1 Peter 4
New International Version (NIV)
Living for God
4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
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SOBER
To be sober implies a mind unhindered by the influence of other forces. In contrast, intoxication means that one has been carried away by a power beyond themselves. St. Peter here suggests that the Christian must beware of every outside influence that seeks to en-"trance" us. These forces, fueled by the Tempter, are used to captivate our mind and lead us away from our Creator.
There are many. Addictions, such as those to drugs, alcohol, gambling, pornography, internet, gaming, and the like are some. But there are also a legion of others, from gossip and jealousy, to pride and anger. Satan is hard at work, and wants to devour us.
But the One who judges us, is also the One who promises to help us resist these challenging temptations. He Himself was tempted to give into His cravings ("tell these stones to become bread"), to yield to His pride ("jump off the temple and let the angels embrace you"), and to succumb to a selfishness which would leave sinners to be lost forever ("bow down to me and I will surrender earthly kingdoms"). (See Matthew 4:1-11 for the context of these temptations.)
But He resisted -- and He was victorious.
And He declares to you and me that He will invest us with His Spirit to help us likewise find the victory.
What temptations do you face? What elixir seeks to wrestle you away from God? Lay it down at the foot of the cross, arm yourselves with the power of God's Word, and be fortified through prayer. You too can win the victory, for while a powerful force, Satan is also a defeated one.
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Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1 Peter 4
New International Version (NIV)
Living for God
4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.===========================================================
SOBER
To be sober implies a mind unhindered by the influence of other forces. In contrast, intoxication means that one has been carried away by a power beyond themselves. St. Peter here suggests that the Christian must beware of every outside influence that seeks to en-"trance" us. These forces, fueled by the Tempter, are used to captivate our mind and lead us away from our Creator.
There are many. Addictions, such as those to drugs, alcohol, gambling, pornography, internet, gaming, and the like are some. But there are also a legion of others, from gossip and jealousy, to pride and anger. Satan is hard at work, and wants to devour us.
But the One who judges us, is also the One who promises to help us resist these challenging temptations. He Himself was tempted to give into His cravings ("tell these stones to become bread"), to yield to His pride ("jump off the temple and let the angels embrace you"), and to succumb to a selfishness which would leave sinners to be lost forever ("bow down to me and I will surrender earthly kingdoms"). (See Matthew 4:1-11 for the context of these temptations.)
But He resisted -- and He was victorious.
And He declares to you and me that He will invest us with His Spirit to help us likewise find the victory.
What temptations do you face? What elixir seeks to wrestle you away from God? Lay it down at the foot of the cross, arm yourselves with the power of God's Word, and be fortified through prayer. You too can win the victory, for while a powerful force, Satan is also a defeated one.
=================================================================
Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
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