1Peter4
1 Peter 4:1-11 (NASB)
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. 1Pet4v1
V.1 – “arm yourselves” a military metaphor (G3695) . Even maybe necessary to arm themselves for death.
(1Pet4:1)
The sense: Armed – be Prepared – Ready
Strongs G3695 ὁπλίζω [hoplizo /hop·lid·zo/] v. From 3696; TDNT 5:294; TDNTA 702; GK 3959; AV translates as “arm (one’s) self with” once. 1 to arm, furnish with arms. 2 to provide. 3 to furnish one’s self with a thing (as with arms). 4 metaph. take on the same mind.[1]
– Second: Believers need to suffer courageously, know that God will ultimately be victorious.
“those who have suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin”
– The third and most likely interpretation is that Christians, having died in Christ, are one with him and are legally free from the penalty of sin. They are in union with Christ, so they regard themselves as dead to sin. Believers are no longer bound by sin’s penalty; they must strive, in practice, to be free from its power.
Suffering can be helpful in that area. Just as Christ’s sufferings led to death and resurrection, so our suffering can help us put sin and selfishness behind us and enter more fully into a new life of service to God.
V.2 – so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will (G2307)of God.
1Pet4v2
The Will (G2307 LN25.2) – deals with the ‘inclination’ ‘the attitude’ toward sin. This is the area of self we need to be involved in. It is more than learning – more than application – but an action, a doing – put effort into it. It frequently is the last thing we’d do.
G2307…. 1b1 commands, precepts. 2 will, choice, inclination, desire, pleasure.[2]
LN25.2 – quotes 1 Pe 4:2 – “,…‘you must live the rest of your earthly lives controlled by what God desires and not by human passions’ 1 Pe 4:2[3]
“Human desires” is used here in a negative sense. These are the desires that war against their souls (2:11). These desires are merely “human” and in opposition to “the will of God.” What is the will of God? Peter’s answer is that the believers should:
V.3 – You have already spent enough time in doing what the Gentiles like to do, living n licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry…. The list of evils: Note definitions:
Licentiousness (“debauchery” niv) is open and excessive indulgence in sexual sins. A licentious person has no sense of shame or restraint. Licentiousness is the outworking of sexual immorality and impurity.
- Passions (“lusts”) are sinful human desires. Unbelievers pattern their lives after their desires, following where those desires lead, for they are unable to control them (see also 1:14).
- Drunkenness refers to excessive use of wine and strong drink.
- Revels (also translated “orgies”) are drunken parties often filled with sexual promiscuity. These were often associated with festivals of some pagan gods.
- Carousing is one’s active involvement in the above-mentioned revels—getting drunk and out of control.
- Lawless idolatry is actually plural, referring to idolatrous acts. Peter culminated his list with these words, indicating that many of the above acts were associated with the worship of pagan gods.
V.4– With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you…
Describe what each class would face in making changes in their life?
Christians coming from pagan worship would come from a world filled with ‘debachery’. They would need help to deal with transition. (Think of our new people (adults) coming from this world. Even if their life was on a ‘good’ side what things do you think they’d have to deal with?)
NOW – the Jews coming in would come not from a life style of debauchery, but would be from what conflict?
Without God’s spirit in them they will be consumed for living in ‘self-gratification’. In contrast quote LABC:
THE 180-DEGREE TURN
Christians are an odd bunch. They don’t plunge into every party. They go to church when other good people play sports, enjoy the sunshine, or catch up on sleep. They give money away when other fine people struggle along to maximize investment potential. They pray about matters that normal, reasonable, levelheaded people would gladly sue over. They poop out when the party heats up. They seem satisfied with monogamy. How quaint!
A person whose life changes radically at conversion may experience contempt from his or her old friends. He may be scorned not only because he refuses to participate in certain activities, but also because his priorities have changed and he is now heading in the opposite direction. His very life incriminates their sinful activities. Mature Christians should help new believers resist such pressures of opposition by encouraging them to be faithful to Christ. [4] (Quote LABC)
The point: A believer’s refusal to participate in an activity is a silent condemnation of that activity. Unbelievers then react with hostility, often because they want to justify their actions or silence their own consciences. The “abuse” is verbal—slander, lies, and malicious comments.
V.5 – but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
Those that inflict persecution on God’s people are those that are marked for eternal punishment and will stand before the final judge for their behavior. (John 5:22)
The final judgement will be universal so there would be no reason for us to taunt them as they did us. The Point: Unbelievers, whether alive or dead at the time of Christ’s return, will receive the punishment they deserve. God is ready to judge; that is, judgment may come at any moment.
