Last 5 Days
Impetus and Motivation for Living and Service
1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies — in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
There are two sections in this passage. Firstly, from verses 1-6, Peter gives us the challenge for us to live for God and serve His people. He mentions an interesting phrase or concept, “suffered in the flesh” twice in verse 1. This means that it was done or had already been experienced. How had Christ “suffered in the flesh”? This question brings us back to the previous chapter (3:18) where it tells us that our Lord Jesus Christ has suffered for our sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, and that he was even put to death in the flesh.
Thus, whoever has the same mind (or mentality) and willingness to suffer with Christ, already has the secret of victory over sin, to stop sinning. This does not mean we are sinless, but it means that when we are tempted, since we already have this predisposition – of been dead to sin, we can experience victory over sin. Thus, we can choose to live the rest of our lives for the will of God and not for our human passions (v. 2).
When a person from a sinful environment repents and turns from his sin and stop doing things of his former ways, according to what the Gentiles do, but has become a disciple of Christ, the former friends might be surprised that we stop joining them in the activities of sin. Because of this separation toward holy and righteous living, some of our former friends would turn against us and malign us. But our vindication is that these people would have to give an account of what they do to the God who judges the living and the dead.
Verse 6 is a difficult and controversial verse. Some people interpret it as, since the Gospel is preached to those who have died (physically), then there is a second chance for those who have died to obtain salvation. But this is contrary to what Scripture teaches and the immediate context of verses 1-6 talks about - the perseverance of the believers and the coming “judgment of the living and the dead.” It tells us that even believers will experience physical death, that is - they are judged in the flesh in the same way as everybody else. And believers will live spiritually, as God does in heaven.
The second section is from verses 7-11. Verse 7 is such a relief, like a rescue lifebuoy. Because the end of all things (including our suffering) is near. This should give us the impetus to go about living our Christian life and using our spiritual gifts to serve others as we should. This would include everything that is mentioned in verses 7-11. The motivation for us to do these works of service is that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (v. 11).
Dear God, thank you for your words through the Apostle Peter that give us a sense of urgency, impetus and purpose to live the rest of our lives for the will of God, and to serve your people and everyone who is in need. Please help me to have a pure heart and a sincere motivation that in everything I do, in life and service to do everything for your glory through my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!