41 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 , 2 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 . 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 , carousing , drinking parties and abominable idolatries .
4 In all this , they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation , and they malign you;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Peter 4:1-4
Commentary on 1 Peter 4:1-6
(Read 1 Peter 4:1-6)
The strongest and best arguments against sin, are taken from the sufferings of Christ. He died to destroy sin; and though he cheerfully submitted to the worst sufferings, yet he never gave way to the least sin. Temptations could not prevail, were it not for man's own corruption; but true Christians make the will of God, not their own lust or desires, the rule of their lives and actions. And true conversion makes a marvellous change in the heart and life. It alters the mind, judgment, affections, and conversation. When a man is truly converted, it is very grievous to him to think how the time past of his life has been spent. One sin draws on another. Six sins are here mentioned which have dependence one upon another. It is a Christian's duty, not only to keep from gross wickedness, but also from things that lead to sin, or appear evil. The gospel had been preached to those since dead, who by the proud and carnal judgment of wicked men were condemned as evil-doers, some even suffering death. But being quickened to Divine life by the Holy Spirit, they lived to God as his devoted servants. Let not believers care, though the world scorns and reproaches them.