The Epistles of Peter & Jude Lesson 10: Seriously Living the Sanctified Life (1 Peter 4:7-11) “…therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” -- 1 Peter 4:7

Motivation for Sincere Sanctification (1 Peter 4:7) “The end of all things is at hand!” –“At hand” refers to something being near in place OR time (Philippians 4:5; James 5:8; Mark 14:42). We are in the last days; the next place that is at hand in God’s eternal plan for man is “the end of all things.” Barnes notes: “The word rendered “is at hand,” (η ̓ ́γγικε e ̄ ngike,) may refer either to proximity of place or time, and it always denotes that the place or the time referred to was not far off.” Therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers! (Ephesians 6:18)

The Demonstration of Sanctification (1 Peter 4:8-11) “Above all things have fervent love for one another.” –This is the Christian’s “prime directive” (Colossians 3:14; Matthew 22:37-40; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14; 1 Corinthians 13) –Fervent love is love that is intense and “without ceasing” (Strong). It never fails (1 Cor. 13:8a) Such love will “cover a multitude of sins.” –Love takes the necessary steps and makes the necessary sacrifices to see that sin is forgiven (James 5:19-20; Psalm 32:1; 2 Cor. 2:8,10; Luke 17:3-4)

The Demonstration of Sanctification (1 Peter 4:8-11) Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. –Hospitality is to be extended to strangers and to all men, but the emphasis here is on extending it to brethren. (Hebrews 13:1-2; Romans 12:13; Galatians 6:10) We are to use the gifts we’ve received from God to serve one another as good stewards of His grace. –This principle applies to both the preceding & the following –Stewardship demands the faithful use of what we have been given (1 Corinthians 4:2) We should speak as the oracles of God. (cf. Titus 2:15; John 3:27) We should minister with all of the ability and power that God has provided The purpose of using our gifts is to glorify God in all things! (4:11b).

The Epistles of Peter & Jude Lesson 11: Suffering to the Glory of God (1 Peter 4:12-19) “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” -- 1 Peter 4:16

Suffering to the Glory of God -- The Fiery Trial (1 Peter 4:12-13) “Do not think it strange!” –Don’t “be shocked” (Thayer) that you must endure fiery trial! (cf. 1:6-7; James 1:2, 10; 2 Tim. 3:12) The word translated “fiery trial” (πυρώσει puro ̄ sei) occurs only here and in Revelation 18:9 &18. “Rejoice!” –You get to partake of Christ’s sufferings! (Colossians 1:24; Philippians 1:29) –When He returns you will be very glad you did! (Matthew 5:11-12)

Suffering to the Glory of God -- Reproached for His Name (1 Peter 4:14) The blessings of being reproached. –It demonstrates that the spirit of God rests upon you. –Although those who reproach are blaspheming, you are glorifying God by enduring it. (Matthew 5:44-48; 1 Corinthians 4:12)

Suffering to the Glory of God -- Suffering for the right reason (1 Peter 4:15-16) Let none of you suffer as… –a murderer –a thief –an evildoer –A busybody in other people's matters (1 Thessalonians 4:11) But don’t be ashamed to suffer as a Christian! –Glorify God by it and through it! (Acts 5:41)

Suffering to the Glory of God The vindication of God’s judgment (1 Peter 4:17-18) God judges His people and will justly reward us for suffering faithfully in this life (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5; Revelation 2:10; Phil. 1:28; Psalm 7:8-11) Through such suffering the righteous are scarcely saved –That is, we are saved with difficulty, hardly, not easily (Thayer) [compare Acts 14:18 & 27:7] The “ungodly and sinner” who are faithless and untested have no hope of escaping God’s judgment (2 Cor. 5:10)

Suffering to the Glory of God Therefore… –Since suffering strengthens us. –Since it allows us to suffer with Christ. –Since holds the promise of heaven. –Since it glorifies our Heavenly Father. –Since it proves that God’s judgments are just. “Let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” -- 1 Peter 4:19