Lesson 71
Study of
First Peter Chapter 4
Review:
Our reaction to Suffering as
a Christian
but if anyone suffers as a Christian,
Here the suffering is "as
a Christian" (Cristiano,j) a term that
is used to refer to those who have believed in Christ, at the time not so
common but was used to distinguish them from Jews and Pagans.
The believers reaction to
UNDSF is important to Peter, so much so he states a negative as well as a
positive reaction.
First the negative, he is
not to be ashamed,
Now the positive: but is to glorify God in this name.
By utilizing the grace
resources that we have available to us even in the midst of UNDSF we are able
to glorify God.
The point Peter is making is
that their reaction and ours should be not one of shame but is
to glorify God (doxa,zw) [pres act imp] to
praise, to honor, to magnify, to glorify.
When we face a test or UNDSF
and pass it by utilizing the grace resources, that is applying the truth we
know, the strength that God supplies you are glorifying God.
Summary!
1. Even
though the ones calling them Christianos may have meant it negatively, used it
derogatorily all to cause them shame, the advancing believer should not be
ashamed but consider it an honor to stand with Christ.
2.
Reason: because he recognizes that this name refers to character and reputation
of Christ who we are in union with, who through His thinking and viewpoint has
provided all that we need to deal with this kind of suffering.
3. Need
to remember that failure to utilize these resources while facing UNDSF will
result in shame in time f2 as well as at the JSC, no DGP. 1 John 2:28
4. We
need to continue to seek divine guidance so that we have the wisdom to maintain
the constant love utilizing the
DVPT so that we are able to glorify God
in all things.
5. As we
faith rest the situation we demonstrate that God's grace is sufficient for us.
4:17-18 The Exercise of God's
Judgment in Suffering
It explains the paradoxical exhortation not to be
ashamed of suffering, but to use that situation of suffering to glorify God.
4:17a The
explanation of the present ordeal
For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God;
- As the unique person of the
universe, the God/man in hypostatic union now in resurrection body He begins a
new phase of judgment.
- As He evaluates the lives of
believers in time whether they are blessed or disciplined is not based on the
circumstances they are facing but on their reaction to them, how they are
dealing with them, that is responding to the refining process of testing,
suffering in time.
His justice begins with the church and extends
we'll see in the last phrase to the unbeliever.
This is a reminder to them that the God they
called "Father" was also their judge.
This judgment is to begin
with the household of God;
- If the
justice of God operates towards us who are believers in the Church age, those
that are sons, what about those who reject the Gospel? What will be the outcome, the
completion for them, (to.
te,loj) the
final outcome
- do not obey [pres act
ptc] (avpeiqe,w) is a strong
word for negative volition to the Gospel;
emphasizes the fact that they heard the message, understood what was
communicated but refused to believe it.
** Note: There is no
comparison between the suffering/testing endured by the believer while living
in f2 to that of the Unbelievers, those who reject the gospel will suffer
for all eternity.
And if it is with difficulty
that the righteous is saved,
The main verb here is saved [pres pass
Clearly Peter is addressing
issues related to life in Christ, living the Christian life not of f1.
Rem what he said in 1
:6-7?
What about those that do not
obey the gospel, the godless and the sinner?
What is God's justice related to them?
what will become of the
godless man and the sinner?
The interrogative pronoun has
been translated what; it should be translated where or in what
place will those in view be revealed, that is the godless and sinners
The first term used is "godless" (avsebh,j) used exclusively in the NT to
refer to the unbeliever, the apeitho of vs 17.
This term godless not only
describes the unbeliever but also makes the point that they are totally
maladjusted and uncaring about any spiritual truth and are moving away from God
in every aspect of their lives.
Summary!
1.
We must recognize that it is a constant battle for the righteous
believer in time to maintain deliverance from the distortion and corruption of
the indwelling sin nature that is always seeking to regain its role as master
in our life.
2.
Our only solution is to maintain the E/HS and the isolation of the sin
nature and we are able to do this as we consistently take in the word and it’s
the application of this DVPT as we walk by the Spirit that dismantles the
deceitful appeal of the sin nature.
3.
In our context it is the UNDSF that is the stimulus for application of
DVPT and maintaining the correct priorities in life even under pressure.
4.
Must remember that since we all have volition there is always a
potential for rejection of the Word which will put the sin nature back in
rulership as master.
5.
The godless and sinner here refers to those who refused to believe/obey
the gospel the good news that God has provided in Christ the answer to their
alienation from Him and they will be revealed again at the GWTJ.