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Daily Bible Reading (Monday, November 13th)

5

1 Peter 4 (ESV)

 

Stewards of God's Grace

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh,[a] 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. 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. 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. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 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. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

12 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. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[b] and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 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? 18 And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[c]

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Footnotes:

  1. 1 Peter 4:1 Some manuscripts add for us; some for you
  2. 1 Peter 4:14 Some manuscripts insert and of power
  3. 1 Peter 4:18 Greek where will the ungodly and sinner appear?

5 Comments

v18 If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
I'm not to obtain righteousness by the skin of my teeth, barely qualifying at the end of the race! I am to press fully towards sanctification and holiness, that my righteousness through Him is obvious to all, and calls others towards that mighty change. Thank you Lord for the Holy Spirit who grows us in proclaiming your grace and mercy!

This passage is so rich with practical applications for us as individuals and as a church. The one thing I need to work on is to sober minded for the sake of prayer. I need to continually remind myself of the criticality of prayer in my life and the life of the church.

Amen pastor. Verses 17 & 18 pose two questions. I'm thinking of Hebrews 10:31...taking to heart verse 19. May we entrust our souls to God our Creator while doing good. For His glory...

Verses 7-11 present a great picture of life in the church. Praying, loving, showing hospitality, and serving all for the glory of God through Jesus Christ. I need to regularly examine myself in regard to these basics. What an awesome thing it is to see the church functioning according to this divine plan.

Verse 18 “ If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” My Bible footnote says that it is not that final salvation is uncertain, but that the way to it is through hard discipline. Matthew 7:14

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