 Last week we took a detour from our main text to uncover the mystery...Of several passages Peter mentions in the previous and upcoming verses of our Study...These unusual passages revealed where Jesus went during the three days His Body rested in a borrowed tomb... And who the deceased souls were to whom He preached! Now, we will continue in the passage of 1 Peter 4...Drawing inspiration from our brothers and sisters who walked before us...In VERY similar circumstances to ours today! We left Peter's sermon as he explained to brothers and sisters in Roman
Provinces... The major reason WHY...It is better for us to suffer for loving and serving Christ in a society that hates us for it...Than to suffer for hating and doing wrong to them in return...Is because we are to mimic Christ...Who suffered innocently for us as unjust haters and sinners...To show us that His love for us was stronger than our wrongs done against Him! 1 Peter 3:18-22 (NKJV) 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype (like example) which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. Here is where we left off...And as Peter uses the story of Christ's Preaching to those souls in prison from Noah's age... He makes a short reference to how Noah was saved from the waters that cleaned the earth of the horrid sin of that time...And he compares it to the saving of "baptism" through the Resurrection of Christ! Without turning this into the entire sermon as we did last week...Let's quickly explain this often misinterpreted passage...In order to get it's full, true meaning! Peter is NOT focusing on the "ACT" of Baptism as the means of saving a soul! No physical ACT can save anyone...Notice he expands this comparison with explanation..."The answer of a good conscience TOWARDS God through the resurrection of Christ!" Baptism was just the well known open proof that believers would show...As the public proclamation of WHAT HAPPENED IN THE CONSCIENCE...Of what the heart and minds reaction was TOWARDS the Resurrection of Christ!! IT IS FAITH IN CHRIST AND HIS SACRIFICE ALONE...THAT SAVES A SOUL!! The act of Baptism was just the relatable moment Peter referred to...As illustration of that moment God washed the sins from our lives in comparison! This verse put the whole subject into perfect understanding. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. And we could give literally dozens of verses as reference...But here are a couple as proof of this awesome fact! Luke 7:50 (NKJV) 50 Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." (Didn’t say, “Now go be baptized, and you’ll be saved!”) John 3:15 (NKJV) 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. Now... One quick note on the opposite side of the coin...No... Baptism does NOT save you...BUT... Jesus gave us the Commandment that we are to be Baptized in His Name… Wedding Ring)To show the world our love and faith in Him!! Too many believers today take this profession of Christ flippantly!!! Deciding they will be baptized when the time is right for them...Deciding they will be baptized when they get their life together better...Deciding they will be baptized when it is convenient! Baptism is a serious, intimate proclamation of your joining with Jesus Christ for LIFE!!! Not to be delayed... Or hidden...But to be done urgently... With joy, celebration and passion...In obedience... As soon as possible... Not years later! Many suffer persecution, loss and even death...For the privilege and pride of telling the world they love Jesus through Baptism! (And we put it off for convenience!) Covering Sins In Love! Now... We step into Chapter Four following the same theme of suffering for Faith... 1 Peter 4:1-2 (NKJV) 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. Peter says arm or "equip" yourselves with this same mind...That you are ready to suffer for Christ if necessary! Peter is NOT saying the ACTUAL act of suffering is what causes us not to sin...He is saying that the believer in THEIR society whose Faith is strong enough to suffer for Christ's Name...Has surely now chosen to turn from this life of sin against God they once held... Or they wouldn't have been targeted for persecution! So ask yourself if YOU are one who has SO completely chosen Christ...That you have given up your love and pursuit of sin?!That you could even be targeted for persecution? 1 Peter 4:3-4 (NKJV) 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. Herein is the key to many of the troubles we are beginning to face in our society... As in Peter's time! We are being spoken evil of…(Homophobes, bigots, haters of men) Simply because we cannot agree with and join in with the world's views and practices...Even if we are loving and embracing of the people doing them! 1 Peter 4:5-6 (NKJV) 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. Peter reminds them it is CHRIST Who will judge these people in the end... Giving us two very important things to consider... One... Though the world feels they can act as they want...Judging and punishing believers who can't join their culture...Feeling as though they are unopposed and in control...They WILL be brought to justice! They WILL see TRUTH one day! They are NOT getting away with it, as it seems... Two... Which brings us to the second thing...It is NOT OUR PLACE to judge and condemn them!!! BUT HIS! It is HIS Laws of Love they are breaking...It is HIM Who they have rejected...And WE are simply ONE OF THEM... Whom He has covered in His Mercies and Sacrifice! It is our SOLE PURPOSE to bring others to His Mercies...As we have been brought...Even when hated while doing it... As Christ was! So tell them of His Judgment on THEIR SIN…But love and accept the person! Peter now gives a powerful and summarizing statement to this section of his writing... 