Peace Lutheran Church

This week’s section from 1st Peter is quite long and I won’t be able to unpack the entire text in the sermon however the following commentary and questions should help you get a feel for what the Apostle Peter wants us to know and how he want us to live.

4:1 for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin: The perfect tense of the verb emphasizes a permanent eternal condition free from sin. Thus Peter is saying that the “worst” thing that can happen is that we will get killed which is really not that bad because then we won’t have to worry about sin anymore. This reality also takes away the “greatest” threat that violent people can hold over us- namely the fear of death (See also Matthew 10:28 [show]Matthew 10:28 [28]And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.(1) (ESV) Footnotes 1. [10:28] Greek 'Gehenna'
, Romans 7:5-18, 1 [show]Romans 7:5-18 [5]For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. [6]But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.(1) [7]What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, "You shall not covet." [8]But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. [9]I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. [10]The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. [11]For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. [12]So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. [13]Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. [14]For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. [15]For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. [16]Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. [17]So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. [18]For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. (ESV) Romans 7:1 [7:1]Or do you not know, brothers(2)--for I am speaking to those who know the law--that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? (ESV) Footnotes 1. [7:6] Greek 'of the letter' 2. [7:1] Or 'brothers and sisters'; also verse 4
Corinthians 1:21, 1 [show]1 Corinthians 1:21 [21]For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. (ESV) 1 Corinthians 1:1 [1:1]Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, (ESV)
Corinthians 15:42-49 [show]1 Corinthians 15:42-49 [42]So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. [43]It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. [44]It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. [45]Thus it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being";(1) the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. [46]But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. [47]The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. [48]As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. [49]Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall(2) also bear the image of the man of heaven. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [15:45] Greek 'a living soul' 2. [15:49] Some manuscripts 'let us'
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Q: In what ways does the threat of death effect your behavior? In what ways does accepting the reality of death free us to live boldly?

4:4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery (dissipation), and they malign you. “Debauchery” or “Dissipation” refers to the state of brokenness in which a person runs around getting lost in their sinful behavior .

Q: Why would a Christian’s change in lifestyle be so upsetting to non-Christian neighbors or family? In what ways has your faith in Jesus Christ caused you to change your lifestyle? In what ways have you felt antagonized because your obedience to God’s will has meant that you had to “go against the flow”?

4:5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. This the verb “give account” also means “to pay back.” People who who make life difficult for believers..because they are believers … are amassing a debt to God which they will spend all eternity paying back (See also Matthew 18:23 [show]Matthew 18:23 [23]"Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.(1) (ESV) Footnotes 1. [18:23] Greek 'bondservants'; also verses 28, 31
; Matthew 12:36 [show]Matthew 12:36 [36]I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, (ESV)
; Romans 14:11-12 [show]Romans 14:11-12 [11]for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess(1) to God." [12]So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [14:11] Or 'shall give praise'
; Hebrews 4:13 [show]Hebrews 4:13 [13]And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (ESV)
, Revelation 20:11-15 [show]Revelation 20:11-15 [11]Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. [12]And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. [13]And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. [14]Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. [15]And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (ESV)
; Romans 3:19 [show]Romans 3:19 [19]Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. (ESV)
; 2 Thessalonians 1:6 [show]2 Thessalonians 1:6 [6]since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, (ESV)
–10).

Q: How does the reality of a future judgement effect your willingness to love, serve, and bless those who verbally or physically attack the body of Christ? Consider the people in your life who have the most contempt/disregard for your faith in Jesus Christ- What are some practical ways that you can give a testimony to God’s mercy by relating to them with greater gentleness, respect, and love? What would that gentleness, respect, and love look like?

