1 Peter 4:1-19 NIV. Many times, whether we are effective in something depends on our attitude. In referring to Christian suffering (v16), Peter begins the passage by saying: have the attitude of Christ in suffering (v1). So, what is Christ's attitude in suffering? Attitude is the way one feels or thinks about something. So, how did Christ feel or think about His suffering? And so, how should we feel or think about our suffering? Like Christ, we should feel that our suffering is for: God's will (v1-6, 19). The Christian life is one lived for the will of God (v2)—a Christ-like rather than sinful living (v1-3). This kind of life comes with suffering because it does not conform to the world's sinful ways (v4). But the one living in God's will is done with sin and, therefore, has escaped God's sure judgment (v5-6). When in the face of trials, like Jesus, we are to commit oursel
1 Peter 3:8-22 NIV. Our actions in trials are significant, but so are our words. So believers—"all of you"—are to live Christ-like to one another (v8) as witnesses in the world (2:11-3:7) . But often, Christ-like living attracts different kinds of responses from unbelievers, ranging from hostility to curiosity. So, Peter encourages believers in trials to use their words wisely. Speak fearlessly (8-17) Speak blessing fearlessly (9-14a). To hostile unbelievers, believers must not speak evil, but blessing because that's what it means to be a Christian with an eternal inheritance (v9, 1:4) and because there is a reward for righteous speaking (v10). This reward includes life, good days, God's presence and attentiveness (v10-12, quoting Psalm 34:12-16). The section ends with a challenge to be fearless in speaking blessing—to be eager in good deeds (13), even if you suffe