But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4: 15-19

Are you ashamed of your Lord Jesus Christ? Millions , perhaps Billions of people identify their religion as Christian, but how many of them could you actually know are a Christian if they didn’t tell you? Have any of these people ever shared the gospel with you, or have you shared the gospel with any stranger lately? We claim to be unashamed of Jesus, however when it comes to talk about Jesus, we don’t. We are too afraid we might offend someone or lose a “friend”. This is being ashamed of your Lord and Savior

Jesus said “Anyone who is ashamed of me before others, I will be ashamed of you before my Father” (Luke 9:26, Matthew 10:33, Mark 8:38,Luke 12:9) Think about it, Jesus Christ died for you, not only did He suffered a horrendous death, but he was humiliated and persecuted in public for You, can you not suffer some humiliation or persecution for Christ?  You refuse to share the gospel with others because your afraid they might make fun of you, do you understand what your Lord suffered for you? Do you understand your importance of work as a disciple of Christ? 

The Apostle Peter says “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf” When you are mocked or persecuted for sharing Jesus Christ, you are bringing glory to God! Most Christians are too busy evaluating what is the cost for themselves if they do this or that, but as Jesus said “Anyone wants to be my disciple they must deny themselves, carry their cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24) If you are more worried if people are going to mock or laugh at you, you already failed as a disciple of Christ. 

The Apostle Peter goes on to say “For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God, and if it begins first with us, what shall the end be for them that do not obey the gospel of God” Some might say I’m being too harsh with my words, but even the Church will be judged on whether they are truly Born Again or not. And if God is going to judge even the Church, then how much worse will it be for those who rejected Christ? This is why its critical for us to fulfill the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) and share the gospel with everyone!

So if your not ashamed of Jesus Christ, what are you doing to bring him glory? Have you told anyone today about the good news of Jesus Christ and what he’s done for us? Don’t be ashamed of the One who was never ashamed of You! Amen!

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11

As a Christian, you have received a higher calling by your Lord. This calling does not just include the salvation of your soul, but it includes the service of your soul. You were bought with a price, everything you do should be to glorify God. Many people just want the blessings from God but they don’t want to serve God. There is no separation between the two, if you are Born Again, you have been reborn as a Child of God, and the Holy Spirit is living inside of you, there is no lukewarm Christian

The Apostle Peter begins with “if any man speak, let him speak as the oracles or divine responses of God” Your words are powerful and have great influence on the world, are you speaking the oracles of God or are you speaking nonsense of this world? If you have been called in Christ, you need to preach the teachings of Christ. How will they know unless they hear a preacher? (Romans 10:14) Can we bless God and curse others with the same mouth? Does salt water and fresh water flow from the same (James 3:11) Preach the word of God as you were called to do!

Next Peter states “If any man ministers or serves, let him do it as the ability which God giveth” We are all called to serve and minister in some form, not everyone’s calling will look the same, but whatever our calling is we should fulfill it to our best ability. Noah was called a preacher of righteousness and only saved the 8 souls of his family on the Ark, by today’s standards many would have called Noah a failure as a preacher. However Noah fulfilled his calling God had placed before him. Today’s Christianity is all about stats and charts to determine a successful Church or ministry, this is not the will of God, we should finish the race that was set before us!

Another thing to consider is I don’t want you to downplay your ministry or calling. God needs people everywhere in everyplace , even in the dark places. Whatever you do for a living, do it for the glory of God, whatever you spend your time and days, do it for the glory of God. We can serve The Lord in any place or circumstance, everyone needs to hear the gospel (Matthew 28:19) Everyone needs to witness the love and power of Jesus Christ, this is accomplished by the hands and feet of Christ, you the Church! Wherever you are , there is the Church, go and serve The Lord!

Finally brothers and sisters, I’ll end with the words of the Apostle Peter inspired by the Holy Spirit “that God in ALL things be glorified through Jesus Christ , to whom be praise and dominion, forever and ever, Amen” In ALL things , whatever you are doing, give Glory to God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and be led and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, Amen!

