1 Peter 4:1-6

¹ “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one 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 human lusts, 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 indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. ⁴ In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of debauchery, and they slander you; ⁵ but they will give an 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 people, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.”

Verse 1: Peter is reminding believers of the suffering that Christ endured on our behalf. As followers of Christ, we are called to have the same attitude of trust in the Father and willingness to suffer for the sake of righteousness. This does not mean that we need to physically harm ourselves, but rather, we are to be willing to endure hardships and persecution for the sake of our faith. This attitude of surrender helps us to recognize that we are done with sin, as Christ’s sacrifice has set us free from its power.

Verse 2: Because we have been set free from sin, we are no longer slaves to our own selfish desires. Instead, we are called to live in alignment with the will of God. Our lives should be characterized by a desire to please him and to walk in obedience to His commands. In the New Covenant God’s commands are believe in Jesus and love one another (1 John 3:23) This is not about trying to earn our salvation, but rather, it is a response to the grace and love that we have received through Christ.

Verse 3: Peter reminds the believers that they have already spent enough time living according to the ways of the world. Before coming to faith in Christ, they were involved in all sorts of sinful behaviors. But now, as new creations in Christ, they are called to leave behind their old way of life and embrace the new life that they have in him.

Verse 4: As believers, our transformed lives will stand out in a world that is still living in darkness. People may be surprised by our refusal to participate in sinful activities and may even ridicule or insult us for it. But we can take comfort in knowing that we are living according to God’s will and that our identity is secure in Christ. After all, God’s will for us is Jesus Christ.

Verse 5: Those who continue to live in rebellion against God will one day have to give an account for their actions. As believers, we can rest in the assurance that our judgment has already been taken care of through Christ’s sacrifice. We are not judged based on our own works, but rather, we are covered by the righteousness of Christ.

Verse 6: Peter explains that the gospel was preached even to those who have already passed away, so that they too could have the opportunity to be judged according to human standards in regard to their physical bodies, but live according to God in regard to their spirits. This emphasizes the importance of sharing the good news of salvation with all people, so that they may have the opportunity to experience true life in Christ.