4:6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead. Peter is referring to those members of the churches who are now dead physically but alive in some spiritual way awaiting a new resurrected body on the day of judgement (See also Hebrews 12:23 [show]Hebrews 12:23 [23]and to the assembly(1) of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, (ESV) Footnotes 1. [12:23] Or 'church'
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4:7 the end of all things. The Greek word for “end”  means a consummation, a goal achieved, a result attained, fulfillment, or a realization. (1 Peter 1:3 [show]1 Peter 1:3 [3]Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (ESV)
; 1 Peter 2:12 [show]1 Peter 2:12 [12]Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (ESV)
; Romans 13:12 [show]Romans 13:12 [12]The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. (ESV)
; 1 Thessalonians 1:10 [show]1 Thessalonians 1:10 [10]and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (ESV)
; James 5:7-8 [show]James 5:7-8 [7]Be patient, therefore, brothers,(1) until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. [8]You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [5:7] Or 'brothers and sisters'; also verses 9, 10, 12, 19
; Revelation 22:20 [show]Revelation 22:20 [20]He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (ESV)
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4:7 therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. A mind that is caught in an emotional roller coaster will be one that is out of control in a way that can inhibit people from knowing the fullness of communion that they can have with God in prayer (See also 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 [show]1 Corinthians 3:10-15 [10]According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. [11]For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12]Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw-- [13]each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. [14]If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. [15]If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (ESV)
; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 [show]1 Corinthians 4:1-5 [4:1]This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. [2]Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. [3]But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. [4]For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. [5]Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. (ESV)
; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 [show]2 Corinthians 5:9-10 [9]So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. [10]For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (ESV)
; 1 John 3:3 [show]1 John 3:3 [3]And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (ESV)
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Q: Read Psalm 37 [show]Psalm 37 [37:1]Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! [2]For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. [3]Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.(2) [4]Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. [5]Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. [6]He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. [7]Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! [8]Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. [9]For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. [10]In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. [11]But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace. [12]The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, [13]but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming. [14]The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright; [15]their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. [16]Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. [17]For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. [18]The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; [19]they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance. [20]But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish--like smoke they vanish away. [21]The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives; [22]for those blessed by the LORD(3) shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off. [23]The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; [24]though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. [25]I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. [26]He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing. [27]Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. [28]For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. [29]The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever. [30]The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. [31]The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. [32]The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death. [33]The LORD will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial. [34]Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. [35]I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree.(4) [36]But he passed away,(5) and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found. [37]Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. [38]But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off. [39]The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. [40]The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. Footnotes 1. [37:1] This psalm is an acrostic poem, each stanza beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet 2. [37:3] Or 'and feed on faithfulness', or 'and find safe pasture' 3. [37:22] Hebrew 'by him' 4. [37:35] The identity of this tree is uncertain 5. [37:36] Or 'But one passed by'
and Psalm 46 [show]Psalm 46 [46:1]God is our refuge and strength, a very present(2) help in trouble. [2]Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, [3]though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah [4]There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. [5]God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. [6]The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. [7]The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah [8]Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. [9]He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. [10]"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" [11]The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Footnotes 1. [46:1] Probably a musical or liturgical term 2. [46:1] Or 'well proved'
. In what ways does the command to be still before God’s sovereign control over all things offer you a challenge and a comfort in the midst of your trials?

4:8 fervent love. “Fervent” means “to be stretched,” “to be strained.” It is used of a athlete who is using all their muscles straining and stretching them to the limit (See also 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 [show]1 Corinthians 13:4-7 [4]Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant [5]or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;(1) [6]it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. [7]Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [13:5] Greek 'irritable and does not count up wrongdoing'
; Philippians 2:1-4 [show]Philippians 2:1-4 [2:1]So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, [2]complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. [3]Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4]Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (ESV)
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Q: In what ways have your fallen in to a spiritual stupor or laziness?In what ways do you feel called to stretch your “spiritual muscles” to God’s glory by reaching out to the least and the lost?

