First Peter 4 seems perfectly suited for today’s Christian facing persecution and seeking to have “the mind of Christ.”
Introduction
[1]Saint Peter by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617–1682). Public Domain.
The Book of 1st Peter is a book for the ages. There is never going to be a time when the Word of God is not helpful and beneficial in the Christian’s walk with Christ. Peter endured beatings and imprisonment before finally being crucified, as tradition holds, upside down, but Christianity could be said to have been turning the world upside down too…perhaps we could say right side up. Read along with us in 1st Peter chapter 4 to see what type of Bible study and questions we have for your small group Bible study or Sunday school could use.
Suffering in the Flesh
First Peter 4:1-2 “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.”
What does it mean, “for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin?”
Since Christ suffered in the flesh, how do we also suffer for Him?
What is Peter saying we should “arm” ourselves with?
How can we replace our human passion or living in the flesh for the will of God?
To suffer for Christ’s sake is to be more Christ-like.
Philippians 3:10 says “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…”
When we share in other people’s suffering, we get to know them much better.
From the Dead to the Living
First Peter 4:3-5 “For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”
[2]
How many of us remember living in these lusts of the flesh?
What has changed? Why did it change?
Have you experienced persecution from those you used to run with or people you know today?
Why are people surprised that Christians don’t join them anymore?
How do they “malign you?”
What does it mean that they will all have to “give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead?”
Who are the living and the dead?
Preached to the Dead?
[3]First Peter 4:6-7 “For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”
What does Peter mean that this was “why the gospel was preached to those who are dead?”
What does it mean that they are “dead?”
Answer: The most common view among many commentators is that “the dead” refers to Christians who heard the gospel but have since died (martyred or otherwise). Though they faced human judgment and physical death, the preaching of the gospel guarantees that their spirits live on victoriously with God.
What does it mean that they are to be judged “in the flesh?”
What does Peter mean when he wrote “the end of all things is at hand?”
Does he mean the end of the world or the end times or the end of a person’s life?
What did Peter mean by telling us to be “sober-minded for the sake of your prayers?”
Love as a Covering
First Peter 4:8-11 “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”
[4]
What does Peter mean by saying that “love covers a multitude of sins?”
Was “love covers a multitude of sins?” about Jesus’ death for us?
Did he mean that our earnest love for one another covers these sins?
Are there some sins that we should cover or keep secret from others and the church?
What do you do first when a church member is sinning?
Covering sins means to overlook some sins and not repeat them to others (not referring to grievous sins like murder, adultery).
Why does Peter tie in showing hospitality to not grumbling?
What is the connection between the two?
What are the oracles of God Peter was writing about? [Paul’s writings, Peter’s writings, the gospels or all Scripture?]
How can we “serve by the strength that God supplies?” What does that mean?
What does serving through the strength that God [Gives glorify to God.]?
Blessed for Insults
[5]First Peter 4:12-14 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
Why should we not be surprised when we experience trials?
What would be the surprise if we never experience them?
How can we rejoice in persecutions?
Why should we?
How is God’s glory revealed in our sufferings?
How was God’s glory revealed in Christ’s sufferings?
How is it possible to receive a blessing for being insulted for Christ’s sake? What kind of blessing would it be?
What is “the Spirit of glory and of God” that rests upon us? What is this “Spirit of glory?” Is it God’s Holy Spirit?
[6]
Suffering for the Right Reason
First Peter 4:15-19 “But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And ‘If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’ Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”
Why would Peter be writing to Christians to not suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer or a meddler? [Suffering for the right reason and not sin – hate is seen by Jesus as murder.]
Why are we not supposed to be “ashamed” but instead, glorify God in suffering?
What does Peter mean that judgment begins at the household of God? What kind of judgment is this since Christians are supposed to have all of their sins already judged at the cross? [Matt 18:15-20]
What does it mean to “suffer according to God’s will?” Is it really God’s will to suffer?
Please Note: You are free to copy and paste as many as you wish to freely use for yourself, your church or Bible study, but please no copies made and distriuted for profit and we would appreciate at least giving us a citation for credit.
Conclusion
I pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not happened yet, my friend, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.
Here is some related reading for you: How to Respond to Persecution Jesus’ Way [7]
Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.