I Peter 4--Suffering

Since Christ suffered, arm yourself with the same mind that you should suffer in the flesh and cease from sin.
We should put to death that old dead man and make the flesh suffer by abstaining from those things that it takes pleasure in (lusts, pride, etc) and cease from sinning.

As nonbelievers, we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. Non believing friends (once you've converted) think you should continue in this behavior and will speak evil of you. But they will give account to the Judge of the living and dead.

Be serious and watchful in your prayers.

Above all things have fervent love for one another. Love will cover a multitude of sins.
The pastor who married my sweetie and I admonished us that we should live in such a way that no one will know his faults through me. And vice-versa. I've always tried to live by those words. Of course, I can't think of anything negative about him anyway. He's just perfect for me!

Also we had friends who used to say "Love Covers." They especially would say this when they heard someone exposing the sin of someone else. The issue is not confronting sin for in other passages we are encouraged to to that. But there is an appropriate way to confront sin, and initially it is not publicly or to those who are not a part of the solution.

Be hospitable without grumbling. I love to have people over, but sometimes stress out right before they get here--trying to make things perfect. Unfortunately, the grumbling comes when the kids are not helping me reach that goal. I pray the Lord will help me to overcome and help them to be more helpful.

Use your gifts.
If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen

Pastor said all spiritual gifts could be broken down into 2 categories : speaking gifts and serving gifts.

Rejoice in trials that you are partaking of Christ's sufferings.

4 Attitudes we should have during Trials
--Expect it
--Rejoice in it
--Evaluate the cause
--Entrust to God

If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you!

Don't go looking for trouble by being a murderer, thief, evildoer or busybody.
It's interesting to me that a busybody is as bad as the others.

Judgement begins at the house of God