Day 4—1 Peter 4

Read 1 Peter 4

A Higher Purpose

Jesus whole life was oriented toward others. He told his disciples that his whole reason for coming was to serve, not be served (Matthew 20:28). This was a radical concept for the disciples. Many of their discussions revolved around who was or would be the greatest. Jesus death and resurrection helped them understand how serious Jesus was about serving others, particularly an undeserving world. He gave his whole life as a “ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

I wonder if this was in Peter’s mind when he was writing this letter. He not only encouraged his readers to think about Christ in relation to their witness, which was covered in the earlier parts of this letter. Now he again reminds them to think about Christ when it comes to their walk. When a believer has Christ, their desires should shift. Instead of giving into sin, the believer seeks to be done with sin. Life is no longer about our “human desires,” it is about God and his plan for us (1 Peter 4:2-3). There is, of course, the daily walk of consciously saying no to sin and yes to God. Everything matters for the believer! Suffering matters, saying no to sin matters, consciously choosing God and God’s ways matter. Everything that we think, say, and do is to glorify God. Even repentance and the sadness toward our own sin is a way of glorifying God. Even in our failure, there is victory, because we now recognize that it is not the way it is supposed to be.

Choose to live differently. Change your whole attitude. Will you be strange? Absolutely (1 Peter 4:4). Strange is good when it’s because of the change God has done in your heart.

There Will Be A Day of Reckoning

Peter tells his readers that the end of all things is near (1 Peter 4:7). Christians live with the knowledge that Christ can return at any time. We are to always keep in mind that life is but a moment in comparison eternity. That knowledge affects the way we live, or at least it should.

Because of Christ and because he will come again, we are to love each other, care for each other, and serve each other. Even if we endure suffering, we are to stay the course, and not act surprised (1 Peter 4:12). We don’t rejoice for suffering, but we can certainly rejoice at another opportunity to identify with Christ.

The most amazing thing about following Jesus is that everything’s a win for the one who trusts in him. There is nothing that can get us down. If we die, we get to be with him. If we live, then we get to live for him and tell more people about him (Philippians 1:21). In everything, we commit ourselves our Creator, knowing that one day he will make all things new (1 Peter 4:19)!

Application:

Christians are increasingly misunderstood in our culture today. The New Yorker just ran a piece about a fast food chain, owned by Christians, that entered a large city on the east coast.[1] The writer referred to the fast food chain’s presence as creepy, because of its Christian owners and because they seek to glorify God through their business. The author writes critically of its owners pointing out their bigotry, never really seeming to see his own possible bigotry. Two years earlier the mayor of the same city urged everyone to boycott the chain.

What should a Christian response be? Should we demand justice and fight for our rights. Maybe? But it’s also quite possible that Peter’s letter to the early church can be helpful. Peter encourages us to avoid immorality. He urges us to live such good lives that even if people accuse us of wrong, they end up glorifying God in the end. He tells us to endure suffering and to rejoice in understanding what Christ went through. Difficult? Absolutely. But remember, it’s not supposed to be about us. It supposed to be about God and his glory. It’s supposed to be about Jesus.

We have to keep our eyes on the main thing, and the main thing is to live well, do good work, and honor God with our lives. The main thing is to flee from sin and to live humbly before God and others. We have to keep clear minds, live wisely, and pray (1 Peter 4:7) all the while committed to loving and caring for each other. This life is not about us. It is an opportunity to serve (1 Peter 4:10)!

1. How can a good understanding of Christ’s sufferings help us as we seek to live good lives in this world?
2. What has changed about you since coming to faith in Christ? How has your perspective on sin changed? What still needs to change give 1 Peter 4?
3. Why should we not be surprised when we are misunderstood by the world or even persecuted because of our faith in Jesus (1 Peter 4:12-16)?

Spend some time in prayer. If there is an area of sin that you want to ask the Lord to forgive, now is a good time to do it. Talk to God. He loves you very much!

Consider writing down a key verse or verses from today on an index card or small piece of paper and carry it with you today. Look at it as often as you can as a reminder of what we learned today.

Possible Verses: 1 Peter 4:1; 1 Peter 4:7-8; 1 Peter 4:12-13; 1 Peter 4:19

[1] https://www.newyorker.com/culture/annals-of-gastronomy/chick-fil-as-creepy-infiltration-of-new-york-city?mbid=social_twitter