1 Peter 4:7-8 (NKJV) 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." The Greek word for "at hand" is eggizo (eng-id'-zo)...Meaning: Drawing near, approaching or coming...Peter is saying... “Yes, we are being persecuted... - Yes, it is hard... Unfair... - Yes, times are uncertain and we are weary...” But... The END IS COMING... THESE THINGS WILL BE GONE... SOON! Don't be so enthralled in this mess...That you lose the TRUE perspective THIS age WILL soon be passed...Let your FOCUS BE on only what will remain in a very short time!!!! When all of this is but a memory...WHEN ONLY WHAT YOU ARE DOING IN LOVE FOR CHRIST IS GOING TO HAVE MATTERED AT ALL... IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE! Peter then says, "THEREFORE"... Because THIS is going away SOON.."BE SERIOUS... BE WATCHFUL... IN YOUR PRAYER!" The word for SERIOUS means…Keep a sane, proper perspective...The word for WATCHFUL means…Alert, on guard and ready... “Keep your head in the game and focus on what counts, being aware that time is short!" PETER IS GIVING WORDS OF WISDOM THAT WE DESPERATELY NEED TO HEED TODAY... IN THE SAME PREDICAMENT! Because YOU KNOW what is coming... YOU KNOW what is important...Stop focusing on every little thing that doesn't go your way...Stop living in drama that keeps you paralyzed…And in conflict over trivial matters of this world...Stop making it about ego, things and pleasure... Stop just praying for more safety, ease of life and blessings...Have a sane, proper perspective of what truly matters! AND GET IN THE GAME... KNOWING TIME IS SHORT!! AND LET YOUR PRAYERS... AND YOUR FOCUS IN LIFE...BE ALERT AND MINDFUL OF THE TIME WE HAVE LEFT... EXAMPLES: - Spend last of money more cautiously and carefully... - Spend short amount of time off differently than much... - Older people appreciate and relish each day they have... - Spouse treated differently when terminal!! (WHY?) THIS is why Peter ends the plea with... 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." We have to realize there are things WE MUST DO NOW... - BIGGER THAN MORE MONEY... - BIGGER THAN PETTY DIFFERENCES IN YOUR MARRIAGE... - BIGGER THAN THE HOW YOU WERE DONE WRONG... - BIGGER THAN HOW YOU DON'T LIKE THEM ANYMORE... And we have a very short time to get these things done! To love, serve, teach, show the Way to Christ! SO RECOGNIZE THE SHORT TIME WE HAVE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE...AND OVERLOOK OFFENSES AGAINST YOU FROM SPOUSES AND BROTHERS/SISTERS IN CHRIST, ETC...COVERING THE OFFENSES IN LOVE FOR THEM... Peter then expands on what this means if you play it out in life as you should!! 1 Peter 4:9-11 (NKJV) 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. Appreciate one another and fellowship…Without grudges and drama! Actively give, serve, and teach one another in passion...Instead of just showing up occasionally... And being offended when YOU are not doted over and catered to! Get busy loving THIS family of Christ... And bringing others into it!Because IT is all that matters... And time is running out!!! So that ALL YOU DO GLORIFIES CHRIST IN WHAT WE HAVE LEFT. Peter then encourages them to continue this serving and loving...Even in the midst of all of the persecution rising around them...In REAL JOY... AND NOT FEAR OR ANXIETY! Listen to this incredible passage... So relevant to you and I sitting in our chairs right this second!!! 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV) 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. We are all (self included) so shocked and fearful of the fast changes around us in our culture, politics and laws today...Because we are finally seeing what we have preached about happening for decades...What we know is true of Scriptures and life...A world without Christ will hate us... These people in Peter’s time…Were no different from us in their reaction! Peter himself, in his early days of following Jesus...Thought it unfathomable that Christ would suffer or be persecuted...And never dreamed HE would be joining Jesus in that suffering! He thought Jesus had come to protect them and destroy the enemy! (Sound familiar today?) And when it didn't happen... He faltered in his response for a time!Grew bitter and even cursed, stating HE didn't know Christ! Just as he knew some of these Christians would do! Just as many of us have done in these turn of events recently... And many others will do if things worsen! But Peter SAW His Precious Savior literally suffer the hell and rejection meant for us all!!! He saw the Incredible Passion it took to hold dearly in love... Those who hated Him without cause! And Peter now tells his fellow brothers and sisters...AND… Tells US today...Rejoice that you have the opportunity to join WITH Christ in what HE suffered... Because a Heart that wonderful deserves our allegiance...A Warrior that True and Selfless...Deserves for us to stand alongside Him in what He suffered for US! Stop and notice something very significant…In HOW Peter says we are to share in these sufferings..."