V.6 – 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
LABC in reference to V. 6: Most likely, however, Peter was referring to those dead at that time of his writing who had heard and accepted the gospel. Many people in the early church had concerns about life after death. In Thessalonica, Christians worried that loved ones who died before Christ’s return might never see Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). They wondered if those who died would be able to experience the promised eternal life. Peter explained that these believers, though they had been judged in the flesh as everyone is judged—that is, they died physically as everyone dies physically—will still one day live in the spirit as God does. (quote LABC)
V.7 – 9 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
V.7 – How are we to relate to God or “vertically” ? – These Are?
Ans. – we are to be ‘self-controlled and sober–minded”
Because of the return of Christ we are to be watchful and morally upright doing His will. (Matt. 24:36-25:13; Romans 13:13-14; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 10:25; James 5:8)
“Clear minded” is the opposite of insanity and of drunkenness.
“Self-controlled” refers to sobriety and restraint.
Persecution and suffering battle against clear-mindedness; self-control is difficult when one faces injustice.
It is needed so once can pray intelligently and appropriately. (1 Thess. 5:6)
Peter also knew from experience how weak a believer could become when faced with severe temptation without being grounded in prayer. Peter had proclaimed loyalty to Christ, but instead of praying in the Garden with Jesus, he had slept. When the time of trial had come, Peter had betrayed his Lord. Peter did not want his followers to face the same weakness, but to be ready and strengthened through prayer.
The meaning for today calls for self-discipline when we pray. Rather than merely a quick blessing on our food or a three-minute devotional, we should reserve extended times for sober, direct communication with God. Lack of prayer will render us unprepared for the end times. (Quote: LABC)
A GOOD INVESTMENT
We should live expectantly because Christ is coming. Peter gives six admonitions for how to prepare for the end times.
- Live each day as though Christ could return at once (4:7).
- Keep a clear head, not getting carried away by self-indulgence (4:7).
- Stay disciplined and alert for prayer (4:7).
- Make active expressions of love a priority (4:8).
- Be faithful in the stewardship of your gifts, investing your time and talent where they will make an eternal difference (4:10).
- In everything, praise God as the source of your energy and the reason for your service (4:11)
V.8&9 – How are we to relate to other people or “horizontally” – These Are?
Loving one another earnestly and show hospitality to one another w/out grumbling…. MEANS?
V.8 – 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling
LOVE AS ANTIDOTE
Life needs strong soap to wash away the buildup of hurt and grief. What’s the better soap—love or hate—when
- your friend forgets a breakfast meeting that you lost sleep to get to?
- your teenager has a fender bender, distracted by a song on the radio?
- your church passes a budget with expenditures you believe are frivolous?
- your spouse is in a cantankerous mood?
- the renter above you likes her music loud?
- some potbellied loudmouth on the first-base side is talking about your son’s pitching?
- your mom is on the phone again?
- your boyfriend is seen with someone else?
As Christians, we should forgive the faults in others’ lives because we have experienced God’s gracious forgiveness in our own. [5]
I’m quoting LABC here because it speaks it in a clear voice an area that is not the strongest in some churches:
Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Being hospitable is different from social entertaining. Entertaining focuses on the host—the home must be spotless; the food must be well prepared and abundant; the host must appear relaxed and good-natured. Hospitality, in contrast, focuses on the guests. Their needs— whether for a place to stay, nourishing food, a listening ear, or acceptance—are the primary concern. Hospitality can happen in a messy home. It can happen around a dinner table where the main dish is canned soup. It can even happen while the host and the guest are doing chores together. Believers should not hesitate to offer hospitality just because they are too tired, too busy, or not wealthy enough to entertain. Hospitality is a strong expression of love, which Peter already commanded the believers to show (4:8).
The early Christian church depended on hospitality. There was not a network of motels and wayside restaurants for travelers as we would picture today. Traveling preachers and teachers depended on Christians to give them a place to stay, and churches needed homes in which to meet. Also, hospitality draws people together and allows them to get to know one another. The young church needed this interdependence. Jesus had counted on this for his disciples (Mark 6:10; see Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:1–2, and 3 John 5–8 for more commands regarding hospitality).
The addition of the words without complaining gives a tinge of realism to the well-known command to be hospitable. Hospitality can be hard work: Some guests will be more difficult than others, and there may be times when it is more of a duty than a joy. In any case, Peter recommended that the believers not complain but serve their guests as though serving the Lord himself, “As you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40 nrsv).
