2 no more in the desires of men, but in the will of God, to live the rest of the time in the flesh; 3 for sufficient to us 'is' the past time of life the will of the nations to have wrought, having walked in lasciviousnesses, desires, excesses of wines, revelings, drinking-bouts, and unlawful idolatries,
4 in which they think it strange—your not running with them to the same excess of dissoluteness, speaking evil, 5 who shall give an account to Him who is ready to judge living and dead, 6 for for this also to dead men was good news proclaimed, that they may be judged, indeed, according to men in the flesh, and may live according to God in the spirit.
7 And of all things the end hath come nigh; be sober-minded, then, and watch unto the prayers, 8 and, before all things, to one another having the earnest love, because the love shall cover a multitude of sins; 9 hospitable to one another, without murmuring; 10 each, according as he received a gift, to one another ministering it, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; 11 if any one doth speak—'as oracles of God;' if any one doth minister—'as of the ability which God doth supply;' that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom is the glory and the power—to the ages of the ages. Amen.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Peter 4:2-11
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.
Commentary on 1 Peter 4:7-11
(Read 1 Peter 4:7-11)
The destruction of the Jewish church and nation, foretold by our Saviour, was very near. And the speedy approach of death and judgment concerns all, to which these words naturally lead our minds. Our approaching end, is a powerful argument to make us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religion. There are so many things amiss in all, that unless love covers, excuses, and forgives in others, the mistakes and faults for which every one needs the forbearance of others, Satan will prevail to stir up divisions and discords. But we are not to suppose that charity will cover or make amends for the sins of those who exercise it, so as to induce God to forgive them. The nature of a Christian's work, which is high work and hard work, the goodness of the Master, and the excellence of the reward, all require that our endeavours should be serious and earnest. And in all the duties and services of life, we should aim at the glory of God as our chief end. He is a miserable, unsettled wretch, who cleaves to himself, and forgets God; is only perplexed about his credit, and gain, and base ends, which are often broken, and which, when he attains, both he and they must shortly perish together. But he who has given up himself and his all to God, may say confidently that the Lord is his portion; and nothing but glory through Christ Jesus, is solid and lasting; that abideth for ever.