Pastor’s notes
Peter’s letter to struggling Christians fully takes shape in chapter 4. Peter has transitioned from sympathizing with their suffering, to explaining why believers suffer, to teaching how to use suffering to shine, and to now encouraging those who suffer to actually embrace their hardships. If you take a step back and look at Peter’s letter in its entirety, Peter’s words and intentions are so beautifully crafted together for anyone and everyone who might struggle in this life as a believer. What a wonderful gift God’s word is!!
Also, how fitting is it that on the week of Easter, Peter points the earlier Christian towards the cross in the midst of their struggle. In chapter 4, Peter directs all of his words towards the suffering Christ experienced on the cross and not just simple words of encouragement and strength. Peter explains how a believer living in the will of God is a person who “no longer” is greatly influenced by the sins of the flesh. That as believers, sinful living should not be attractive as it was in our days of being lost. That we should all embrace the hardships that our new life brings because our hardships are evidence of our beliefs when living in God’s will. Peter points all of this to the wonderful picture of the cross.
Scripture to go along with the message
Take this week and read Luke 23-24 as the message of the cross and resurrection will be a blessing during this special time as a Christian.
Highlight in your Bibles
Highlight verses 4:1-2 this week in 1 Peter as this is where we will spend the majority of our time during the message.
Questions to consider
1.) Reading this week’s text, where do you see the cross in the Peter’s words?
2.) Verses 1-6 are all about the life change in believers, how can you relate to these verses?
3.) Journal this week how this Easter will be different for you and your family? Journal the hurt, but also the blessings that God has shown you during this unique time of separation from the church.
