Day 452: Living for God's will – 1 Peter 4 vs 1 – 11

1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding - because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin - in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will. 

3 For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the Gentiles choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behaviour, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry.  4 They are surprised that you don’t join them in the same flood of wild living - and they slander you.  5 They will give an account to the one who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead, so that, although they might be judged in the flesh according to human standards, they might live in the spirit according to God’s standards.

7-9 The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.  Be hospitable to one another without complaining.  10-11 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:1-11 Christian Standard Bible.

While friends and neighbours weren't willing to listen to the Christians Peter was writing to as they tried to tell them about Jesus Christ, they couldn't help but notice the change Jesus had made in their lives. As Peter says: “They are surprised that you don’t join them in the same flood of wild living, and slander you!” (vs 4) Some of that 'wild living' is described in vs 3. When people put off wild living and start living according to God's will, it is very noticeable. And Peter says that those who slander Christians will eventually have to answer to God. (vs 5)

Verse 6 is puzzling. Some suggests it refers to what Peter had written about the proclamation Christ made in the time between His death and resurrection to 'the spirits in prison who had been disobedient in the days of Noah'. (That was in 1 Peter 3:17-20) But it could also refer to believers who had died since hearing the gospel. The important thing to note is that Peter speaks of ‘God's standards’ as opposed to the lifestyle of our sinful nature. With that in mind, what is the urgent reminder Peter gives to Christians in vs 7-9?

The end of all things is near! Ever since Jesus Christ came into the world and died on the cross, and then returned to the Father, the stage has been set for the coming day of judgement. In another letter Peter wrote which we have in the Bible, he speaks of how some will taunt Christians that this 'coming day of judgement' seems to be taking a long time. But he says there “Don’t overlook this fact that, with the Lord - one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day! The Lord doesn't delay his promise, as some understand delay, but He is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9)

Finally, much like the apostle Paul did at the end of his letter to the Thessalonians, Peter gives the Christians some things they should do as they await the return of Christ. (vs 10-11). We are to be alert and prayerful, and always seeking to love others as Christ has loved us. We must use whatever abilities God has given to us - not to attract attention to ourselves - but in humble service of our fellow believers. What do vs 10-11 tell us the motive for how we behave and what we do should be?

The way we live as Christians and the things we do and say, are so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. The end is near, says Peter, so Christians should seek to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will. And God will provide the strength we need to do that.