1 Peter 4:1-11
Living for God
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it 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.
Jesus died to save man from sin...He died for our sins...Jesus suffered greatly for us on the cross...He died on the cross for us...He did the will of God...He came, taught for three years, and then died for mankind's sins...
We can learn from suffering and adversity...We can learn from not only our own troubles, but that of others...In believing Jesus and His sufferings for us, we can learn much...In times of suffering and adversity, we can gain new insight...Small things in our lives can take on new meaning...Things, we think are insignificant can take on renewed value...During suffering and grieving times we can depend on Jesus...His resurrection, shows us He is alive today...
St. Peter writes about six sins...Living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry...Sometimes one sin can feed off of a prior sin, and lead to another sin...St. Peter tells us we will have to account for our sins, to Him who is ready to judge...Our sinful ways can become less desirous to us, if we depend and focus on Jesus...
St. Peter tells us that the end of all things is near...Some people think that we are near 70 A.D. and the destruction of the Temple and the Jewish nation is "near"...The destruction was near, and when the Temple was destroyed, one of Jesus prophecy's was fulfilled... St. Peter knew that since he was with Jesus, and He has resurrected we are in the a later process of God's plan...He maybe using the term "near" to encourage others to confess to their sins and repent, and be prepared today...But to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit who live in eternity, near is always near...Near is a perception of time, since our LORD lives in eternity...
St. Peter asks us to love each other as Jesus does...If we love one another it covers a multitude of our sins...He tells us to offer hospitality without grumbling...This is a part of "to love one another"...
St. Peter reminds us that when we are speaking to others we need to be prepared...We must remember that when we speak the Spirit is with us and others are listening...What we say can have an influence on others...God's word and Jesus teachings of love, caring and sharing can show others how we need and should live...Our lives with our belief in the Father and Son can be an example how we all can live...