Our scripture this morning is 1 Peter 4:1-8.
“So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit. The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
Peter speaks of being ready for Christ’s return by following His example, “anxious to do the will of God” (v. 2). In order to do God’s will, we must know His plan for us and His call on our lives. This means prayer and discernment, searching His word and discussing with other believers for deeper understanding.
In order to share God’s love and the Good News with the world, we must prepare ourselves. Paul writes to his apprentice Timothy “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is essential that we make time for study.
Praying with and for each other deepens our connection with God and others. Listening in the Holy Spirit allows us to better understand what God intends. Finally, talking with other believers about what we have learned encourages us to make it part of our lives. All of these spiritual practices enable us to live as Jesus taught and share His love everywhere.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the guidance of scripture and the presence of Your spirit within us. Help us to use our gifts to reach all of Your children, that everyone may come to a relationship with You. Amen.