Ready, Rational, Restrained, Resounding in Love, Realistic about the End

1 Peter 4:1 – Peter writes, Since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding – “understanding” – ennoia = thought, knowledge, insight – these days are hard, but we need an understanding, an insight. Days are hard, and suffering – physical, emotional, natural, supernatural, persecution, are normal, but we must make a change in response based on our understanding.

v2 – in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God’s will. Why? v3 we’ve already spent enough time on worldly things…

So, in days like this – what is our understanding? v7 the end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer – v8 above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sin.

We need the understanding, in suffering, that the end is near, that this too will pass. Because the end is near, we need to focus on the right things because we only have a short time, so focus on the right things…

Be Ready, Rational, Restrained, Resounding in love, Realistic about the times… but CONSTANT?

I can’t get passed v8 saying “constant love”. He doesn’t mean, constant constant, does he? ektenese = eager constant, earnest. It’s from a word that means, “stretched”. If you aren’t being “stretched” you aren’t loving.

Understanding – vv10-11 says to use the gifts we receive to serve others.

Understanding – v12 don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes… as if something unusual were happening – Woah Folks – the ordeals that are physical, are natural because of the sin cursed world we live in; those which are spiritual are because our enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. So, don’t be surprised…

Then v13 – INSTEAD – Instead!! – there are plenty of ways we CAN respond to the challenges of life – anger, fear, frustration, disappointment, dejection, withdrawal… there are many natural ways to respond… but Instead… (rather, but, yet)

Instead – REJOICE

“Give me something about which to rejoice, Pastor”

• That you Share in the Sufferings of Christ – Philippians 3:10, Paul says, I want to know Christ… power of the Resurrection (YES) fellowship of SUFFERING… conformed to his death – Albert King’s blues song, “Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but nobody wants to Die” – you have to fellowship in the suffering, to know the power of the resurrection. Thank you, Jesus, for letting me walk a little part of your path. Galatians 5:24 if we belong to Christ we have crucified the flesh, it’s passions and desires. My wants have changed, and my “joy fuel” has changed.
• Rejoice with Great Joy when the glory is revealed – Some things we go through are the only or best way for his glory (reputation / weight) to be seen, revealed (apokalypsia). See, a world without Christ is also suffering, and they need to see us, in suffering, and see a “God-Response”, reveal, unveil, Jesus.

v14 if ridiculed for the name of Jesus… you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you – WHEW

v16 if anyone suffers as a Christian, don’t be ashamed, but glorify God in having that name

v17 for the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s house

v19 those who suffer according God’s will, entrust themselves to a Faithful Creator

YES