Peter’s Words, Part VI Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: Peter’s Words, Part VI ------------------------------ Date: 07/06/2000 Keywords: "baptism" "conscience" "patience" "Peter" "suffer" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. Passage: 1 Peter 4:3-5* 3. For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. 4. And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you; 5. but they shall give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. Questions 1. Do you enjoy being alone doing nothing, or does silence bother you?   2. Do you have friends who accept you as you are? Or do you have friends who will accept you only as long as you entertain them?   Practical help Some people put off making a decision to pursue truth over pleasure because they want to experience a little more of what this world has to offer. Peter is essentially saying that you have already had enough time to experience the alternative to a life with God. If you have played around with porn, you have gotten the gist of how temporary and ultimately unsatisfying pleasure as an end in itself can be. The true beauty of life is cheapened when all we are seeking is simply arousal. If your relationship with others is based on getting high or fulfilling your sexual appetites, don't be surprised by their response when you want out. Those who pursue knowing God are a threat to the lifestyles of those they once partied with. It is more likely you will be laughed at initially than it is that your present companions will admire you for your courageous stand. The possible loss of friends is one of the strongest reasons people give for not doing what they know is right. Peer pressure is definitely a strong influence. Just remember that all of us will someday stand before Jesus who is ready and able to judge the living and the dead. And who knows? Perhaps you will be the one God uses in your friends' lives to draw them to Himself as well. May God bless you, and may you respond to Him today. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2000 by eXXit *"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission."