1 Peter 4:1-11

1: Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
2: so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
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, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.
4: In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;
5: but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6: For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

7: The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
8: Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
9: Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
10: As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11: Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

*** 

Peter instructed his readers by saying that since Christ had suffered in the flesh, for them to arm themselves with the same purpose—to live the rest of their lives for the will of God and not the lusts of men. He said it was enough that they had already spent time in their past living a life of sin. He noted that those whom they used to participate in sin with are surprised they they’ve not continued in sin with them, and speak wrongly about them because of it.

However, one day, those who spoke against them will give account to the Judge of all. The gospel has been preached even to those who are dead—those who have been “judged in the flesh as men”—so they might live in the spirit according to the will of God. Peter told them that the end of all things was near, and for them to be of sound judgement and sober spirit in prayer.

Above all things to keep fervent love for one another, which covers a multitude of sin. They were to be hospitable and serve one another with the gifts God had given them. When speaking—be sure it’s the utterances of God. When serving—do so in the strength He gives. So in everything God is glorified through Jesus Christ—to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. So be it.


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