One Last Time 1 Peter 4 //Intro I am a person who gets overwhelmed by too many options. Scrolling Netflix takes an hour, so many movies, some good, some bad, some decent. I usually ask Anna what kind movie is in the mood for: comedy, action, action comedy. Or a good Rom-Com. She usually says “Something light-hearted,” So Saving Private Ryan. When it comes to food, I am the same way; I like a lot of kinds of food. Pizza, burgers, tacos, pad thai, Filipino food. When I go to lunch with someone, and they ask me what I want to eat, I just say it doesn’t matter. I will eat anything. I would much rather let someone else pick, and I just follow along, it just easier that way, or it might be a deep-seated issue of fear of failure and making wrong choices. But who doesn’t suffer from that? Just me, cool? I will say I have been better at making choices when asked. “Mammoth Burger sounds good” and “Anna, you want to watch 3 Amigos?” Unfortunately, this week was not that easy. As a Teaching team, we usually have a layout of what is being taught by who and when. But sometimes someone gets a fever on Saturday night and punt the Sunday morning to another person who wasn’t prepared to preach the previously scheduled passage and has to call an audible. It happens. It is what it is. Then the guys felt that since this was my last time to teach and the teaching schedule was behind. “Kevin, why don’t you just pick something you want to teach?” OKAY. What do I pick? Do I pick something about worship? Or our identity in Christ? Do I just pick a passage from the Old Testament or the New Testament or should I go topical? I wrestled with the question, “What does Emmaus Road need to hear?” At the start, I was in the Old Testament but then found myself in the New Testament and God gave me peace on the where I needed to be. So, to make a short story long! //Exposition I will be reading from 1 Peter 4, but before we dive in let's get a quick run-up since it is the tail end of the letter. This is a letter from Peter to the Jewish Christians who have been driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Asia Minor. He begins by thanking God and reminding them that their living hope and salvation is in Christ. He exhorts them towards holiness. Verses 14 & 15 of chapter 1 says “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am Holy.’” I want you to be set apart from the world. I want you to be different from the world. You are like newborn babies, he continues in chapter two. Longing for the pure milk of the Word so that you may grow in respect to salvation. And as you grow in the word, you start chewing more and more of the meat of scripture, building muscles and discipline as followers of Christ. Then Peter, Petra, the rock uses stones as an analogy for Christ and the born-again believers. Christ is the cornerstone, the foundation, and we are built around Him to be the church. Peter continues to tell us to honor authority and follow Christ's example when it comes to suffering. He reminds us how we should treat our wives and husbands respectively. To sum it up, Peter says in verse 8 of chapter 3, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. That is just a quick recap; there are more details and points, obviously. The first part of the homework this week is to read chapters 1-3. Today, though, God brought me to chapter 4. It could have been Lamentations 3. Seriously, i was strongly considering it. 1 Peter 4:1–4 [1] Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, [2] so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. [3] For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. [4] With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; Since Christ suffered in the flesh, Peter says to prepare yourself. Arm yourself with the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6 says to fasten on the belt of truth, put on the breastplate of righteousness, strap on those shoes of peace, take up the shield of Faith, put on the helmet of salvation, and grasp your sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. I didn’t grow up in a Christian home, but on occasion, I would go to my dad's, who went to a small church in Everett. The kid's church would put on Bibleman at the end of the lesson to keep the kids entertained downstairs. This was the first time I heard about the Armor of God, and unfortunately or fortunately, this is the first thing I think about when it is brought up. Bibleman Why are we putting armor on? It's just to look cool, to look like Bibleman. We are at war; that is why we arm ourselves. We battle with the enemy and the sin. For the rest of our lives on this side of eternity, we are to live not for human passions but for the will of God. We used to live in and for the things mentioned in verse 3: Sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. The Gentiles, those who haven’t surrendered or following Christ, are still pursuing these things. They are surprised when you choose not to join them in their debauchery, and they mock you for it. A person whose life changes radically at conversion may experience contempt from his or her old friends. He may be scorned not only because he refuses to participate in certain activities, but also because his priorities have changed and he is now heading in the opposite direction. His very life incriminates their sinful activities. Did you experience that when you first became a believer? Did you have your armor on? Were you able to defend yourself from the attacks of the flesh? Did you combat the words of the enemy with the Word of God? We know in the end we all will be