Live in the Ways of God
Pastor Chang Kim
1 Peter 4:1-6
Introduction:
One person even suggested that this study be titled “the revenge of the nerd.”
Main passage, only we see it in this passage on a much greater scale and with far greater consequence. This passage points to what we might call a great reversal.
verses 1-2 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking
The word “therefore” in verse 1 directs our attention to what Peter just wrote toward the end of the previous chapter. It is critical that we prepare ourselves mentally and spiritually to face suffering.
What are some things that we are to arm ourselves? Let’s read the latter part of v1 and v2, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking.
v3 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
v4 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you. To be maligned is to be mocked and scorned and slandered. That’s how Christians are often treated by those who are committed to a sinful lifestyle.
John 3:19-20 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
v5 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
Revelation 20:11-15 11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
The great reversal is that those who suffer as Christians in this life will one day enjoy eternal life
v6 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
This is the hope God offers to us—the hope of the “gospel.”
There will be a great reversal in the future, but you have an opportunity right now to make sure you’re on the right side of that great reversal rather than the wrong side. Which side are you choosing this morning!