1 Peter chapter 4

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.”

In the life of Jesus, he knew that he would face suffering, mentally, physically and emotionally. At the end of his life, Jesus knew that he would face the crucifixion. Jesus knew that he would face the mockery of the people and the abuse of the society. 

As Christian we need to arm ourselves with the idea that we will also face suffering and mockery for our faith. Now, we may not face physical abuse for the faith that we share with the world, but we need to understand that mockery is apart of the world that we live in. 

 When Christ changes your life, too often your actions will also reflect your faith. When your actions reflect your faith, your image looks different to the world around you. This is were the mocking and the suffering will begin. 

 “4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”

When the world is mocking you for your faith because they see that you are different than the average person, they will see that you stand out in the culture. As time goes by, their surprise will become respect and they will soon give the credit of the change to God, who has created a new heart within you. 

“6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.”

Here’s the truth: We are all dead and separated from God. It is because of our sin and our brokenness that places a wedge between us and God. It is because of this fact that we need the Gospel to be breached and spoken to the world around us! 

It is because of our sin that when we experience someone who is in community with God, we look at them as if they are outcasts. The Gospel is spoken so that we can receive a new life that we will live out with the spirit of God!   

“7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

When we are filled with the Spirit of God we are encouraged and asked to love each other earnestly. Too often we live for church on Sundays instead of living out the Gospel on the daily basis. In other words, we should love the community around, that means those in the faith as well as outside of the faith. 

In order to better represent God in a community that will mock us for our faith, we are asked to show love and hospitality to the world around us, even if they mock us for the faith that we hold so dear into our hearts.