Live as Stewards of Grace

1 Peter 4
Stewards of God's Grace
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. The time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering As a Christian
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Steward
1. One who manages another's property, finances, or other affairs.
2. One who is in charge of the household affairs of a large estate, club, hotel, or resort.
3. A ship's officer who is in charge of provisions and dining arrangements.
4. An attendant on a ship or airplane.
5. An official who supervises or helps to manage an event.

In this case deffinition 1 is the most fitting! One who manages another's property, finances, or other affairs.
Everything belongs to God and we are just managers.

Ok,
The first point that Peter makes here is that we are going to have sufferings, Christ suffered and so shall we, but Peter makes another good point, we are to arm ourselves with against this by realizing that our suffering comes because we have ceased from sin, so that we can live for the rest of the time that we are in the flesh for God rather than for human passions.
Peter lists some human passions...living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
We are to stay away from these, but others wont understand and they will make fun of you for it.
We are to live as self-controlled, sober-minded, loving one another earnestly, showing hospitality without grumbling.
For we will all give an account to God!
Peter goes on to say that we should expect sufferings because they are coming and it will be to test us. But we are to rejoice in these sufferings because we are sharing in Christ's sufferings. Also vs. 14 "If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you." He says that we should not be ashamed to suffer as a Christian but we should glorify God through it. Vs. "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" And finally vs. 19 "Therefore let those who suffer according to Gods will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good."

So, suffering will come as we put off our old nature and reject the ways of the world. We are to expect it and praise God for it! Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:31 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing you pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing you pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord Blessed be your name

Matt Redman

Blessed be the Name of Jesus Christ Forever and ever!

In Christ,

Dave