1 Peter 4 - Follow Jesus Christ by Example

Christ’s Example to Be Followed

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 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. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 

Therefore (because) Christ suffered for us in the flesh (let’s not forget this super important fact)

Arm yourselves (get ready for battle) with the same mind (the war will be in the mind)

We must cease from sin that we no longer live the rest of our time in the lusts of men, but (instead) for the will of God !!!

Our faith and recognition of the price Christ paid should cause us to turn our ship and sail in a new direction according to God’s will not our own.

No more living for flesh and what the world thinks is cool.  Christ suffered for these sins, lets not keep doing them and belittle Christ’ suffering.

4 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. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 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.

They (the world) think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood (act like them, drink like them, speak like them, pursue the flesh like them). What’s wrong with you?

Nothing is wrong with you.  Your eyes have been opened to the truth and you have been set free from deception of sin and its false promises.

Notice this – they (the worldly people) will give an account to Him (Christ) who is ready to judge the living and the dead.  The party people will have to answer to God.  Does it still sound fun?

Serving for God’s Glory

7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

But the end of all time is at hand (time is just about up).  If this is true, how much should we be praying, serving, watching…

And above all things have fervent love for one another – do we have this fervent love for one another?

Love will cover a multitude of sins (a multitude is a massive crowd, a massive amount). 

If we love someone, we must forgive them and try and help them no matter what.

This is the very heart of a Christian “to love someone enough to make sure we don’t do anything that would prevent them from getting saved”. Let God work in and through you at all times.

Why do this? That in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom belong the glory and dominion forever and ever Amen.  Do you agree?  Say Amen!

Intro to Outbless Weekly

Thanks for listening to Outbless.com