I Peter 4:12-19   Suffering.. it is part of our human experience.  Right now we are aware of many who have suffered from a devastating hurricane.  There has been great loss.. loss of homes, loss of belongings.. and loss of life.  We have all faced some kind of loss in our lives at one time or another.  We have all faced suffering and we know that we are not immune from it.  Peter tells us in verse 12 to "not be surprised.. " at this.  But, we need to be aware of our perspective on suffering. 

First of all we need to know that "to the degree that [we] share the sufferings of Christ"  we can keep rejoicing.. for there will come a day when He will be revealed and we will "rejoice with exultation". 

We need to know that if we are "reviled for the name of Christ"... it is evidence that we "are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and God rests upon" us. 

If we are suffering as a Christian, Peter tells us, we need not feel ashamed.. but give glory to the name of Christ.  If we suffer for wrong doing, we have no right to rejoice. But, if we suffer for doing right, then we can be assured that we can "entrust our souls to a faithful Creator." That is worthy of rejoicing...

There is a judgement that will begin with "the household of God".  What will be much worse is the judgement that will come to those who do not know Him. "And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?" 

We may suffer.  We will suffer. But, in our suffering, we can identify with Jesus, our Savior. We can trust God's plan to use our suffering for His glory. It is not easy, but it is true.  We need to pray for those who are suffering. Both believers and non-believers.  Pray that God will be glorified in the suffering of the believer. Pray that God will use the suffering of non-believers to bring them into His marvelous Light. 

Father, this is our prayer.  May Christ be seen in us.. in every trial.. in every crisis.. in all our suffering.. to the glory of His Name. Amen. 

 I Peter 4: 1-11 Peter once again speaks of God's purpose.. As he wrote in chapter 1, it is God who "caused us to be born again to a living hope.." to "obtain an inheritance which is imperishable".  He redeemed us by the "precious blood.. of Christ".  He chose us to be "a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of God's own possession".. SO THAT we would "proclaim the excellencies of Him who called [us] our of darkness into His marvelous light."   He has called us to "do what is right"..to follow in the steps of Jesus. Our calling is for the "very purpose" of living a life of blessing.. of harmony and sympathy.. of kindness and humility. ( 3:8-9)

 Peter writes, " Therefore since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin."  Peter is talking about laying down our lives.. our fleshly lives...our sinful lives.. putting to death, as Paul wrote to the Romans, " Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus." (Romans 6:11)

Peter says, ".. no longer (live) for the lusts of men, but for the will of God."  This is why the gospel has come.. "even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God." 

Everything we do, then, is for His purposes, and not for our own.  So, as Peter exhorts us, let's "be of sound judgement and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer." ( v7)  Pray that we would be "fervent in love.. hospitable.. without complaint.. serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God..."   Pray that we will speak as God gives us the words, serve as God supplies the strength.. "so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." 

Father, may it be so! Amen!

 I Peter 3: 13-22 Peter has described for us what a life of godly living should be... knowing that the world will not always accept us because of our faith.  "

And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?"   We know well that some will cause harm to us...  and many believers suffer around the world for just that reason.  Peter tells us, "But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness you are blessed.." 

We are blessed because we are following in the steps of our Savior.   Let us then "sanctify Christ as Lord in [our] hearts."  What exactly does that mean?  It means that in our souls, our minds... our innermost  being.. we revere and respect Christ as our Lord, the supreme authority in our lives, the Master, the Sovereign Ruler.. the One who "died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God.. " 

For Him.. we stand ready to "make a defense to every one who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." 

For Him.. we aim to keep "a good conscience"  and  maintain "good behavior"  so that  when we are accused..  we have nothing to be ashamed of.. in fact the accusers will be the ones put to shame. 

For Him.. we will rejoice in our troubles.. even when we suffer for doing what is right. 

He was "put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit"..  He is at the right hand of God, "having gone into heaven after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him." 

Father in heaven, give us understanding and enable us to live godly lives as Your Word has taught us.  Help us to sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts.  Help us to live for Him every day and in every way.  We have a Living Savior who has been given all authority in heaven and earth.. may we revere Him and give Him all our praise and thanks.  In His name we pray. Amen. 

 I Peter 3 : 10-12  This quotation from Psalm 34 is the answer to David's question, "Who is the man who desires life, and loves length of days that he may see good?"  David calls to the children, "Come.. I will teach you the fear of the Lord..." 

Peter is continuing to describe what godly living looks like in a real person.. a wife who has inner beauty and gentle ways.. a husband who cares for and honors his wife.. a family that lives together in unity and are kind and compassionate to each other..  A church that exhibits brotherly love, humility, and that blesses others.  He adds the words of Psalm 34 to emphasize the godly character of believers in Christ Jesus...

Keep your tongue from evil.. as I remind my grandchildren.. words matter!  May we be conscious of what and how we speak, whether at home or out in public.. 

Keep your lips from speaking "guile" or deceit... don't lie, don't try to fool others, don't be evil !

Turn from evil and do good.. seek peace and pursue it.. Let the focus of our actions and words be filled with God's grace.. so that others may see Him. 

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears attentive to their prayer.."  The psalmist goes on to say "The righteous cry and the Lord hears... "  He is "near to the brokenhearted, and saves those crushed in spirit.."  He is our Deliverer and Redeemer.. He is our Refuge and Help.. 

" O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." ( Psalm 34: 3)

In the Light of His greatness and love for us.. we can turn from every evil way and seek to do good.. in words and in actions. We can do this because He hears our prayers and draws near to us.

Father, how we thank You for loving us so!  May Your Name be exalted in all the earth, Lord God.  May this world filled with darkness and evil turn from wickedness and seek You.  May Your Light, the Light of the world, flow through Your children as we follow Him. Make us more like Jesus today we pray. Amen.