Live for God’s Will, Not Sinful Desires
Peter begins by pointing believers back to Christ’s suffering. He writes:
“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind…” — 1 Peter 4:1
Believers are to adopt Christ’s attitude toward suffering and obedience. Peter continues:
“…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.” — 1 Peter 4:2
The old way of life belongs to the past.
“For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles…” — 1 Peter 4:3
Peter lists sins such as:
– lewdness, – lusts, – drunkenness, – revelries, – drinking parties, – and idolatry. Because believers no longer participate in these sinful lifestyles:
“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.” — 1 Peter 4:4
Yet Peter reminds them:
“They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” — 1 Peter 4:5
This reminds us that following Christ means leaving our old life behind. The world may not understand why believers choose holiness over sinful pleasures, but our desire is no longer to please people—we live to please God.
Love Deeply and Serve Faithfully
Peter reminds us that Christ’s return is drawing nearer.
“But the end of all things is at hand…” — 1 Peter 4:7
Therefore they should:
“…be serious and watchful in your prayers.” — 1 Peter 4:7
He emphasises love.
“And above all things have fervent love for one another…” — 1 Peter 4:8
Because:
“…love will cover a multitude of sins.” — 1 Peter 4:8
Believers should also:
“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” — 1 Peter 4:9
Every Christian has received gifts from God.
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” — 1 Peter 4:10
Those who speak should do so:
“…as the oracles of God.” — 1 Peter 4:11
Those who serve should do so:
“…with the ability which God supplies…” — 1 Peter 4:11
The purpose is clear:
“…that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ…” — 1 Peter 4:11
1 Peter 4 teaches that every believer has been gifted to serve others. Whether through speaking, serving, encouraging, giving, or showing hospitality, our goal is not personal recognition but the glory of God and the strengthening of His people.
Rejoice When You Suffer for Christ
Peter now addresses suffering directly. He writes:
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you…” — 1 Peter 4:12
Suffering for Christ is not unusual for God’s people. Instead:
“But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings…” — 1 Peter 4:13
Why?
“…that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” — 1 Peter 4:13
If believers are insulted because of Christ:
“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you…” — 1 Peter 4:14
Because:
“…the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” — 1 Peter 4:14
Peter distinguishes between suffering for wrongdoing and suffering for righteousness.
“But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer…” — 1 Peter 4:15
However:
“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed…” — 1 Peter 4:16
Instead:
“…let him glorify God in this matter.” — 1 Peter 4:16
The chapter concludes:
“Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” — 1 Peter 4:19
This reminds us that suffering for Christ is not a sign that God has abandoned them. Rather, it identifies them with their Saviour. We continue doing good, trusting ourselves to our faithful Creator, knowing that present suffering will one day give way to eternal glory.
Deeper Waters
1 Peter 4 continues Peter’s instruction on how believers are to live as pilgrims in a hostile world. Having presented Christ as the supreme example of righteous suffering in chapter 3, Peter now calls Christians to adopt the same mindset. The chapter weaves together themes of holiness, service, love, spiritual gifts, suffering, and eternal hope, showing that every aspect of the Christian life is shaped by the cross and the certainty of Christ’s coming glory.
Peter begins:
**”since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind.”**
The language of arming suggests preparing for battle. The Christian life involves spiritual conflict, and believers must intentionally adopt Christ’s attitude toward obedience and suffering. Jesus willingly endured suffering because His highest priority was accomplishing the Father’s will. Peter calls us to embrace that same perspective.
He explains:
**”no longer should live… for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”**
Conversion marks a decisive break with the old way of life. Christians are no longer governed by sinful desires but by a new desire to honour God. This echoes Paul’s teaching in Romans 6 that believers have died to sin and now live unto righteousness.
Peter says:
**”we have spent enough of our past lifetime.”**
The emphasis is not upon shame over the past but upon decisive transformation. Whatever characterised life before Christ belongs to the old creation. The believer’s future is now directed by God’s will.
Peter lists several common sins of the surrounding pagan culture:
– sexual immorality, – uncontrolled passions, – drunkenness, – wild partying, – idolatry. These practices reflected a society centred upon self rather than God. Because believers no longer participate:
**”they think it strange.”**
The world often views Christian holiness as unusual or even offensive. Peter prepares believers not to be surprised when faithfulness to Christ results in misunderstanding, ridicule, or rejection. Yet he reminds them:
**”They will give an account.”**
Ultimate justice belongs to God. Christians need not seek revenge because every person will one day stand before the righteous Judge. Peter then shifts to practical Christian living. He declares:
**”the end of all things is at hand.”**
This does not mean Peter expected Christ’s return within a few days. Rather, the resurrection and ascension of Christ inaugurated the final stage of God’s redemptive plan. Believers therefore live with continual expectation of Christ’s return.
