1 Peter Devotional | Week 12: July 18 - July 22

Read 1 Peter 4:1-6, and then focus on verses 1-3.

● According to 4:1–2, what is the connection between Christ’s suffering and our approach to sin?

○ Instead of living for human passions, what should motivate Christian living?

● Peter states that those who have “suffered in the flesh have ceased from sin” (v2). This means that those who suffer unjustly because of their faith in Christ have demonstrated that they are willing to be done with sin by choosing obedience, even if it means suffering.

○ Read 1 Peter 2:24 to understand why this should be the case.

● What examples does Peter list as human passions in 4:1-3?
○ What does Peter say about the time we have spent living in our human

passions?

Pray today in supplication. Pray that the Spirit would empower you to have the same mindset of Christ Jesus – that your desire would be Godly obedience, even if it might bring suffering.

Read 1 Peter 4:1-6, then focus on verses 4-6.

● Peter talks about the personal cost that will come with a commitment to suffer for the sake of righteousness.

○ What response can Christians expect from non-believers? ■ In light of this, what reminder does Peter offer?

● While Christians may face earthly judgment, Peter warns that they ultimately should be more concerned about their final judgment.

○ By what means might people be saved?

Pray today in supplication. Pray that God would brace you for the possibility of backlash from others and that you would be reminded of the hope we have in the gospel.

Read 1 Peter 4:1-6, and then focus on verse 2.

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, Peter was one of his closest disciples. However, Peter was rebuked by Jesus.

Read Mark 8:31-33.
● Why was Peter rebuked?

Peter shows remarkable growth and maturity during his life as a result of gospel transformation.

Read Acts 5:17-42.

• ●  How did the gospel change Peter’s motivations (v 29)?
• ●  Why do Peter and the other apostles rejoice (v 41)?
• ●  What do Peter and the apostles continually do, even though it may bring suffering(v 42)?Pray today in supplication. Pray that God would continually remind you of the grace we have received in the Gospel and that you would be burdened to share it with others.

Read 1 Peter 4:1-6.

Peter is not the only one who wrote about living for God and not our human passions. Apostle Paul and Mark also wrote about the necessity of departing from our sin.

Read Romans 8:13-14.

• • • ●  What is the outcome for those who continue to live in the flesh?
    • ●  Who allows us to put to death the deeds of the body?

○ What is the outcome for those who put to death the deeds of the body?

Read Galatians 5:16-24

0. • ●  What way of living does Paul prescribe for Christians?
   • ●  What fruit is evident in those who gratify the flesh? What fruit is evident in thosewalking in the Spirit?
   • ●  According to v. 24 what have those who belong to Christ done?Pray today in Supplication. Ask God to fill you and embolden you with the Spirit so that you may continue killing sin in your life.

Read 1 Peter 4:1-6 one final time. Take time to reflect on the implications for your own life today. Consider what you have learned that might lead you to praise God, repent of sin, and trust in his gracious promises.

• ●  Do you view sin with the same seriousness as outlined in Mark 9:43-47?
• ●  If not the things listed in verse 1 Peter 4:4, in what ways do you feel tempted to “liveas the Gentiles”?
• ●  What do you need to repent of?Pray in confession, taking time to repent of the sin in your life.

● Reflect on your own obedience to Jesus. Do you find yourself being swayed by a desire to be comfortable or by the influence of those around you (family, friend, co-worker)?

Pray in thanksgiving, remember Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps!