Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
Summary: Peter warns us about one of the ways the enemy of God tries to make Christians suffer; by shaming them. He also tells us what to do. Praise God!
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:16 — En-tangoed”
If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
Summary: Everyone suffers. Peter understands this and encourages us to avoid suffering for doing wrong, even if we suffer for doing right.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:15 — A List of Wrongs”
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Summary: Regardless of whether we are thin-skinned or thick-skin, when we have the Spirit and glory of Jesus on us, the world will insult us. Respond with God’s love.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:14 — Skin”
But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Summary: Just like sports have sports fans, God and Satan have their fans. God invites you to share the joy of His victory over evil.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:13 — Jesus’ Stuff”
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
Summary: We have been called by God to get in the game. As soon as we step on the field, the enemy wants to take us out. This is called the ”fiery ordeal.”
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:12 — Feel the Ordeal”
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Summary: Peter uses specific language to tell us how much honor is due to Jesus.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:11 (c) — The Language of Praise”
If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
Summary: Faith is trusting that God will provide strength for the task at hand. Our part is to praise God through Jesus Christ.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:11 (b) — T.E.A.”
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.
Summary: God holds us accountable for using His Word correctly.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:11 (a) — Speaking God’s Word”
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Summary: Peter tells us to use the gifts God has given us to serve others, in particular our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:10 — Investments”
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Summary: God asks us to love our neighbor as ourselves. (Matthew 22:39) Peter helps us understand what this means.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:9 — Twofer”