Back to 1 Peter 1 Application Doctrines

I. Live like Christ lived, not like unbelievers live, 1 Peter 4.1-6

1. 1 Peter 4.1-2 Principle: 1 Peter 4.-2 The knowledge that Christ has suffered, yet did not sin, ought to challenge us to live the way that he lived: he depended on the Father; he was empowered by the Holy Spirit; and he knew and applied the Word of God.

2. 1 Peter 4.3 Principle: 1 Peter 4.3: In the past you got your fill of running with the wrong crowd and with sin.

3. 1 Peter 4.4: Principle: Gentiles are surprised that you have changed your lifestyle; since they cannot trap you with them, they slander you.

4. 1 Peter 4.5 Principle: Gentile dissipaters shall report to the Lord Jesus Christ at the Great White Throne judgment and dissipater believers will report to him at the judgment seat of Christ.

5. 1 Peter 4.6 Principle: The gospel prepares people to face criticism and condemnation by people in the wrong crowd. Even though they judge us according to their human standard, we live according to God’s standard.

II. Day to day Christian life privileges and responsibilities, 1 Peter 4.7-11

1.  1 Peter 4.7-11 Principle: The end of life as we know it is at hand, therefore engage in prayer (7), love (8), hospitality (9), spiritual gift service (10), and glorify God by communicating God’s word and serving by God’s power (11).

III. Suffering because we are Christians is our lot and our privilege, 1 Peter 4.12-19

1. 1 Peter 4.12 Principle: Very intense trials will test us; do not be surprised or overwhelmed.

2. 1 Peter 4.13: Rejoice that because you are in Christ and Christ-like you are partners with him by your suffering.

3. 1 Peter 4.14 Principle: Why can we be happy and blessed to have people speak against us simply because we are Christ-like? It is a privilege to be so closely identified with Jesus Christ that those who insult him also insult us. God the Holy Spirit, who is characterized by glory and who lives in us, makes us Christ-like and a glory to God.

4. 1Peter 4.15 Principle: Do not sin so that your suffering will be deserved.

5. 1 Peter 4.16 Principle: Do not be ashamed if we suffer because we are Christ-like; we instead take that as an honor.

6. 1 Peter 4.17 Principle: God judges mankind: he begins with his own people, then he judges unbelievers for whom the judgment will be much worse.

7. 1 Peter 4.18 Principle: It was hard for Christ to purchase salvation for anyone. From the human perspective it is hard enough for a righteous one to be saved; it will really be hard for the sinner to be saved.

8. 1 Peter 4.19 Principle: The conclusion to Christian suffering 1. Entrust you life to the faithful creator, our heavenly father 2. And go ahead and do the right thing.