1 Peter 4 reminds me of the old mobster movies. There was always a tearful mom telling the world that her murderous son was a good boy. She could only see her baby-boy, rather than the horrendous acts he committed. Today’s lesson is about holding out hope for change. Peter continues his message to the church with some perspective to all who have received forgiveness through Christ. Though innocent, Jesus was tortured and killed. He willingly took the punishment for our sin to satisfy the letter of the law. Peter says: “arm yourselves also with the same attitude.” The attitude is that one understands that the grace given to us, can be passed on to others. He explains, believers have a new, eternal focus. “You have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do.” If there is no God, why not satisfy the flesh? He describes the result: “debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.” He also explains a common phenomenon. The old gang gets a little suspicious when you no longer want to join them “in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.” Peter notes that they will be called before the judge, and that is “the reason the gospel was preached.” That is, to give hope to those in bondage in order to “live according to God in… the spirit.” Like Peter, we are to live as the pardoned among the mob.
Peter tells us that the last days are near, so “be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” Friend, what is hindering your prayer? He continues: “Above all, love each other deeply.” He describes the ability to look past the hard exterior of the convict: “love covers over a multitude of sins.” Amazingly, we are to have this attitude toward all of our brothers and sisters, even those who have wronged us. How is this kind of love expressed? “Offer hospitality… without grumbling” and “serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” A good steward faithfully manages something they do not own. He also tells us to speak “as one who speaks the very words of God.” I think that means we are to speak truth with compassion, offering forgiveness and hope to the lost. Why? So that in all we say and do: “God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” This is our prayer and our confession.
The chapter closes with the mindset of the innocent. What happens when unfounded accusations are hurled? Peter says, “do not be surprised… as though something strange were happening to you.” Those that are desperate will often lash out to bring down others with them. Peter makes an important point; believers must keep our hands completely clean. He explains that we cannot claim persecution when we are in the wrong. We cannot claim to be “insulted because of the name of Christ” when in fact we are lazy, neglectful, rude, or self-centered. He says, if you suffer, it should not be “as a murderer or thief or… criminal, or… meddler.” Many will first see the God you serve in the way you live. He continues: “if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” Peter also reminds us that God always holds His people to a higher standard: “it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household.” He is addressing Christians when he asks: “what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” He challenges believers to “continue to do good” so that the name of Jesus will be exalted. Jesus announced His purpose in Luke 4:18 “To proclaim good news to the poor… proclaim freedom for the prisoners… to set the oppressed free”. All have sinned and fallen short of God’s perfection, but we are set free from sin by faith in our risen Savior. When God looks at us now, He only sees His Perfect Son, standing in our place. His love covers a multitude of sins.