1 Peter 4:15

1 Peter 4:15 ‘By no means let any of you suffer as. murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or. troublesome meddler;'

‘By no means let any of you' -‘Let'-Sin is always something that is chosen by the individual.

‘suffer' -‘Suffering for wrong doing is real also but one receives no approval and happiness from such suffering as one would for suffering, on behalf of, or in the name of, Christ.' (Hamilton p. 261) ‘Suffering for these things is only receiving one's “just deserts”…and provides no basis for rejoicing. Rather, weeping, repentance, and prayer for forgiveness would be in order! Acts 8:20.' (Oberst p. 214)

‘murderer' -Carefully note that all forms of killing are not viewed as murder. God gives the civil authorities the right to punish the evil-doer (1 Peter 2:14; Romans 13:4). Nothing has really changed. ‘Human life was lightly regarded in that period and murder was common. Thievery was an especially frequent crime, particularly among slaves.' (Woods p. 118) Our ‘modern' society hasn't been able to liberate itself from either sin. Murder is still common, occurring on. daily basis, even in local metropolitan areas. Shoplifting, employee theft, white collar crime, and so on are still very common.

‘evildoer' -‘doing evil,. criminal' (Arndt p. 397); ‘a law-violator' (Woods p. 118)

‘troublesome meddler' -‘one who takes the supervision of affairs pertaining to others and in no wise to himself' (Thayer p. 29). ‘a busy-body' (Arndt p. 40). ‘or as. spy upon other people's business' (Mon). ‘Interfering in matters which do not concern Christians' (TCNT).

Points to Note: 1. Everything that happens isn't the business of. Christian. 2. Proverbs 26:17 ‘Like one who takes. dog by the ears is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him'. This should tell us that every problem among people isn't our problem. 3. This demands that our intentions are sincere and pure when we are ‘trying to help'. Unfortunately, some are only collecting gossip and juicy tidbits under the guise of trying to help. 4. In light of the practices involved in the discipling movement (telling members where they can live, who they can date, what color of shirt they can wear, how much time they have to spend in prayer, bible study and so on), this verse fits very well.