1 Peter Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of the first epistle of Peter starts off by giving the reader an overview of sin from the perspective of the believer. Peter said that since Jesus Christ died for us, He saved us from sin. Since He suffered for us, we were saved from what we suffer in the flesh, which is sin.

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Cleansed from Sin

Since Jesus suffered and died for us, Peter explained that everybody was given the opportunity to be cleansed from such sins. Thus, rather than following the will of the people, and the callings of the flesh, we need to follow the will of God.

The Importance of Prayer

In 1 Peter Chapter 4, Peter discusses the importance of prayer. He said that believers will be persecuted because other people judge them according to what they do. And since there are people who do not want to follow the will of God, they will see the believers as being different and non-compliant. One of the best ways to stay strong when things like this happen, according to Peter, is to stay faithful in prayer.

Being Charitable with Each Other

Besides prayer, Peter also talked about the need to be charitable with one another. He also mentions hospitality. This will fill such people with the grace of God and give them more strength to resist persecution and hardships.

Christian Suffering and Persecution

Peter stated that those who believe in Christ are partakers in His sufferings. This is one way of understanding why believers need to go through persecution, just as Jesus did. However, since believing in Him, they will be happy, strong, and filled with grace. They will be resurrected with Him.

Thus suffering as a Christian is not something that one should be ashamed of. In fact, it is something that will make one feel glorified. They will also be saved, unlike the sinners who do not repent.

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1 Peter 4 (King James Version)

1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

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