Embers glowing red and gold in a low stone hearth in a dark room at night, a few sparks rising into the darkness.

The Book of

1 Peter 4

The neighbors think they’re strange, and the heat is rising. Peter says: don’t be surprised, and don’t be ashamed.

19 verses≈ 3 minBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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Where we are

1–2:10Living hopeBorn again to an inheritance
2:11–3:12Living as exilesGood lives among unbelievers
3:13–4:19Suffering wellDoing good, following ChristChapter 4
5Stand firmHumble, alert, held by grace

Living for God’s Glory

Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin. Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.

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Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

That is why the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged as men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Question

Quick question

Peter’s readers have turned from their old way of life, and their old friends have noticed.

Why do their neighbors “heap abuse” on them?

be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray

1 Peter 4:7

1 Peter 4:8

so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ

1 Peter 4:11

Pray

Love that covers

Peter says, “Above all, love one another deeply.” Think of someone in your church family who has hurt or annoyed you. Ask God for a love that forgives and doesn’t keep score, and for the grace to use whatever gift you have to serve them this week, “so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”

Suffering as Christians

A blackened old olive tree on a burned hillside at dawn, bright new green shoots springing from the base of its trunk.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

0:21

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.

But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.

1 Peter 4:16

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good

1 Peter 4:19

Reflect

Bearing the name

Peter tells believers under pressure, “do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.” Where are you most tempted to keep quiet about belonging to Christ: at work, with family, among friends? What would it look like this week to wear His name gladly, with gentleness, and to “continue to do good”?

You’ve experienced

1 Peter 4

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A verse to carry with you

But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.

1 Peter 4:16

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