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:7-10

Live your life like Christ could return today! This is the mindset we should have as Christians, nobody knows the day or hour of Christ’s return (Matthew 24:36) If you knew that Christ would return today, you probably would make changes in your life. You probably would not be wasting so much time making money or go to that bar to drunk, because time is essential. When The Lord returns you don’t want to have your lamps empty, you want your lamps full and ready for service, you don’t want the door shut on you when Jesus comes (Matthew 25)

One of the obvious signs we are living in the end times is division and hatred in the body of Christ today. None of this is Biblical, in fact the Apostle Peter says “Above all things have fervent love among yourselves, for love shall cover the multitude of sins” Christ never commanded the Church to divide into many denominations and argue about the timing of the Rapture. We are to love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. How can you hate your brother or sister and believe the Holy Spirit is living inside of you? Jesus died on the cross for your sins, because He loves you and those who you hate! (Romans 5:8)

The Church was designed by God so we can be a family of God. Many people have just used the Church as an organization or maybe a career, but we are a spiritual family, a community of believers set apart by Jesus Christ. How can you be part of this community, when you hate the community? As Peter goes on to say “Use hospitality one to another without grudging” As Jesus taught us a Kingdom divided will not stand” (Matthew 12:25) Is there any surprise why your community has little effect on the world? If your divided you will not stand, you need to submit to Christ and be obedient to his calling

The Church community is to take care of one another without even thinking twice. There should never be a brother or sister in Christ in need, if so the body has failed. To love one another is more than just words, its actions. Take care of one another, support one another, bear each other’s burdens. This is the life of the Church, we don’t just sit in the pews for one day and go home, we are a family, we love and care for one another, if you don’t understand this, you don’t understand the Church. 

I will end with more words from the Apostle Peter under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “minister the same to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” Be good stewards to one another in the Church, if your children were in need , you wouldn’t hesitate to give them what they need, the same should be for your brothers and sisters in Christ. We are a family of God, to love one another because Christ has loved us first! Amen!

Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 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. 1 Peter 4:5-6

If you died today, would you be ready to stand before The Lord Jesus Christ? This should be one of the most important questions of your life, Am I ready? Unfortunately most people go about their daily lives, distracted by whatever keeps them distracted, and never gives any consideration for their souls. 

The Apostle Peter tells us “Who shall give account to Him (Jesus Christ) that is ready to judge the quick and the dead” As the Bible says “Its appointed everyone once to die and then to judgment” (Hebrews 9:27) One day everyone will stand face to face with the Lord Jesus Christ, every knee will bow (Philippians 2) its so important for people to understand this, rejecting Christ as Lord is not an option, you will stand before him and bow before him one day!

As Peter says here you will also give an account for your life, you words and actions we will all have to give an account for. This should be terrifying for everyone! To stand before a Holy God and explain your sinful thoughts and behavior, what will be your excuse? This is why Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) You can’t enter God’s Kingdom in your current state, you must be regenerated by the Holy Spirit, as Christ is ready to judge the living and the dead

The question is always raised by non-believers “How can God judge those who don’t know any better or never heard the gospel” Well as we know God is sovereign over all , things, you may assume someone has never heard the gospel however God will reveal the gospel to everyone! As the Apostle Peter says “the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to the flesh” What’s Peter referring to? Is Peter referring to just the fallen angels or is Peter referring to all who are spiritually dead? Either way, God is sovereign and the gospel will be reached everyone before they are judged

This also emphasizes your importance as the Church to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) Any opportunity we have to share the gospel should be taken, as people’s souls are at stake! If you truly love people, then you must prepare them, everyone will stand before The Lord Jesus Christ and be judged!  Are You Ready?

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; 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. 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: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 1 Peter 4:1-4

When we think about everything Christ has done for us, dying for our sins, rising from the dead, ect I think very often people forget that Jesus Christ became a human just like us, so he could be the atonement for our sins. We recognize his deity, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 1, Isaiah 9:6) however I think we often forget Jesus emptied himself of his deity to become an obedient servant of the Father all the way to the cross (Philippians 2)

I bring this point up, because this is what I believe the Apostle Peter is trying to convey in his teaching here. Peter states “Christ has suffered for us in the flesh” Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was tortured for you, was persecuted for you, he bled for you, and Christ ultimately died a horrible death on the cross for you. We need to remember that Jesus felt the pain and suffering just as we would feel the pain and suffering, even though Jesus Christ is God, he bore the punishment of our sins for us (Isaiah 53)

So Peter goes on to say “arm yourselves likewise with the same mind, for he has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” A couple points to make here, Jesus didn’t die on the cross so we could live in sin freely. No Christ died on the cross so we could become Born Again (John 3) When we look at the death of Christ, we should understand the seriousness of our sin and its consequences. If we continue to live in our sins after receiving Christ, then Christ’s death was in vein

Secondly , understand Jesus Christ in the flesh lived a sinless life. Now I’m not saying we are going to live a sinless life as a Christian, but what I am saying is we should strive for holiness like Christ. Today the Church doesn’t want to hear anything about holiness or sanctification, but this is a part of the Christian life. As Peter says here “That he no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men”

What do we spend our time pursuing? When we were unsaved , we pursued the temptations of this world, the lusts of the flesh. But as a Born Again Christian, we pursue the things of God, we are led by the Holy Spirit and not the flesh. We wasted enough of our life in sin, its time to live for God and serve him

When you become Born Again, the world will think your strange, they will label you a “Jesus Freak” consider this a badge of honor, let Christ be your example in life and not this world, Amen!

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. 1 Peter 3:21-22

As we looked at earlier, the Apostle Peter referenced the days of Noah with the return of Christ. There are many foreshadows that happened during the flood of Noah, as we referenced the Ark is a foreshadow of Christ. Well in our scriptures this morning, the Apostle Peter references the flood itself as a foreshadow of baptism. 

Think about Noah’s flood, why did God choose to flood the Earth as judgment? God could have used many different approaches , such as Sodom and Gomorrah for judgment, but God flooded the Earth, why? Because this is a foreshadow of Baptism, a cleansing of sin from the Earth, not to destroy the Earth either, but to restore the Earth back to righteousness. Like the symbolism of Baptism for us in Christ, the symbolism of baptism is a cleansing of sin, a purification of your repentance. To be lowered into the water as your old self dies, and raised out of the water in Christ a new creature (Romans 6)

If we back up to verse 20 the Apostle Peter says “that eight souls (Noah’s family) were saved through water” Now this is obviously symbolic as the water didn’t literally save them, but their faith in the Ark (Christ) and the cleansing of the water led to their salvation. Peter then says “this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves us (not the putting away of the fifth of flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God)”

Again its not the baptism that is going to save you, its the faith in Christ that will save you, the baptism is a true sign of your repentance of your sin and profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Again think back to Noah and his family, what did they do to save themselves? They put their faith in the Ark to save them, as we put our faith in Jesus Christ to save us!

“Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” , why is Jesus the only way to salvation? (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) because Christ is the only one who paid the penalty for your sins and rose from the grave! Through the resurrection of Christ, we can be risen also! This is why Noah’s flood is still relevant for us today, just as it was before

I love how Peter ends this here, as he demonstrates Christ authority and deity over the whole world. “Is on the right hand of God, angels, authorities , and powers being made subject to Him (Christ)” Just as Christ judged the entire world with the flood, Christ will return again and judge the entire world for their wickedness, all power and authority is given to Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Amen!

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 1 Peter 3:18-20

The Apostle Peter today gives us deep lessons that could only be revealed by the Holy Spirit. First we see the gospel message, Christ the sinless lamb of God, died for the sins of the world, so that we can be reconciled back to God. As the Apostle Paul said “ He who knew no sin, to be our sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him (Christ) ( 2 Corinthians 5:21) We need to understand that we are saved only by Christ alone and not of anything we have done

The next thing I want to point out is that statement Peter makes “But quickened or made alive by the Spirit” Many people will use this verse to disprove a physically bodily resurrection of Christ. I believe Peter is saying exactly what Paul said in Romans 8:11 “But if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in You” We worship the Triune God, and the Holy Spirit has also raised Jesus from the dead, as well as the Father and Son. The Apostles are not saying Jesus Christ became a spirit, but that the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead

Now there is alot of questions about where did Jesus go when he died on the cross? The Apostle Peter reveals Jesus went and preached “unto the spirits in prison”. Now many theologians go into different directions when interpreting this text. Did Jesus descend to Hell and preach to those who rejected Noah’s preaching? Is this referring to the Holy Spirit being in Noah while he preached? Is the text referring to the Nephilim , the fallen angels of Genesis 6? I think there is definitely some mystery that we don’t know all the details until we go home, however I think the core of the message is many rejected Noah’s warning of judgment coming, Jesus Christ descended into the realm of the dead and revealed what he accomplished at the cross, the gospel message

Lastly Peter brings up the “Days of Noah” a term Jesus Christ used himself that his return would be like the Days of Noah (Matthew 24:37) The event of Noah was not only a historic event, but it was also a foreshadow of what is to come, when Christ returns , judgment is coming for the whole Earth. Jesus Christ is the Ark, the only means of salvation that anyone can be saved.

Notice what the Apostle Peter emphasizes “eight souls were saved by water” The Bible calls Noah a preacher of righteousness (Hebrews 11:7) despite all his preaching and being led by the Holy Spirit, only 8 people were saved, his family. Let’s remember Noah during our ministries, as we can become weary and frustrated from lack of fruit, its only Christ who can save, not us. We are just vessels for God doing his work, but only God can save!

Just as in the days of Noah, the world will continue to go about their business rejecting the gospel message and warning, however one day the trumpet will sound and The Lord will descend, Lord come quickly! Amen!

But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 1 Peter 3:14-17

The motto of the Boy Scouts is “Always Be Prepared” this principle was probably adopted from the Bible , as the Apostle Peter teaches us to “always be ready to give an answer to everyone that asks” The question or challenge for today is are you ready to give an answer about your faith in Jesus Christ?