THE WELCOME MAT
Why would anyone complain about being hospitable? Well …
- Guests eat up the cupboard. Hospitality is expensive. Food isn’t cheap.
- Guests eat up emotional energy. They talk about themselves, their aches and pains, their relatives’ aches and pains. It gets tedious.
- Guests eat up time. You’ve got a fix-it list a mile long, a phone-back list that stretches the length of the refrigerator, and there’s that new computer program you wanted to learn.
But the Bible advises us to invest in people and to let the rest take its course. Budgets are flexible, emotions replenishable, and there will never be an end to fix-it or learn-it chores. When guests arrive, focus on them generously. Your time and cupboard are God’s anyhow. Build bonds of friendship by treating guests like royalty.[6]
V.10 – 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Here is an area of question – one that has views that different from others – some views one has are unspoken – some are questions as to what it really is telling us today. To help us in this discussion I present Life Application Bible Commentary quote:
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. Each person has received one or more spiritual gifts from God. A spiritual gift is a talent or ability empowered by the Holy Spirit and able to be used in the ministry of the church. Spiritual “gifts” help God’s people to serve and love one another (4:8) and continue the work of spreading the gospel. Paul wrote, “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us” (Romans 12:4–6 niv). Different types of gifts given to God’s people are listed in Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11, 27–31; and Ephesians 4:11–12—these lists are different and are by no means exhaustive. When believers humbly recognize their partnership in the body of Christ, their gifts can be used effectively. Only then can they also appreciate one another’s gifts. God gives his people various spiritual gifts so they can build up his church. The gifts were not meant for self-aggrandizement; instead, each believer has received at least one gift from God in order to serve others.
When believers use their gifts in humble service to others, they are actually faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. The gifts God gives believers are as varied and many-faceted as are the believers themselves. As God’s grace varies in its dealings with people, so God’s gifts (given because of his grace) are varied in their administration of his grace as Christ’s body on earth. To be “faithful” means not to hide the gifts, but to use them as they were meant to be used—serving and building up the body of Christ.
A GIFT FOR YOU
Our abilities should be faithfully used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Others feel that they have no special talents at all. Peter addresses both groups in these verses. Because each believer has been given a way to minister, we should find our way to serve and do it. Most importantly, when we see a need in the church, we should meet it the best way we can. If it’s possible to serve by way of our gift, that’s great. But if there remains a need, even though it may not be perfectly matched to our gift we still should help. We should never withhold our ability to minister. [7]
Questions:
Why would it be good or not so good to try and identify one’s gift?
How would we really know that a talent is the ‘God given gift’ for the service to the congregation?
What if we have a gift of ‘Evangelism” or “public speaking” or “empathy” – What would make it qualify as one from God for the sake of the congregation?
A question: is a ‘talent’ that one can label as a gift from God for the congregation or a gift that God gave us to enjoy and still utilize for His glory?
List some things that might/would be needed in a congregation to benefit the flock?
Would ‘humility’ be needed for self and the flock? How so?
Do we really know how to function under proper humility or do we put on a cloak and become an actor to make sure we are performing in line with our perception of what humility is?
V.11 – Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.
Again, there are questions as to what group of people Paul is addressing. Are they those that do public speaking as preachers and teachers, or in reference to the speech of all believers in the worship setting?
The scripture states: “speaking the very words of God” – would that set it apart from everyday speaking?
Would it not seem important the Men and Women with a gift o speaking not be speaking with an ownership of responsibility of the words or claims?
LABC quote: WHOSE POWER?
We need God’s strength to do God’s work. A vital church requires lots of serving—and that means work. Typically, much of the work falls on a few shoulders. Those people need the strength that God supplies. How do active people get help from God’s supply cabinet? Often they get it through your efforts. They need your prayers, cooperation, and an occasional sabbatical. Offer to pitch in, to provide relief, and to shoulder a load.
All who serve must trust in God for the joy to do the work cheerfully. When your batteries run low, take a break for prayer and meditation. Work is lighter when it’s shared, and easy when you feel God’s joy in it.[8]
- 12-19 – “Suffering for being a Christian”
1 Peter 4:12-19 (NASB)
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?
19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
[1] Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
[2] Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
[3] Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 287). New York: United Bible Societies.
[4] Barton, B. B. (1995). 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude (p. 113). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Pub.
[5] Barton, B. B. (1995). 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude (p. 118). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Pub.
[6] Barton, B. B. (1995). 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude (pp. 118–119). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Pub.
[7] Barton, B. B. (1995). 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude (pp. 119–120). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Pub.
[8] Barton, B. B. (1995). 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude (p. 121). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Pub.