First Peter 4:1-2
Armed With Jesus’ Mindset, Suffering For Righteousness, Ceasing From Sin
I. Introduction:
A. We have previously studied, in this letter, about suffering for righteousness sake (I Peter 3:14).
- These brethren were facing many difficulties (I Peter 1:6-7).
- Later in this context these saints will be prepared for more suffering to come later in this chapter (I Peter 4:12-19).
- The mindset of suffering with Him to be exact (Romans 8:17).
- With what we will study, we want to be careful not to become overly confident because we have the right mindset (Mark 14:38 and I Corinthians 10:12).
- The end goal being to endure to receive the crown of life (James 1:12).
II. Body: I Peter 4:1-2
A. Since Christ suffered for us in the flesh (I Peter 3:18)…
- Jesus suffered and died according to the will of our Father (Galatians 1:3-4).
- Jesus had the mindset to obey His Father’s will (John 4:34 and John 6:38).
- That does not mean what He was going to face, even being mentally prepared to do so, was easy (Matthew 26:36-46).
- Does this mean we should think like Jesus? Yes, (Philippians 2:3-8).
- How can we know His thinking (I Corinthians 2:6-16)?
- The mindset to be partakers in the afflictions of the Gospel (II Timothy 1:8).
- Those willing to suffer are invested. Think about Paul’s mindset and the end result (Acts 20:22-24 and II Timothy 4:6-8).
- On the other hand, others caved because of persecution (Acts 26:11).
- Think about being crucified with him and what that entails (Galatians 2:20; cf. Romans 6:3-6 and Galatians 5:24).
- Simply put, stop sinning (John 5:1-14, John 8:1-11, Romans 6:12, I Corinthians 15:34, Ephesians 4:26, and I John 2:1).
- Again, Jesus is the example here (I Peter 2:21-22).
- Heaven is for those whom do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21-23 and I John 2:15-17).
- Jesus mindset was to do the will of the Father (John 5:30).
- We know a relationship with God comes down to doing His will (John 9:31).
- We know how to please Him through His word (I Thessalonians 4:1-7).
III. Conclusion: Our Next Study; I Peter 4:3-6