Leave Sin and Live for God

1 Pet 4:1 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;

I see this suffering, to be one that is so intense that it is life or death. Christ Jesus suffered innocently for our sins unto death, to redeem us and to make us children of God. Still, many refuse this great gift of grace and continue in sin. Sometimes sufferings come to us so strong that we despair of this life; this is the time to cease from sin and to call on God. Sometimes God will come to us in these times of great sufferings and we receive from him peace. This leads to coming all the way through Jesus to salvation. Through sufferings we were made free from sins; Jesus has forgiven our sins.

1 Pet 4:2 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.

A new man in Christ must desire the will of God. We must read the Bible hear the word and listen to the Holy Spirit. We must feed the craving of the new man and starve the old desires of lust and pleasures. Often the church does not seek the perfect will of God, but instead they appeal to the lusts of men, speaking of riches and pleasures. Worship turns to entertainment, preaching is flesh talk; no, this is not the will of God, we are to leave the lusts of the world to seek the will of God through anointed preaching, a life submitted to God and worship from a clean heart.

1 Pet 4:3 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:

You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy-their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.(NLT) Truth is light unto our feet, we do not walk in darkness. Sufferings to the pure of heart bring us closer to God.

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

The world will speak evil of you and old friends will try to drag you back into sin, reminding you of your past, no, we do not allow them to control us. Tell them of Jesus, if they mock you, leave them and follow Jesus.

1 Pet 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

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

Each person must face God and give an account for their life. May we be used to reach the lost, many will reject your message, but the seed is planted and some will receive eternal life.

1 Pet 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
1 Pet 3:15 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:

1 Pet 4:6 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.

The only hope of the spiritually dead is Jesus. If we share the gospel with them and they receive eternal life; they will receive mockings and accusing from the world but they will live according to God in the Spirit. We are in a war, those of the flesh oppose the Spirit and do not understand. The war is also in our bodies; the flesh desires the opposite of the Spirit.

Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

1 Pet 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Luke 21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
Luke 21:9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
Luke 21:10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Luke 21:12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
Luke 21:13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
Luke 21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
Luke 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Stay in prayer; be built up in the Spirit. Bad times now will become worse, to the point that we may not be allowed to openly share the gospel. Watch, be sober, you will know the times. Pray always in the Spirit for direction.

1 Pet 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Many speak of love, but few truly love as Jesus loves. Many are selfish and do not see the love they have as only vanity; loving to seek attention or to get approval. In the end times we need to meet together, share the good things of God and love one another.

John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 Pet 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

Open your home to others, a room for a guest if possible, coffee, a piece of cake, and a meal. Enjoy fellowship together in your homes.

Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
Heb 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

1 Pet 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

What is the gift all have received? The gift of salvation and the Holy Spirit. We are to love one another, using the Spiritual gifts to edify the body of Christ.

Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

1 Pet 4:11 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.

Speak as speaking from God; whatever ministry gift that you have, do so with the grace of God. It is by His Spirit, not of your self. Do not be looking for a name for yourself. Do not be bragging about a Spiritual gift that you may have. Serve God by the direction and power of the Holy Spirit. All glory and power to God, through Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen.

LORD GOD, help us to glorify you in all things that we do. Our flesh is weak, so lead us not into temptations. Keep us in your perfect will so that we may finish the course honoring you and not bringing you shame. We want to use our gifts to build your church and edify your people. Above all give us love one for another and hospitality. May homes be opened up for studies and hospitality. In Jesus name, amen