To the elders among you…
Summary: When Peter addresses part of his letter to “the elders,” he inadvertently highlights a sad and serious shift in cultural norms.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:1 — Elders”1 Peter 5:1 — Elders
1 Peter 4:19 — What To Do
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Summary: There is suffering we have earned and suffering that seems unfair. When we have to suffer for what seems like no reason, Peter says we need to turn to God and do more good.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:19 — What To Do”1 Peter 4:18 (a) — The Hard Road
And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved…
Summary: Paul offers us a challenging thought. Righteousness is not an easy path, it is hard road. For the Christian, this offers us an opportunity to think about what it means to be saved.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:18 (a) — The Hard Road”1 Peter 4:17 — Uncommon Tater
For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household…
Summary: The word, ”judgment” has many uses. Today we explore how Peter uses it in today’s passage.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:17 — Uncommon Tater”1 Peter 4:16 — En-tangoed
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”1 Peter 4:15 — A List of Wrongs
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”1 Peter 4:14 — Skin
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”1 Peter 4:12 — Feel the Ordeal
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”1 Peter 4:11 (b) — T.E.A.
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.”1 Peter 4:10 — Investments
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”