Peter summarizes much of his teaching about suffering for being a Christian. This succinct verse provides memorable advice for those situations in which God may allow us to suffer - even when we did the right thing!
Suffering is a normal part of life on a fallen earth, yet it often surprises us. Peter reminds us, in 1 Peter 4:12-18, not to be surprised by it, but rather to rejoice in it and use it as an opportunity to glorify God!
In light of the fact that the end of this earthly life is near, Peter gives some timely instruction about how we should live. We find that the closeness of Jesus' return dictates the way we live from day to day, in light of His coming!
Here we learn why the mindset of Jesus Christ arms us - fully prepares us - to face the hurts of this life. As we adopt His thinking we find ourselves equipped to walk in the will of God - doing good - even if we have to suffer for it! To live as God's people in this world, we must arm ourselves with Jesus' mindset.
Christ walked in God's will and proved that God's will results in good. He suffered - the just for the unjust - and provided salvation and is exalted above every creature as a result! The pathway to glory involves suffering, and there is great hope for us as we follow in His steps.
From this passage we will consider the ways that hope helps us to do what is right, even when we suffer. Suffering is a reality of this life, but with a living hope in Christ we can continue to do what is right - we can honor the Lord Jesus Christ. As we do what's right, even when we suffer, we have the opportunity display our hope and bring praise to Christ.
This passage reminds us who we are called to be in our character, in our actions - returning blessing even when treated poorly, and that all of this is accomplished in and through us with God's help.
Peter continues to describe the way these sojourners - the people of God - should live in a hostile world. Here he addresses the home. He instructs both wives and husbands - and by extension all men and women - to 'follow in His steps' and display their hope in God, even when life hurts.
We see Jesus' example as the One who suffered for doing good, and took it patiently. We are to "follow in His steps" when we suffer for doing good.
Here we see God's grace to help us submit and endure suffering, even when we are treated wrongfully! God sees and gives grace - both now and in the future.
How do we display hope, even when life hurts? In 1 Peter 2:13-17, Peter explains that as the people of God - and "foreigners" in this world, we should submit to authority and by our good works testify to God's glory. Join us as we consider just what this submission means for us.
It's the age-old question for Christians: "How do we live in in the World, but not of the world?" Peter has just explained that when we believe in Jesus, we become God's children. We become His people, with access to Him, and a call to holy living. We have a new home. This is all wonderful! But when the rubber meets the road - how do we live today among people who are not God's children? Live out the New Life in the midst of the Old.
Peter continues to help hurting believers by turning their focus to Christ. In this specific passage, he teaches about Jesus Christ the living stone. When believers come to Jesus the living stone, we gain stability and grow in our new life in Christ.
The Word is God's tool to grow us. So, no matter what we face in this life, we must crave the Word. We must long for the life-giving Word of God so that we can grow!
Peter continues to explain how a child of God lives in a hostile world, with hope. Because they have been born again, they are to love one another with a pure and fervent love. A love that is grown from the eternal Word of God through the gospel. Only the Word of God can produce this kind of love and give hope when life hurts.
This passage is the closing section of Peter's description of what it means to live as children saved by the Father. We will consider together what it means to honor the Father with reverent fear and how we live that way.
Peter explains how to live in light of our salvation - this new birth that has made us children of the Father. As His children we should have confidence (hope) in his grace, and imitate His holiness.
Consider the glory of God's salvation - the incredible design of God's plan to pour out his grace. It has captivated prophets and angels through the ages. Join us as we marvel at God's salvation of sinners.
Peter reminds us that even when life hurts, our salvation in Christ brings us great joy! Listen and refresh your hurting soul with the joy of Christ!
When life hurts, it's easy to lose hope. Peter reminds us of the hope we have in our new life in Christ. Because it is in Christ, it isn't just hope - it's living hope.