Welcome to episode 107 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of 1 Peter, covering chapter 4:1-11.  The series is called “Hope in the Midst of Suffering.”  Today, we will cover: 

• The Triumph – Suffering causes sin to lose its power (vv. 1-3) 
• The Testimony – Unbelievers are surprised at the change (vv. 4-6) 
• The Tenderness – Suffering should develop our love for other believers (vv. 7-9) 
• The Talents – We should faithfully employ all of our God-given spiritual gifts (vv. 10-11) 

Key takeaways: 

• Everyone who suffers for Jesus first resolved, somewhere along the line, to cease from sinning. After all, the suffering they experience is a result of leaving off with sin. 
• Pagans are surprised that believers do not participate in what they consider to be normal cultural activities; in response they criticize, defame, and revile believers and thereby also the God they worship. 
• Peter reminded believers of the final judgment of all, assuring them that their perseverance in the faith matters and that those who practice evil will be assessed and condemned on the final day. 
• The coming judgment will not only bring sinners into account but will also reverse the judgments of men. 

Quotable: 

• Christians forgive faults in others because they know the forgiving grace of God in their own lives. 

Application: 

• Believers are to arm themselves with the intention to suffer.  Like soldiers preparing for battle, believers should prepare themselves for suffering. 
• In the Western world we take for granted the segregation of private and public spheres, but public festivals, in which the gods were venerated, were considered a civic duty in the Greco-Roman world.  Those in Peter’s day who did not fit in with the mores of society would be discriminated against in daily life and that they would be the object of abuse. 
• In light of the arrival of the end. Peter exhorted his readers, however, to pursue virtues that are a normal part of New Testament advice. 
• Believers should think sensibly as they contemplate the brevity of life in this world. 
• Spiritual gifts are given to serve and to help others, to strengthen others in the faith. They are bestowed for ministry, not to enhance self-esteem. 

Connect with us: 

Web site:  https://springbaptist.org 

Facebook:   

https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) 

https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) 

Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ 

If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.