Free Bible Commentary
“First Peter 4:4-6”
Categories: First Peter“In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 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.”
---End of Scripture verses---
When a precious soul is pulled out of the darkness of the world and translated into the marvelous light of the kingdom of God (1 Peter 2:9), their life changes dramatically. Maybe you noticed when you gave your life to Christ that your old friends were “surprised that you” did “not run with them into the same excesses” of sinfulness that you used to (verse 4). If you made no change or they noticed no difference you really need to examine yourself to determine that you are truly in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Often when a new Christian renounces the “flood” of “dissipation” (riotous living, prodigality, wastefulness) he used to be engulfed in, his former running mates will actually “malign” him. The word translated “malign” is the Greek word for “blaspheme” and denotes “injurious speech” that is usually directed toward God. We should not be “surprised” when our behavior surprises the worldly wicked to the extent that they slander our righteous stand and the precious name of the Lord who purchased us. If the world hated Jesus it will also hate us, and feel personally offended when we indict their ungodly lifestyles by refusing to participate.
Jesus is standing “ready” for the day of reckoning when He will return and “judge the living and the dead” (verse 5). The question is will we be ready for that day? “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). For “those who do not know God…and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus,” it will be a day of fiery “retribution” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). The gospel is preached for the purpose that people “may live in the spirit according to the will of God” (verse 6). God loves all people and desires that everyone obey the truth and be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). But, for those who stubbornly resist God’s invitation, the same word that is designed to save them will ultimately judge and convict them.
As stark as that passage is, Peter actually wrote it to encourage His brethren to keep a positive attitude in the midst of negative situations. People may treat you poorly for following Christ, but you stay faithful to Him and God will take care of everything in due time. And do not be concerned for your brethren who have died in Christ. They “live in the spirit” even though they have died in the flesh. We can take comfort in knowing that all of God’s faithful children will meet in the air with the Lord when He returns and remain with Him forever in heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Please read 1 Peter 4:7-11 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
-Louie Taylor
