(1 Pet 4:1 NASB) Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
(1 Pet 4:2 NASB) so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
1 Pet 4:2: Messiah suffered in the flesh. If we suffer in the flesh since also, we are to cease from sin. It is not easy, but it is not complicated. Cease from lawlessness.
We are not to live for the lusts of men, but for the will of Elohim.
(1 Pet 4:3 NASB) For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.
(1 Pet 4:4 NASB) And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you;
(1 Pet 4:5 NASB) but they shall give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
1 Pet 4:5: They are not longer to carry out their former lusts that consisted of drunken sensuality. Those who ceased from these things surprised their former playmates by not going to the excesses they do.
Those who ignore His Torah will give an account to Him.
(1 Pet 4:6 NASB) For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
1 Pet 4:6: There are those who have died that had heard the Gospel of of the Kingdom and followed it, but they were judged by men for it. They were being judged in the flesh, but they lived according to the will of Elohim.
The NKJV states this better: “For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit..”
In other words, they chose to live according to Elohim instead of living according to the flesh, even if it meant they were going to be judged by men for doing it.
(1 Pet 4:7 NASB) The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
(1 Pet 4:8 NASB) Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Pet 4:8: Peter warns that the end of all things is at hand. With that in mind, we should love one another. When he says “love covers a multitude of sins,” he is saying that if we love one another we will ignore minor transgressions against one another. Peter gets this from the Tanakh (Prov. 10:12).
(1 Pet 4:9 NASB) Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
(1 Pet 4:10 NASB) As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Pet 4:10: We are all gifted in different areas. We are to use them for the edification of each other, not for selfish purposes.
(1 Pet 4:11 NASB) Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Pet 4:11: If someone is to speak, it is to be as the Words of Elohim. If they serve, they are to serve with the strength which Elohim provides
(1 Pet 4:12 NASB) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
(1 Pet 4:13 NASB) but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.
(1 Pet 4:14 NASB) If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
1 Pet 4:14: If we are suffering for Messiah, that is a blessing. If we suffer for doing His will, we are to rejoice.
(1 Pet 4:15 NASB) By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
(1 Pet 4:16 NASB) but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God.
1 Pet 4:16: The word Christian is only in Scripture here and in Acts 10:26. The meaning of the word “Christian” is “followers of Messiah” or “Christ-like” (1 Peter 2:21). If we are truly followers of Messiah, we should keep His Father’s Torah just as He did.
If we suffer for being obedient to Torah, we should glorify Him in our sufferings.
(1 Pet 4:17 NASB) For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
1 Pet 4:17: How do we “obey the Gospel (good news) of Elohim?” That is the Gospel of the Kingdom which is “Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” It is clearly defined for us in Mark 1:14-15.
(1 Pet 4:18 NASB) AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?
1 Pet 4:18: The salvation of the one who loves Messiah and follows His Torah is a difficult thing. With that being the case, what will become of the godless man and those who do not repent of their sin?
This is said to be a quote from Proverbs 11:31. The NKJV fits much better. “If the righteous will be recompensed on earth, how much more the ungodly and sinner?”
(1 Pet 4:19 NASB) Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
1 Pet 4:19: If we suffer according to His will, we should entrust our souls to Him that what is happening is right and for the best.
Patrick McGuire
Copyright 2014 Patrick McGuire and Beit Yeshua Torah Assembly All rights reserved, no portion of this Lesson may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews. Beit Yeshua Torah Assembly Fort Smith, Arkansas