Guest Contributor: Carmen Gasilao PhD
Today, in many churches worldwide, Palm Sunday is celebrated signifying the beginning of the Holy Week – where we remember the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This is the confession of our faith – the very core of our belief that Jesus Christ suffered, died and was buried and on the third day He rose again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-6)
It is my prayer that as we look into today’s passage we would not only be reminded but we would take to heart our commitment to live daily for God.
Our text is found in 1 Peter 4:1-11, and we will divide it into two sections.
A. The first coming of Jesus gives us the true perspective or outlook on life (vv1-6)
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives 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 are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, 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 human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
1. Jesus’ lifestyle was entirely different from the ways of the world.
• Jesus’ attitude was a readiness to obey the Father no matter what
• Jesus submitted his will to the Father’s will a hundred percent
2. Arm (prepare) yourself with the same attitude (v1)
• Our mind must be ready to face persecution and trial and even death when
needed with the same determination which the Lord Jesus had.
• Part of our suffering will come from rejecting a pagan lifestyle.
3. Living for Christ will bring its own reward but we’ll have to wait to fully see it
When we face God, the judgments of this life will be reversed.
B. The second coming of Jesus continues to guide our thoughts and actions (vv7-11)
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 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” (I Peter 4:7-11).
1. Keep your emotions under control so you can pray (v7)
• “If we live without prayer, we will die without hope.” C.S. Lewis
• Start praying early in the day—before the pressures of the day overwhelms.
2. Be quick to forgive the wrong things done to you (v8)
• Churches can survive very long when the members decide that love will
cover a multitude of sins.
• Sin is everywhere, we are not yet perfect so love must stretch out to cover sin. Without “stretched-out” love, we will never be able to live together.
3. Stop complaining and start sharing what God has given you (v9)
• Biblically, your home is given to you for two primary reasons: First, as a shelter for your family and second, as a tool for ministry.
• Your home is your single best tool for evangelism and Christian ministry.
4. Use your God-given gifts to bless others (vv10-11)
• When we stand before the Lord someday, he is going to ask you, “What did
you do with what I gave you?” You will have to give an account of your own stewardship (not of another).
• God gives the gift and then God gives the strength. All we do is take the gift God has given us and in his strength, we use it to serve others. This is the whole secret of the Christian life.
• What is the result? Verse 11, “So that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”
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