Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 4:3–5
Today God reminds us that we've accomplished enough sin in our past because we used to pursue the same evil things that lost people still follow (immorality, lust, gluttony, drunkenness, wild parties, and the worship of idols). God also tells us that we no longer need to look like the world in any of our actions. This lost world encourages people to do and act upon what they feel. This lost world counsels people to look out for themselves and no other. God sums all of this up, our ugly past, and this lost world's ugly present, in 1 Peter 4:3. As Christians, God calls us to live differently than this lost world. And, because we choose to walk obediently to our Lord, we may suffer for our faith. In 1 Peter 4:4, God tells us that the lost will not understand why our lives have changed and we no longer live fleshly. This lost world ends up getting mad at believers and even makes things up about us, hoping to hurt our testimony for Christ. So, we should not be surprised when we have insults cast at us from unbelievers. Though we may suffer some persecution in this life from this lost world, God tells us that every lost soul will have to face His judgment (1 Peter 4:5). Those who reject Christ and slander His followers eventually must answer to God, the final Judge. Let's not be surprised when we suffer for our faith, but we must continuously follow our Lord. We do not need to fear man, but God alone.
Challenge & Application
1. What response should Christians expect from unbelievers around us when we don’t compromise our faith?
2. How does knowing unbelievers will give an account to God encourage you to fear God and not man?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!