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1 Peter 4:1-6
Peter begins once again with the word “therefore” which refers back to 1 Peter 3:18-22 in speaking of the suffering of Christ Jesus for the sins of all man that we may have life through Him. Picking up then in today’s passage of 1 Peter 4:1-6, Peter tells those of the dispersion that as Christ Jesus suffered, they too should prepare themselves “mentally” to suffer for Christ (John 15:18-20). The next phrase (NKJV), “for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,” is in reference to the believers who have been forgiven of their sins through Christ Jesus and now “suffer” for Christ sake in this world of the flesh. To “cease from sin” is living the new life in Christ Jesus through His forgiveness that no longer do the believers continue to live in the sinful nature but seek the way of Christ Jesus in living lives that are pleasing to God. This is reflected in 1 Peter 4:2. Peter states that enough time has been spent living in the old life of the sinful nature and then gives examples of the things that should be left behind when one enters a new life in Christ Jesus. Peter lists these things in verse 4 as, “when we walked in lewdness, lust, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.” Those who continue to live in the sinful nature will ridicule the new believer, but they will one day stand before the Almighty God to give an account for their lives. Peter then states in verse 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.”
This is a command to live the new life as a believer in Christ Jesus with a renewed mind that is reflective of Christ Jesus.
To put on a new life in Christ Jesus is more than just saying the words; it is renewing one’s life in repentance/turning away from the old life in the things of the sinful nature and seeking the things that are reflective and respectful of our Savior Jesus Christ. Others will mock us and attempt to make us feel ashamed of leaving the sinful life that they are still caught up in, but they too will stand before the Almighty God one day to give an account for the lives that they have lived. Hopefully, between now and then we can lead them to Christ too!
Dear LORD,
Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Please help us to live as true believers with renewed minds that reflect Jesus to all those around us and throughout the world as He is the way, the truth, and the life. And no one comes to You LORD except through Him (John 14:6). In Jesus name I pray, amen.