ETB 1 Peter 4:1-11

eminent - imminent - immanent

Session #7 - p.64 - Our Faith

Packing for a trip can reveal something about a person’s personality. Some start packing weeks in advance, while others pack the morning they leave. [LifeWay Adults (2025). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Winter 2024-'25]

Ask: What kind of packer are you when it comes to getting ready for vacations?

When I was in the Boy Scouts, we would go camping every month. Sometimes backpacking, requiring us to carry everything to the campsite, other times we could unload the vehicles right next to the tent or cabin. The packing varied depending on the type of trip we were planning.

Peter, by the Holy Spirit, knows that persecutions for those reading his letter are going to continue and get worse. Today he continues to help them prepare for that strenuous spiritual journey.

Understand the Context

Suffering was a significant part of God’s sanctifying work among the believers in Asia Minor, just as it continues to be a part of His plan today. Peter consistently reminded his readers of two important truths. First, suffering is temporary. It would not last forever—even if it led to martyrdom. Second, it was necessary. It was key to spiritual growth; and, for that reason, it was more valuable than gold (1 Pet. 1:6-7).

Chapter 4 continues fleshing out the main theme of the entire letter: how do Christ followers live out their Christian faith in the midst of oppressive circumstances? People who believe in Jesus should focus on doing what God wants, no matter what it takes. Real believers might have to give up things; but, in the long run, it’s worth the sacrifice because of what happens after they die. [ETB:ALG Win'25]

Explore the Text

1 Peter 4:1–3 ESV

1 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, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 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.

Therefore

At the end of chapter 3, Peter had emphasized that suffering for Christ was a blessing , not a curse. It was a pathway to spiritual growth and maturity for a believer. Ultimately, it would result in victory and exaltation, just as it did with Christ Himself. From there, Peter used therefore as a bridge to application. Because what he said about suffering in chapter 3 was true, the readers in Asia Minor could trust what he was getting ready to share in chapter 4. [ETB:ALG Win'25]

arm yourselves

What kind of imagery comes to mind when someone says, “arm yourself?”

Back in the first chapter Peter told us to “prepare our minds for action” because the pursuit of holiness and Christ-likeness does not come easily, we must prepare and pursue it tenaciously.

Last week Peter we studied how Peter told us to “be prepared” to make defense. This week he encourages us to be ready for an offensive maneuver - although not physical but mental.

Instead of arming ourselves with physical weaponry, we are to use the same way of thinking.

What “way of thinking” are we to duplicate?

The one that Christ had as He suffered - fully committed to God’s plan for His life, even if it meant a horrendous, tortuous death.

Paul encourages us similarly in his second letter to the Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 10:5 “5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”

suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin

Peter, and Paul in his letter too, connects physical activity with spiritual endeavors. As we said before in class, we really cannot do two things at once. If we have committed to Christ in such a way that we are suffering physically for righteousness or the cause of Christ, then we cannot also be chasing after selfish pleasures and yielding to temptations. This is another aspect of what we need to arm ourselves against and to keep the mind of Christ.

Peter clarifies what he means by “ceased from sin” in the next verse.

no longer live for human passions

We can see that the “ceased” is not a total cessation but the desire for holy things and ways outweighs those of our “former passions” that draw us away from the things of God. Our heart and regenerated spirit now desire to do will the God and follow His leading. It is The Holy Spirit within that guides, corrects, and redirects our thoughts and desires if we are willing to listen and obey.

doing what the Gentiles want to do

As a contrast to the will of God, and maybe a reminder of some their past behaviors and practices, Peter describes some of the “former passions” to avoid. Although he uses the term “Gentiles” he is probably not excluding the Jewish readers from this type of living.

In other places in Scripture the word is translated “nations” denoting the masses of people groups other than those being spoken to. Heathen nor non-believers could be used as well but Peter does not use those references in his letters in our modern translations.

sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry

From my understanding of ancient pagan rituals and culture, all of the things listed were a part of those gatherings. (Not much seems to have changed.) One reason the ancients did this was to “appease” their gods, or at least the way they thought they could. It was always odd to me how they claimed the gods we malevolent, but all the worship practiced were “personally gratifying.”

