In these insights I will be journeying through the five chapters of the New Testament book: 1 Peter which I believe is very helpful and relevant to modern Christian living with all its trials and temptations.
Background
Early Christians in the Greco-Roman world proclaimed a message and showed virtues that were different to the core values of their society in general. Christians were subjected to censure, shame and other actions to try to bring them in line with the pagan values of the day. Often believers were cut off from public activities that were immersed in idol worship. Does it sound familiar to our present day?
Read 1 Peter chapter 4
Christ like attitude and lifestyle – verses 1 – 6
The attitudes we have, to the daily circumstances we find ourselves in, will to a great extent, determine how we live and interact. Peter points out that as a Christian we have given up living like pagans, who will be judged accordingly.
In Christ we live a different life that reflects a new Godly attitude of mind and lifestyle. Christians who have died embraced the Gospel that was preached to them and were judged by the world for the way they lived. However, in their new resurrected bodies they will be vindicated and validated by the Lord for the way they lived.
Question Think about the importance of having a Christ like attitude of mind and heart. Compare the new attitudes we have had since becoming a Christian and see if they are better or have stagnated?
Living with an end in sight – verses 7 – 11
Good planning will invariably result in a successful outcome especially as we seek the mind and will of God. In working towards particular endings and outcomes we may embrace a loving spirit of hospitality which allows people to receive it unconditionally and without judgement, all for the glory of God.
Question If we know the plans and purposes of God for our life, how does that effect our planning?
Hospitality can be likened to a ‘living rainbow of love and hope’. The Lord will give us confidence and strength to speak, serve and use our God given gifts and abilities in all the situations we find ourselves in.
Question Think about the gift of hospitality that acts like a ‘living rainbow of love and hope’. Think about your experiences of having received and shared Christian hospitality?
Rejoice in your sufferings – verses 12 – 19
The task before Jesus was to speak and serve with an unconditional love to everyone he met, irrespective of them accepting or rejecting him and his mission. Peter wants us not to be surprised or ashamed of any sufferings we may experience. As Christians we may be singled out and persecuted for our faith but we can receive supernatural gifts that enable us to endure and rejoice in such testing’s.
In verse 17 Peter makes clear that any judgement from God will always begin in the household of God. It is easy to judge others but we must always seek to be the best examples ourselves of Christ to all we meet with joyous attitudes, actions and outcomes.
Question Peter outlines that we should expect some measure of suffering and to rejoice in it. How does the Lord ‘gift us’ to cope in such situations?
Selah (Pause to carefully consider what you have just read)
Graham
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