1 & 2 Peter – Page 4

1 Peter 4:12-19 – Doom and Bloom

Read 1 Peter 4:12-19

I assume Peter is talking about Jesus’ glorious return and our everlasting life with him when he describes, “seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” But I got a little glimpse of that “glory” this week. Anytime we see God move in our midst or help us in our struggles, we get a peek into the glory of God.

We know the joy that bubbles up inside us when we see God’s hand at work in our lives or community. Peter encourages us to persevere despite the unpleasant situations we face in life. It really resonated with me in a fresh way when I read Peter’s words, “for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering.” Take a moment to let that truth sink in. Partners with Christ. Partners.

1 Peter 4:7-11 – Bring Glory to God

Read 1 Peter 4:7-11

That first line sure grabbed me, did it for you? I had to stop and just nod my head. I’d love to think that Jesus was coming soon. And then I remember all the people I know and love that don’t know Jesus yet, or if they do, they aren’t nurturing their relationship like Jesus deserves. So when you wonder why Jesus hasn’t come yet, remind yourself there are still people who need to know about him and be saved.

We’re a lot closer to Jesus’ return than Peter was when he wrote this letter. Thousands of years have already passed. In every generation, people have been getting ready. I don’t suppose any of those who love Jesus mind when they get to heaven. We have the confidence he’ll return when the Father says so. He promised. It’s our job to be ready.

1 Peter 4:1-6 – When Suffering is Better

Read 1 Peter 4:1-6

None of us looks forward to suffering. However, when we suffer on account of our faith in Christ, it is so much better than the alternative of being lost in our sin. Our suffering will not last forever, but our future with Christ never ends. If we chose to stay stuck in our sin, carousing with our friends like we used to, we would miss out on the great inheritance Jesus is preparing for us.

When we live for God, Peter tells us we’ll need to expect suffering, just like Jesus did. This isn’t the only passage in the Bible that warns us about suffering and staying strong. I appreciate that we are told up front what to expect. Nobody can claim to be surprised when we encounter suffering.

1 Peter 3:18-22 – What Jesus Did For You

Read 1 Peter 3:18-22

Peter reminds us that Jesus suffered for us. He had lived that reality being so close to the events of Jesus’ beating, crucifixion, and death. For people that hadn’t been so involved in that story, Peter shared.

Death entered this world because of sin. But Jesus never sinned. Jesus died for us — sinners — so that we could find our way home and have a relationship with our heavenly Father. That’s the message the world needs to hear. But Jesus didn’t stay dead.

1 Peter 3:13-17 – Suffering and Rewards

Read 1 Peter 3:13-17

Peter doesn’t “mince any words” here. The message is clear. We will suffer with Christ, and for that we will receive God’s reward. That’s the gist of this reading.

Have you ever ran a marathon or done any extreme sporting event in your life? I’m probably the most “unathletic” person, but I excelled at kick boxing and karate, ending up as an instructor in both of those mediums for a couple of years. I was fierce. All that suffering in the preparation led to great rewards. I imagine runners, especially iron man participants, feel such a rush of exhilaration at the accomplishment of competing and finishing the race.