10 As each one has received a gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God—
11 whoever speaks, as one speaking the oracles of God; whoever serves, as one serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and might forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10–11, LSB)
I have received a gift from God. I am a steward of the Grace of God. Whatever I do, I am to serve in the strength God supplies (not my strength-it’s a gift) this gives glory to God through Jesus. All glory and might forever and ever is to Jesus Christ!
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.
13 But to the degree you are sharing the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. (1 Peter 4:12–13, LSB)
Stop being surprised about my painful trials! This is how I am to test my faith! This is not strange, this is the right path. Rejoice that I get to share in the sufferings of Jesus so I can rejoice in His glory!
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?
19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God must entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing good. (1 Peter 4:17–19, LSB)
Judgement begins with the house of God! He is judging us. And think of what will happen to those who disobey the gospel. If the righteous are saved by difficulty (rebellious with grace) imagine those who rebel (refuse grace). So take the pain. Accept the suffering. Entrust yourself to our faithful God and keep doing good.
5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
7 Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:5–7, LSB)
Clothe yourself with humility! God opposes the proud. The humble he gives grace to. Humble yourself under Him! Cast all your anxieties on Him, believe He is caring for you!
8 Be of sober spirit, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 But resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished among your brethren who are in the world.
10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, strengthen, confirm, and ground you.
11 To Him be might forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:8–11, LSB)
Be alert and watchful, the devil is always prowling to devour you. Resist the devil firm in faith (God is saving by His Grace). Your suffering is the path do not get discouraged. You are called to eternal glory in Christ, after you suffer, you will be made complete. It is His might forever! (Not me-it’s gift)
I have written to you briefly, exhorting and bearing witness that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! (1 Peter 5:12, LSB)
Stand firm in the Grace of God for it is True!
Peace be to you all who are in Christ. (1 Peter 5:14, LSB)
I can have peace in Christ even in my suffering since it will be for my eternal life in His power and grace.
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