judged. In verses 5-6 Peter says [5] but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. [6] For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. Those who continue in sin will one day stand before the Lord. Peter is not saying this out of condemnation but rather out of compassion. He realizes they’re in grave danger. The basis of salvation is our belief in Jesus, but the basis for judgment is how we have lived. Those who inflict persecution are marked for punishment when they stand before God. Believers have nothing to fear, however, because Jesus will be the final judge over all. Peter reminds us that the dead, both the faithful and their oppressors, would be judged. The judgment is perfectly fair because even the dead have heard the gospel. The Good news was first announced when Jesus Christ preached on the earth, but it has been operating since before the creation of the world, and it affects all people, the dead as well as the living. [7] The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. [8] Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. [9] Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (ESV) The Greek word for end is never used in the New Testament as a chronological end, as if something simply stops. Instead, the word means a consummation, a goal achieved, or a realization. Having emphasized triumphant suffering through death, Peter here begins to emphasize triumphant suffering through the Second Coming of Christ, which is the goal of all things. He is calling believers to live obediently and expectantly in the light of Christ’s return. “The end of all things is at hand.” It is coming soon, so be self-controlled and sober-minded. Do not be swept away by emotions or passions, keeping a proper eternal perspective on life. The doctrine of the imminent return of Christ should not turn the Christian into a zealous fanatic who does nothing but wait for it to occur. Instead, it should lead the believer into a watchful pursuit of holiness. It should remind us that we are sojourners here on earth, not just sojourners but also Ambassadors of Christ, as representatives. 2 Corinthians 5:20 “Therefore, we are ambassadors of Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us.” The Hebrews on various occasions and for various purposes, had recourse to the services of ambassadors, to contract alliances (Josh. 9:4), to solicit favors (Num. 20:14), to take the issue when wrong was done (Judg. 11:12), to condole with a young king on the death of his father (2 Sam. 10:2), and to congratulate a king on his accession to the throne (1 Kings 5:1). Again verse 8 and 9 [8] Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. [9] Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (ESV) In other Bible translations, they use “keep fervent in your love for one another.” Earnestly is a good definition, which means with sincere and intense conviction. but I prefer fervent’s definition: Having or displaying a passionate intensity The archaic definition is hot, burning, or glowing. Which I picture a hot brand. Keep having a passionate intensity in your love for one another. MacArthur says Fervent means to be stretched,” “to be strained.” It is used of a runner who is moving at maximum output with taut muscles straining and stretching to the limit. This kind of love requires the Christian to put another’s spiritual good ahead of his own desires in spite of being treated unkindly, ungraciously, or even with hostility. Peter quotes Proverbs 10:12 at the end of verse 8, which says, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” It is the nature of true spiritual love to cover sins, whether from God to man or believer to believer. It is not saying that discipline of a sinning, unrepentant believer shouldn’t happen. It means specifically that a Christian should overlook sins against him if possible and always be ready to forgive insults and unkindness. Show hospitality to one another. Love is intensely practical, not just emotional. Love meant opening one’s home and caring for other needy Christians, such as traveling preachers. It is also included opening one’s home for church services. Scripture also teaches that Christians should be hospitable to strangers Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Show hospitality without grumbling, be hospitable without complaining. Complaining about welcoming someone into your home or in your schedule shows that you don’t see them as valuable or worth your time. It shows your needs are more important than theirs. It would be selfish and wrong, right? Exodus 22:21 You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. Be welcoming, engage with people, and break down some of those walls. Don’t be isolated, and don’t be isolating others. 1 Peter 4:10–11 [10] As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: [11] whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. A spiritual gift is a graciously given, supernaturally designed ability granted to every believer by which the Holy Spirit ministers to the body of Christ. It cannot earned, pursued, or worked up. It is simply received through the grace of God. As good stewards of God’s grace, we are told to use it to serve one another. To be used to benefit others in the church and not to exalt the one with the gift. As stewards, these gifts are not ours but are given by God. He gives the words to speak, and He supplies the strength. So that He would be glorified in it all. Again, we are ambassadors of Christ. Suffering as a Christian This last part of the chapter Peter goes to explain that there are four attitudes necessary in order to be triumphant in persecution or suffering. 