P’s and Q’s : 1 Peter 4
“Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” (verse 1)
In the first and second centuries, Christians were persecuted unmercifully by Rome. That same Christian persecution continues to this day in various parts of the world. The most committed, loyal and dedicated, pure Christ followers are generally the ones who suffer the most for Jesus. Why do you think that is?
When Christians are complacent (like many Americans) the Gospel is all too often stale and non-progressive. Why do you think that is true? How can you live your life in the same vein as your brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before you and suffered greatly for the sake of the gospel?
“…so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” (verse 2)
Specifically, how do you plan to live the rest of your life “no longer for the lusts of men but for the will of God?”
“For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.” (verse 3)
In what ways have you made mistakes and poor choices as if you didn’t know the power over our sin that Jesus can give?
“In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you.” (verse 4)
How have you been ostracized, bullied, picked on or made fun of for following Jesus and not participating in activities that go against your moral convictions? How do you deal with that?
“…but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”
(verse 5)
How does this verse encourage you in that struggle?
“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.” (verse 6)
“To live in the Spirit” means to live by the power of the Holy Spirit and according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. How have you felt His guidance and power in the last week?
“The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.” (verse 7)
Talk about your prayer life. How regularly do you pray? What do you talk about? What is the meaning and purpose of prayer?
“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” (verse 8)
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. How does that kind of love “cover a multitude of sins?”
We see that love is a choice. God chooses to cover our sins in love. By choosing to love others with the love of Christ, it’s easier to show grace and forgiveness.
“Be hospitable to one another without complaint.” (verse 9)
How do you “practice hospitality” towards the other members of your family? How should you?
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (verse 10)
What are your God-given gifts, and how do you use those gifts to serve others?
“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. Amen.” (verse 11)
When you open your mouth to let words come out, what difference would it make if you only did so as if God were speaking through you?
Why is serving others so rewarding? How do you practice serving others with God’s strength?
- In your home ?
- With your friends ?
- To be an example for the lost?
“…but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.” (verse 13)
Following Christ in a non-suffering society makes it hard to relate to the horrors that Christians around the world have suffered and continue to suffer for their faith in Jesus. Have you ever had a chance to suffer or sacrifice for Christ? What was it like for you? How was God glorified through you?
