1 Peter 4:3-6

Living For God (1 Peter 4:1-11)

Paul J. Bucknell
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Purpose

1 Peter 4:3-6 teaches the second way we are to live godly lives: Abstain from our lusts like Christ, page 3 of 6 around the theme 1 Peter 4:1-11 Living for God.

Casual Christians always become casualties.

2) Abstaining from our lusts (1 Peter 4:3-6)

3 "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. 4 And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you; 5 but they shall give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 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 Peter 4:3-6).   

The word "for" should be noted at the beginning of verse 3.  The apostle Peter explains his meaning throughout this paragraph. There are at least four reasons God’s people are to continue living holy lives.

The world does not seem to have changed much! Just visit the university or local party: sensuality, drugs and lusts of all kinds. It is important that we avoid all ungodly lusts. If we indulge in them, we cannot but be hurt. A little indulgence leads to excessive pain for ourselves and for others. Each of these lusts are mentioned in Galatians 5 where it speaks of works of the flesh.

After I became a Christian, I still hung out with my friends. They had their little parties. They didn't seem to hurt anyone with their drinking, marijuana and ungodly social talk, but it did not please God or help them. We were all good friends, but they felt uncomfortable with me being there. I tried sharing the gospel with them but they did not want to hear. My refusal to share with them in their choices slowly became beam of conviction. They were kind enough and did not openly malign me but only jest with me and my convictions.

But as much as we must avoid the sins of the past, we must not only focus on what we are not to do, but to focus on what we are to do, as the third point in 1 Peter 4:7-11 guides us.

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Continue on with 1 Peter 4:7-11, the third way to be godly, or view the study questions on 1 Peter 4:3-6.

1 Peter 4:6 is a hard verse to correctly interpret! It has three or four major interpretations. If you want to study them, click here.

1 Peter 1:1-2 Bible Study Questions
1 Peter 1:3-12 Bible Study Questions
1 Peter 3:15-16 Evangelism | Bible study
1 Peter 4:1-11 Living for God | Bible study Questions
1 Peter 4:1-2 Living Commentary
1 Peter 4:3-6 Living Commentary
1 Peter 4:6 Interpretations
1 Peter 4:7-11 Living Commentary

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Biblical Foundations for Freedom ( BFF )

Rev. Paul J. Bucknell