Paul mentions a similar list of “desires of the flesh”.

Galatians 5:19–20 “19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,”

Ask: How can we keep God’s will at the center of our lives?

Ephesians 4:22–24 “22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Peter stated this same concept with “Live for the rest of time… for the will of God.

When our focus and passions shift away from what they were or away from what “others” do, it will get noticed, but not always in a good way.

1 Peter 4:4–6 ESV

4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 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.

they are surprised ... you do not join them

If there is a new life change that “former companions” can see, they will ask questions. The conviction of their sinful behaviors will either cause them to malign or make their own changes. At first people are surprised when they have not heard your story or your refusals to participate. But after a while, they are no longer surprised. Then one of two things usually happen, the begin to ridicule or malign like Peter says because they are convicted of the sinful behaviors and do not want to change, or the Spirit continues to show them a new and better way to live drawing them to a new life in Christ. We hope and pray for the second outcome but understand that the “masses” will choose the first. Peter understood this too and tells us how to respond in the next few verses.

they will give account to Him

This is one of those places that ESV let me down. I like the translations that capitalize every reference to God, Christ, or the Spirit. Even the CSB does not capitalize “the one.” There is only one Judge, and He will get an account of all who come before Him. Whether you are covered by His redemptive blood (the living) or you have rejected His work on the cross (the dead), all will come before Him as their Judge - for eternal blessing or damnation.

Discuss: How should knowing we will give an account to Jesus affect Christians’ lives each day?

For this is why the gospel was preached

This account we will give will be decided before we die, and that is the reason for the Gospel message.

The account that God wants to hear is the better one of accepting Christ’s work.

Later in Peter’s second letter we read:

2 Peter 3:9 “9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

This should be our desire for our unsaved family, friends, and neighbors as well.

they might live in the spirit

Judged in the flesh, live in the spirit.

Peter again connects flesh and spirit and again reminds us that the eternal spirit can be the dominant influence.

Several English translations add the word “might” before “live” as if there is a possibility that they “might not.” I think I prefer those that leave it out because there is no option. Like Yoda said, “Do or do not, there is no try.” You will either have eternal life and will strive to live the way God wants, or you will not. There really is nothing in between.

It may this finality of the flesh and our need for constant vigilance that Peter tries to emphasize with the next verses.

1 Peter 4:7–11 ESV

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

The end of all things is at hand

The MacArthur Bible Commentary A. The Responsibilities of Christian Living (4:7–11)

The Greek word for “end” is never used in the NT as a chronological end, as if something simply stops. Instead, the word means a consummation, a goal achieved, a result attained, or a realization. Having emphasized triumphant suffering through death, Peter here begins to emphasize triumphant suffering through the Second Coming of Christ (cf. 1:3; 2:12), which is the goal of all things. He

I’m not sure if Peter thought that Jesus was coming back in the next generation after his or not, but he did know that it was possible. The world has only been around for about 9,000 years. The 2000 or so since Peter wrote this, is less than 25% of that time. “The end” is closer now than when he wrote this but is “at hand?”

I try to be precise with my words. Unfortunately, I am a horrible speller and my auto-correct gets a vigorous workout when I prepare lessons. This week when I went to look up the spelling of a word I wanted to use, I knew how it sounded, but I found the 3 on the board. Even more to my surprise was that all 3 were applicable.

When something has high value or importance, we might say it is “preeminent.” Jesus’ return is the next “eminent” Biblical event, and as such it is really the only thing of value “on the calendar.” But not only is it eminent but it is also imminent. We do not know when, but we know it could happen at any moment, all the rest of the necessary prophecies and requirements have been fulfilled.

John had not written it yet but will later connect this impending return with the judgments.

Revelation 22:12 “12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.”

And earlier in his gospel account.

John 14:3 “3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

Since Jesus said these things, and they are recorded in Scripture, they are intrinsically true and sure. They are immanent. The end of all things is immanent, eminent and imminent.

