1st Peter 4:12-19 The Amplified Topical Reference Bible
Beloved do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you. But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory (full radiance and splendor) are revealed , you may also rejoice in triumph [exultantly]. If you are censured a you and suffer abuse [because you bear] the name of Christ blessed [are you-happy, fortunate, to be envied with life-joy, and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward condition] because the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, is resting upon you. On their part He is blasphemed and on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or any sort of criminal, or as a mischief-maker ( a meddler) in the affairs of others [infringing on their rights.] But if [ one is ill-treated and suffers as a Christian [ which he is contemptuously called] let him not be ashamed, but give glory to God that he is [deemed worthy to suffer] in this name, For the time [has arrived] for judgement to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will [be] the end of those who do not respect or believe or obey the good news ( the Gospel) of God? And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the godless and the wicked? Therefore, those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with God’s will must do right and commit their souls [ in charge as a deposit] to the One Who created [them] and will never fail [them].
How has you belief or faith in LORD been tested in your own personal walk with the LORD within let’s say since 2020?
What about the body of believers that you are a part locally as well around the world? How have we all been tested since 2020?
In what ways have you personally grown through suffering for your belief in Jesus?
Would what you went through in your suffering be considered persecution?
Now, considering all that you have gone through in recent months, how can you as a believer minister to others by simply praying for them or by sharing your story to reveal God’s glory in your life.
What has spoken to your heart the most about this passage in 1st Peter 4:12-19?
Close today with a time of praise for all that the LORD is doing in not only your life but others as well.
Living Fountain 