1 Peter 4:1-19| A New Orientation to Suffering
We see here the need to fundamentally change the way we think. Our mindset, the framework from which we interpret ourselves, God, and our world must be reformed if we are to live in harmony with who God is and who we have now become in our new identity in Christ. One of the most fundamental of these changes is how we approach suffering. Our approach to suffering is not to protect our flesh, but just the opposite. It is quite clear in scripture that there must be a radical change in our orientation to our flesh, which refers here to our fallen nature and sinful appetites of the body.
It is because of this radical shift in our orientation to ourselves that we are called to live quite differently. Peter tells us to live no longer, "in the flesh for the lusts of men" (1 Peter 4:2). Instead, we are to live as those who are spiritually risen from the dead to live for the glory of God. To love one another, to commit to faithfully using the spiritual gifts we have been given by God, and to speak what is rooted in the wisdom of God's word so that God is glorified in and through our lives (v. 1-11). Having been set free from our self-absorbed self idolatry, we are now free to bring honor to God, not ourselves. To open people's blinded eyes to the beauty and glory and wonder of God in how we live, love, and speak. Even our suffering is to be seen in an entirely different light. We are not to feel shame. We should feel honor when we suffer because of our identification with Christ. We see it as a great honor to suffer for One so glorious. And in those sufferings, God Himself promises to lay upon us His spirit of glory as we share in His suffering for a world under the sway of the wicked one.s of God during His gracious longsuffering will experience all that is warned beyond measure. Let us beware. | |
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| 1 Peter 4:1-19
7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the 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 belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Suffering for God's Glory12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. | |
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| 1 Peter 4:1-19 v. 1 Christ – Christos (Gk.) the Anointed One, Messiah. This title identifies Jesus as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. Suffered – pascho (Gk.) feel, passion, suffer, vex. Specifically referring to Christ's crucifixion. This is in accordance with the promises of the scriptures. God had promised long ago to send the savior, the Christ, and that He would suffer and die for the sins of the people (Is. 53:1-6). for us – There was a definite purpose for Christ's suffering. He died for us. The scriptures make clear that Christ's death was for the payment and punishment of our sins in order that whoever would believe in Him might receive this free gift of Grace and have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. This is the heart of the Gospel message (1 Cor. 15:1-4). In the flesh – This phrase refutes the false doctrine that Christ was a mere concept, idea, or spirit. The scriptures make clear that He came in the flesh. He was an actual historical man who existed in time and space. This is called the incarnation (John 1:1-14, 1 Tim. 3:16; 1 John 4:2; 2 John 1:7). Arm Yourselves – To prepare yourself for spiritual battle. The context of this phrase indicates mental and spiritual battle, not a physical one. Same Mind – This means we are to take on the same attitude and outlook toward suffering that Christ did. We must have a willingness to suffer according to God's will, knowing that there is a greater purpose behind suffering (Phil. 2:5-8). He Who has Suffered in the Flesh has Ceased from Sin – Sin is the real problem that Jesus came to deal with. Jesus suffered in the flesh to bring forgiveness of sins. We also will suffer in the flesh as we struggle to resist sin and yield to God's will. One of the great goals of the Christian faith is to bring us each to the place where we cease from sin. This goal is only achieved as we suffer according to the will of God. This suffering can be self-inflicted as we deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus to obey God, or this suffering can come from a number of other sources such as persecution, God's chastening, or life's difficulties. God can and does use all kinds of suffering to purge and produce spiritual growth and holiness in his children. Ultimately this suffering will bring an end to sin. v. 2 That He no Longer Should Live the Rest of His Time in the Flesh for the Lusts of Men – He is referring to each individual believer. The rest of his time in the flesh refers to the rest of our lives here on earth. Peter is declaring that because Christ suffered for your sins, believers should no longer live for sin or for the lusts of men. Lust – the desire for what is forbidden the will of God – See Mark 3:35; Luke 7:30; Rom. 1:10, 8:27; Eph. 1:1, 6:6; Col. 4:12; 1 Thess. 