It's over. Finished. Done for. As hard as it might be, sometimes you have to admit this about some aspect of your life.

The Christian needs to realize that his worldly days are over. He needs to see them as a thing of the past. The disciple of Jesus needs to live an entirely new way, based on the grace of God. The temptation will be strong to go back to the old ways, but Peter says this is inappropriate for the person who has been born again into a living hope.

Jesus suffered in the body and thereby conquered sin. In the same way, Christians need to understand that they are to be done with sin so that it will be conquered in their lives. Our purpose is not to live for human desires but for the will of God.

Believers need to realize that the world will neither understand nor appreciate this. Those in the world see faithful Christians as not fitting in, but one day they will have to explain why they don't fit in to God's way. We all face judgment, but those who believe in God we can live eternally in spiritual terms.

Christians need to assume that time is short. Be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you will be able to pray. Above all, Peter says, love each other deeply. In saying this he again returns to a major theme in the letter. Believers need to practice hospitality and use their gifts to glorify God.

Christians need to realize that sin has been put to death, that God has given us a new life, and that time is short. Because these things are true, disciples need to start living this new way now. It will be best if we realize that this is good for us and that living for God is the better way to live. The time will come when those who mock and abuse Christians will have to give an account for what they have done. At that point, God will say to them, "It's over."

1. What are you willing to give your life for: having a good time on the weekends, or living by the will of God? What is the price of each?

 

 

2. How does Peter encourage his readers to understand that their old way of life is over (4:2-3)?

 

 

3. Why do people of the world have a hard time with those who do not live the way they do (4:4)?

 

 

4. What helps a person who has been living for the world to realize the need to change his or her ways (4:5-6)?

 

 

5. How does love cover a multitude of sins (4:8)?

 

 

6. Why is hospitality important? Why is it sometimes done with grumbling (4:9)?

 

 

7. How are your abilities and gifts a demonstration of God's grace (4:10)?

 

 

8. What is the difference between the pagan lifestyle and a life lived for the will of God? How can a Christian be different without being weird?