1 Peter 4:7-19

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Faithfulness in Christian Conduct and While Suffering

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BACKGROUND NOTES

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

The goal of Christian service is the glory of God. (1 Peter 4:11)

The result of Christian suffering should be the glory of God. (1 Peter 4:12-19)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Remember, suffering for the sake of Christ is a privilege, not a penalty.

QUESTIONS

“The end of all things is at hand.” (1 Peter 4:7) What did Peter mean when he wrote this?

In view of this, what should it motivate Christians to do?

In doing these things, what are the benefits?

What does “agape” mean?

“Love covers a multitude of sins.” What does this mean?

ANSWERS

Peter had in mind the imminent return of the Lord for His church.

To faithfully serve the Lord and to faithfully suffer for His sake. See 1 Peter 4:7-19.

To faithfully serve and to faithfully suffer is not only beneficial to us, but it brings glory to God.

It means the love of God in us and the denial of self in the interest of others.

If we really love one another, we will be able to overlook the minor faults and failures of other believers.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

Consider the exhortations in 1 Peter 4:7-10. a. Have a serious prayer life. Do you have a serious and mature prayer life? Cite evidence. b. Show fervent love to fellow believers. Are you denying self in the interest of others? Are you able to overlook minor faults and failures in other believers? c. Show hospitality to one another. Are you inviting unbelievers into your home? Are you inviting believers who are difficult or cannot repay you into your home? Are you being hospitable without grumbling or complaining? d. Use your spiritual gift for service. Are you ministering to one another as a good steward? Have you identified your gift(s)? Are you involved in Christian service? Cite evidence.

Why does God allow Christians to suffer persecution. Consider the reasons. Remember that the bottom line should be the glory of God. Christians were persecuted unmercifully under the Roman Emperor Nero. Christians are persecuted today in many parts of the world. Christians facing persecutions know the presence and power of Christ in their lives in a way that some Christians never experience. How can you enter in to suffering for Christ? How involved are you with mission fields where there is shameful persecution?

CHALLENGE

It is a privilege to suffer for Christ and the opportunity is now. Are you suffering for Christ because of your stand for Him? Are you praying for Christians who are undergoing extreme suffering for the sake of Christ?

KEY VERSES

“…the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.” 1 Peter 4:7

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10

“…in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever.” 1 peter 4:11

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you…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.” 1 Peter 4:12-13

“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you….if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” 1 Peter 4:14, 16

“…the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God…” 1 Peter 4:17