4:8 “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Quoted from Proverbs 10:12 [show]Proverbs 10:12 [12]Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
. This means that Christians should overlook sins done against them whenever possible, and always be ready to forgive insults and unkindnesses. (see also Luke 6:37 [show]Luke 6:37 [37]"Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; (ESV)
; Colossians 3:12-14 [show]Colossians 3:12-14 [12]Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, [13]bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. [14]And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (ESV)
) This teaching does not mean that Christians should ignore the the behavior of a church member who is teaching lies about God or living as an unrepentant sinner (Matthew 18:15-18 [show]Matthew 18:15-18 [15]"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. [16]But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. [17]If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. [18]Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed(1) in heaven. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [18:18] Or 'shall have been bound... shall have been loosed'
; Galatians 1:6-10, 1 [show]Galatians 1:6-10 [6]I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- [7]not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. [8]But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. [9]As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. [10]For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant(1) of Christ. (ESV) Galatians 1:1 [1:1]Paul, an apostle--not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead-- (ESV) Footnotes 1. [1:10] Or 'slave'; Greek 'bondservant'
Corinthians 5 [show]1 Corinthians 5 [5:1]It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. [2]And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. [3]For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. [4]When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, [5]you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.(1) [6]Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? [7]Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. [8]Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. [9]I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people-- [10]not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. [11]But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler--not even to eat with such a one. [12]For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? [13]God judges(2) those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you." (ESV) Footnotes 1. [5:5] Some manuscripts add 'Jesus' 2. [5:13] Or 'will judge'
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4:9 Be hospitable to one another. The Bible also teaches that Christians should be hospitable to strangers (Exodus 22:21 [show]Exodus 22:21 [21]"You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. (ESV)
; Deuteronomy 14:28-29 [show]Deuteronomy 14:28-29 [28]"At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. [29]And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do. (ESV)
; Luke 14 [show]Luke 14 [14:1]One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully. [2]And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. [3]And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" [4]But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away. [5]And he said to them, "Which of you, having a son(1) or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?" [6]And they could not reply to these things. [7]Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, [8]"When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, [9]and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. [10]But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. [11]For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." [12]He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers(2) or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. [13]But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, [14]and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just." [15]When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" [16]But he said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. [17]And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant(3) to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' [18]But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.' [19]And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.' [20]And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' [21]So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' [22]And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' [23]And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. [24]For I tell you,(4) none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'" [25]Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, [26]"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. [27]Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. [28]For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? [29]Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, [30]saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' [31]Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? [32]And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. [33]So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. [34]"Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? [35]It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (ESV) Footnotes 1. [14:5] Some manuscripts 'a donkey' 2. [14:12] Or 'your brothers and sisters'. The plural Greek word 'adelphoi' (translated "brothers") refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, 'adelphoi' may refer either to 'brothers' or to 'brothers and sisters' 3. [14:17] Greek 'bondservant'; also verses 21, 22, 23 4. [14:24] The Greek word for 'you' here is plural
, Matthew 25:34-46 [show]Matthew 25:34-46 [34]Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. [35]For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, [36]I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' [37]Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? [38]And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? [39]And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' [40]And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,(1) you did it to me.' [41]"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. [42]For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, [43]I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' [44]Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' [45]Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' [46]And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (ESV) Footnotes 1. [25:40] Or 'brothers and sisters'
, Hebrews 13:1-2 [show]Hebrews 13:1-2 [13:1]Let brotherly love continue. [2]Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (ESV)
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Q: In what ways has God been hospitable to you?

4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Spiritual gifts are meant to be used to benefit others in the church (1 Corinthians 12:7-13 [show]1 Corinthians 12:7-13 [7]To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. [8]For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, [9]to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, [10]to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. [11]All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. [12]For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. [13]For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves(1) or free--and all were made to drink of one Spirit. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [12:13] Or 'servants'; Greek 'bondservants'
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Q. What do you see as your spiritual gifts? What gifts have others identified in you? In what ways are you exercising stewardship of your gifts for the benefit of your brothers and sisters in Christ?

4:11 in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Glorifying God through Christ is the goal of everything. (See also Romans 11:33-36 [show]Romans 11:33-36 [33]Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! [34]"For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?" [35]"Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" [36]For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (ESV)
; Ephesians 3:21 [show]Ephesians 3:21 [21]to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)
; 2 Timothy 4:18 [show]2 Timothy 4:18 [18]The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)
; 2 Peter 3:18 [show]2 Peter 3:18 [18]But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (ESV)
; Revelation 1:6 [show]Revelation 1:6 [6]and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)
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Q: In what ways do your priorities in life glorify God in Christ? John Piper has written an interesting reflection entitled We Want You to Be a Christian Hedonist! His message is summed up with the phrase: God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. Read this short article by clicking HERE. In what ways do you think that a greater emphasis on glorifying God might free us up to serve others in Jesus’ name?

4:12 the fiery trial. Peter explains that four attitudes are a part of being faithful in the midst of hardship:
When it comes to suffering:
1) expect it (1 Peter 4:12 [show]1 Peter 4:12 [12]Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (ESV)
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2) rejoice in it (1 Peter 4:13-14 [show]1 Peter 4:13-14 [13]But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. [14]If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory(1) and of God rests upon you. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [4:14] Some manuscripts insert 'and of power'
)
3) evaluate its cause (1 Peter 4:15-18 [show]1 Peter 4:15-18 [15]But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. [16]Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. [17]For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18]And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"(1) Footnotes 1. [4:18] Greek 'where will the ungodly and sinner appear?'
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4) entrust it to God (1 Peter 4:19 [show]1 Peter 4:19 [19]Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (ESV)
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Q. What false assumptions does Peter set straight in verse 12? How often are you surprised at the trials of life?

