WEDNESDAY, 25 OCTOBER 2023
TEXT:
1 Peter 4:1-11
1:
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same
attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.
2:
As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human
desires, but rather for the will of God.
3:
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.
4:
They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living,
and they heap abuse on you.
5:
But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and
the dead.
6:
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.
7:
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you
may pray.
8:
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of
sins.
9:
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
10:
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as
faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
11:
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.
(New
International Version Holy Bible)
TOPIC:
LIVING FOR GOD
Do we live to eat or do we eat to live?
In
today's world, many people live for unworthy reasons but our text challenges us
to live for God. Living for God does not necessarily remove persecution or
suffering from the picture for even when we suffer, it is part of identifying
with Christ's suffering (vs. 1).
And
instead of worrying about this suffering, we should focus on living for God
(vs. 2) because Christ will judge our persecutors (vs.5). Peter further stated
that living for God is vital because the end of all things is near (vs.7).
Therefore,
there is the need to be clear - minded and have self - control to be able to
focus on prayer And Christians should love each other instead of holding
grudges (vs. 8), offer hospitality (vs. 9) and utilize our gifts in serving
faithfully (vs. 10-11). All of these are to the praise of God, Who has given us
the strength and grace for service.
QUESTION:
Are you living for God in all that you do?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help me to live for You in all that I do and not to lose sight
of You even in my suffering, in Jesus name. Amen.
Remain
Blessed
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