Because eternity is approaching, Christians should be:
**”serious and watchful in your prayers.”**
Spiritual alertness guards believers against distraction and enables them to persevere faithfully. Peter then says:
**”above all things have fervent love.”**
Love receives highest priority within the Christian community. The phrase:
**”love will cover a multitude of sins.”**
does not teach that love removes God’s judgment for sin. Instead, it reflects Proverbs 10:12 and teaches that genuine love willingly forgives, overlooks personal offences, and seeks reconciliation rather than continually exposing faults.
Hospitality follows naturally.
**”without grumbling.”**
In the first-century church, hospitality often involved opening homes to travelling believers, persecuted Christians, and church gatherings. Peter emphasises that loving service should flow from joyful willingness rather than reluctant obligation.
The discussion then turns to spiritual gifts. Peter writes:
**”As each one has received a gift.”**
Every believer has received God-given abilities for serving the body of Christ. Spiritual gifts are not badges of honour but tools for ministry. Believers are:
**”good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”**
The word manifold suggests God’s grace expressed in many beautiful varieties. Different gifts display different aspects of God’s gracious provision for His church. Peter groups gifts into two broad categories. Those who speak should do so:
**”as the oracles of God.”**
Teaching and preaching must faithfully communicate God’s truth rather than personal opinion. Those who serve should do so:
**”with the ability which God supplies.”**
Both speaking and serving depend entirely upon God’s enabling grace. The purpose is always:
**”that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”**
Christian ministry exists to magnify Christ rather than elevate individuals. Peter then returns to the subject of suffering. He says:
**”do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial.”**
Trials should not surprise believers because suffering has consistently marked the experience of God’s people throughout Scripture. Remarkably, Peter commands:
**”rejoice.”**
This joy is not delight in pain itself but confidence that suffering for Christ participates in His redemptive pattern: suffering now, glory later. Believers share:
**”Christ’s sufferings.”**
This does not mean sharing in His atoning work, which is complete and unique. Rather, Christians experience opposition because they belong to the same Lord whom the world rejected. Peter declares:
**”If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you.”**
This echoes Jesus’ Beatitudes (Matthew 5:10–12). Persecution for Christ’s sake becomes evidence of belonging to Him. Peter adds:
**”the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”**
Even amid suffering, God’s presence remains especially near to His faithful people. Peter carefully distinguishes between suffering deserved because of sin and suffering endured because of righteousness. Believers should never glorify suffering resulting from criminal or sinful behaviour. However:
**”if anyone suffers as a Christian.”**
Interestingly, this is one of only three occurrences of the word Christian in the New Testament. Rather than feeling shame:
**”let him glorify God.”**
The title Christian may have originally been used mockingly by outsiders, yet believers gladly embraced the name because it identified them with Christ Himself. The chapter concludes with profound trust. Those suffering:
**”according to the will of God.”**
should:
**”commit their souls to Him.”**
The word commit recalls Jesus’ own words upon the cross:
**”Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”** (Luke 23:46)
Believers entrust themselves to:
**”a faithful Creator.”**
The God who created all things faithfully sustains His people through every trial until their final redemption. 1 Peter 4 encourages us to: ad.opt Christ’s mindset toward suffering and obedience, – leave behind every pattern of sinful living, – expect misunderstanding from a world that rejects God’s ways, – live prayerfully with an eternal perspective, – cultivate deep, forgiving love within the church, – use their spiritual gifts faithfully for God’s glory, – rejoice when suffering for Christ rather than being ashamed, – distinguish between suffering for righteousness and suffering caused by personal sin, – trust God’s faithful presence in every trial, – and continually commit themselves to their faithful Creator while persevering in doing good.
Ultimately, 1 Peter 4 points us to Jesus Christ, who perfectly lived for the Father’s will rather than human desires, loved His people sacrificially, faithfully fulfilled His ministry through the Spirit’s power, endured suffering without shame, and entrusted Himself completely to the Father’s care. His path led from the cross to the crown, and Peter assures believers that the same pattern awaits all who belong to Him. Though they may suffer for a little while in this present age, they can rejoice with unwavering hope because the glory of the risen Christ will one day be fully revealed, and those who have faithfully endured with Him will share forever in His everlasting Kingdom.