1 Peter 4
1 Peter 4 is a chapter that urges believers on how they should live their lives even in suffering. It emphasizes that, by following the example of Christ’s suffering, they must live not according to their former lives but according to God’s will. It asks them to keep living a life of prayer, loving one another and serving one another amid distress and trials. At the end, it delivers a message of comfort and hope to Christians who are suffering.
1verseTherefore, 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,
2versethat you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
3verseFor we have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken binges, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries.
4verseThey think it is strange that you don’t run with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you.
5verseThey will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6verseFor to this end the Good News was preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed as men in the flesh, but live as to God in the spirit.
7verseBut the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.
8verseAnd above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.
9verseBe hospitable to one another without grumbling.
10verseAs each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.
11verseIf anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength 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.
12verseBeloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you.
13verseBut because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.
14verseIf you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified.
15verseBut let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men’s matters.
16verseBut if one of you suffers for being a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this matter.
17verseFor the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins first with us, what will happen to those who don’t obey the Good News of God?
18verse“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?”
19verseTherefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.
Structure and Key Content
- Verses 1–6: An exhortation to follow Christ’s suffering, cut off past cravings for pleasure, and pursue the will of God
- Verses 7–11: Because everything is approaching its end, be instructed to pray, love one another, and serve according to each one’s gifts
- Verses 12–19: Encouragement not to be surprised when suffering, but rather to rejoice and follow God’s will by doing good
The Meaning of 1 Peter Chapter 4
This chapter sheds fresh light on the meaning of suffering. It says that suffering received for believing in Christ is not something to be ashamed of, but a matter of giving glory to God. It also reminds readers to break free from the cravings of the flesh and from their old ways, and that the true life of faith is practicing love and service within the community.
Points to Reflect On
- Can I connect the difficulties and sufferings I experience to Christ’s suffering?
- How much is the life of loving one another and serving with one’s gifts being applied to my life right now?
- To what extent am I obeying the exhortation, “Be prayerful and alert”?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Even in difficult circumstances, I resolve to overcome with gratitude and joy by looking to God.
- I pray that through the gifts and roles given to me, I will become a source of strength to someone and take one step further in loving and serving for the sake of the community.
- I make a decision to stay close to prayer and Scripture and to live a life that holds on to God’s will even amid suffering.
