Preparing to suffer

Jesus finished his earthly work when he went through death, burial and resurrection. He has now returned to heaven (Acts 1:9), where he is seated at God’s right hand. The position of that seat symbolizes the honor and power that is now his (Psalm 110:1; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 1:3; 12:2).

Having assured his readers that Christ suffered for them (1 Peter 3:18), Peter urges them to prepare for troubles ahead. His words bring forth the image of a soldier getting his weapon, when he tells them to arm themselves with Christ’s attitude toward suffering. The one who suffers persecution for Christianity has given up the life of sin. Thus, sin no longer lures him through lusts that appeal to sinful men. Instead, he is drawn by the will of God to live the right life. Christians see the time for living in sin in their rearview mirror (1 Peter 3:22-4:2).

Peter went on to describe some of the sins in the rearview mirror of a Christian. “Licentiousness" describes uncontrolled desires, such as, gluttony and sensual passions. "Lusts" is a word describing desire for things forbidden. "Drunkenness" and wild drinking parties, or "revelries," should also be put away. Woods says the word translated "drinking parties" describes a drinking contest in which each one tries to outdo the others. "Abominable idolatries" would describe the sinful excesses some went to in worship of idols.

Peter wrote to Christians scattered all over the world. They had participated in all of the sins the apostle discussed. They had also realized the emptiness of sin. They looked on their lives lived fulfilling selfish desires as lasting more than long enough (1 Peter 4:3; Romans 6:21; 13:11-12).

The Gentiles lived lives totally unrestrained. That lifestyle was so common and acceptable to them that they were shocked by Christians not joining them. They were astonished that Christians did not rush to let their lives overflow, or flood, with evil deeds. This resulted in them blaspheming, or speaking against, God’s people. They accused them of things that were not true in an attempt to injure them.

Christ’s followers do not have to worry with responding to such accusations. God’s people know they will be judged by the great judge of the living and the dead (Matthew 12:36-37; Romans 14:12; Acts 10:42). Kelcy says the word "ready," "indicates that Christ is competent and qualified; he stands prepared to judge and may do so at any time."

Because Jesus will judge all men, the good news was proclaimed to some who had died by the time Peter wrote. They were not dead when preached to, but had heard the message that can cause one to live eternally in the spirit like God. All will be judged according to what they did in the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:10). Those who obey the gospel will live in the spirit like God (1 Peter 4:4-6).

We should strive to live like these early converts. Put away selfish desire. Make Jesus the Lord of our lives.