Reference text: I Peter 4:12-19

     [12] Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. [15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. [16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And,

     "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
          what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
     [19] So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to the faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Question of the week:

• What does the resurrection mean to you, right now, in this moment?

Additional references: John 20:1-20; Philippians 1:29; James 1:2-4

tags: I Peter, John, Philippians, James, Spring 2010

Peter encourages the Christians in Asia Minor as they have spent more than enough time following their earthly desires and that now is the time to live for the will of God. Peter challenges his audience with the brevity of life as well as the impending judgment of God on the living and the dead. Next, Peter proclaims that the end of all things is near, and in light of that certain Christian ethics are to follow.

Reference text: I Peter 4:1-11

     [1] Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. [2] As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. [3] For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do–living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. [4] They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. [5] But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. [6] For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

     [7] The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. [8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [9] Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Questions of the week:

• How would your life look differently if you knew that Jesus was returning by Easter?
• What are some things you would do differently?

Additional references: I Corinthians 3:13, 4:5; Romans 3:11; James 5:8-9; I John 2:18; Revelation 22:16-21

tags: I Peter, I Corinthians, Romans, James, I John, Revelation, Spring 2010

Peter instructs what to do to love people as well as what not to do if you want to love people within the church.

Reference text: I Peter 1:22 - 2:3

[22] Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. [23] For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. [24] For,

     "All men are like grass,
          and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
     the grass withers and the flowers fall,
          [25] but the word of the Lord stands forever."

And this is the word that was preached to you.

[2:1] Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. [2] Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, [3] now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Additional references: I John 3:16-20; John 12:24; James 1:11; Ephesians 4:22

tags: Spring 2010, I John, I Peter, John, James, Ephesians, Church