1 Peter 4 v 1 - 6 (2nd July 2010)

[You can read the passage here]

Having looked at the example set for us by Christ thru his sufferings (see previous chapter), we are now specifically encouraged to follow such an example. After all, the gospel was preached to all of us for us to live for the will of God (v6).

Living in God's will - how can we know God's will? By looking into God's word and having a close relationship with him, no short cuts.

And what does living in his will entail? It will entail the following:-

1. To have the attitude of Christ (v1) - to be willing to submit our selves to the will of the Father even if it costs us our all (cf Jesus' prayer in the garden of Gethsemane)

2. To not live for evil human desires (v2)

3. But instead to live for the will of God (v2) - following his plan in every area of our lives.

Peter goes on to remind us not to live any more following pagan practices. Such practices are as listed in v 3, which can be simply summed us as sex, alcohol (physical stimulants) and idolatry.

In our sharing, we could conclude that Christians today are not free from such practices and we are to be careful lest we fall. We are to be accountable for each other too and support each other in our group.

Finally in verse 4 and 5, we can agree that non-Christians will see us strange as we live our lives for God - and some will even abuse us. But we are all to stand before God at the end of the day - to receive judgement or for us Christians, to see how faithful we have been.