1 Peter 4:12–19 [12] Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. [16] Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” [19] Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (ESV) Lets break the passage down to the four attitudes. First Expect it, verse 12 says to do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes. Don’t be surprised as though something strange were happening to you. A Christian must not think that his persecution is something that happened accidentally. God allowed it and designed it for the believer’s testing, purging and cleansing. John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Two: Rejoice in it [13] But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. The Christian who is persecuted for his faith is a partner in the same kind of suffering Jesus endured–suffering for doing what is right. How does suffering reveal His glory, how does suffering turn into glory? Again in John 16, we see Jesus give a perfect illustration of suffering being transformed into glory. John 16:21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. If you are a mom you have experience this. If you are a dad and been in the room with your wife, you have seen it. We know that same baby who brings pain for a short time brings joy for a lifetime. For all five births Anna did it all naturally with no epidural, and the last two at home. I watched as the pain and suffering began and increased in frequency and in intensity. The three of the 5 births took a couple hours in contractions and labor. With Olivia our fourth, she started and came so quickly, she beat the midwife and our doula who lived 10 minutes away. But once each kid was out of the womb, the pain and suffering was overwhelmed by the pure joy of new life in the world that was laid in Anna’s arms. Peter echoes Jesus in saying that the very thing that causes discomfort–be it a marriage, job, illness, or finances–is precisely that which will bring glory and unspeakable joy. James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. May we be those who do just that. May we be those who celebrate even the difficulties that come our way, knowing they are the materials from which the Lord will fashion joy. Three: Evaluate its cause [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. [16] Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. Someone who intrudes into matters that belong to someone else. Peter is dealing with matters that would lead to persecution, such as getting involved in revolutionary, disruptive activity, or interfering in the function and flow of government. It might also refer to being a troublesome meddler in the workplace. As a general rule, a Christian living in a non-christian culture is to do his work faithfully, exalt Jesus Christ, and live a virtuous life, rather than try to overturn or disrupt his culture. Don’t be ashamed to suffer as a Christian. In Peter’s time, being called a Christian was a mocking term, meaning little christ, but inturn we wear the name as a badge of honor. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Not condemnation, but the purging, chastening, and purifying of the church by the loving hand of God. It is far better and more important to kingdom work to endure suffering as the Lord purges and strengthens the church, than to endure the eternal suffering of the unbeliever in the lake of fire. And, if God so strongly and painfully judges His church which He loves, what will be His fury on the ungodly? Peter is quoting Proverbs 11:31 in verse 18 and making a point that if the justified sinner is saved only with great difficulty, suffering, pain, and loss–what will be the end of ungodly? Four: Entrust it to God [19] Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (ESV) If you are suffering doing God’s will and doing good, we can entrust our souls to our faithful Creator. The one who create them and the one to whom we belong to. As Creator, God knows best the needs of His beloved. And because we know that God is faithful, we can count on him to fulfill his promises to us. If God can oversee the forces of nature, surely he can see us through the trials we face. John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world. Expect it, Rejoice in it, evaluate its cause, and entrust it to God. //Application As I wrap up this morning, I don’t know what suffering you are going through or about to go through. I know and trust that God is with you in it. You are not alone. He has given his Spirit that lives in you and he has given you the body of believers. You just need to humble yourself and let them come alongside you. As my days here with you are coming to an end soon. I share the same desire for you, family, that Paul had for the Philippians, as my last words i will read the first part of chapter 2. Philippians 2:1–11 Christ’s Example of Humility [1] So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, [2] complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. [3] Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. [5] Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [6] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [9] Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (ESV) //PRAY //SING //SEND How do we triumphant over Suffering. Expect it, Rejoice in it, evaluate its cause, and entrust it to God. Paul says in Romans 12 to [12] Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. [13] Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (ESV) EMMAUS ROAD CHURCH, ABOVE ALL, GO LOVE ONE ANOTHER EARNESTLY AND GIVE GOD THE GLORY.