Therefore, let those suffering according to the will of God, as to a faithful Creator let them commit their souls to Him by doing good. Truth to Learn If you suffer for the cause of Christ, place yourself in His hands and serve Him faithfully. Behind the Words In...
1 Peter 4:18 – Final Judgment
And if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear? Truth to Learn All unbelievers will face a horrific judgment. Behind the Words The word translated “scarcely” is the Greek word molis. This is an adverb (it modifies the verb “is saved”) which...
1 Peter 4:17 – Fatherly Chastening
For it is time for judgment to begin with the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Truth to Learn As His child, God will chasten you because He loves you. ...
1 Peter 4:16 – Suffering Praise
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, he must not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name. Truth to Learn If you should suffer as a Christian, give God the glory! Behind the Words The word “Christian” is translated from the Greek word christianos. It is...
1 Peter 4:15 – Improper Suffering
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a meddler in other people's matters. Truth to Learn Suffering for righteousness is pleasing to God. Suffering for wrongdoing is not pleasing to anyone. Behind the Words “Evildoer” comes from the Greek word kakopoios,...
1 Peter 4:14 – Suffering For His Glory
If you are reproached in the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. Truth to Learn Our obedient, righteous suffering glorifies God. Behind the Words The...
1 Peter 4:13 – Joyful Suffering
but rejoice to the extent that you share Christ's sufferings, so that you may rejoice at the revelation of His glory, exulting. Truth to Learn We should be happy when we suffer as followers of Christ. Behind the Words “Rejoice” is from chairō, meaning “to have joy” or “to...
1 Peter 4:12 – Christian Suffering, Not Unusual
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing were happening to you; Truth to Learn Christians have suffered for their faith throughout history. Therefore, don’t think it strange if it happens to you. Behind the Words The...
1 Peter 4:11 – Speaking and Ministering
If anyone speaks, let it be as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. Truth to...
1 Peter 4:10 – Ministering Gifts
each one as has received a gift, ministering it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Truth to Learn God has given every Christian gifts. These are to be shared with the rest of the church, liberally and humbly. Behind the Words The expression...
1 Peter 4:9 – Christian Hospitality
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. Truth to Learn We should be hospitable to other Christians simply because we love them. Behind the Words The word translated “hospitable” is the Greek word philoxenos, which is made up of philos, meaning “fondness” or “kindness” and xenos, meaning “a stranger.”...
1 Peter 4:8 – Demonstrate Fervent Love
Above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. Truth to Learn Love means forgetting your own pain in order to help a brother or sister grow in grace. Behind the Words The expression “above all things” is translated from the...
1 Peter 4:7 – End-Time Actions
But the end of all things is near; therefore be clear minded and self-controlled unto prayers. Truth to Learn The end is very near, so be serious about what you do and how you pray. Behind the Words The word translated “end” is telos, which is derived from the...
1 Peter 4:6 – Dead, But Alive
For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. Truth to Learn The ultimate price to pay for our faith (giving of our life) may be what...
1 Peter 4:5 – Divine Vengeance
They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. Truth to Learn When we are slandered by others for doing what God wants, we need to remember that He will judge them some day. Behind the Words The words “will give”...
1 Peter 4:4 – Unfriendly Recognition
regarding which, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same excess of unsavedness, speaking evil of you. Truth to Learn Leaving old habits behind comes at a cost. Behind the Words The word translated “they think it strange” is the Greek word xenidzō,...
1 Peter 4:3 – Wasted Pleasure
For the time of life having passed is sufficient for us to have worked out the will of the Gentiles, having lived in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and lawless idolatries. Truth to Learn We’ve wasted enough time; now let’s focus on serving God. Behind the Words “Lewdness”...
1 Peter 4:2 – Stop That Lust
no longer to live the rest of his time in the flesh in the lusts of men, but in the will of God. Truth to Learn He suffered and died for us, let us suffer and live for Him. Behind the Words In the previous verse Peter told us...
1 Peter 4:1 – Suffering With Him
Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, Truth to Learn Suffering for righteousness produces a keen sense of Christ’s suffering and enables you to more fully live for Him....