- 1 Peter 5:8-11 ESV

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your

A BALANCED VIEW OF SUFFERING

We should look at the two sides of our

On the other hand, God allows

Today, let us not forget the balance

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

- 1 Pet 5:6,7 ESV

HUMILITY AND PRAYER

Humility and prayer are deeply

Humility is the attitude that makes

Humility is the key to honor. He

Hence, we should hang on to our

Today, let’s recognize that God’s

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

- 1 Pet 5:1-4 ESV

So I exhort the elders among you, as a

SHEPHERDS OF GOD

He pleaded with them to shepherd God’s

Firstly, an elder should recognize

His next role is one of overseeing.

Third, he does his role willingly.

Finally, he must commit to serving for

In the light of future rewards,

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

- 1 Peter 4:17-19 ESV

17 For it is time for judgment to

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,

what will become of the ungodly and

19 Therefore let those who suffer

THE JUDGMENT OF GOD

God’s judgment is sure. The wicked

God’s justice is like the rays of the

If God is willing to allow His dearly

God is a ‘faithful Creator.” His

How should we then respond? Therefore

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

- 1 Peter 4:12-16 ESV

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 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.

THE TEST OF FAITH

Most often than not, we are not excited to take tests. Tests are inconvenient but essential. A test reveals our faith, whether we are real or fake. There are a few realities Peter has highlighted about this test of faith.

Firstly, it’s expected. Believers should not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon them to test them, as though something strange were happening to them. Is not our natural tendency to evade from hardships? Peter has to remind them to expect sufferings. Storms of life are coming. We don’t ask for it but we should expect it.

Secondly, the reason behind our sufferings is our identity in Christ. To share Christ’s sufFering should make us rejoice. If we suffer with Him, we also will reign with Him. An anticipation to the revelation of His glory should make us glad. Verse 14 says, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” Either, we do express, "I am being insulted because I am a Christian; this is a terrible day. My life is off track. Where is God?" Or we can say, "I am being insulted because I am a Christian. What a blessing to be so closely identified with Christ when the world treats me the same way it treated Him. This is exactly in line with what God designs my life for!" Therefore, suffering as a ‘Christian’ should be embraced as a great honor. Otherwise, we should be ashamed to suffer as a consequence of our sins as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or a meddler.

Third and last, ‘suffering here and being glorified later’ in eternity is far better than ‘enjoying now but suffering in eternity.’ Should God’s purifying works are done towards His own, how much more horrible the judgments God would inflict on the ungodly. Peter’s argument is based upon the ‘from the lesser to the greater principle'. In the story Jesus told, the heartless rich man ended his life ultimately as the most miserable person while Lazarus was eternally blessed.

Thank the Lord for His grace to endure suffering.

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

- 1 Pet 4:10-11 ESV

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.

BE A GOOD STEWARD

Christ’s soon return at any time should affect our thinking. Should we then excessively invest our lives in a world that is passing away? We should not indulge ourselves with whatever pleasures we can find in, should we? Far from focusing on ourselves, we should think of how we could serve the least and lost.

In light of the world’s end, we should not claim ownership of our lives and everything we have. We are stewards. We must recognize that whatever we have are a gift from God. We have nothing other than what we receive. In reality, we have nothing which God has not given to us (Jas 1:17). And, as God’s stewards Paul said, “it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”[1 Cor 4:2] God’s business must be at the top of our list.

We, therefore, should see whatever we have been given as an ‘opportunity’ to serve other Christians. In other words, we should not view anything as "ours", and are for our consumption. But, as God’s resources or enablements to serve others.

Like our material possessions, these abilities to speak and serve are gifts of God's grace. So, they are likewise to be used for serving each other. Peter tells us to use them on God's behalf, with God's strength, and for God's glory. In other words, as people set apart for God's purposes, we are fulfilling His will by serving each other. Thus, when we speak to each other words of encouragement, we are delivering God's words. And, these come from a heart, neither hurting nor bitter words because of the hardships. It comes from a heart filled with God’s love. For what we say is determined by what we have in our hearts.

Moreover, we lovingly sacrifice our time and energy to meet each other's needs. And, we are drawing these from God's own strength. And whatever glory may result from our ministry, all should go right back to God. That is, our lives—our talents, dollars, homes, and helping—should be spent solely for His purposes and to bring Him glory alone.

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

- 1 Peter 4:7-9 ESV

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

PERSPECTIVE

Our destination should determine our direction, should it not? The persecuted exiles were told that the ’end of all things at hand’ There would be an end. Paul even resonated this by saying, “The Lord is at hand.”[Phil 4:3]

So, what should be the right response to this awareness that the end of all things is near? Should we panic? in isolation? engage in indulgence in pleasure-seeking? Definitely, far from these.

According to Peter, the most rational response is to pray. And, that prayer requires ‘self-control and sobriety.’ We must be self-controlled, and alert, or exercise sound judgment about our choices. And we should be sober-minded. "Sober" in this context means "serious." In short, we should be watchful about how we live, should we not? Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.[ 1 Thess 5:81] Our choices in life impact our ability to think clearly. It is necessary to be self-controlled so that we can pray.

Are we concerned about keeping our minds clear and focused for the purpose of praying? This is an important question to ask. Is there something that keeps us from thinking clearly and praying faithfully? He is in most danger when he is not aware of it.

