1 Peter 4:1-11
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1 Peter 4:1-11 Living for God
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Summary of passage
(Only a paragraph or two)
Text and Translation
Click here for the passage in the ESV:
Click here for the passage in Greek:
Original Context & Exegesis
A. Passage Boundaries (why are these verses grouped together in this chapter or pericope?)
B. Exegesis of passage as a whole (or verse-by-verse, if helpful).
4:1 The first part says that we should have the mind of Christ, prepared to suffer. The second part seems to be saying that the one who suffers physically (implied for the Gospel or for righteousness) has stopped sinning. Obviously this doesn’t mean that we will never sin again, as some teach. That is easily refuted by Paul’s writing in Romans 7:15 “I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't. I do what I don't want to--what I hate.” (LIV) It does mean, however, that the power of sin on us is broken and we no longer must sin by our very nature. . See also Romans 6:5-7 for Paul’s description of this phenomenon.
4:2 A challenge to take advantage of this status by fulfilling the will of God rather than the lusts of man.
4:3 This verse basically says “in the past you’ve had your fill of sin.” We’ve all had plenty of sin in our lives, now is the time to turn around and live like bond servants of Christ, not slaves of sin
4:4 This is a common occurrence with adult converts -- their old friends think their new behavior strange and mock them for it.
4:5 Don't worry about those who mock you for your righteous life, they will have to answer for themselves
4:6 This is another difficult verse, but based on Henry's commentary I think it is saying that the judgment of all mentioned in v.5 is why the Gospel was preached to some who are now dead, judged as evil-doers by man, but vindicated by God in the spirit as righteous. Said another way, those the world judged as wicked (including the prophets, apostles, evangelists, and even Jesus Himself) and punished or killed will find ultimate justice in the judgment of God, as will their judges.
4: 7-11 These verses warn us that the end of all things is near. So then, here's how to live in times like these: be disciplined, be serious about your prayers, be fervent in your love, be selfless in your hospitality, and be a good steward of every gift given to you by God. If your gift is speaking, speak the words of God. If it's ministering, use all of the strength God's given you to minister. The point of all of these things is to bring glory to God through the message of Jesus Christ and the Gospel.
C. Literary Features--What genre is it? What literary devices (e.g, metaphor) does it use?
D. Connections to the rest of book—what purpose does this pericope serve in the bigger picture of the book?
E. Connections to the rest of Scripture--How is it referenced or alluded to elsewhere?
Jesus Christ: The Redemptive-Historical Context
A. Where is Christ and the Gospel present in this passage?
B. How does this passage point to Christ or depend on Christ? How does Christ fulfill this passage? How was it fulfilled already? How will it be fulfilled?
C. What does this passage tell us about God’s plan of redemption in Christ?
Current Context
A. What does this tell us about ourselves, our world, and the human condition?
B. What are some modern parallels to the original situation?
C. What is the call/command/invitation of this passage?
D. How does Christ & the Gospel in this passage enable us to see, think, and live differently?
Links/References/Bibliography
A. Representative sermons on the passage
B. Examples and Illustrations
C. Commentaries on this book
D. Articles on this book or passage
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