Our Lord asks us to care for one another. In this way we are His ministers of grace. Just the one chapter today, but plenty here from Peter. Have a blessed day everyone!
1 Peter 4: Stewards of God's Grace
1 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.
3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
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.
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.
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.
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies---in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
1 Peter 5: Shepherd the Flock of God
1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.
14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Things to think about…
1. The ways of the world are self-evident according to Peter “living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry”, 1 Pet 4:3. He says they will give an account, vs 5. He reasons that while Christians are in the world – those who are dead (spiritually) might be given the opportunity to live in the spirit the way God does, vs 6. Therefore, the church has a job to do in its witness to each other and the world. The world’s ways are obvious. The church is called to be radically different. Peter says that radical difference is observed by the way we love each other “since love covers a multitude of sins”, vs 8. The point of it all is not necessarily to make us feel good, but it is for God’s glory, vs 11. God then blesses us with His peace.
2. Suffering is a test – no doubt. Peter says don’t be surprised when it comes, as though a strange thing is happening, 1 Pet 4:12. He says, we are blessed when it happens. Peter goes a bit further and says to let the one who suffers as a Christian ‘glorify God in that name’, vs 16. This is also easier said than done, but Peter is speaking by the Spirit of God here and as such is available for everyone who is filled with the Holy Spirit.
3. Peter said the words “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God…”, 1 Pet 4:17 almost 2000 years ago. If it was true then, surely it is more true now, if that is possible. Obedience to the gospel for the Christian should be a life calling and desire. What a tragedy it is when there is no discernible difference in the words or actions of those who claim to know Christ with those in secular society.
4. 1Pet 5:1-4 certainly applies to myself and CBC’s elders. For any future elders, it will also apply to them. These are very sobering verses. But to be honest folks these verses apply to us all in some measure. We should all aspire to shepherd (or pastor) others with grace and truth. You have heard me say many times that we are all leading someone somewhere. In this way we should be godly examples to others, especially looking out for those in the church. Who are you ministering to? Are they becoming more like Christ because of your example?
5. 1Pet 5:5 - Younger people are called to submit and be respectful to those who are older in the congregation. My counsel to the older people is that you make sure you are worthy of respect and are in fact a godly example for those who are younger. As you grow older endeavour to grow more in grace, not growing in grumpiness! The phrase ‘grumpy old man’, should not be known among us.
6. 1Pet 5:6&7 speak of the simple trust we should all have in Christ. Look at the purpose clause, “Because He cares for you”. Don’t ever doubt the love our Lord has for you. Just because it doesn’t always feel good doesn’t mean it isn’t good. Keep trusting!
7. Look at this devil, 1Pet 5:8. He can’t stand us folks. He seeks to destroy us. We are not alone. In fact, as Peter says, our brothers and sisters are suffering the world over. My question would be, are we really suffering for Christ in Australia? If not, why not? If we are not, perhaps it’s because we are not opening our mouths wide enough to warrant any suffering for Christ. When Christians are so absorbed in what they can take or get rather than how they can serve and what they can give, we have missed the true Spirit of Christ’s commission. May ‘Saved to Serve’ be a motto for you this year.
8. Who do you think Babylon is in 1Pet 5:13? Likely it refers to the city of Rome. The actual place of Babylon in Peter’s day as well as our own is a city in ruins as prophesied by Jeremiah, Jer 51:37. This prophecy has been fulfilled, but one day we will we will see the end times Babylon as prophesied by the Apostle John, Rev 18 ascend to power. This power seat is in all likelihood to be established from Rome.
9. A quick note that it is not only Paul who speaks about greeting one another with a holy kiss, but here Peter finishes his letter by saying “Greet one another with the kiss of love”, vs 14. Remember he began his letter addressing the elders and shepherds, hence the men are being exhorted to show public displays of affection with one another. Rather than a repulsion this should be a joy, even for Aussie men.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer points
1. Pray for the Sacred Minds podcast that will have Andrew Otte as a guest this week.
2. Pray for the church in Australia that it focuses on Christ, His Word and holiness.
3. Pray for our leaders in Australia that they press in closer to Christ.
4. Pray for the people of Iran that they finally get their freedom from an oppressive regime
5. The Royal Commission that the Jewish people will feel safe in Australia.
6. One for Israel ministry.
7. Conflict zones – especially within Africa (Nigerian Christians murdered this week), Israel, Iran and Ukraine
8. Pray for new people to step into ministries at CBC – eg worship, café, sound/technical, giving, podcast.
9. Reform and Revival over our city and country.
10. Finances to cover our needs
11. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. Praise God for the Lord’s blessing over our service and members’ meeting on Sunday
2. Praise God for ministries – Life Groups, Prayer meetings, Kids@Church
3. Café team every week. Thankyou to all those who serve and bring food. Especially Fiona, Maddie and Suzy.
4. Worship, Admin and Technical teams – Nita, Brendon, AJ, Suzy, Maddie, Mathys, Doug.
5. Kids Church teachers – Jacqueline, Maddie, Elise, Anastacia and Fiona
6. The Lord’s faithfulness this year to CBC and all who have served in ministries
7. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Prayer meeting Wed 5:30pm at church
2. All Life Groups are back.
3. Kids@Church has started back
4. Members Meeting – After church on Sunday 22nd Feb
5. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
6. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for February...
Q. 5. Did our Lord Jesus Christ ever sin? A. No; he was holy, blameless, and undefiled.
