First Peter Four Eight-Eleven
Words Of Truth

Words Of Truth


"That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth..." (Proverbs 22:21).

First Peter 4:8-11
Fervent Charity Through Using Abilities For Service To The Glory Of God

I. Introduction:

A. Last week we talked about the “end of all things”, this week we will talk about what is “above all things” (I Corinthians 13:13).

  1. We are rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17).
  2. Thus, we act with love (I Corinthians 16:14).
B. These saints were scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (I Peter 1:1).

  1. They are in heaviness through manifold temptations (I Peter 1:6-7).
  2. Of course, the faithful always have God (Romans 8:31 and Hebrews 13:5-6).
  3. As we look at the instructions in our study today, just be mindful of the fact that when the world is against us [saints], we have each other for support (I Thessalonians 5:11-14).

II. Body: I Peter 4:8-11

A. Above [in front of] all things (Colossians 3:12-14; cf. I Corinthians 16:14).

  1. Charity is the greatest (I Corinthians 13:1-13).
  2. Charity [love] is the driving force of faith (Galatians 5:6), obedience (John 15:9-10 and II John 1:6), and our relating to each other (John 13:34-35 and Ephesians 4:1-3).
  3. God’s love is complete in us when we love each other (I John 4:10-12).
  4. Such love that is without hypocrisy (Romans 12:9).
  5. To understand the word translated “fervent” [ἐκτενής] the best, consider how the Greek word is translated “without ceasing” in Acts 12:5.
B. Charity hides a large number of sins (Proverbs 10:12).

  1. Does this mean being a loving person includes ignoring sin? NO, (Revelation 3:19)!
  2. As we discussed love being a driving force. So it is in how sins are covered (James 5:19-20).
  3. This should not be confusing to anyone, as the Bible clearly shows us not to conceal sin in the way of man hiding it (Proverbs 28:13 and I John 1:5-2:2).
C. Like we see in the qualifications of elders (I Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:8), use hospitality (Romans 12:13).

  1. Host faithful brethren (Acts 16:13-15, Acts 16:40, and Romans 16:23) if you are capable of doing so. *About to talk about ability more here soon.
  2. Even when you aren’t fully familiar with them (Hebrews 13:1-2).
  3. Just remember a caution (II John 1:7-11).
  4. Also, understand the priority is not social affairs (Luke 10:38-42).
  5. Don’t do so while complaining about it (Philippians 2:14).
D. As every man hath received the gift (Romans 12:4-8 and I Corinthians 12:3-11)… *Remember what we looked at earlier (I Corinthians 13:1-13). Spiritual gifts have ceased as we now have “that which is perfect” (James 1:25).

  1. …Minister [serve] to one another (I Corinthians 14:12 and Ephesians 4:7-16).
  2. …As good stewards (I Corinthians 4:2).
  3. …Of the various gift of God, showing this is talking about multiple gifts rather than the ultimate gift (Romans 6:23).
E. Let every man speak as the oracles [an utterance] of God (Acts 7:38, Romans 3:1-2, and Hebrews 5:12).

  1. Whether it was the gift of prophesying (I Corinthians 14:1-5; 14:37) or saints without such gifts; God’s word is the standard from which we must all speak and act (Isaiah 8:20, Jeremiah 23:22, Colossians 3:16-17, and II Timothy 4:2).
  2. Serving as one has the ability to do so (Matthew 25:14-30).
  3. To God be all the glory and praise (I Corinthians 10:31 and Philippians 1:10-11).

III. Conclusion: Our Next Study; I Peter 4:12-19