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1 Peter 4 | Christians Shouldn’t Be Surprised by Suffering
Manage episode 509881563 series 3430915
Christians are called to live differently, and in 1 Peter 4 we see a powerful reminder that following Jesus means embracing a life set apart. Peter makes it clear that believers should not return to old habits, sinful lifestyles, or the empty pleasures of the world. Instead, we are to live for the will of God, walking in holiness, and using our spiritual gifts to glorify Him. This episode emphasizes the tension between living in a culture that mocks faith and the call to live faithfully no matter the cost.
A major theme in this chapter is suffering. Peter explains that trials and persecution are not accidents, but part of the Christian journey. We should not be surprised when hardships come, but instead view them as an opportunity to share in Christ’s sufferings. In fact, he calls suffering for Christ a blessing because it shows God’s Spirit rests on us. This flips the world’s perspective, reminding us that difficulty for Christ’s sake is actually evidence of His presence and work in our lives.
Another highlight of 1 Peter 4 is Peter’s teaching on spiritual gifts. Every believer has received a gift from God, and those gifts are meant to be used to serve others and build up the church. Speaking, serving, leading, encouraging—each of these is only effective when done in the strength that God provides. The episode emphasizes that our call is not to sit back, but to engage fully with the gifts God has entrusted to us. When we live this way, people around us see Christ through us.
Peter also encourages believers to live with urgency: “The end of all things is near.” That means sober-mindedness, self-control, and above all, love. Love covers a multitude of sins, and hospitality reflects the heart of Christ. In a world full of selfishness and division, this is the radical difference Christians are called to embody—loving deeply, serving faithfully, and glorifying God with every action.
The final verses remind us to entrust our souls to God as a faithful Creator. Even in persecution, God is purifying His people, shaping us to look more like Christ. When believers embrace suffering as part of God’s refining work, it changes everything. Instead of discouragement, there’s joy in knowing that God is making us holy and using our lives for eternal purposes. This chapter calls us to boldness, faithfulness, and endurance, knowing that God is always trustworthy and His glory will be revealed.
#BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #JesusSaves #DailyDevotional #FaithOverFear #1Peter4 #NewTestamentJourney #GodsP
We use Logos Bible Software for our show prep.
Get 5 Free Digital Books and 10% Off- HERE.
Get the Logos 10 Fundamentals for Just $50- HERE.
Check out Ryan's other podcast, God's Whole Story.
Ryan works for Men of Iron, an organization committed to changing a culture one man at a time. If you'd like to get involved, click HERE.
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
YouTube | Rumble | Medium
Contact us at [email protected]
Thanks so much for listening to the show. We'll See you tomorrow.
-Ryan and Jenny
592 episodes
Manage episode 509881563 series 3430915
Christians are called to live differently, and in 1 Peter 4 we see a powerful reminder that following Jesus means embracing a life set apart. Peter makes it clear that believers should not return to old habits, sinful lifestyles, or the empty pleasures of the world. Instead, we are to live for the will of God, walking in holiness, and using our spiritual gifts to glorify Him. This episode emphasizes the tension between living in a culture that mocks faith and the call to live faithfully no matter the cost.
A major theme in this chapter is suffering. Peter explains that trials and persecution are not accidents, but part of the Christian journey. We should not be surprised when hardships come, but instead view them as an opportunity to share in Christ’s sufferings. In fact, he calls suffering for Christ a blessing because it shows God’s Spirit rests on us. This flips the world’s perspective, reminding us that difficulty for Christ’s sake is actually evidence of His presence and work in our lives.
Another highlight of 1 Peter 4 is Peter’s teaching on spiritual gifts. Every believer has received a gift from God, and those gifts are meant to be used to serve others and build up the church. Speaking, serving, leading, encouraging—each of these is only effective when done in the strength that God provides. The episode emphasizes that our call is not to sit back, but to engage fully with the gifts God has entrusted to us. When we live this way, people around us see Christ through us.
Peter also encourages believers to live with urgency: “The end of all things is near.” That means sober-mindedness, self-control, and above all, love. Love covers a multitude of sins, and hospitality reflects the heart of Christ. In a world full of selfishness and division, this is the radical difference Christians are called to embody—loving deeply, serving faithfully, and glorifying God with every action.
The final verses remind us to entrust our souls to God as a faithful Creator. Even in persecution, God is purifying His people, shaping us to look more like Christ. When believers embrace suffering as part of God’s refining work, it changes everything. Instead of discouragement, there’s joy in knowing that God is making us holy and using our lives for eternal purposes. This chapter calls us to boldness, faithfulness, and endurance, knowing that God is always trustworthy and His glory will be revealed.
#BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #JesusSaves #DailyDevotional #FaithOverFear #1Peter4 #NewTestamentJourney #GodsP
We use Logos Bible Software for our show prep.
Get 5 Free Digital Books and 10% Off- HERE.
Get the Logos 10 Fundamentals for Just $50- HERE.
Check out Ryan's other podcast, God's Whole Story.
Ryan works for Men of Iron, an organization committed to changing a culture one man at a time. If you'd like to get involved, click HERE.
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
YouTube | Rumble | Medium
Contact us at [email protected]
Thanks so much for listening to the show. We'll See you tomorrow.
-Ryan and Jenny
592 episodes
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