Living for Christ in a Hostile World

Surviving Times of Suffering

1 Peter 4:7-11

With these miscellaneous exhortations, Peter commands believers to maintain their unity while doing everything to the glory of God.  How should Christians conduct themselves in light of the imminent return of Jesus?  Peter gives some very straightforward advice on how believers should behave in the fellowship of God’s people.  Getting ready to meet Christ involves continually growing in love for God and for others.

No matter when we think Jesus is coming back, all believers must live .

Revelation 22:12

If someone asks you, “When is Jesus coming back?”  A fair, and a biblical response is to say, “He’s coming without any unnecessary delay.”

The word “therefore” (v. 7) means that based
on the fact that Jesus is coming back,
this is the way you should live your lives right now:

1.      Get serious (v. 7)

When we have this attitude of commitment to prayer, it helps us to maintain a

Matthew 25:13
Matthew 26:40, 41
Revelation 3:15, 16

2.      Love as (vv. 8, 9)

John 13:34-35
1 John 3:18

One of the characteristics of this kind of love is that it .

Proverbs 10:12
Romans 5:8
Ephesians 4:32

Our Christian love should not only be alive and forgiving, but it should also be .

Hospitality – sharing our homes and our hearts.

Acts 28:7

We practice hospitality because it’s a reflection of God’s .

Romans 5:5

3.      Look for every opportunity (10, 11)

Lists of gifts:
·      Ephesians 4
·      Romans 12
·      1 Corinthians 12

Here are some truths about gifts from Scripture:
A.    Every Christian has at least one spiritual gift
B.    Your gift, or set of gifts, is unique
C.   Whatever gifts you have – use them to help others.
D.   Some gifts are noticeable and some not as much, but all are useful
E.    Practice your gifts to glorify God.

If you’re not using your gifts, then God is not receiving as much glory

1 Corinthians 10:31

Daily Meditations

Memory verse: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”  1 Peter 4:8

Monday
Read 1 Peter 4:7-11.  What did Peter say was near in verse 7?

What did Peter instruct his readers to do since the end of all things was near?  See verse 7.

Tuesday
Read 1 Peter 4:7-11.  What did Peter encourage his readers to do “above all” in verse 8?

How does “love cover a multitude of sins?”

Wednesday
Read 1 Peter 4:7-11.  According to verses 8 and 9, how did Peter encourage his audience to love each other?

To whom do you find it difficult to offer hospitality? Why?

Thursday
Read 1 Peter 4:7-11.  How were Peter’s readers to use their gifts?  See verse 10.

What gift has God given you that you could use to serve others?

Friday
Read 1 Peter 4:7-11.  According to verse 11, how were these believers to speak and serve?

Saturday
Read 1 Peter 4:7-11.  What goal did Peter want his audience to reach with all they did?  See verse 11.

To whom will you offer hospitality sometime this week?