Morning Bible reading

November 23rd

1 Peter, 4

1: Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2: That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3: For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6: For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7: But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8: And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9: Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10: As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Peter says that as Christ has suffered in the flesh so you are to cease from sin. So that you might nor live the rest of your life fulfilling the lusts of men, but doing the will of God. He says your lives were lives of excess, lust, drunkenness, greed and idolatries. The men of this world cannot understand why you do not continue to live like this and they speak evil of you. However they will give account of this to Christ who will judge the living and the dead. This is why the Gospel was preached also unto the dead, so that they might be judged by the unbelieving but live according to God in the Spirit. Peter says the end of everything is coming therefore we should be sober, and watchful unto prayer. Peter reiterates the call to righteousness of living for those under that law which is seen in love to one another. Love covers a multitude of sins. He reminds the Jews to practise hospitality to each other willingly and that they should all hold their possessions in trust and to be used for the mutual benefit of all.

steve