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Day 170 1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh but live according to God in the spirit. 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 Above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 Beloved do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part, He is glorified. 15 Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now, “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 19 Therefore, let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. Everyone has a past they look at with pride or shame. Peers and the love of living as they want oftentimes keeps a person from making changes in their lives for the better. It’s only when people step away from their past and want to change for the better that they find opposition from their peers, yet strength in the good decisions they made. Peter reminded the people what life was like before they accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord. He told them they were dead, but their lives changed when they heard the gospel preached to them. They were no longer dead but lived by the Spirit. Jesus’ love for them covered their sins. Therefore, they could rejoice in the trials they faced because they didn’t face anything new. Peter told them they were partakers of Christ’s sufferings when people came against them. Instead of shame, they knew the glory of God and the blessings He gave them. He told them to be glad and rejoice in their sufferings and give God glory. Peter told them judgment started at the household of God. What judgment? Whether they suffered for doing evil or suffered for doing God’s will, God would judge them. As Christians, many of you can quote various phrases from this text, but do you quote it with understanding, or just because it feels good to quote Scripture? Nothing in your life is a mistake. Whether you lived for yourself before you became a Christian or tried to please your peers and brought shame to your lives. Everything led to the moment you accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord. It was then you knew Jesus’ love covered the multitude of sin in your life. You knew His forgiveness and wanted to live only for Him. You no longer wanted your life to be one of debauchery and sin. You wanted to give God glory in everything you did. You knew judgment began at the household of God because you felt His judgment as you turned your life over to Him. Then you could rejoice and be glad because you no longer suffered for the bad things you did in your life, but you suffered for accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord and now live your life for Him. Life brings change to everyone. For some it’s a life of shame and regret, for others it’s a life lived by the Spirit of God and brings joy and gladness to your life. Are you living a life of joy and gladness? Or do shame and regret fill your life? Joshua told the people to choose whom they would serve. Joshua 24:14 “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD! 15 If it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” It's still your choice. Peter put the same choice before the people and commended them for choosing the Lord. Will you choose the Lord, to live for Him, giving Him glory, and rejoicing in your salvation? Let’s pray: Father, for me the choice is simple. Let me live my life every day for You and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let me rejoice and be glad with exceedingly great joy as I worship You and give You glory and honor. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 3 December 2024 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.