4:3, 5:18; 2 Tim. 1:1; Heb. 10:36; 1 Peter 2:15, 3:17, 4:2, 19; 1 John 2:17. v. 3 our Past Lifetime – This is referring to the Christian's life before being born again (2 Cor. 5:17), and has nothing to do with the false notion of reincarnation (Heb. 9:27). Doing the Will of the Gentiles – Before a person is saved from the power and penalty of sin, he was not doing God's will but the will of the Gentiles. Gentiles typically referred to non-Jews. But to the Christian today can refer to the multitude of human family apart from the family of God. What Peter is trying to say is that we have all spent more than enough time in disobedience outside of the will of God. When we Walked – Walked means way of life or lived. So this phrase might also properly be translated, "When our lifestyle was…" Lewdness – aselgeia (Gk.) unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, shamelessness, insolence. Drunkenness – oinophlugia (Gk.) A state of loss of clear thinking and acting as a result of the use of alcohol. Revelries – komos (Gk.) Rioting, carousal. This was a common practice of nighttime celebrations that included eating, drinking, dancing, and noise making, usually unto a pagan god. Drinking Parties – potos (Gk.) A drinking-bout or banqueting. Another characteristic of the will of the Gentiles is to throw a party for the purpose of drinking and getting drunk. Abominable – athemitos (Gk.) Contrary to law and justice, prohibited by law, illicit, criminal. The worship of any thing in place of, or alongside of God is illegal or an abhorrent criminal act before God. Idolatries – eidololatreia (Gk.) Idolatry is the worship of anything in place of, or alongside, the true God. This can include your material possessions, hobbies, job, sports, pleasures, etc. v. 4 They Think it Strange that You do not Run With Them – "They" refers to those who are outside the family of God who can't understand why Christians don't live like they do. But the race Christians run heads in an opposite direction from the Gentiles, because Christians have a different purpose and finishing line (Heb. 12:1-3). Flood – anachusis (Gk.) an overflowing, a pouring out Dissipation – asotia (Gk.) Indulgence and wasteful living. Speaking Evil – blasphemeo (Gk.) To speak reproachfully, rail at, blaspheme. Because the ungodly can't understand the Christian's refusal to live in the same excessive sinful lifestyle they live in, they strike out verbally against the godly. Their twisted minds call good evil and evil good because of their spiritual darkness. v. 5 They will Give an Account to Him Who is Ready to Judge – This is a clear reference to the final judgment day (2 Peter 2:9, 3:7; 1 John 4:17; Jude 1:6). Everyone will face God in judgment. They must give explanation to God for all the words and deeds of their life. Living and the Dead – No one will escape the judgment of God. When judgment day comes the living will be judged, and the dead d will be raised to be judged on that day (Dan. 12:2, Acts 10:42; 2 Tim. 4:1, Rev. 20:11-15). v. 6 Gospel was Preached also to Those who are Dead – This is most likely referring to those who were spiritually dead. But it is quite possible that Peter was referring to the work of Christ referred to in 1 Peter 3:19 where Christ preached to those who were literally dead. Jesus also went to the place called Abraham's bosom (Luke 16:22) to proclaim the completion of God's plan of salvation to the righteous dead (Eph. 4:8-10). Judged According to Men in the Flesh – Because of sin (Adam's and our own) all flesh is subject to death (Rom 6:23, 1 Cor. 15:22). Therefore all flesh awaits the judgment of death as a consequence for sin (Gen. 2:17). Live According to God in the Spirit – Though a person may die because of the universal judgment of sin upon all flesh, all those who receive salvation through Christ will live through the work of God's Holy Spirit (John 11:25). This verse is declaring that the Gospel was preached to the dead in order that they may have spiritual life. v. 7 the End of all Things – Peter is speaking of the time of God's coming New Order, when the present heaven and earth passes away and all things are made new again (Matt. 24:35; Rev. 21:1, 5). Is at Hand – This Greek phrase (eggizo) means approaching or drawing near, and can just as easily be translated, draws near. Peter is not giving us a specific date. Jesus said no one knows the day or the hour (Matt. 24:36). And the scriptures declare that a thousand years is like one day to the Lord (2 Peter 3:8). The point Peter is trying to make here is that the end is coming and will come. Serious – sophroneo (Gk.) To be sober and of sound mind; to exercise self control. Keeping in mind the end of all things is approaching, we should live a disciplined life with a clear head. Watchful – nepho (Gk.) Sober, discreet, calm and collected in spirit. To be alert and aware of the needs and dangers that surround you in life. v. 8 Above all Things – most importantly… Fervent Love – The word fervent means, zealous, earnest, and unceasing. The Greek word for love here is agape, which is the highest form of love, with selfless and pure affection. Love will Cover a Multitude of Sins – Christians will sin against you in life, but if you love your fellow Christian you will not be looking for his or her faults and imperfections. And you will not be focused on blame or retaliation. v. 9 Hospitable – philoxenos (Gk.) loving strangers , generous to guests Grumbling – goggusmos (Gk.) A murmur, muttering or secret displeasure. We are being exhorted here to be sincere and genuine in our love and actions. v. 10 Each One Has Received a Gift – The scriptures make clear that every Christian has a spiritual gift (1 Cor. 7:7, 12:4-31). Minister – diakoneo (Gk.) To be a servant, attendant, domestic, to serve, wait upon. God gives spiritual gifts for us to share with others by serving them. Good Stewards – A steward is a manager who watches over and manages the property or business of someone else. We are all to be good managers of God's gifts and property. Manifold – poikilos (Gk) Varied or diverse. There are many ways God's grace is revealed to us and through