Bible Version: New International Version (NIV)
Application Notes: Life Application Study Bible (NIV)
1 PETER 4
Living for God
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Application Notes
4:1-2 Suffering helps us be like Christ, yet people will do anything to avoid pain. Followers of Christ, however, should be willing and prepared to do God's will, even when it requires suffering. We can overcome sin and suffering when we focus on Christ and what he wants us to do. Pain and danger reveal our true values. People who suffer for doing good and still faithfully obey in spite of suffering have won a great battle against their sinful nature, which fights to enslave them.
4:3-4 People whose lives change radically at conversion may experience astonishment or possibly contempt from old friends. They may be scorned not only because they refuse to participate in certain activities but also because their priorities have changed and they are now heading in the opposite direction. Their new lives stand out vividly from those of their friends, which are characterised by sinful activities. Mature Christians should help new believers resist such pressure and cope with rejection by helping them to be faithful to Christ, surrounding them as new friends, and encouraging them to develop new habits and activities that are not only enjoyable but also positive for their spiritual growth.
4:5-6 Many people in the early church had concerns about life after death. In Thessalonica, Christians worried that loved ones who died before Christ's return might never see him (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Peter's readers needed to be reminded that the dead (both the faithful and their oppressors) would be judged. The judgment will be perfectly fair, he points out, because even the dead have heard the gospel (see 1 Peter 3:19). The gospel was first announced when Jesus Christ preached on the earth, but it has been operating since before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), and it affects all people, the dead as well as the living.
4:5 We base our salvation on our belief in Jesus (Acts 16:31), and God bases our judgment on how we have lived. Those who inflict persecution will be marked for punishment when they stand before God. Believers need not fear eternal punishment because Jesus will be the final judge (John 5:22). Peter argues in 1 Peter 3:13-4:5 that God will protect and reward his people who suffer and will hold their persecutors accountable on the Day of Judgment. All will give an account to God, so we must be ready. This should give you a new perspective on your activities and actions today. Are you prepared to explain them to God?
4:7-9 We should live expectantly because Christ is coming again. Getting ready to meet him involves continually growing in love for God and for others (see Jesus' summary of the law in Matthew 22:37-40). To be prepared, we should pray regularly and reach out to people who are in need. Your possessions, status, and power will mean nothing in God's kingdom, but you will spend eternity with other people. Invest your time and talents where they will make an eternal difference.
4:9 For more on hospitality, see the note on Romans 12:13.
4:10-11 Our abilities should be faithfully used to serve others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Others feel that they have no special talents at all. Peter addresses both groups in these verses. Everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them. Peter mentions speaking and serving. Paul lists these and others in Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; and Ephesians 4:11. Even as you seek to discover your gifts, if you see a need in the church, seek to meet it. You may find gifts in areas you might not have guessed!
4:11 How is God praised when we use our abilities? When we use them as he directs, to help others, they will see Jesus in us and praise him for the help they have received. Peter may have been thinking of when Jesus had said, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven· (Matthew 5:16).
4:14-16 Again, Peter brings to mind Jesus' words: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me" (Matthew 5:11). Christ will send his Spirit to strengthen those who are persecuted for their faith. Peter creates no illusions--God's plan for your life may include pain and hardship. When trouble comes, don't be surprised.
This does not mean that all Christian conduct causes suffering. Peter distinguishes between suffering for being a believer and suffering for doing wrong things. For example, a Christian may feel picked on for being a person of faith when it is obvious to everyone else that it is his or her own unpleasant behaviour that is causing the problems. Careful thought or wise counsel may be needed to determine the real cause of our suffering. We can be assured, however, that whenever we suffer because of our loyalty to Christ, he will be with us all the way.
4:16 We should never be ashamed to suffer for being a Christian. When Peter and the other apostles were persecuted for preaching the gospel, they rejoiced because such persecution was a mark of God's approval of their work (Acts 5:41). Don't seek out suffering, and don't try to avoid it. Instead, keep on doing what is right, whether or not it brings suffering.
4:17-18 This refers not to final judgment but to God's refining discipline (Hebrews 12:7). This does not mean believers' assurance of salvation is uncertain. Peter already said that our inheritance is being kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4-5). But these verses do remind us that believers must often travel a difficult road and that often the suffering helps us to grow closer to Christ. As believers, we must recognise the cost, continue to do what is right, and persevere to the end.
4:19 The Bible counsels that we should trust God everywhere and in all things--in good times and bad, beneath sunny skies and thunderclouds, when our pockets are full and when they are empty. How does trust work? (1) Trust overcomes fear. Genuine trust in God says, Whatever mess I'm in, my heavenly Father will lead me. (2) Trust overcomes depression. No matter how overwhelming the situation or how disheartened it makes us feel, God can draw us back to the light. (3) Trust overcomes hate. When careless or cruel people hurt us, sometimes irreparably, we can hate them forever, or we can trust God, but we can't do both. God is here to steady even the worst situation--always with a promise, always with hope. Commit your life to him for safekeeping. Rely on him when you face your worst circumstances.
Taken from Life Application Study Bible - Third Edition - (NIV)