Don't Be Astonished At The Fiery Trial — What 1 Peter 4 Says To People Already In The Middle Of It | 1 Peter 4

In this episode of Bible Chapter by Chapter, we walk verse by verse through 1 Peter Chapter 4 — the most urgent chapter in the letter, written not to people preparing for suffering but to people already in it.The chapter opens with one of the sharpest commands Peter gives. Forasmuch then as Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind. Military language — preparing before the battle rather than after it starts. The mind of the one who suffered in the flesh and came out the other side as Lord over every power that threatened him. We have spent enough time doing the desire of the Gentiles. Enough. That time is over. They think it is strange that you don't run with them — blaspheming. The social pressure of former community who cannot understand why someone would willingly step out of the shared life.Then the community ethic for a people whose end is near. Be of sound mind, self-controlled, sober in prayer. Above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable without grumbling. Employ whatever gift you received in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.Then the direct address to people in the fire. Beloved, don't be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, as though a strange thing happened to you. It is not strange. It is the story of the one whose name you bear. Because you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice — that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed — because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. And the close: let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.Is there a fiery trial in your life right now that you have been treating as a strange thing — something that should not be happening to you? I read every one.Scripture reading from the World English Bible (WEB). Calm, verse-by-verse devotional format. New episodes every chapter.📺 https://www.youtube.com/@BibleChapterByChapterStudy🎧 https://open.spotify.com/show/6MnjQf5YAsxCAhha7jCSGD🌐 www.biblechapterbychapter.com#BibleStudy #1Peter #LivingStones #FieryTrial #EntrustedToGod #BibleChapterByChapter #Scripture #Faith #Devotional #NewTestament