us. v. 11 If Anyone Speaks – Peter is talking about spiritual gifts (v. 10). There are a great variety of spiritual gifts God gives to His people. Some spiritual gifts are speaking gifts: teaching, evangelism, exhortation, and prophecy (Acts 13:1, 1 Cor. 12:28, Eph. 4:11). Oracles – logion (Gk.) A divine utterance. Peter is saying that speaking gifts should be used as if God were speaking through you. If Anyone Ministers – Minister simply means to serve. Peter is now addressing all those who have been given spiritual gifts to serve the Body of Christ. With the Ability Which God Supplies – It is important to remember that God has supplied every Christian special abilities and gifts to be used for God's glory. Peter exhorts us all to serve with the ability, which God supplies rather than serve in our own strength, which leads to pride and ruin. That in All Things God May be Glorified – The Glory of God is the ultimate goal of the church and its individual members (1 Cor. 6:20, 10:31). The glory of God is the ultimate goal of every spiritual gift. Dominion – kratos (Gk.) great power and strength Amen – So it shall be. v. 12 Beloved – agapetos (Gk.) Esteemed, dear, favorite, worthy of love. Peter continues to address the reader as one dearly loved by both God and by Peter himself. Do not Think it Strange – Problems and trials are a normal part of life. Don't believe the false doctrine that says Christians are exempt from trouble in this life. As a matter of fact, the Bible teaches us that God uses trials to try us and test us and make us better. This means that trials are actually a good thing for the Christian (Rom. 8:28). Fiery Trial – purosis (Gk.) a burning, hence a refining v. 13 rejoice – chairo (Gk.) to be cheerful, be glad When His Glory is revealed – This is speaking of the advent of His second coming (Matt. 16:27; 2 Thess. 1:10; Rev. 1:7). On that day all our sufferings will be turned to joy. v. 14 Reproached – oneidizo (Gk.) to defame, taunt, to be insulted or criticized For the Name of Christ – Refers to the reputation or character of Christ. Blessed – makarios (Gk.) happy, fortunate, happier (Matt. 5:10-12) Spirit of glory and of God – The Holy Spirit (Is. 11:2; Matt. 3:16; 12:28; Rom. 8:9, 14; 1 Cor. 3:16) Rests Upon You – A common description of the empowering and enabling of God's Holy Spirit (Num. 11:17; Jdg. 6:34; 1 Sam. 10:6; Eze. 11:5; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; Acts 19:6). Blasphemed – blasphemeo (Gk.) to speak reproachfully, to speak evil of He is Glorified – Glorified means to receive high honor. Peter is using comparative language describing the contrasts revealed when you as a Christian are persecuted for righteousness sake, as the persecutor is blaspheming God, the persecuted is glorifying God. v. 15 Let None of You Suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody – Though suffering is to be expected since we stand out as godly in an ungodly world, we should never stand out as a wrongdoer. v. 16 Suffers as a Christian – You can suffer for doing wrong. You can also suffer for doing right. To suffer as a Christian is to suffer for doing right. Christian – Christianos (Gk.) One who trusts in Jesus Christ as Savior and follows Him as Lord. Interesting; this Greek word is on found three times in all of scripture (Acts 11:26, 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). Ashamed – aischuno (Gk.) To feel shame or dishonor. We should be ashamed if we suffer because of our own wrongdoing. But we should never be ashamed if we suffer for Christ's sake. Glorify God in This Matter – The proper Christian response to persecution or reviling should be praise unto God. v. 17 For the Time has Come for Judgment to Begin at the House of God – God will judge the entire world according to their deeds. But before He judges the world, He will first deal with His own people. God's judgment has already begun and is in continual process for all His children (2 Cor. 10:6). God judges or disciplines His own for the purpose of correction and restoration so that we will not have to face eternal judgment. He chastens us for our own good that we might become holy (Heb. 12:10). the House of God – the dwelling place of God, the body of Christ (1 Cor. 3:16). What Will be the End of Those who do not Obey the Gospel of God – A rhetorical question. Because God is perfectly holy and perfectly just, and because He righteously judges his own, He must also judge the ungodly who reject His love and who are not His children. v. 18 If the Righteous One is Scarcely Saved, Where Will the Ungodly and the Sinner Appear? – Another rhetorical question quoted from Proverbs 11:31. Peter is simply agreeing with Paul who said, "In our flesh dwells no good thing" (Rom. 7:18). If we were to be judged by our own merits alone, none would be saved (Ps. 130:3, Ecc. 7:20). v. 19 Doing Good – agathopoiia (Gk.) A course of right action, well doing, virtue. This is how you commit or trust your souls into the hands of God. | |
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| Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin –James 4:1 Free us, Jesus, from thinking about ourselves and from first considering how events in life affect us. Turn our eyes upon You, Lord, and the sufferings that You freely endured so that we may be free of the things this world throws at us. Give us hearts, God, that embrace difficulties and sufferings for Your sake. | |
4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in 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, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
