1 Peter 3:13 – 5:11
(Scriptures used from the New Living translation)
In our first study on 1 Peter, Peter first speaks to his readers with teachings to center people on remembering their salvation in Christ and how important living for him is. In our second study, Peter hits on living out that Christian life, especially in some specific contexts such as husband, wives, servants, and general social participation. Now, in this third section, Peter teaches on suffering and how it’s often tied to our good-doing. His last words in the book state his purpose beautifully:
“My Purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace!”
(1 Peter 5:12)
So, do not let suffering and hardship cause you to live wrongly towards people or to stumble in your Christian walk. Let your fervent hope & trust in God, through suffering, be a testimony to all people around you as you live for God in all things. "…trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you!" (4:19)
“Suffering for Doing Good”
1 Peter 3:17 – 4:11
Key verses – 14-17 “But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!”
4:1-2 “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God”
4:10 “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
Meditation – Peter continues his teaching on how Christians should respond to suffering for the sake of Christ. This relates to persecution resulting from being known as a believer in Jesus. In this section Peter reveals what may be a surprising revelation: It might be God's will that we suffer!? Contrary to many false teachers, God's will for the Christian life does not always involve wealth, health, and ease. It may require hardship and even abuse. Why would God ever want that to happen? 1 Peter chapter 2 explained that our example, Jesus, suffered enormously for our sake. We should not be surprised to be called on to suffer in the same way for His sake. Whatever the reason behind God's will, Peter clearly teaches that it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
“Suffering for Being A Christian”
1 Peter 4:12-19
Key verses – 12-13 “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”
16 “But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!”
19 “So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.”
Meditation – Peter reminds his readers not to be surprised on suffering but rather, to see suffering as sharing in Christ’s afflictions and that IT IS something to rejoice in. Now you would be perfectly normal in asking; But why is suffering in this way a good thing? My friends, here is a most beautiful gold nugget… Because in those hard times we must lean into God, submit to God, and fully trust Him. The hard times, the suffering… it all draws you CLOSER to God and in that, into a deeper relationship with Him. You can trust God to walk with you in everything you face just as He has always done for His people. As Peter said, “…for He will never fail you”!
“Advice to Elders & Young Adults”
1 Peter 5:1-11
Key verses – 1-4 “…And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches… Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.”
5-7 “In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (Prov 3:34) Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
8-9 “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.”
Meditation – Just as Peter addressed wives, husbands, and servants, he also no addresses the elders and young people in the church. You who are charged with leading people in the church, you must do so humbly and out of your love for God, not a love for yourself or also any kind of self-promotion. I believe this is a good word to Elders, or pastors, in the church but also to everyone! We all have people in our lives whom we can disciple and lead in Christ’s footsteps. For you, it might be your family, a small group of friends, some coworkers, a bible study group, or even just one person you are discipling. In whatever case, be sure you properly care for the “flock” God has entrusted you with.
And to young adults, remember to mind your Elders. Remember 1 Peter 2:13-17, and show respect to all people in authority over you. It is not a put-down to be a young adult but rather, a reminder that there are many people older than you who firstly, deserve your respect, and secondly, have more life experience and spiritual maturity than you do. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. (James 1:19) Always be open & eager to learning from a wise and older sage than you, for your elders are like fine perfume and jewels to grace your character and presence everywhere you go.
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