1 Peter 4

In this chapter, Peter encourages believers to live according to God's will and not according to their former sinful desires. He emphasizes suffering for Christ as a means of growing in holiness and contrasts the judgment awaiting those who reject the gospel with the glory awaiting those who endure suffering for the sake of Christ.

1 Peter 4:1-2 (NKJV)
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,
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.

Believers are called to follow Christ’s example in enduring suffering, which is part of overcoming the power of sin. The focus is on living a life directed by God's will rather than being led by human desires. Suffering for Christ strengthens one's resolve against sin and encourages a holy lifestyle, turning away from worldly passions.

1 Peter 4:3 (NKJV)
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.

Peter reflects on the former life of sin, noting that believers have already spent enough time following the ways of the world. The list of sins represents the immoral behaviors common among the Gentiles (non-believers). This serves as a reminder that now, in Christ, believers are called to a different way of life.

1 Peter 4:4 (NKJV)
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.

When believers turn away from their old sinful ways, those still living in sin may find it strange and even speak ill of them. This verse highlights the social pressure and opposition that Christians face when they choose to live differently from the world.

1 Peter 4:5 (NKJV)
They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Peter assures believers that despite the ridicule or rejection they may face, those who continue in their sinful ways will ultimately have to answer to God, who judges everyone, both the living and the dead. This serves as a reminder of the coming judgment and accountability before God.

1 Peter 4:6 (NKJV)
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.

The gospel was preached to those who are now dead (likely referring to believers who have died), showing that while they were judged in the flesh by human standards, they now live according to God in the spirit. This highlights the eternal hope of the gospel, even beyond death.

1 Peter 4:7-8 (NKJV)
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

With the end approaching, Peter urges believers to be sober-minded and vigilant in prayer. Above all, love is emphasized as the greatest virtue, for it covers sins. This reflects the idea that love fosters forgiveness and unity within the community of believers, which is essential in times of trial.

1 Peter 4:9 (NKJV)
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

Hospitality is highlighted as an important Christian virtue, especially in a time when believers may be facing persecution. Offering hospitality should be done with a willing and joyful heart, without complaints or reluctance.

1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV)
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Every believer has been given spiritual gifts by God, and Peter encourages the use of these gifts to serve one another. This reflects the idea that Christians are stewards of God's grace, called to use their abilities to build up the body of Christ and fulfill God’s purposes.

1 Peter 4:11 (NKJV)
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.

Peter encourages believers to speak and serve with the understanding that it is God who empowers them. The goal of all their actions is to bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. By acknowledging God as the source of their strength, they ensure that their works honor Him.

1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV)
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
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.

Peter reassures believers that suffering for Christ is not unusual but should be expected. He encourages them to rejoice in these trials because they share in Christ's sufferings. This suffering prepares them for the future joy they will experience when Christ’s glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:14 (NKJV)
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.

Suffering for the name of Christ is a blessing because it signifies that God's Spirit rests upon the believer. While unbelievers may blaspheme Christ, those who suffer for His name bring glory to Him, showing that their faith is genuine and that God is present with them.

1 Peter 4:15-16 (NKJV)
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

Peter makes a distinction between suffering for sin and suffering for righteousness. While suffering for wrongdoing brings shame, suffering as a Christian should bring no shame but rather glory to God. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith even in the face of persecution.

1 Peter 4:17 (NKJV)
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?

Judgment begins with the household of God, meaning that believers are tested and refined by God. This is a sobering thought because if God holds His people to a high standard, how much more severe will the judgment be for those who reject the gospel?

1 Peter 4:18 (NKJV)
Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

Peter quotes from the Old Testament to emphasize the difficulty of salvation even for the righteous. If the righteous are saved only by God’s grace, it highlights the dire situation of those who live ungodly lives and reject God’s grace.

1 Peter 4:19 (NKJV)
Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Peter concludes by encouraging believers to entrust themselves to God while continuing to do good, especially in the midst of suffering. God, as the faithful Creator, can be trusted to care for His people even in their trials.