Our Faith • 1 Peter 4:1-11
By Arthur Story
One of the things my father taught me was to start activities with the end in mind. By starting with the end in mind, we ensure we don’t waste time or possibly even waste our lives. Given all the distractions our world now provides, the importance of focus has never been greater. In 1 Peter 4:1-11, we see three areas of our faith that lead us to live focused lives.
The first area of our faith that leads us to live focused lives is our purpose. In verses 1-3 we see the importance of living with an understanding that we’re here for God’s will. Christ willingly suffered in the flesh because He understood God’s will. That understanding gave Him a singular purpose from which He wouldn’t be distracted. No matter who slandered Him, opposed Him, persecuted Him, betrayed Him, beat Him, or planned to kill Him, Jesus wouldn’t be deterred from living for the Father’s will. His understanding of God’s plan lead Him to willingly suffer in the flesh.
As a follower of Jesus, you’re called to “arm yourselves also with the same understanding” (CSB 4:1). The wording here is indicative of preparing for battle. We’re called daily to endure attacks from those who oppose God. Like a soldier engaged in warfare, we don’t lose focus because of difficulties. Instead, we endure difficulties, injuries, and potentially death. Additionally, a soldier preparing for warfare doesn’t encumber themselves with useless items. In a similar fashion, as a part of our preparation and service, we’re called to shed sinful behaviors that once wasted our time and undermined our lives (4:3, Ephesians 5:1-5, Galatians 5:19-21).
The second area of our faith that leads us to live focused lives is our understanding of God’s judgment. In verses 4-6 we see the importance of living with an understanding of God’s judgment. Initially, Jesus astonished people with His knowledge and wisdom (Luke 2:41-50, Luke 4:16-22, Matthew 7:28-29). Then, over time, they slandered and opposed Him because He didn’t conform to their standards (Luke 4:23-29). Despite this opposition, Jesus still preached the Gospel to them. He consistently identified people’s need for forgiveness, warned of God’s coming judgment and compelled people to return to God.
Our focus should be the same. Like Christ, we should live different from those who are of the world. This difference will confuse and shock those who know us. Many years ago I attended my 10 year high school reunion. Over the course of the weekend, everyone I graduated with wanted to talk to me about the change in my life. Why? Because I had changed dramatically in my beliefs and in my behavior since we were in school together. Following Jesus means living a life that is different from the standards of worldly people. It also means living with an understanding that judgment is coming, we have a responsibility to tell people about it, and we must tell them that God’s provision for redemption is only through His Son (John 3:16, 14:6).
The third area of our faith that leads us to live focused lives is our desire for God to be glorified. We see this in verses 7-11. Verse 7 begins by reminding us that the end is near. God is moving history toward His intended fulfillment of His plan. Too often today, people live life with a careless attitude. They assume tomorrow is coming, but the reality is that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed (James 4:13-17). As a result, we should live each day as if it were our last, because one day it will be our last day on this earth. With that in mind, we should maintain a right view of ourselves (Romans 12:3) and be spiritually alert (4:7). In our world, the majority of people live as if they are the central character to their life story. They aren’t! All we are, possess, and will ever be is given to us by God. He is the focus of all that is, has been, and will ever be.
When we embrace a true understanding of ourselves, we’re able to love and forgive others (verse 8). We’re also capable of sharing unconditional love to strangers without complaining about doing it (verse 9). In addition, we use our giftedness (4:10, 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12:3-8) to willingly serve others for God’s glory (Colossians 3:23).
This week, as you meditate of these verses and study with others, prayerfully commit to live for God’s purpose, proclaim the truth about God’s coming judgment and the Savior Jesus Christ, and willingly serve others to God’s glory.
Story is a member of First Ridgeland Church, Ridgeland.
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