There are so many beautiful and instructive exhortations here in 1 Peter 4! My heart doesn’t want to forget any of them. Trusting that the Spirit of God will bring them to mind as needed, but even so, I want to try to write them out and hopefully as I do, write them on my heart as well
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, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.—1 Peter 4:1-2
Father…Help me to arm myself as a warrior would with the same mind and purpose as Your Son, who not only suffered for us in the flesh but died for us as well. I want to be done with sin. I want to please You and not man. I want to live the remainder of my natural life here on earth for Your will and Your purpose…not mine.
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."—1 Peter 4:7-8
Keep me focused and centered on the right things because truly the end of all things IS near. May my prayer life communicate Your heart and Your will FOR and TOWARD those around me. May Your fervent and unfailing love fill and overflow me. Hatred stirs up strife, but Your love covers and overwhelms all transgressions. It forgives and overlooks another’s faults. Your love unselfishly seeks the best for others. Oh, Father, what a difference it would make if I could always seek the others best!
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak 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 dominion forever and ever. Amen.—1 Peter 4:9-11
Your love, Father, is practical and shows itself in active kindness. Help me to serve others in love without complaining. Help me to use the special gifts and talents You have entrusted me with faithfully…for Your glory and never my own.
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.—1 Peter 4:12-16;19
Such good advice here for each of us as we face the inevitable trials that accompany life in this fallen world.
- Don’t be surprised by them…
- Rejoice when you suffer for doing right and thereby share in the sufferings of Christ. When His glory and splendor is revealed you also will rejoice with great joy!
- Remember also, that in this you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you!! (And lives in You!) You have been considered worthy to suffer! He whom they curse, you glorify.
- Entrust your trial to God. Commit your soul to Him in doing good.
Oh Father…when I am I’ll-treated and suffer in accordance with Your will…help me to commit my soul to You for safekeeping. You are my faithful Creator. You are He who judges righteously.
1 I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.
11 Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Who is the man who desires life,
And loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil,
And your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
20 He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.—Psalm 34
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