November 22, 2023 - 1 Peter 3-5

Peter has counseled his readers, though facing hard times, to persevere and let their godly lives serve as powerful testimonies to all around. He continues the theme: “Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, equip yourselves also with the same resolve” (4:1), and this resolve must be ours in the midst of so much “unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry” (4:3)! All who do these things are likely to be surprised, shocked, when we don't “plunge into the same flood of wild living” (4:4). They say, “Really, you don’t . . .?” Or “What is wrong with this or that? I am just doing what makes me happy.” Peter says they will not only be surprised, but they will begin to slander us because we do not join them (4:4).

This is just so familiar, so much our own context and experience. And there is so great a need for our lives to stand out, to stand out brightly and clearly. Peter wrote: “Now the end of all things is near; therefore, be serious and disciplined for prayer . . .”(4:7ff). And Peter goes on to describe how we should live. Obviously, the end was not yet, and it still is not yet, and we do not know when it will be. But it will be a surprise; the Bible is clear on this. We should always live as if it is today and thereby be ready to see our Savior face to face.

A charge to keep I have,

a God to glorify,

a never-dying soul to save,

and fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,

my calling to fulfill,

O may it all my pow’rs engage

to do my Master's will!

Arm me with watchful care

as in Thy sight to live,

and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare

a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,

and still on Thee rely,

O let me not my trust betray,

but press to realms on high. -- Charles Wesley (1762)