8.43 - 1 Peter: Faithful Suffering

Opening your life and home to others comes with imperfections and gripes. But as Christians, we are to do all things without complaining and guard our hearts and minds against the temptation to mutter against each other when we part company. Instead, let us lead as servant examples and strengthen ourselves in the challenge of faithful witness. Tune in to today's episode of the After Class Podcast to hear how the guys unpack the end of 1 Peter 4. Let us discipline ourselves for the sake of our prayers, so that our witness to unbelievers might be patterned after Christ. 

Have you put sin behind you? Hurray! Way to go! Now it's time to suffer! Wait—what? Are you at the point where you're making tough decisions because of your faith? Do your ways seem strange to the watching world? Are you suffering and wrestling in your walk with Christ? Tune in to today's episode on 1 Peter chapter 4, where the guys unpack the "suffering, faithful witness" and the gospel proclaimed to the dead.

How do we respond to opposition from unbelievers who don't treat us well? Can we still offer a God-honoring witness through our suffering? And what does that look like within the context of marriage to an unbeliever? Tune in today as the guys explore how Peter calls believers to live faithfully, even when faced with unfair treatment or difficult relationships.

Tune in to today's episode as we dive deeper into the crumbling power dynamics of our world. We're continuing our discussion on aliens and exiles, moving from how we relate to governing structures to how we respond to employers—and even slave owners in the ancient context, and...today?  What do we do with Peter's call to submit to those in charge, even when they're less than desirable? Are we suffering for doing good, or are we suffering because we're bringing trouble on ourselves? Also, a quick shoutout to A Beck Creations—the amazing coffee gifted to the guys in a previous episode! You can check them out at: 👉 https://abeckcreations.square.site/

New episode, new section in the book of 1 Peter as we dig into the idea of a cruciformed witness among the nations. (1 Peter 2:11 onward). We are in the world, but not of it—resident aliens representing the Kingdom of God wherever we go. How do we relate properly to non-believers and the powers of the world? Tune in today as the guys explore what Peter calls us to, and how this call challenges the way we live and love in our modern context.

Picking up in chapter 2 of 1 Peter, we return to the theme of love. Not all babies go to the nursery—so what keeps us from growing? Could malicious talk, insincerity, or selfish motives be getting in the way of your witness? In today's digital world, where division often dominates the conversation, we're reminded how easy it is to return to old habits and worldly concerns—like a dog returning to its vomit. Tune into today's episode as the guys unpack how our love for one another can be tested, challenged, and sometimes compromised—and how to guard against it in faith and truth.

Does God call us to love everyone in a universal way, or are we called to love in a specific, concentrated way? For some, this is an easy answer; for others, it's a point of contention. Which is it for you? In an age of polarizing tension, the world could really use some love. In today's episode, the guys explore what it means to purify ourselves—and what that has to do with love. So, tune in today as the guys discuss how we can offer the best loving witness to the world!

Continuing in chapter 1, verse 17, we resume our study of 1 Peter. God will judge each person according to their works, yet we are saved by grace through faith—not by works. Do Paul and Peter preach different gospels? How do we synthesize these messages? Join the guys as they wade into deep theological waters. Works, faith, predestination, and more await you in this installment of the After Class Podcast.

The world distorts, persecutes, lies, and tempts us to be distracted. Despite this, are you experiencing the indescribable joy found in Christ? When we embrace the vision of the Kingdom of God inaugurated in Christ, it produces a joy that looks ahead to the fullness we will one day experience — yet can already taste now. As Peter writes: "Even though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with a glorious joy that cannot be put into words, for you are receiving the salvation of your souls — the final result of your faith." So now what? Join the guys as they unpack what it means to believe without seeing, gird up the loins of our minds, and discover how joy can spring up even in the midst of suffering for the faith.

Today the guys continue our study and examine 1 Peter 1:3–9. To choose allegiance to Christ and His Kingdom is to enter into conflict and enmity with the world wherever you may roam. What does it mean that our inheritance is kept in heaven? Are we Livin' on a Prayer, or is it true that the world Can't Touch This salvation we hope for as we follow The Man, the Lord Jesus Christ? Don't Stop Believin'—don't miss out on the great things God is calling us into! Pick your walk-up song and get ready for the endgame in today's episode of the After Class Podcast.