14 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.
The Spirit of glory and of God, The Holy Spirit, the comforter rests continuously upon you. This is the peace of God that continues with you, it is the grace and power of God resting upon you. What a blessing! No wonder we count it all joy, because God increases and fills us in the trials of our faith.
Peter repeats the theme from chapter one;
1 Pet 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
1 Pet 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1 Pet 4:15 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.
1 Pet 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Don't give into the flesh, where is God's purpose in sin? When we submit patiently to God he works in you bringing you to maturity.
No Shame
1 Pet 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
If you a Christian, serving God with a good conscience suffer, do not be ashamed, nor should we blame God. Peter and the apostles faced envious men, being ridiculed before the chief men of the law, and they were not ashamed.
Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Others may ridicule Jesus, His word and you, But thre is no shame in serving Jesus. It is their shame, who are religious cold sinners with wicked thoughts.
1 Pet 4:17 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?
Two problems in the church are religious, law imposing people who oppose the things of the Spirit and those who come from the world and do not seek to be like Jesus. Sin is in the church, overly strict legalizers lacking the spirit and love and lusting worldly irreverent believers denying authority and refusing to repent and be made into Christ's image.
The Lord is cleansing his church. Will you allow him to cleanse your heart? Moderation is required, and a love for God and others. A passion to save the lost through the gospel of Jesus Christ, all by his spirit's control.
1 Pet 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
1 Pet 4:19 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.
What will cause you to stop loving God? Jesus isn't quitting on you. He suffers with you.
1 Pet 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Pet 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Gary
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