The end of all things is near.
Summary: The end of all things is not the end for everything. In truth, it is the beginning.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:7 (a) — The End of all Things”1 Peter 4:7 (a) — The End of all Things
1 Peter 4:6 — Rorschach Test
For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
Summary: A Rorschach test is to psychology what a mirror is to the face. God has placed occasional Rorschach tests in His Word. Today’s passage is one of them.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:6 — Rorschach Test”1 Peter 4:3 — Enough
For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
Summary: Peter gives us a short list of things pagans do. He does not rub our noses in it, but simply says we have done enough in the past. Now is the time to live for God.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:3 — Enough”1 Peter 4: 2 — More Jesus
As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
Summary: There are two ways to try and live for God. One works and the other doesn’t. The one that works is to fill our lives with Jesus, who points us to God.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4: 2 — More Jesus”1 Peter 4:1 (b) — Done with Sin
… because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.
Summary: Peter tells us that it is possible to be ”done with sin.” The price is to stay focused on Christ and adopt Christ’s attitude toward suffering. Today we explore what this means.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:1 (b) — Done with Sin”1 Peter 4:1 (a) — Serving Jesus
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude…
Summary: Salvation and works are two things that are related but separate. We work to serve our God and in the process we put our own wants and needs aside.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:1 (a) — Serving Jesus”1 Peter 3: 19-20 (a) — What Did He Mean?
After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— to those who were disobedient long ago …
Summary: God’s Word is written from God’s perspective and knowledge base. There are times that the Spirit helps us understand and times we are just meant to wonder and marvel.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3: 19-20 (a) — What Did He Mean?”1 Peter 3: 17 — The Up Side of Suffering
For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Summary: Suffering is a part of life. When we embrace it while trusting God, we grow in faith and learn a few things along the way.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3: 17 — The Up Side of Suffering”1 Peter 3:16 (a) — Saying “No”
… keeping a clear conscience …
Summary: Our conscience is like the red light on a car’s dashboard. It tells us something is wrong. It says, “Pay attention!” If we ignore the warning, we might survive, but our conscience suffers. Each little stain of being ignored clouds our conscience and leaves a mark that haunts us until we die.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3:16 (a) — Saying “No””1 Peter 3:14 (b) — Godly Possibilities
“Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
Summary: Peter warns us against the power of fear and the danger of turning our imagination against ourselves. We need to keep our focus on Godly possibilities.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3:14 (b) — Godly Possibilities”