Last week we learned how to apply scriptures to our lives that are not specifically written to us where we are at in life (i.e when Corey talked about marriage). This week I encourage you to apply that same principle when Peter talks about physically suffering for God.
In America we don't really know what other Christians around the world are going through because we don't suffer the same way they do. All of the same principles can still be applied in your own life. So even though you may not relate to the word 'suffering' the same way still apply what it talks about.
I look forward to reading all of the comments this week because the text is so full of principles and godly things. Just pray about what you are reading and what it could mean to others around the world that suffer differently than you do. Be sure to update us on what is on your mind.
- Stephen
Verse 8 begins with "Above all" and exhorts us to be "fervent" in our love for one another.
ReplyDeleteGod wants us to be intensely intentional about our love for one another, not to passively enjoy someone's company. Sometimes love calls us to make tough decisions that may cause us to "suffer in the flesh" but this is our "Above all".
Good chapter, I will be reading though it more this week, there is so much in it!
Verse 10 As each of you has recieved a gift, emloy it for one another as good trustees of God's many-sided grace.
ReplyDeleteTo me this is saying that you should not keep your gift hidden from others. God gave it to you for a reason, and you should use it to encourage others to show their gifts too. So use your gifts to glorify God. Cause that is why you have them.
Verse 4 says "They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you."
ReplyDeleteWhat I got out of this was that people are going to criticize you and people are going to abuse you for your morals and what you believe in because they are so used to this web of sin they are caught in. Do not conform to the patterns of this world because what is considered normal is not always the right thing. So we need to remember to stay strong in our faith and the word so that we can be prepared when we are persecuted.
In this chapter, it talks a lot about suffering for being a Christian, and lucky for us, we don't suffer by law for worshiping and loving God, but we suffer in different ways.
ReplyDeleteAnd in verse 14 it says "If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you."
I personally am still trying to build up a strong faith in the Lord, and it's tough being faced by things of this world, and unbelievers that insult you for what you believe, but it's important to remember this verse, and remember all the Jesus suffered for us, and that we, though hard to believe sometimes, are blessed when we suffer in the name of Christ.
1 Peter 4:4 (NKJV) “In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.”
ReplyDeleteThis is SO true. I can personally attest to this. Once, it had somehow come up in conversation that I don’t cuss and this kid asked me if it was true. I told him it was. He responded by saying, “Oh really? Say ____, say ____. Come on, say it.” Like he could convince me to do something I haven’t done until then. And that’s just one example… It really does seem to confuse people when you’re not like them.
1 Peter 4:9 (NKJV) “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”
This one seems easy until you get to the “without grumbling” clause. I, for one, have a habit of complaining just to complain. Usually I’m not even that upset about whatever I’m complaining about. I know that I need to work on this. It’s become such a habit for me that often, I don’t even realize that I’m doing it.
1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
The first part of this verse jumped out at me. To me, it’s saying that EVERYONE has /a/ gift, but they could all each be different.
1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV) “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, than when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
To me, this is saying, don’t blame bad luck for when something bad happens to you. God has a plan and this is a test.