4:13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. The Christian who is persecuted for having faith in Jesus Christ is joined to Christ (Matthew 5:10-12 [show]Matthew 5:10-12 [10]"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11]"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. [12]Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (ESV)
; Matthew 24:30 [show]Matthew 24:30 [30]Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (ESV)
; 25:31; Luke 6:22 [show]Luke 6:22 [22]"Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! (ESV)
; Luke 17:30 [show]Luke 17:30 [30]so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. (ESV)
Galatians 6:17 [show]Galatians 6:17 [17]From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. (ESV)
; Philippians 1:29 [show]Philippians 1:29 [29]For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, (ESV)
; Philippians 3:10 [show]Philippians 3:10 [10]that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, (ESV)
; Colossians 1:24 [show]Colossians 1:24 [24]Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, (ESV)
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Q. In what ways can suffering change a person’s life for the better? In what ways does this way of joining in the mission of Christ scare you? Encourage you?

4:15 But let none of you suffer …. as a meddler. Peter is probably dealing here with meddling in matters that would lead to persecution, such as getting involved in revolutionary activity.  As a general rule, a Christian is to do their work faithfully, honor Jesus Christ, and live a quiet virtuous life. (See also 1 Peter 2:13-16 [show]1 Peter 2:13-16 [13]Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution,(1) whether it be to the emperor(2) as supreme, [14]or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. [15]For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. [16]Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants(3) of God. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [2:13] Or 'every institution ordained for people' 2. [2:13] Or 'king'; also verse 17 3. [2:16] Greek 'bondservants'
; 1 Thessalonians 4:11 [show]1 Thessalonians 4:11 [11]and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, (ESV)
; 2 Thessalonians 3:11 [show]2 Thessalonians 3:11 [11]For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. (ESV)
; 1 Timothy 2:1 [show]1 Timothy 2:1 [2:1]First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, (ESV)
–3).

Please check out a fascinating (and controversial) article from a 1999 edition of Christianity Today written by noted Church historian Mark Noll entitled: Was the Revolutionary War Justified? This article attempts to answer the following question: Considering the biblical injunction to submit to civil government (Romans 13:1 [show]Romans 13:1 [13:1]Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (ESV)
and 1 Peter 2:13-14 [show]1 Peter 2:13-14 [13]Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution,(1) whether it be to the emperor(2) as supreme, [14]or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [2:13] Or 'every institution ordained for people' 2. [2:13] Or 'king'; also verse 17
), were Christian colonists justified in participating in the Revolutionary War? He begins his answer with the following assertion: Only one population in the colonies clearly was justified by classical Christian reasoning in taking up arms to defend itself—the half-million or so enslaved African Americans who were held in bondage as the result of armed attacks upon peaceful noncombatants. I had ancestors who were Christian Revolutionary Patriots who fought in the Colonial Army against the British..my grandmother was an active member of the DAR and she would not have approved of this article but you can still read it by clicking HERE.

4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?. As good parents discipline their children for good, so God disciplines us for our good. (See also Hebrews 12, 1 [show]Hebrews 12 [12:1]Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [2]looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. [3]Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. [4]In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. [5]And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. [6]For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." [7]It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? [8]If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. [9]Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? [10]For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. [11]For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. [12]Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, [13]and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. [14]Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. [15]See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; [16]that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. [17]For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. [18]For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest [19]and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. [20]For they could not endure the order that was given, "If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned." [21]Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I tremble with fear." [22]But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, [23]and to the assembly(1) of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, [24]and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. [25]See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. [26]At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." [27]This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken--that is, things that have been made--in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. [28]Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, [29]for our God is a consuming fire. (ESV) Hebrews 1 [1:1]Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, [2]but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. [3]He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, [4]having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. [5]For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"? Or again, "I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son"? [6]And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him." [7]Of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire." [8]But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. [9]You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions." [10]And, "You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; [11]they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, [12]like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed.(2) But you are the same, and your years will have no end." [13]And to which of the angels has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? [14]Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? (ESV) Footnotes 1. [12:23] Or 'church' 2. [1:12] Some manuscripts omit 'like a garment'
Peter 1:6-9 [show]1 Peter 1:6-9 [6]In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, [7]so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. [8]Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, [9]obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (ESV)
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4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. “Entrust” was a banking term meaning “to deposit for safe keeping.”

Q. Peter tells us what we should do during times of suffering. When you are going through an intense struggle, what is it like for you to”commit” yourself to your “faithful Creator”? What is your greatest fear in those times? What is your greatest hope in those times?