Chapter 4
-Peter tells us to arm ourselves with the same way of
thinking as Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) with regards to His attitude toward
suffering in the flesh according to the Lord’s will. This suffering allows us
to cease from sin and enables us to live our lives no longer in the human
passions of sensuality, sexual immorality, drunkenness, orgies, drinking
parties, and lawless idolatry (1 Peter 4:1-3). The people of the world are
surprised when you do not join them in this debauchery and they make fun of you
for it; however, they will give an account to the Almighty Judge for their
actions (1 Peter 4:4-5). This is why the gospel is preached, even to those who
are dead, so that they may live in the spirit in the same manner God does, even
though the flesh will inevitably be judged (1 Peter 4:6). This verse can be
interpreted a couple of different ways. One view has been to say that Christ
has preached in the underworld, probably during His time of death before the
resurrection. The other view, and the one I prefer, is simply that we are dead
in our trespasses and sin until we hear the gospel and receive the
new-spiritual birth that only Christ can give. This compliments the rest of
Scripture more accurately in my opinion. We are all going to be judged in the
physical because of sin, which produces physical death. We are dead spiritually
as well until we receive the Spirit of God into our lives through Jesus
Christ’s work on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:22). When we receive His new life,
we awake spiritually speaking as a new creation destined for glory (2
Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15). *Application* The new life in Christ frees
us from the enticements of this world. When we receive Christ, He gives us a
new heart, a new mind, and a new will. Our desire, in Him, is to follow His
ways and do the same things He did by the Holy Spirit that indwells us. This
includes the endurance in suffering, which Peter expounds upon here, for the
believers who were going through trial and tribulation. These are normal
aspects of the Christian life and should be embraced because they draw us
closer to God in dependence and help us cease from sin. Amen!
-Since the end of all things is at hand, we are instructed
to be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of praying fervently unto
the Lord (1 Peter 4:7). Above all, earnest love is to be demonstrated, which
covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Christians should show hospitality
without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9). As each of us has received a spiritual gift
according to God’s varied grace, we should employ them for the building up of
the body of Christ, which is the church. This gives Jesus His proper glory and
dominion (1 Peter 4:10-11). *Application* This is good Christian instruction
with some time honored virtues and themes. When we display these qualities, we
will be growing in Him and the world will notice the difference Christ makes in
us (2 Peter 1:4-11).
-Peter returns quickly to the theme of suffering as
believers in Christ Jesus. He says, through the Holy Spirit, not to be
surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you for the purpose of testing
(1 Peter 4:12). We are to rejoice and be glad in these times of testing because
it allows for Christ’s glory to be revealed over and over again (1 Peter 4:13).
Insults and persecutions for the Name of Christ bless us because the Spirit of
God rests upon those enduring that condition (1 Peter 4:14). Suffering as a
wrongdoer is another scenario and is not recommended (1 Peter 4:15), but there
is no shame is suffering as a Christian for the right reasons and we should
give God glory (1 Peter 4:16). Judgment begins at the household of God and
refines us for His Kingdom so that we will not be judged along with the world
of unbelievers. Because of this we can entrust our souls to a faithful Creator
while continuing to do good with perseverance (1 Peter 4:17-19). *Application*
There is a reason for all the tough times and things you go through as a
believer who is totally yielded to God. When we go through trials, it is a time
of introspection and evaluation. Sometimes we need to repent of sins and allow
the Lord’s discipline and refining work in us to purify. This is good and
profitable for all. At other times we can rejoice that despite our virtuous
life, God has allowed us to partake of the sufferings of the Savior
(Philippians 3:10). This conforms us to His image more and more and makes us a
better reflection of Him to this lost world. Never is it easy, but it is
rewarding (1 Peter 5:10). Rejoice in suffering because God is at work in it to
bring about a better you for His glory!
Verse to Memorize: 1
Peter 4:9-10, 12, 19
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