1 Peter 4
CHAPTER 4
Living to God
Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind. For he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. 2 You should no longer live the rest of your time in the flesh, to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime doing the will of the Gentiles- when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, and so speak evil of you- you 5 who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the living and the dead! 6 For to this end was the gospel preached to those now dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
7 But the end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be of sound mind and sober in prayer, 8 above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves. For love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to each other without complaining; 10 according as each has received a gift, minister it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as if it were 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 belongs the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Encouragement for the last days
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to test you, as though some strange thing happened to you. 13 But insomuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice! That at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men's matters. 16 But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in this name.
17 For the time of judgment begins at the house of God, and if we are judged first, what shall be the outcome of those that do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous are scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear? 19 Therefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls in doing well to a faithful Creator.
Commentary
4:4 We shouldn’t be surprised if the world views us as strange and even gets aggressive with us because of our refusal to do the sinful things which they do. What they don’t appreciate is that we have to give account to God for our lives, whereas they simply live and die for ever (:5).
4:10 Whatever gifts we receive from God, we are given them only to give them as gifts to others. These gifts may not be financial; but the poor need not think they have been given no gifts. We have each been given gifts by God.
4:19 Whilst we should be confident of our final salvation by God’s grace, we should always be aware that we are totally unworthy of this; thus we will only be barely saved as it were, scraping in by grace alone- in one sense. This should give us an appropriate humility and grace in how we relate to others.
