1 Peter 4:7-5:14

OBLIGATIONS OF HOPE INWARD

HOSPITALITY (1 Peter 4:7-11) by which we understand spiritual rather than physical hospitality, though the latter need not be excluded from the thought. 1 Peter 4:10-11 for example, suggest 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:7-16, etc., in which Paul is teaching the duty of the members of the Body of Christ to minister to one another of their spiritual gifts without judging.

PATIENCE (1 Peter 4:12-19) 1 Peter 4:12 shows that the opposition to the Christians at this time was exhibited in more than a “speaking against” them as earlier passages record. “The fiery trial among you” is the rendering of the Revised Version — it was already there. 1 Peter 4:13 is characteristic of Peter, who always throws forward the fact of the present suffering of Christians unto the light of their future gory, for which reason he is called the apostle of hope (see 1 Peter 1:3; 1 Peter 1:7; 1 Peter 1:11; 1 Peter 5:1; 1 Peter 5:4; 1 Peter 5:10). If Christians were unwilling to suffer for righteousness’ sake it was an evidence of a low spiritual state. Let them remember therefore, that time of judgment he had referred to in 1:17.

FIDELITY (1 Peter 5:1-4) In this instance “elders,” in the sense of pastors are particularly addressed, when once more the heavenly glory is brought forward as a motive for their conduct.

SERVICE (1 Peter 5:5-11) Elder in this instance has reference, not to office, but age. The younger members of the flock, and indeed all of them, are to gird themselves with humility “to serve one another” (RV). Fear should move them to do this, “for God resisteth the proud.” The hope of reward should move them, for He “giveth grace to the humble,” hence the exhortation of 1 Peter 5:6. It costs something to humble one’s self. It makes us anxious about our possessions or our position in life, but let us cast that anxiety upon God, for it is His business to care for us (1 Peter 5:7). “It matters to Him about you,” is a literal and beautiful rendering of that verse. But there is another reason for humbling ourselves in service the activity of the evil one (1 Peter 5:8-9). It is he who would restrain us from doing it. Be watching out for him at such a time, resist him in the comfort of knowing that you are not alone in such experiences. Moreover, the conflict will not be for long, and glory follows (1 Peter 5:10).

QUESTIONS

1. Name the four inward obligations of The Living Hope.

2. Define spiritual hospitality.

3. How is Peter sometimes designated, and why?

4. What motives should move us to serve once another?

5. Give a literal translation of 1 Peter 5:7.