1 Peter 4:1–19: Suffering According to God’s Will
Introduction
In the previous section, Peter called us to suffer for righteousness’ sake, promising that we will be blessed for doing so (1 Pet. 3:14). How, though, does this work? Although the Apostle began expounding the glory of Christ, who was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit (1 Pet. 3:18), he has much more to explain about the practical implications of Christ’s death and resurrection. Specifically, he tells us that we stand not only to adjust our personal, private thinking about religious things, but that we must be transformed entirely, from the inside-out, as the whole glorious power of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection is applied to our lives. Within this, Peter holds out Christ’s paradoxical promise: endure short-term suffering to gain eternal glory.
Discussion Questions
1. How does the language of v. 1 echo 1 Peter 3:18? Why do you think Peter resumes his point from earlier in this way? How does Peter use the phrase “in the flesh” (vv. 1, 2)? What would it mean to live “for human passions” (v. 2b)? Why should we instead live for the “will of God” (v. 2c)? How will the world respond to our abstaining from their debauchery (v. 4)? What are the short-term and the long-term promises that we can cling to while being maligned (vv. 5–6)?
2. What is “the end of all things” which is “at hand” (v. 7a)? What does it mean to “be self-controlled and sober-minded” (v. 7b)? How does that approach contrast with living according to the passions of the world? Why should we worry about “the sake of [our] prayers” (v. 7c)? How do the virtues of love and hospitality connect with God’s will (vv. 8–9)? What does it mean to be a steward of “God’s varied grace” (v. 10)? How well are you stewarding the gifts God has given to you?
3. Why should we not be surprised when the fiery trial tests us (v. 12)? How can we rejoice in the midst of the fiery trials (v. 13)? Why are we waiting for “when [Christ’s] glory is revealed” (v.13)? How do vv. 12–13 both echo and advance what Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:6–9? What does Peter mean when he says that “the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (v. 14)? Why should the coming judgment encourage us to live well today (vv. 17–19)?
4. What is most enticing and alluring to you personally about the passions of the world? What pressure from the world affects you the most (disappointment, maligning, suffering, the fear of missing out)? What promise from this passage resonates with you the most right now, as you seek to be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers? What is one area where you need to repent and to entrust your soul to your faithful Creator while doing good?
