Day 226 – Wednesday, November 12, 2025

One Year Journey Through the New Testament

1 Peter 4

Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!

Live the Will of God

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ² that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. ³ For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. ⁴ In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. ⁵ They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 

(1 Peter 4:1–6, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Peter points to the fact that Christ died for our sins in His flesh as a reason to died to our sins. His sacrifice made it possible for us to be free.
• Peter reasoned that we had spent enough time serving Satan and the flesh. It was time to be free from the works and will of the Gentiles. It was time to shrug off the scoffing of the evil people around them and live for Christ. It is the same today.

Serving for God’s Glory

⁷ But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. ⁸ And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” ⁹ Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

(1 Peter 4:7–11, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Peter went on to remind the readers of the nearness of the end of this earth. In light of this truth, Christians should be prayerful, loving, and compassionate.
• Peter calls the readers to be hospitable, content, and offering one’s gifts to others.
• Basically, Peter called the church to use its gifts to minister to one another and to fulfill the call of God and to glorify His name.

Suffering for God’s Glory

¹² Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; ¹³ but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. ¹⁴ If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. ¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. ¹⁶ Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

¹⁷ For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ Now

“If the righteous one is scarcely saved,

Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

¹⁹ Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 

(1 Peter 4:12–19, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Peter went on here to encourage the Christians not to be afraid or confused over trials that would come. Instead, contrary to reason, these “fiery trials” serve to make us strong and courageous.
• As a matter of fact, he told them that they should rejoice and have “exceeding joy.” Being reproached for the name of Christ is a badge of honor, a privilege.
• Do not draw criticism for your sin or your wrongdoing, but rather for living a righteous life for the name and glory of Christ.
• Peter decreed that judgment must begin at the house of God, for we cannot call others’ sins out if there is sin in our own lives.

__________________________________________________________________________

All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.

Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page. Another blog will be posted each weekday at 6:00 a.m.