Bible Chapter: I Peter 4

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Peter again talks on the theme of how Jesus unjustly suffered.  Those who follow Jesus must be prepared to suffer for serving Him.  Sticking with Jesus and enduring opposition for serving the Lord will help believers to resist sin and also follow God’s plan for their lives as they learn to more and more depend on God.  This helps make the tug of sin less substantial and elevated God’s purposes to be a top priority.
    There is an important principle for Christians to remember.  We have a present life with Jesus.  This means that we also have a past life, one that is different from what we have now.  Whatever the sins were that controlled a person before Christ, they must be PAST TENSE.  They must be history.  Verse 3 talks about what the pagans do, these things are all past.  I find too many believers still trying to dabble in the things of the past instead of enjoying the fullness and joy of the Lord.  We are blessed beyond measure and comprehension to know Jesus as our personal Savior and have His joy and promises to carry us through.  We should not want anything of the past, only the new life we have in Jesus.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    We are challenged to offer hospitality.  We are challenged to use the gifts that God has given us to serve others.  I am continually learning that we all have different gifts that God has given us.  We can’t all do the same things.  We don’t all even like the same things.  These gifts and desires that come from God are designed to be used in various ways to honor Him.  This means we can all work together, doing what we do best, and see God’s plan accomplished.  His work will be done.  I can’t do it all.  I must do what I can do and encourage each one to do their part.

3.  How can I help someone?
    There are ungodly people, there are sinners in the world.  There are those with contempt towards God.  There are those who are missing the mark through a life of sin.  It is a challenge for these people to come to Jesus, but the Bible says all who call on the Lord will be saved.  I must never look at anyone with the attitude that they can’t be saved.