...But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings!" The Greek word for "partake" here means just that... "To TAKE in SHARING with others VOLUNTARILY!!" LISTEN! THIS IS A FAR CRY FROM..."TO ENDURE miserably and unwillingly, as it is forced upon you!" Well Doug, how on earth am I supposed to do that? How do I willingly, joyfully accept misfortune and trials?" The answer is actually very simple!!! ARE YOU LISTENING? Because… You recognize the unquestionable worth and good that is coming from your suffering... And it makes you not only enduring... But willing… HAPPY... To pay whatever cost necessary in the process!!! A mother may reluctantly suffer through surgery needed...But voluntarily embrace giving an organ to her child! - A man may be bitter about a handicap from a senseless crime... But be happy and honored to have been injured serving to protect! "Every soldier must know, before he goes into battle, how the little battle he is to fight fits into the larger picture, and how the success of his fighting will influence the battle as a whole." - Bernard Law Montgomery British Field Marshall, Among the most decorated military leaders of WWII Retrieved on 1-23-21 from https://www.wisesayings.com/soldiers-quotes/#ixzz6kQ1rM43m If we see our trials, sufferings, persecutions, ridicule...Even personal misfortunes or tragedies...As simply unfair, unjust, senseless loss...We will be bitter, resentful, fearful and anxious! But if we KNOW our suffering IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE AND MEANING... Changing the very course of ETERNITY... Doing the will of the Father by saving souls... Teaching us to love, trust, pray, care in a NEW way... Showing a true picture of Christ to the unsaved and saved... Inspiring loved ones to continue in Faith as well... Sharing in the comradery and fellowship of the One Who did so much for me... Working for rewards and FAVOR from Christ… That will make us forget our troubles in moments! Then… We will begin to not ONLY SUFFER THROUGH OUR HARDSHIPS... But embrace with passion and acceptance...Our Greater calling to the battle! And that Communion... That sharing in battle and struggle...Extends powerfully to our brothers and sisters in this room...And Christians everywhere in our culture... And those who've gone before to hold the light and make a way! We need to embrace one another in the times ahead...Sharing the common bond of standing for Christ... Knowing we are not alone! Peter called these trials, "Fiery"...Listen to these Scriptures which bring even more light to this analogy... Psalm 66:10 (NKJV) 10 For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. Proverbs 17:3 (NKJV) 3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts. Compare these Scriptures even to what Peter said at the beginning of this very Epistle... 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NKJV) 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, The furnace is beginning to heat around us my friends...For some... In your personal lives, the furnace is already blazing! All who claim His Name are facing mounting opposition...Those who are not true... Those who are straw and not gold...Will hold Christ in contempt... Will run when personal loss comes...Will burn away quickly...In their bitterness and selfishness... But for those who see this struggle as a paramount sacrifice...With an invaluable prize to protect...For a Humble King Who has joined us in our pains... It will become an honor to persevere...And they will find purpose and joy in their trials...And all of the dross that is in the gold will be burned away...to make them more pure and valuable... Whether our Cups... Which are our Hearts... Are filled with the poison of bitterness and fear...Or the faithfulness and joy of purified gold...When poured out before Our King...Will depend upon… Whether we are FORCED to suffer through our trials...In reluctant contempt and self-pity... As undeserving victims... Or whether we "PARTAKE" of Christ's Sufferings…In voluntary love, faith and understanding of the prize they bring! Psalm 26:2 (NKJV) 2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. “There is a different attitude when a recruit goes through Basic Training in peace time to get a college tuition… And when a recruit went through Basic… Knowing he would ship off to Europe upon completion… Not returning until the war was OVER… These are no longer pretty little sermons… YOUR ETERNAL LIFE… AND OTHERS… DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU LEARN AND DO!!” We are CALLED… As Soldiers for The Living God and King, to…
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