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The First Epistle General of Peter, Chapter Four <>< <>< ><> ><> 1. What did Peter tell God's elect and strangers in the world to do since Christ suffered in his body, why did he tell them to do this, as a result, what don't they do, and as a result, what do they do?
______________________________________________________________________________ Some people will do anything to avoid pain. As followers of Christ, however, we should be willing and prepared to do God's will and to suffer for it if necessary. Sin loses its power to defeat us in our suffering if we focus on Christ and what he wants us to do. When our bodies are in pain or our lives are in jeopardy, our real values show up clearly, and sinful pleasures seem less important. If anyone suffers for doing good and still faithfully obeys in spite of suffering, that person has made a clean break with sin. 2. What did Peter tell God's elect and strangers in the world they had spent enough time in the past doing, and what did he say the pagans think about them and do to them?
______________________________________________________________________________ A person whose life changes radically at conversion may experience contempt from his or her old friends. He may be scorned not only because he refuses to participate in certain activities, but also because his priorities have changed and he is now heading in the opposite direction. His very life incriminates their sinful activities. Mature Christians should help new believers resist such pressures of opposition by encouraging them to be faithful to Christ. Dissipation refers to wasteful expenditure and intemperate pursuit of pleasure, especially drinking to excess. 3. What did Peter tell God's elect and strangers in the world the pagans will have to do, and what did Peter say was the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead?
______________________________________________________________________________ The basis of salvation is our belief in Jesus (Acts 16:31), but the basis for
judgment is how we have lived. Those who inflict persecution are marked for
punishment when they stand before God. Believers have nothing to fear, however,
because Jesus will be the final Judge over all (John 5:22; 2nd Timothy 4:1). 4. What did Peter tell God's elect and strangers in the world is near, why did he tell them to be clear minded and self-controlled, what did Peter say for them to do above all, why did he tell them to do this, and what did Peter tell them to offer to one another without grumbling?
______________________________________________________________________________ We should live expectantly because Christ is coming. Getting
ready to meet Christ involves continually growing in love for God and for others
(see Jesus' summary of the law in Matthew 22:37-40). It is important to pray
regularly, and it is also important to reach out to needy people. Your
possessions, status, and power will mean nothing in God's kingdom, but you will
spend eternity with other people. Invest your time and talents where they will
make an eternal difference. 5. What did Peter tell God's elect and strangers in the world they should use faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms, what did Peter say for those who speak should do, what did Peter say for those who serve should do, and why did he say they should do this?
______________________________________________________________________________ Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they
have the right to use their abilities as they please. Others feel that they have
no special talents at all. Peter addresses both groups in these verses. Everyone
has some gifts; find yours and use them. All our abilities should be used in
serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Peter mentions
speaking and serving. Paul lists these and other abilities in Romans 12:6-8; 1st
Corinthians 12:8-11; Ephesians 4:11. <>< <>< ><> ><> 6. What did Peter tell God's elect and strangers in the world to not be surprised at, what did he tell them to do, why did Peter tell them to do this, what did he tell them they were if they were insulted because of the name of Christ, and what did Peter say if they suffer it should not be as?
______________________________________________________________________________ Again Peter brings to mind Jesus' words: "Blessed are you when
people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you
because of me" (Matthew 5:11). Christ will send his Spirit to strengthen those
who are persecuted for their faith. This does not mean that all suffering is the
result of good Christian conduct. Sometimes a person will grumble, "He's just
picking on me because I'm a Christian," when it's obvious to everyone else that
the person's own unpleasant behavior is the cause of his or her problems. It may
take careful thought or wise counsel to determine the real cause of our
suffering. We can be assured, however, that whenever we suffer because of our
loyalty to Christ, he will be with us all the way. 7. What did Peter tell God's elect and strangers in the world it was time for, whom did he say it begins with, what did Peter quote to them from Proverbs, and what did Peter say those who suffer according to God's will should do?
______________________________________________________________________________ This refers not to final judgment but to God's refining
discipline (Hebrews 12:7). God often allows believers to sin and then experience
the consequences. He does this for several reasons: (1) to show us our potential
for sinning, (2) to encourage us to turn from sin and more constantly depend on
him, (3) to prepare us to face other, even stronger temptations in the future,
and (4) to help us stay faithful and keep on trusting him. If believers need
earthly discipline (judgment) from God, how much more will unbelievers receive
it? If it is hard for the righteous to be saved (only because of God's mercy),
what chance do those have who reject Christ? <>< <>< ><> ><> 1. Arm themselves also with the same attitude...because he who
had suffered in his body is done with sin...live the rest of their earthly life
for evil human desires...live for the will of God
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