Suffer Good Stewards

1 Peter 4

 

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has 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 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. ⁸ And 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 But 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.

 

We can’t get out of this, we will either suffer willingly or suffer in disgust wondering why.  God sent His Son down to suffer a walk that would free us from spiritual death.  He also gave us His children as gifts to our parents.  However, they being untrained in sincere love and sincere love for God, some of us were made to suffer for their shortcomings.  God needs us to feel some of the points and pressures our Lord felt as He walked to the cross. The word is to cut through bone and marrow as we walk daily into holiness.  God has a will for our lives as He did His Son’s, and it is up to us to jump in line to perform it.  We must train and humble ourselves to love Him, His Son, and each other, no matter how difficult it may look.  We are to cultivate the fruits of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, counting all our trials as joy, to receive our earthly and heavenly reward.  We must not be unequally yoked, spreading these pearls among the swine.  We should be praying and gaining wisdom and insight to the spiritual things that are happening around us watching and proving our faith so it’s not in vain.  God is the shot caller, ruler of heaven and earth.  He goes on to say His worst day will beat our best.  No matter how many Bentleys, Louis Vuittons, and Tiffany diamonds we may have.  He’s here to give us more since He states all things belong to Him.  We are to take on the mind of Christ, then train it.  Paul said he knew how to be abased, and how to abound through the sufferings and blessings of our Lord.  Suffer for His namesake, then suffer no more. 

 

Blessings to all who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ,

 

Vincent Young, Christian Analyst