If we choose to live a godly life to honor the name of Jesus Christ, we will suffer disappointments, we will miss out on pleasure and we might even be persecuted by other people. But choosing to honor Jesus will help to keep us from our habits of sin so we can do the will of God. The wicked enjoy pleasures of sin and they think we are strange for loving Jesus. They say bad things about Christians. But someday, whether they are living or dead, they will all have to answer to Jesus about how they mistreated Him and us.
Everyone will be judged by God according to the witness God has given to them while they were living. The believer escapes this eternal condemnation when the Spirit of God applies the Word of God to his heart and he receives spiritual life.
In a time of hatred and persecution, we especially need to love fellow-Christians and be hospitable to one another. God should be glorified in all we do and say. The Lord Jesus deserves all the praise. Suffering because we have committed a crime is a dishonor, but we should not be ashamed to suffer as a Christian. Give God the glory and honor if you are considered worthy to suffer for Jesus’ name.
We Christians are the house of God and judgment begins with us. Unbelievers may judge and persecute us now, but just think how terrible their judgment and suffering will be in the eternal judgment of hell. We need to continue doing what is right no matter what evil people will do to us. Trust the Lord in all problems.
1. We should live the rest of our time according to __________. 1 Peter 4:___
2. Because the end of all things is at hand, what two things should we do? __________ 1 Peter 4:___
3. What should we show towards one another without grudging? __________ 1 Peter 4:___
4. Name one thing that a Christian should never suffer for. __________ 1 Peter 4:___
5. What should we do if we suffer as a Christian? __________ 1 Peter 4:___