‘In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. ‘

I Peter 4:4

The gospel is powerful and can transform even the vilest heart

When a person believes the gospel alone by faith alone, they become a new creation. They no longer have the same desires or appetites they had before.

Those closest to us, such as family, friends, and coworkers, are the first to notice our changed life. However, these same people will be surprised and offended by your new outlook on life. They will also be the first to ridicule you for no longer wanting to partake in the dissipation that they do. And as we are no doubt so close to the Lord’s return, ridicule is turning into hatred and hostility. Persecution for the believers in America is closer than we might imagine.

I Peter 4:1

‘Therefore, since Christ suffered (Christ’s death on the cross) for us in the flesh (and died for us and paid the price for our sins), arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

I Peter 4:2

‘that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.’

What is Peter saying here? When a believer dies for his faith, he is naturally subjected to the power of ungodly men who kill him. However, as soon as that believer dies, he is free from the authority of the enemies of the flesh and in the presence of God. And the whole point here is that when persecution and death face the believer (as believers have for thousands of years), we must take comfort in the fact that once the suffering is over and death arrives, we are immediately in Glory!

And it is this that will have to sustain us if we are ever persecuted. And the whole point here is that (for these Jews to whom Peter is writing), if they have to die for their faith, their eternal life will begin immediately.

I Peter 4:3a
“For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the (who?) Gentiles,…”

Do you see how obvious it is that Peter is speaking to Jews now? He refers to those Gentile persecutors. Which were, of course, Romans in this case.

I Peter 4:3b

“…when we walked in (This was the moral state of the Gentile world in which Israel had to move, breathe, and live. This is how the Gentile world lived…) lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, (or drunkenness) revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:”

That was the image of the Gentile society in which these Jews were living. It’s important to note that this was the wicked, immoral environment in which the Apostle Paul spent his entire 25-year ministry. He was constantly confronted with this life. And yet, by simply preaching the gospel of grace (that you must believe in your heart that Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose again), he had a large number of people come out of this lifestyle and live a godly lifestyle.

I Peter 4:5

“Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

So, what does it mean? I’d say that’s a change of pace. Peter tells these Jewish Christians all of a sudden that they shouldn’t even want to be like those Gentiles. Why? Because those of us who believe know that the unbelieving Gentile world will face judgment. And it will be the Lord Jesus Himself judging at the Great White Throne.

I Peter 4:6a
“For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead.,…”

In other words, people who have already died for their faith. Those who have died because of persecution are the focus of these passages. They died as believers.

I Peter 4:6b
“…that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, (the unsaved world and its system). (The ungodly gentile world around them and the world system did not like their holy lifestyle, so they killed them.) but (the result of that persecuted death was too) live according to God in the spirit.”

Peter admonishes, “Once you break from Gentile wickedness and godless lifestyle, they’ll persecute, detest, and kill you. When they kill you, you enter eternal life with the Lord, so it’s worth it.”

Let’s take a look at what Paul says in Romans chapter 8

This is, of course, from the apostle of the Gentiles under grace. But we’re dealing with the same God and the same ungodly world. So, whether it’s Paul, Peter, Jeremiah, or Ezekiel, or the story of Cain and Abel (because, after all, why did Cain kill Abel? ), that part is the same. Because Abel was a righteous man. And Cain was envious of Abel’s righteous relationship).

Romans 8:18

“For I reckon that the sufferings (persecution) of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.”

Do you understand what he’s saying? Paul says something similar to what Peter said: “Okay, so you’ve faced severe persecution as a result of your faith. It may even bring you to the point of physical death, but the moment you exit this human experience through the death of a martyr, you enter eternal bliss and presence with the Lord.”

It is with this promise from God that we can console ourselves if and when we face persecution; if we are faced with martyrdom. We simply go through it, knowing that when death comes, we will be free of this old body of flesh and in glory!

And we have no idea how glorious that glory will be! That is what motivates us to continue living under pressure.

We are fortunate in America because only in recent months have we seen just a glimpse of what persecution looks like.

Beloved, Persecution is Coming. Get in the word, have a prayer life, and fellowship with other members of the body of Christ.