1 Peter

Doing good, and trusting God if called apon to suffer for his sake

Group Study

• Read: 1 Peter 4:7-5:11
• From 4:12-19, answer:
  1. DO NOT: be surprised 4:12
     1. what kind of trial is this?
     2. in what sense is it "fiery"?
     3. how is it encountered?
     4. what is one outcome/purpose?
  2. DO: rejoice 4:13
     1. Rejoice in what? pain? suffering?
     2. How can I share Christ's sufferings? Can I share in his suffering on the cross?
     3. to what end?
  3. Two kinds of suffering
     • Blessed 4:15
       • cause?
       • outcome?
     • Punishment 4:16
       • cause?
       • outcome?
       • meddler? (ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος)

An Argument From Lesser to Greater 4:17

• if suffering "for the name of Christ" ... "as a Christian"
  • "glorify God in that name"
  • don't be ashamed
• In what sense is it "time for judgment to begin at the household of God"?
  • Earthly Just Punishments (see 4:16)
  • Chastisement
  • The states of man
    • posse non peccare
    • vs
    • non posse non peccare
• But see Proverbs 11:31
• The argument here is: as you suffer for Christ's name on this earth, don't feel shame, but have the perspective of knowing that you are escaping a far greater suffering
• Remember Noah!
  • Should Noah have been ashamed while he was a "preacher of righteousness", knowing that the world around him was to pass away?
  • How insane would it have been for Noah to orient his life around comfort & conformance in/to his present world?

See Also

• Calvin's commentary on 4:17-18