Secondly, Peter urged the believers to show love by offering hospitality without grumbling. In our times, we tend to think of hospitality as having people over for dinner in our homes, or hosting a visiting missionary family. However, in Peter's time, Christian hospitality was much beyond and had the potential to be a great burden, as well. Why? Many Christians were forced to flee persecution. Thus, this caused their traveling with very limited means. These refugees relied so much on brothers and sisters in Christ to share their homes and food, as they transited from one town or region to the next. It’s quite risky that some wicked strangers may take advantage. Yet, we should embrace the opportunity to reflect Christ’s sacrificial love, far from any hesitations and reluctance.

There is an end to our hardships. Christ’s glory soon is manifested. We should not allow our hardships to encumber or stifle our prayer lives and love for the needy. We acknowledge the urge to complain, murmur, and self-seeking. However, our perspective should determine our predicament.

- 1 Peter 4:1-6 ESV

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, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 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. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 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.

HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE LIKE CHRIST

Christians should arm themselves with the same attitude as Christ has toward suffering. And what is the particular attitude? Jesus embraced that suffering was built into His purpose here on earth so that He expected it. Consequently, He was not surprised when hardship came and didn't evade it. Similarly, Christians should not be surprised when difficult times come. Definitely, we may feel betrayed and tempted to evade the purpose God has called us to. Jesus anticipated this, saying, “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you” (John 16:1–4).

Do Christians ‘cease from sin’ in the sense that they won’t commit sin? Definitely no. We will still make sinful choices, don’t we? However, we have determined the course of our lives away from the comfort and escape from the pleasures of sin. Thus, we ready ourselves to be uncomfortable, even to experience hard things, for the sake of Jesus.[Heb 12:4]

The Gentiles’ lifestyle of sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry should be something of our past. These people do argue that ‘you only live once’ (YOLO!), so get all the pleasure you can get!" However, finding pleasure and comfort is no longer what drives us. [see 1 John 2:16] Our former company of friends who know us would be surprised we don’t participate anymore of wild living, even slander and mock us. And yet, God is paying attention. Those who rejected Christ and abused Christians would give an account and be judged by Christ someday. [John 3:18]

On the other hand, those who have died after trusting in Christ. Their choice to live for God, to suffer in their bodies for Christ's sake while alive, leads to their opportunity to live in the spirit in the next life even as God Himself does. Our example is Lazarus having been vindicated but the rich man is tormented in their afterlife.[see Luke 16]

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

- 1 Pet 3:19-22 ESV

19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

JESUS IS ALIVE AND VICTORIOUS

Peter declared that Jesus was put to death in the flesh "but made alive in the spirit." And that He went to the spirits of prison. Several interpretations of what this might mean.

One view is that the verse is simply describing Jesus' physical resurrection from the dead. Another is that it describes a spiritual resurrection that happened before His physical resurrection on that first Easter Sunday. Jesus, in spiritual form, was alive and proclaiming to the "spirits in prison" before returning to physical life. That Jesus went and declared His victory over death to the fallen angels, now imprisoned, who disobeyed God during that time. [see v.20]

Another persistent view, less biblically supportable, is that Jesus traveled in spirit form after His death and before His resurrection to proclaim something to those in Hades or hell who died before or during the flood.

All of these views raise may raise more questions for these verses are not easily understood. The bottom line is that we just don't know for sure what Peter means by these verses. What we do know is that Jesus was dead and then made alive, that He suffered, and then was made victorious by the Father forever.

Verse 21 also is a controversial verse. Peter is not suggesting that the act of being baptized saves a person from eternity. Instead, when we take the verse as a whole, he seems to be saying that the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead saves us. It is in the resurrection which Christians publicly express their faith in when being baptized. This is supported by Peter's inclusion of the phrase "which corresponds to this," suggesting a parallel, rather than an identical purpose.

The word "saves" doesn't necessarily refer to eternal salvation, at all. Instead, Peter is saying that the act of publicly identifying ourselves with Christ through baptism does save us from being tempted to hide our faith to avoid the suffering and persecution of Christians. This is consistent with what Peter has been talking about in this chapter about suffering for christ courageously.

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

- 1 Pet 3:17-18 ESV

17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

IT IS BETTER TO SUFFER FOR DOING GOOD

Undoubtedly, it is God's will that we experience suffering. Unlike the prosperity gospel proponents, God's will for the Christian does not always involve wealth, health, and ease. It may require hardship and abuse. Why would God ever want that to happen? Peter explained that our example, Jesus, suffered enormously for our sake. We should not be surprised to be called on to suffer in the same manner for His sake.

Whatever is the reason, Peter clearly teaches that it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. It brings blessing (1 Pet 3:14), both for us and those around us. As a note, to suffer for doing wrong, however, means the misery is merely the consequence of our own sin. Sadly, it can harm the reputation of Christ in the world.

Peter argued that we reflect Jesus’ sacrifice at the cross. Some important truths we can learn about His suffering. That He suffered is quite an understatement in the context of Roman crucifixion. Next, His suffering was for sin, not in His doing, but ours. And, most importantly, He suffered and died only once. Why? Jesus was the final sacrifice for our sins. Consequently, God doesn’t require blood anymore, and there is no more death.

Surely, Jesus' sacrificial death was as a substitute—the righteous (Christ) for the unrighteous (us). Why? He brought us to God. Apart from Jesus' death for our sins on the cross, we could never be reconciled with God. For what He did, all who trust in Christ are brought to His Father.

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram