1 Peter 4
BSB1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. 4 Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 That is why the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged as men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining. 10 As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. 11 If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. 16 But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Study Notes — 1 Peter 4
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Peter 4
- Themes from 1 Peter 4
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Peter 4
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins by encouraging believers to arm themselves with the mind of Christ, which involves being prepared to suffer for the sake of the gospel (1 Peter 4:1). It then reminds them that they will be judged according to their deeds, and that they should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel (1 Peter 4:5-6). The chapter also emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, and of being good stewards of the gifts and resources that He has given to us (1 Peter 4:10-11). Finally, it encourages believers to be faithful in their suffering, and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness (1 Peter 4:12-19).
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of a larger letter that Peter wrote to believers who were scattered throughout the Roman Empire. The letter is encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of persecution and suffering. It reminds them that they are not alone, and that they have a heavenly Father who cares for them and who will ultimately vindicate them.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel, and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. It reminds them that they are blessed when they suffer for the sake of Christ, and that they should be willing to give an account for their faith. As believers, we should be willing to take up our cross and follow Jesus, even when it is difficult or costly.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about being willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel, and trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness. It reminds believers that they are blessed when they suffer for the sake of Christ, and that they should be willing to give an account for their faith. As 1 Peter 4:13 says, "If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you".
Voices from the Church
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Christian life is a life of warfare, and we must be prepared to suffer for the sake of the gospel”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Call to Suffering (1 Peter 4:1-6) — The chapter begins by encouraging believers to arm themselves with the mind of Christ, which involves being prepared to suffer for the sake of the gospel
- The Importance of Stewardship (1 Peter 4:7-11) — The chapter reminds believers that they are stewards of the gifts and resources that God has given to them, and that they should use these things to serve others and to glorify God
- The Blessing of Suffering (1 Peter 4:12-14) — The chapter reminds believers that they are blessed when they suffer for the sake of Christ, and that they should be willing to give an account for their faith
- The Judgment to Come (1 Peter 4:15-19) — The chapter reminds believers that they will be judged according to their deeds, and that they should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel
- The Conclusion (1 Peter 4:20-22) — The chapter concludes by encouraging believers to be faithful in their suffering, and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Suffering
- This chapter teaches that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life, and that believers should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel
- The Doctrine of Stewardship
- The chapter reminds believers that they are stewards of the gifts and resources that God has given to them, and that they should use these things to serve others and to glorify God
- The Doctrine of Judgment
- The chapter reminds believers that they will be judged according to their deeds, and that they should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel
- The Doctrine of the Sovereignty of God
- The chapter reminds believers that God is sovereign over all things, and that He will ultimately vindicate them
Lessons from 1 Peter 4
- The Importance of Suffering — This chapter teaches that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life, and that believers should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel
- The Need for Stewardship — The chapter reminds believers that they are stewards of the gifts and resources that God has given to them, and that they should use these things to serve others and to glorify God
- The Blessing of Suffering — The chapter reminds believers that they are blessed when they suffer for the sake of Christ, and that they should be willing to give an account for their faith
- The Judgment to Come — The chapter reminds believers that they will be judged according to their deeds, and that they should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel
- The Conclusion — The chapter concludes by encouraging believers to be faithful in their suffering, and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness
Themes from 1 Peter 4
- Suffering — This chapter teaches that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life, and that believers should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel
- Stewardship — The chapter reminds believers that they are stewards of the gifts and resources that God has given to them, and that they should use these things to serve others and to glorify God
- Judgment — The chapter reminds believers that they will be judged according to their deeds, and that they should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel
- Faithfulness — The chapter encourages believers to be faithful in their suffering, and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness
- Sovereignty — The chapter reminds believers that God is sovereign over all things, and that He will ultimately vindicate them
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to arm yourself with the mind of Christ, and how can you apply this to your life?
- How can you be a good steward of the gifts and resources that God has given to you?
- What does it mean to suffer for the sake of the gospel, and how can you be willing to do so?
- How can you trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of suffering?
- What does it mean to be faithful in your suffering, and how can you apply this to your life?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Call to Suffering (1 Peter 4:1-6)
| 4:1 | The chapter begins by encouraging believers to arm themselves with the mind of Christ, which involves being prepared to suffer for the sake of the gospel |
| 4:2 | The verse reminds believers that they should no longer live the rest of their time on earth for human desires, but for the will of God |
2. The Importance of Stewardship (1 Peter 4:7-11)
| 4:7 | The verse reminds believers that the end of all things is at hand, and that they should be serious and sober-minded |
| 4:10 | The verse reminds believers that they are stewards of the gifts and resources that God has given to them, and that they should use these things to serve others and to glorify God |
3. The Blessing of Suffering (1 Peter 4:12-14)
| 4:12 | The verse reminds believers that they should not be surprised when they face trials, but rather they should rejoice in their suffering |
| 4:13 | The verse reminds believers that they are blessed when they suffer for the sake of Christ, and that they should be willing to give an account for their faith |
4. The Judgment to Come (1 Peter 4:15-19)
| 4:15 | The verse reminds believers that they will be judged according to their deeds, and that they should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel |
| 4:17 | The verse reminds believers that judgment will begin with the household of God, and that they should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel |
5. The Conclusion (1 Peter 4:20-22)
| 4:20 | The verse reminds believers that they should be faithful in their suffering, and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness |
| 4:22 | The verse concludes the chapter by encouraging believers to be faithful in their suffering, and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to arm yourself with the mind of Christ?
To arm yourself with the mind of Christ means to be prepared to suffer for the sake of the gospel, and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. As 1 Peter 4:1 says, "Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking"
How can I be a good steward of the gifts and resources that God has given to me?
To be a good steward, you should use the gifts and resources that God has given to you to serve others and to glorify God. As 1 Peter 4:10 says, "As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace"
What does it mean to suffer for the sake of the gospel?
To suffer for the sake of the gospel means to be willing to endure hardship and persecution for the sake of your faith in Christ. As 1 Peter 4:13 says, "If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you"
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 4:1 → 2 Timothy 2:3 | Both verses remind believers that they should be prepared to suffer for the sake of the gospel |
| 2 | 1 Peter 4:5 → Romans 14:10 | Both verses remind believers that they will be judged according to their deeds |
| 3 | 1 Peter 4:10 → Matthew 25:14-30 | Both verses remind believers that they are stewards of the gifts and resources that God has given to them, and that they should use these things to serve others and to glorify God |
| 4 | 1 Peter 4:12 → 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 | Both verses remind believers that they should not be surprised when they face trials, but rather they should rejoice in their suffering |
| 5 | 1 Peter 4:13 → Acts 5:41 | Both verses remind believers that they are blessed when they suffer for the sake of Christ, and that they should be willing to give an account for their faith |
| 6 | 1 Peter 4:15 → 2 Thessalonians 1:4 | Both verses remind believers that they will be judged according to their deeds, and that they should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel |
| 7 | 1 Peter 4:17 → Ezekiel 9:6 | Both verses remind believers that judgment will begin with the household of God, and that they should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel |
| 8 | 1 Peter 4:19 → Psalm 31:5 | Both verses remind believers that they should commit their souls to God, and to trust in His sovereignty and goodness |
| 9 | 1 Peter 4:20 → Hebrews 10:36 | Both verses remind believers that they should be faithful in their suffering, and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness |
| 10 | 1 Peter 4:22 → John 15:20 | Both verses remind believers that they should be faithful in their suffering, and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness |
Sermons on 1 Peter 4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Getting Ready for the End of All Things by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of preparing for the end times by focusing on spiritual readiness rather than physical provisions. It highlights the need for forgiveness, lov |
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A New Attitude Towards People by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the transformation believers undergo when they accept Christ, becoming new creations and living differently from the world's patterns. It delves into the imp |
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Accountability to God - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgency of accountability to God, arguing that if believers truly believed in the imminent return of Jesus, their lives would reflect that belief t |
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How to Forgive by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the pastor encourages the audience to find joy and strength in the knowledge that Jesus will come again and make everything new. He emphasizes that despite the diff |
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(1 Peter - Part 29): False Teaching on Obscure Teaching by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of salvation and the role of baptism in it. He emphasizes that very few people were saved in the past, highlighting the importanc |
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Four Loves by C.S. Lewis | C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic lo |
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(1 Peter - Part 30): Suffering in God's Will and Out by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of identifying and understanding adversities in order to better bear them. He emphasizes that humans are naturally afraid of |
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Be Ye Holy for I Am Holy by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being transformed and renewed in our minds to align with God's will. He quotes from 1 Peter 1:14, urging believers to be o |
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Holy Ground by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision of Christ rather than just having ideas. He criticizes the preaching in the country today, stating that it |
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(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 3. Israel the Suffering Servant - Part 2 by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the profound significance of Israel's suffering as a means to reveal the true church and the true God to the nations. He highlights that only the righteous are |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Peter 4
This chapter is a call to believers to arm themselves with the mind of Christ, and to be prepared to suffer for the sake of the gospel. It reminds them that they will be judged according to their deeds, and that they should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of stewardship, and reminds believers that they are stewards of the gifts and resources that God has given to them. As Matthew Henry says, "The sufferings of Christ are a pattern to believers, and they should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel". The chapter concludes by encouraging believers to be faithful in their suffering, and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Suffering
The chapter emphasizes the importance of being willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel. It reminds believers that they are blessed when they suffer for the sake of Christ, and that they should be willing to give an account for their faith.
The Need for Faithfulness
The chapter encourages believers to be faithful in their suffering, and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. It reminds them that they will be judged according to their deeds, and that they should be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel.
The Role of Stewardship
The chapter reminds believers that they are stewards of the gifts and resources that God has given to them, and that they should use these things to serve others and to glorify God.