Sunday School Lesson: Live to the Will of God & REASONS FOR SUFFERING
Text: 1 Peter 4:1–11
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 4:2 – "That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to
the lusts of men, but to the will of God."
- Peter urges believers to spend the rest of their earthly life doing the will of God. To do
that, we must adopt the mind of Christ, forsake sin, serve others, and live with eternity in
view.
I. Cease from Sin (vv. 1–4) “Arm yourselves with the same mind…” – 1 Pet 4:1 Hunonga
ang pagpakasala
To do God's will, you must leave sin behind. Just as Christ suffered in the flesh, you must
have the same mindset – to be done with sin. The old life is over. Your old friends may not
understand, but God has changed you.
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Dead to sin, alive to God (Rom. 6:6–13; Col. 3:3,5)
No going back to the old ways (2 Cor. 7:10; 2 Pet 2:20)
Leave the past behind (1 Pet. 4:3)
You don’t need more “experience” in sin—what you did was enough.
The world won’t understand why you changed, and may mock you (1 Pet. 4:4)
II. Be Ready to Answer to God (vv. 5–6) “Who shall give account to him…” – 1 Pet 4:5
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Everyone will face judgment (Acts 10:42; Rom. 14:10)
The gospel was even preached to the dead (Eph. 4:8–10)
Live now like someone who will face GoD.
Everyone will give an account to Jesus, the Judge. It doesn’t matter if people criticize you
for changing—God sees and will judge all people, living or dead.
III. Be Watchful in Prayer (v. 7) “Be sober, and watch unto prayer.”
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The end is near – be spiritually alert
Prayer is key to staying in God’s will (Lk. 21:36)
Stay spiritually alert. The end is near. Prayer helps keep your heart and life aligned with
God’s will.
IV. Have Fervent Love (v. 8) “Charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” TINUUHAY NGA
GUGMA
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Love deeply – it covers sins (Prov. 10:12; Jas. 5:20)
Not gossiping, but restoring others in love
Love others deeply. Love covers sin—not by ignoring it, but by responding with grace and
a desire to restore, not to gossip.
V. Practice Hospitality (v. 9) “Without grudging.”…WALAY PAGPANUKO
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Welcome others warmly and willingly (Rom. 12:13)
Don’t treat hospitality as a burden
Be warm and welcoming to others—willingly, not grudgingly. Look for ways to bless and
help people.
VI. Use Your Gifts to Serve (v. 10) “As good stewards…”
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Every believer has a gift from God (Rom. 12:4–8)
Use it for the good of others
God gave each of us a gift. Use it to serve others faithfully, as a good steward of His
grace.
VII. Speak God’s Word, Not Just Opinions (v. 11a)
“If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God…”
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Share God’s truth, not just opinions
Use His Word for instruction and encouragement
When you teach or share, speak according to God’s Word—not just your own thoughts.
His truth brings life and direction.
VIII. Serve with God’s Strength (v. 11b)
“Do it as of the ability which God giveth…”
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Don’t overdo it to seek glory, nor underdo it to avoid responsibility
Serve with the strength that God gives – for His glory
( NOT ALL ARE APOSTLE PAUL, FRONTIER MISSION OR ANY PREACHERS….but you have your
own gifts, discover it as of the ability w/c GOD giveth. (pinasikad sa gahum sa DIOS)
Don’t serve for personal glory or hold back out of fear. Serve using the strength God
provides, so He gets the glory.
If you want to live to the will of God, then:
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Cease from sin
Be prepared to give an account
Stay prayerful
Show love
Practice hospitality
Use your gift
Speak God’s Word
Serve with God’s strength
Follow Peter’s instructions and you will live a life that honors God—and be ready for
your reward at the judgment seat of Christ.
Suffering as a Christian
Text: 1 Peter 4:12–19
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 4:16 – "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed;
but let him glorify God on this behalf."
REASONS FOR SUFFERING
 The Fiery Trial (vv. 12–13)
Trials can be intense—like fire. Some come from God to test us (Prov. 17:3), others from Satan (Eph. 6:16).
When we suffer, we share in Christ’s suffering and will share in His glory.
 Reproach for the Name of Christ (v. 14)
Expect rejection when you stand for Jesus (Jn. 15:18–21). But you are blessed when you're insulted for His
name—God’s Spirit is upon you.
 As a Christian (vv. 16–18)
Sometimes we suffer just for being a Christian. God starts judgment with His people, disciplining us to be
holy (Heb. 12:5–11).
 According to God’s Will (v. 19)
Suffering may be God’s way to grow us and help us turn from sin (1 Pet. 4:2; Rom. 8:13). He cares more
about our holiness than our comfort.
 Not for Sin (v. 15)
If we suffer for doing wrong, that’s judgment, not Christian suffering (2 Thes. 1:7–9). Make sure your
suffering is for doing good, not evil
RESPONSES FRO SUFFERING
 Don’t Be Surprised (v. 12)
Suffering is normal for believers (2 Tim. 3:12). Expect it when you live a godly life.
 Rejoice (v. 13)
Rejoice now because there will be even greater joy when Jesus returns (Matt. 5:10–12; Lk. 6:22–23).
 Be Happy (v. 14)
Find joy even in insults. Like Paul, take pleasure in persecution for Christ (2 Cor. 12:9–10; Acts 5:41).
 Don’t Be Ashamed (v. 16)
Never be ashamed of suffering for Jesus (2 Tim. 1:8, 12). Stand firm in your faith.
 Glorify God (v. 16)
Suffering honors God. It reveals His justice and prepares us for glory (2 Thes. 1:4–5; Rom. 8:17–18).
 Keep Doing Good (v. 19)
Don’t quit. Keep doing right even in hardship (Gal. 6:9; Prov. 24:10). God will keep your soul safe (2 Tim.
1:12).
✅ Conclusion:
Suffering as a Christian is not a punishment—it’s part of God’s plan. It proves your faith,
brings glory to God, and prepares you for eternal reward. Respond to suffering with faith,
joy, and perseverance, trusting that God is in control.