1 Peter: living for God
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:1-11
Living for God means…
- being prepared to suffer. If you’re not, then this is probably not the life for you. If anyone promised you an easy life as a follower of Christ, you were misled.
Living for God means…
- putting the will of God before your human desires. So sometimes you will have to put your human desires to one side to follow the path God has called you to walk.
Living for God means…
- accepting that the good life God offers is very different from the good life the world offers – and that others will not understand when you will not join in and do it their way.
Living for God means…
- living life in the knowledge that we are accountable to God for all that we do and say – and for every attitude and motivation of our hearts also. All that is seen and unseen.
Living for God means…
- being fully aware all of the time of our actions and decisions. Everything counts.
Living for God means…
- living a life of love. The two are interchangeable. Where there is love, there God is. Love is always the best place to start.
Living for God means…
- love is more than words. It’s action. It’s hospitality. It’s practical. It takes effort.
Living for God means…
- being there for others. Whatever gifts we have, we’ve been given them to help and serve others.
Living for God means…
- that everything we do and say comes from God and is done and said in God’s strength, so that the glory always goes back to God.
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
