1 Peter 4:7-11, 5:1-14

[Josh]

1 Peter 4:7-11

7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If 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.

1 Peter 5

1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble." 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

12With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Post your comments/ questions/ discussion starters to this passage as replies here.

[Josh]

Man, I think this is the "meat" section of this letter. Ready for a meal?

[Josh]

10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

We discussed this a bit last week (God's timing and enduring through periods of suffering).

I'm just struck again at how these periods must come our way if we are ever to me made stronger, if we are ever to grow and become more Christlike and useful to a hurting world. I'd like to focus some more on this this Sunday.

Also, what Peter says (twice) about being self-controlled stands out. Apparently there is a direct relationship with the ability to patiently restrain ourselves and the efficacy of our prayers and our ministry to others.

Notice too how, as in Paul, it is just automatically assumed that all Christians will get to work using their gifts to "administer grace"*, not just the select few. I'm excited as I see us growing in this regard as a Church.

* "administer grace" makes me think of tangibly handing something out to someone, like handing a water bottle to a thirsty runner in the middle of a race, or the Elves giving the Fellowship lembas for the long journey ahead.... Great image.

[Josh]

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.

A tad frightening for those of us who speak a lot at Church. Or maybe just a humbling reminder not to shoot off at the mouth.

If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ

This one is huge for all those of us who have decided to step into a formal, regular avenue of ministry. This is a realization, I think, that makes or breaks a lot of people who want to offer some kind of service to God. In effect, Peter is saying: The service you are attempting to offer is going to require more strength than you have. And when you do get to the end of your own natural strengths, you will either quit or you will learn to carry on with God's strength. Knowing that this will happen ahead of time in whatever ministries we pursue really saves us from some potential shipwrecks.


Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

As I said on Sunday, I think ACF folk have grown a lot into this, discovering the many facets of what "hospitality" means in our relationships with each other. But I know I must always keep the reminder of "without grumbling" before me.

[Josh]

Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Be sure and read Michelle's separate post on this verse (just click on 1 Peter above)