“The Just Shall Live By Faith”
New King James Version Written by: David Hicks
Romans 1:17 “ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
Galatians 3:11 “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."
Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."
“Articles of Faith”
(A Study in I Peter)
Lesson 13 - Serving and Suffering for the Glory of God:
Urgent and dire circumstances in the physical lives of these Christians mirror those in the lives of all Christians and in all times. These circumstances in our lives require us to learn the specific exhortations we are studying, in order to overcome.
Peter is reminding these Christians of the urgent and dire circumstances that have brought them to be pilgrims and sojourners of hope. Their hope is built on great and precious promises of an existence far greater than anything they could know in this life; however, in order to see their hope materialize they must learn to navigate the difficulties that exist in this life with faith and perseverance.
As we monitor the teaching given these Christians, we likewise can begin to build ourselves up in order to overcome difficulties within our own lives and times.
Text #1:
1 Peter 4:7-11 “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.
Serious and Watchful: In our last lesson we covered in detail the coming events that have caused these Christians to be where they are. Even though scoffers would emerge among them ( II Peter 3:3 ), these Christians were to be serious and watchful concerning these trying times. This was not a time for jovial, lethargic, or disinterested attitudes.
This is also a time to speak to God! A prayerful Christian is a serious and watchful Christian. All this is not to say that Christians are to never laugh or be happy. This is to say that if we must consider the constant war with the lusts of the flesh, and the trying times of immorality and ungodliness; and must learn to differentiate the serious realities around us and the joy we know in Christ.
Love, Hospitality, and Serving: Verses 8-10 , deal with how these Christians were to co-exist; maintain a brotherhood; a fraternity!
This bond was a socially interactive welfare system, designed to help them all through the difficulties they faced (spiritually, and physically). Bound together by the same goals in Christ, they also found themselves facing the same persecutions, anxieties, and fears. At the end of the day they had two things they could rely on when things seemed their worst; their faith in God through Christ Jesus, and each other!
To love each other is to take a genuine interest in each other and act in the best interest of the one or ones that you love. This love does not erase or literally hide sins. This is given to state that if we are genuinely concerned about others and acting on that concern, there is little time for self interest, conceit, and a bevy of other things that lead one to sin.
Since the Disciples of Christ have a common relation to Christ, they ought to feel at home with one another's company. Since we are to look out for the interests of others above our own ( Philippians 2:4 ), this hospitable nature should exist without grumbling (murmuring or complaining). We as Christians should be seeking the good in all our brethren and knock the chip off our shoulders. Christians are often the most sensitive and edgy group of individuals around, when in fact we should be the most tolerant, open, and least judgmental towards each other.
Based on the context of these three verses, the gift they received that they were to serve others with is not a spiritual gift (like those found in early Christians – I Corinthians 12:7-11 ), but the physical gifts that they had been blessed with (possessions, or skills they may have). This was to provide the same atmosphere that was experienced by the first Christians ( Acts 2:45 ; 4:34 -35 ). This was done in order that they might not have a need or a burden that would distract them from the unity they sought.
In each of these three attitudes that Christians were to have towards each other, it is important to note that it was not instructed as to be universal in nature (to include strangers). This is not to say that there is not specific teaching regarding our behavior towards strangers ( Romans 12:17 ; Galatians 6:10 ; Hebrews 13:2 ), however, it is said to impress the difference between family (unified in the body of Christ – joint participation in a common goal), and strangers.
Speak the Utterances of God. The binding force that ties all these benevolent attributes together was their ability to speak and minister (serve each other with) the word of God. To know, speak, and serve others through the word of God is the driving force behind the unity of the faith. We cannot be true servants of God unless we love each other ( I John 4:7-10 ); or unless we keep His commandments ( I John 2:3-5 ). You can neither keep or love what you do not know! So to speak the word of God, or to minister as God supplies is to first know His will (God supplies everything we need via the inspired word – II Timothy 3:16-17 ).
Text #2:
1 Peter 4:12-19 “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.”
Rejoice: Peter returns them to the sober events that are about to consume their homeland. This would bring about great sadness and suffering concerning their home and those that have not obeyed the truth and are left behind (upon which this great calamity would fall).
These Christians would not rejoice in the sufferings as though they are things that give pleasure in themselves. To pretend to find such to be enjoyable would be affection. The rejoicing is over the thought of being a partaker or partner with Christ. If His disciples share in His suffering, they might expect to have a part in His glory in the end.
“His glory ”, mentioned here is the fulfillment of the last of His work in all that was written before. He would come with the clouds (always symbolic of a powerful action – Acts 1:9-11 ; Revelation 1:7 ), for the final destruction and end of sacrifice (the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple).
Insulted or Reviled: If we are insulted or reviled because of our connection with Christ, we then have much reason to rejoice, especially considering the thoughts of the preceding verse. The remainder portion of this verse is a fitting testimony to the complete lack of hope those on the outside have in this blasphemous treatment of God's children in Christ, and the great hope we have in this ill treatment, if we endure. This is mirrored in the words of the Apostle Paul to the Christians at Thessalonica, who were being tormented for their faith as well, note:
2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 “ and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God , and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ . 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe , because our testimony among you was believed.”
Do Not Suffer For Wrong: The word, ‘suffer', is here portraying the concept of affliction (if one is afflicted for the cause of Christ, etc…). Here however, Peter is saying that we are not to be afflicted with actions that are evil. We are forbidden to act in such a way as to be rightfully made to suffer (if we deserve it, it is not persecution or suffering for Christ).
Suffer Only For Christ: To suffer as Christian is to suffer without any subsequent wrong doing on the part of the one suffering. Suffering for Christ simply implies suffering for who you are! Just as Christ suffered, having never committed any crime! Since we were created in Christ for good works ( Ephesians 2:10 ), and we suffer for doing right, we need not be ashamed for having such an experience, because it promises the recognition of God.
Judgment: Since it clearly states, “ has come ”, we can denote that Peter is not talking about the final judgment or some distant event. In light of the context, this judgment is context specific and refers to the persecutions that were to befall the family of God. Since it would be such a difficult thing for them to overcome; even with their faith and foundation in Christ, a contrast is given to those who are on the outside and have absolutely no hope! This is illuminated further by the quote from Proverbs 11:31 .
Therefore: Because of the difficulties that lie in front of these Christians in serving and suffering, this verse is given as a grand conclusion. Did you notice how it is expressed here by Peter, the method by which one commits his soul to God? In doing good (good works)!!! For our faith only friends, another passage to use the scissors on.
Note the words of the Lord as He sent out the twelve to the Jews in the limited commission, as commentary, note:
Matthew 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
As the twelve went to the Jews and taught the kingdom at hand ( 10:6-7 ), persecutions would follow them. The Lord gave them this thought in order to have the strength necessary to continue in the work He gave them. He would elaborate that their value to God was in their work and that fact that they were persecuted for it, note:
Matthew 10:32-33 "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
For the Apostles, for the Christians scattered in Asia Minor , and for you and me today; the theme for this lesson is: It is a far, far better thing to suffer here and now for the cause of Christ, than to be denied for all eternity, by God!
Next: “ A Farewell of Order and Humility ”