April 2, 2006

Intro:Ch. 4:1-6- introduces us to principle of suffering #8-

“Suffering for righteousness sake aids us in moral and

spiritual victory.”

I. Moving from the confessional statement about

Christ, Peter addresses the conduct of believers. 4:1-2

1) “arm yourselves”- imperative- see also 1:13- a need

to adjust our thinking to the prospect of suffering

 

2) “flesh” is not used in Pauline sense (principle of evil)

but in the sense of the weak, human frame of our bodies.

 

3) “suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin”-

 

4) “nor longer live rest of his time”-those bel. who have

suffered persecution are armed with mindset of living by

the will of God

 

II. Previous cultural conduct of ungodliness is to

be set aside, which often provokes criticism. 4:3-4

1) “cultural conduct” is not moral conduct.

5 items: three on immorality,two on drunkenness, one on

idolatry = refer to local/national fesitivals where excess was

encouraged and expected

 

2) “speak evil of you”- unsaved were provoked-

 

III. Yet, Peter reminds his readers both they as

Believers as well as the pagans will give account to

God. 4:5-6

1)”living & dead”- both believers & unbelievers

 

2) “gospel was preached…who are dead” – reference to deceased

believers (not related to spirits in 3:19).

Contrast:  “judged according to men in the flesh”= critics found

In verse 4.   “live acc. to God in the spirit” –see Christ in 3:18