Lesson 67

Study of First Peter Chapter 4

Intro overview of paragraph:

4:7a The end, the consummation of the of the present course of history the church age is at hand, its near.

4:7b Speaks of our responsibility in light of His soon return

2 key responsibilities here

First of having sound judgment

Having spiritual commons sense from sound thinking is only possible if one has a solid foundation of truth and evaluates all input and circumstances faced by that grid of truth.

The second indicated responsibility is to be sober in our thinking

- word used speaks of being free from mental and spiritual drunkenness which indicates sin nature rulership

Then in 4:8 we were commanded to maintain a fervent love for one another

Then Peter challenged us to an application of hospitality towards one another, other believers in vs:9.

Next in vs:10 he presents a challenge in our relationships within the local body to exercise our spiritual gifts for the benefit of the body.

As we employ these gifts in the body we are good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God, the means that God uses to provide for the proper function of the body.

God has graciously distributed His provision with masterly variety to enable His people successfully to encounter to deal with the manifold trials (1:6) to which they will be subjected to while living in the devil's world.

4:11 Whoever speaks, (is to do so) as (one who is speaking) the utterances of God;

The if clause is "if anyone (indefinite pronoun) speaks" lale,w to speak or communicate

Point or force of the text is made I believe with the way the NET translates the apodosis "let it be with God's words."

- Examples of use:

Acts 7:38

Rom 3:2

Heb 5:12

Have the same pattern with the second functional category of spiritual gifts that Peter is emphasizing.

- NET Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies,

This is a generalized exhortation since all spiritual gifts are for the ultimate service of the body and all of them when properly functioning will do so on the basis of the strength or might (ivscu,j) that God supplies.

Point is that God supplies the assets needed for the believer to fulfill their service to the body. This is not just speaking of spiritual needs but also physical needs to carry out the service.

Next we see the ultimate purpose for the proper functioning of the spiritual gifts and living the Christian life!

so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ.

Where does this begin? First with believing in Jesus Christ and then as we advance in our understanding of the Word we are making Jesus Christ increasingly at home in us with that word we're learning with the result we will have the capacity as we live out that truth to glorify God through Christ.

To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

This is a short doxology, a statement of praise for Who He is and what He has provided for us.

Then Peter reminds us that the glory and dominion that God possesses is forever and ever. Amen.

The Amen also appears at the end of doxologies in the OT as well.

- Neh. 8:6; Psa. 41:13; 89:52

- As is common in the NT. Rom. 1:25; Gal. 1:5; Phil. 4:20; 1 Pet. 5:11

4:11 "If anyone (indefinite pronoun) speaks let it be with God's words, if anyone serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom keeps on being the glory and power forever and forever Amen.

Observations

1. Whether one is a pastor or Joe/Jane pew we must be cognizant of the fact that when we communicate truths of the Word to others we are communicating the "oracles of God."

2. If the P/T is doing his job than his teaching is to be received not as the word of men but as it really is the Word of God. 1 Thes. 2:13

3. As advancing believers any time that you communicate DVPT to others we must remember that God is speaking through you as a function of your ambassadorship. 2 Cor. 5:20

4. Jesus Christ set forth the principle that we are to adhere to in John 7:14-18 as we evaluate the source of supply for teaching whether its from God and therefore DVPT or from men and tradition.

5. Those who teach the Word of God are preparing others to serve, to fulfill their spiritual gift.

6. If we're to be effective in our serving/ministering in the sphere of our spiritual gift we ought to rely not on our own human resources but on the strength that God supplies. 2 Pet 1:3

7. God provides the doctrine we must have and the strength, both spiritual and physical to take advantage of the opportunities we might have not only to witness to others but also to make right decisions in our life.

8. Because it is God who supplies the assets needed it is He who receives the glory, it’s a total grace operation.

- He provides, we respond and apply the truths learned and are benefited but He gets the glory.

- All bonifide promotion or advancement in f2 is related to our response to and utilization of these divine resources which are available to all by grace.

9. So one of the motivations we should have to live the CWOL is that when we do so we are bringing not only God but our Savior Jesus Christ great glory.