Phrase

editing

NT

1 Peter 4:15

esv

mine

But let none of you suffer

This phrase is curious: Could mean don't get caught. But that is unlikely because it does matter whether we sin or not.

Command not to suffer

as a murderer

in the following ways

or a thief

or an evildoer

or as a meddler.

phrasing

Notes

Refer: www.desiringgod.org/labs/do-you-suffer-because-of-your-sin www.desiringgod.org/labs/mind-your-own-business Ps Piper's process Regarding verse 15a Why the phrase "let none of you suffer"? Could mean don't get caught, but it can't be that Peter means that it's all right to murder This raises another question, "why focus on suffering"? Why not say do not murder, steal, do evil and meddle? This leads to the thought that there is more going on here Therefore, where else does Peter talk about suffering? 1 Peter 2:19-20 what credit is it when you sin you suffer? Possible: that some felt that suffering in itself is good, even if it is for sin 1 Peter 3:16-17 better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Undeserved suffering for doing good than for deserved suffering for doing evil This undeserved suffering is radical. This kind of injustice is better than this kind of justice. E.g. prefer to be the person whose house is robbed than being the robber Four conclusions: a) it's not a matter of indifference whether we suffer for doing good or evil b) There is no credit for suffering for sin c) injustice against us is better than our doing injustice d) don't prioritise the value of suffering above the value of doing good Regarding the four sins: Is there something about the order of sins? Most serious to least order? When Peter says he doesn't want to suffer for the gravest or the least sins. Why these four sins and not others? What is it about murder that is relevant here? Consider the recipients: people undergoing great and small opposition. There might be temptation to fight back by murder. Stealing? Taking something not ours to compensate for being stolen from. But this means that we take that this world is our treasure, not the world to come. Evil doer? Opposite of 1 Peter 2:12 Main reason to avoid evil doing is to have our lives known for good doing so that glory goes to God Meddler? Busybody, nosy person. Most provocative of all. Why is this here? 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 Paul's recipients had issues about meddling 1 Peter 2:11 In Peter's letter, we are sojourners, exile here. This world is not our concern. Perhaps this leads to being an idler, busybody and good for nothing. Peter might be saying exile does not mean don't be involved in this world. It does mean use this world differently. Use it for King Jesus who owns this world. Therefore, don't take justice into our own hands by murdering, or stealing or doing any evil, or being a busy body. Work hard in this world for God and be engaged, not idle.

notes