Greetings. Welcome
back to Daily Bread. Today, Peter explains in his epistle, how we should
think like Christ. It was probably Peter’s spirit that inspired WWJD. Here’s
a Daily Bread Crumb for some of you, but many already know what WWJD stands
for. WWJD stands for, What would Jesus do? These initials have become
popular to young Christians and they’re commonly worn on T-Shirts, wrist
bands, chains, etc., and are also displayed on bumper stickers, in graffiti,
and various other ways by some enthusiastic followers of Jesus today. Let’s
take a look at what Peter said.
Since Christ
suffered for us in the flesh, strengthen yourselves in the same way, with
the same mind (think like Jesus thought), because He who suffered in the
flesh, has brought sin to an end, that He no longer should live the rest of
His time in the flesh according to the desires of man, but according to the
will of God. We may have done enough in our past to have stirred up the
actions of the Gentiles, when we lived in licentiousness (without legal or
moral restraints), desires, excess of wine, revellings (carousing), drinking
parties, and abominable idolatries, so they think it’s strange that you
don’t hurry along with them to the same extremes and they speak evil of you
for it. They’ll have to explain to God, who is ready to judge the living and
the dead.
For this reason
the Gospel was also preached to those who are dead (not reborn in Christ),
that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according
to God in the spirit. But the end of all things is near, so be sober
(responsible), and guard yourself with prayer. And above all things, have
fervent (marked by great warmth and feeling) charity (love) among
yourselves, because charity removes a multitude of sins (Proverbs
10:12).
Use hospitality to
one another without complaining, and don’t stop serving one another just
because everyone has received the gift, but minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the diverse Grace of God. If any man speak, let
him speak the messages of God, if any man minister, let him do it from the
ability that God gives, so that in all things God may be glorified through
Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Beloved, don’t
think it unusual concerning the fiery trial that will test you, as if some
strange thing has happened to you, but rejoice, since you are partakers of
Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may be glad also,
with exceeding joy. If you’re criticized for the name of Christ, be happy,
because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part (your
pursuers) Christ is spoken evil of, but on your part, Christ is glorified.
May none of you
suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a busybody (meddler) in other
people’s matters, but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him glorify God
because of this (Matthew 5:11-12).
For the time is
come that judgment must begin at the house of God, and if it begins with us,
what will become of those who don’t obey the Gospel of God? And if the
righteous are barely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner end up? So
let them that suffer according to the will of God, trust the keeping of
their souls to Him in doing good, as unto a faithful Creator.
Peter gives some
very good advice, and it all goes back to thinking like Jesus thought. When
you’re in those strange fiery trials that Peter spoke of, or any situation
for that matter, don’t forget WWJD. How would you like it on judgment day,
if God brings up one of your trials to judge and Jesus (your attorney) comes
up next to you and puts His hand on your shoulder, looks at God and says,
That’s what I would’ve done. OH MY! Case dismissed!
We have one more
chapter left in this study of Peter’s first epistle, and it seems like
Peter’s letter gets better and better as it continues, so you won’t want to
miss it. Join us again next time and we’ll share it together, right here at
your Daily Bread.