Many Christians have this mentality its only the Pastors job to know the Bible or the Youth Pastor to teach our children, but according to the Bible we are all responsible for knowing our Bible. Part of your calling as a Christian is to be able to go out into the world and evangelize. I was talking to a Pastor who was leading multiple Churches at the time and he told me he’s not an evangelist just a Pastor. I believe the “Great Commision” (Matthew 28:19) was commanded by Christ for all of us, make disciples of everyone and baptize in the name of the Triune God

Now if you are a Christian, and someone challenges your faith, do you have an answer or reason for your faith in Christ? As the Apostle Peter says “that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you” Why are you a Christian? Why does Christ give you hope? Why should an Atheist believe? These are basic fundamental questions, however you should know how to share your faith. This is why the gospel message should be central to our teaching and preaching, because the gospel is the foundation of our hope and faith.

So how can you be prepared to always give an answer? Read your Bible daily, sounds simple but many Christians lack discipline in daily study of the Word. You can’t give an answer if you don’t know the answer, and the answers are in your Bible. Next, learn under mature Christians. Find a good Bible based Church, learn from their Pastor or elders, fellowship with other Christians, start of join a Bible study, ask alot of questions to reliable mature Christians. As the Bible says “Iron sharpens Iron” (Proverbs 27:17)

Make sure to have a strong prayer life, if we want to know more about God, we need to draw closer to God by prayer. Make prayer an essential part of your life,  not only having a personal prayer life but also praying with other Born Again believers. Another thing that is essential is to be obedient to the Holy Spirit, so many Christian have “quenched the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 4:30) Remember that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our teacher and guide (John 14:26) To neglect the Holy Spirit is to neglect the wisdom of God, lean on the Holy Spirit, the spirit of truth (John 15:26)

If an Atheist asks you why you believe in God, can you give an answer? Always be prepared to share your testimony, to share the good news of Jesus Christ, to give an honest reason why you are a disciple of Christ, Amen!

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 1 Peter 3:10-12

The Apostle Peter here is quoting Psalm 34, and one thing we should notice here is there is alot of practical information that we can apply today to our daily lives. Peter is giving us wisdom from the Holy Spirit. While we as Christians may suffer in this fallen world, we can still make the best of our temporary situations by applying these Godly principles

1. Keep your mouth shut– Ouch, right? Sounds like a simple suggestion, but is it really that simple? Alot of our turmoil and conflicts are caused by ourselves, we need to know when to speak and when to “hold our peace”. As Peter says here “refrain his tongue from evil” Now I also believe this means to refrain from saying inappropriate things also, that wouldn’t be honoring God. Let’s be honest Christians who go around cursing and saying inappropriate things, look foolish and unconverted. As the Apostle James said “Can fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? (James 3:11) To bless God and curse people with the same mouth is a contradiction, ask the Holy Spirit for help with this!
2. Do Good- The Apostle Peter says “Turn away from evil and do good” again sounds like another simple concept, but are we doing this? Do we turn away from all that is evil whenever possible? Do we avoid getting involved in confrontations or “hanging out at the bar”, if we hang around evil, evil things bound to happen. The law of mathematics, if you avoid evil places, typically you avoid evil. Now does this mean we become a monk and avoid society, sounds tempting some days, but I don’t think that’s the will God has for our life. Use common sense by the Holy Spirit, if you don’t think you should be in this place or hanging around these people, then stay away
3. Seek Peace and pursue it– If you notice in todays world, most people are always looking for a fight or argument, this never ends well for anyone. Do the opposite, seek peace with all people. Again another application that sounds easy, but really isn’t . However this should be our goal, turn the other cheek (Matthew 5) By winning an argument, often you lose much more, your peace. Now there are times when we need to stand up for Jesus, stand up for our families or Church, however in most cases were letting the battle up to The Lord. If you pursue peace, you would be surprised how non confrontational your life really becomes. As the old saying goes “it take two to tango” often when your not receptive to someones aggression, it defuses the situation. It’s typically only when you retaliate that things get heated up. Again we need to really rely on the Holy Spirit for this one.
4. The Lord is against them that do evil- Understand that we are in a spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6) Often when people are attacking you, they are actually attacking God, they are at war with God. The Lord is against all who do evil, because evil is an act of war against God. We don’t have to win the battle, the battle was already won by Christ on the cross, understand this. So we people are coming after you, take a step back and give them over to The Lord (Romans 1:24) Understand God is for you, and anyone against you is battling God, this never ends well. The victory is already ours in Jesus, keep your peace knowing this truth!