Because of this, Peter challenges us to be about His business until then so that as many as possible may join us and not face the other judgment seat that will be the last time they will ever see anything good.

self-controlled and sober-minded

Peter again connects the physical elements to the spiritual but in this case as a negative influence.

Sober of mind and sober of body. No outside influences to deter or diminish our body’s capacity.

For what reason do we need this alertness?

Our prayers - a spiritual endeavor.

What does that imply to you about our prayers?

For me it is a reminder that they require forethought and preparation. We all have experienced how sleep deprivation and pain can make it difficult to focus on non-spiritual things. Not being in the right mental state to approach God is hindrance at best but could even be arrogant or blasphemous. This verse reminds me that when my body is not prepared, it could hinder my capacity to “avail much.”

keep loving one another

First Peter encourages us to examine ourselves internal spiritual work, then he reminds us of our need and commitment toward others.

I like how he starts with the positive and reminds us of the reason we may not want to at the end. People will sin and make us want to “not love” them. You of course know that the word for love here is not the brotherly one that we may be able to muster up, but the “agape” Godly love that we must surrender to for ourselves that we may give it away to others.

Holiness Day by Day: Transformational Thoughts for Your Spiritual Journey Week 15 / Monday: Patience with Others’ Shortcomings (Galatians 6:2)

Paul said we’re to bear with one another “to maintain the unity of the Spirit”—the unity applied by the Spirit to the body of Christ. We’re to consider the unity of the body far more important than the petty irritants or disappointments of others. Here,

Show hospitality

We have all had a house guest that we have thought stayed longer than they should have. Peter reminds us that we are to continue to be hospitable, even when we do not feel like it. He even takes is a step further and tells us to remove the “grumbling” spirit and attitude before it begins. Maybe that is why it comes right after the admonition to love with God’s love.

each has received a gift

Ask: Why are spiritual gifts important to the life of the church? Why is it important to exercise those gifts?

We all have a gift from God that is spiritual in nature and in practice intended for the building up of the saints and His church as a whole.

Do you know what your “spiritual” gifts are?

If you do not, then you cannot use them appropriately and you are depriving God’s people of a special blessing.

If you would like some help in discerning what they are I would be glad to assist you in seeing how God has specially and specifically endowed you to bless His people and His Kingdom.

Peter breaks these gifts into two groups, Paul’s lists are a little more varied but even those are not complete. Basically, like Peter states, some are speaking gifts some are doing or serving gifts. It is very rare to find someone who has been gifted in both ways.

There are “spiritual gifts”, “inherent talents”, and “skilled abilities.” Can they all be used for God? Can God empower us in all of them?

What happens when we “put things into practice?” Do we generally get better at them?

At the very least we learn our limitations. Peter is reminding us in these last verses to continue to use God’s gifts for God’s people in God’s strength so that He gets the all the glory for them. When we do this, even our talents and abilities can honor Him.

Gifts from God the Father, guided by the Holy Spirit, for the glory of Jesus the Son.

Apply the Text

Whether because of suffering, anticipation of judgment, or a desire for the glory of God, believers have an obligation to grow in faith. That growth happens because God has provided all that believers need to grow. Believers grow in faith when they desire to do God’s will, and circumstances in their lives lead them in this direction. [ETB:ALG Win'25]

Next week’s lesson we will take a break from Peter’s letter and revisit Mark’s gospel for an Easter focus. As we go through this holy week, let us try to remember to put into practice the commands in this week’s lesson:

Arm yourselves with the mind of Christ

Keep The End in mind

Stay sober minded and keep control of the body

Love unconditionally

Have God’s hospitality

Use your God given gifts

Glorify Christ

Pray: Lord, help us to grow spiritually this week into more mature and Christ-like thinking and attitudes. Show us how we have fallen short of Your will and how to prepare to succeed in future trials. Jesus, You gave us a new purpose in life when You saved us from all sin. Train us to keep your gift to us, and all others that we meet, at the front of our minds that we can be ready for that Day at Your throne. Continue to sanctify us and draw us closer to Your people in unity and service. Enable us to use Your gifts for Your church and to glorify Your name.