For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. For you have spent enough time in the pastThis phrase emphasizes the sufficiency of past sinful living. The Greek word for "spent" (ἀρκετός, arketos) suggests a sense of completion or sufficiency. The apostle Peter is urging believers to recognize that their previous life of sin is more than enough; they should no longer indulge in such behaviors. Historically, this reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, calling believers to a new life in Christ, distinct from their former ways. carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles The term "desires" (ἐπιθυμίαις, epithymiais) refers to strong cravings or lusts, often associated with sinful nature. "Gentiles" (ἔθνη, ethne) in this context refers to those outside the covenant community, often living without the moral and ethical guidelines of the Jewish law. Peter contrasts the life of believers with that of the Gentiles, highlighting the call to holiness and separation from worldly passions. living in debauchery "Debauchery" (ἀσέλγειαν, aselgeian) denotes a lack of self-restraint, often manifesting in excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures. This word paints a picture of moral abandon, a lifestyle that is contrary to the disciplined and holy life expected of Christians. The historical context of the Roman Empire, known for its moral laxity, provides a backdrop for understanding the radical call to purity in the early church. lust "Lust" (ἐπιθυμίαις, epithymiais) is a term that encompasses a broad range of desires, often with a sexual connotation. It signifies a yearning that is misaligned with God's will. In the scriptural context, believers are called to control their desires, aligning them with the Spirit's leading rather than the flesh. drunkenness "Drunkenness" (οἰνοφλυγίαις, oinophlugiais) refers to excessive consumption of alcohol, leading to impaired judgment and moral compromise. In the ancient world, as today, drunkenness was often associated with a loss of self-control and was condemned by early Christian teachings as incompatible with a life led by the Spirit. orgies "Orgies" (κωμοῖς, komois) in the Greek context refers to revelries or wild parties, often involving excessive drinking and immoral behavior. This term underscores the call for Christians to abstain from such activities, which were common in pagan religious practices and social gatherings of the time. carousing "Carousing" (πότοις, potois) suggests drinking parties or feasts characterized by excessive indulgence. The early church was called to a counter-cultural lifestyle, avoiding the excesses that were prevalent in Roman society, and instead, living soberly and righteously. and detestable idolatry "Detestable idolatry" (ἀθεμίτοις εἰδωλολατρίαις, athemitois eidololatriais) refers to the worship of idols, which was abhorrent to God. The term "detestable" highlights the abomination of idol worship, which was rampant in the Greco-Roman world. For Christians, idolatry was not only the physical worship of idols but also placing anything above God in their lives. This call to reject idolatry is a call to exclusive devotion to the one true God, a theme consistent throughout Scripture. Persons / Places / Events 1. PeterThe apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct believers who are facing persecution. 2. GentilesIn this context, "Gentiles" refers to non-Jews who were often seen as living outside the moral and religious laws of God. Peter uses this term to describe a lifestyle contrary to Christian values. 3. Early Christian CommunitiesThe recipients of Peter's letter were early Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor, facing social and religious challenges. Teaching Points Recognize the PastAcknowledge that before knowing Christ, many lived in ways that were contrary to God's will. This recognition is crucial for understanding the transformation that comes with faith. Transformation in ChristEmbrace the new identity in Christ, which calls for a departure from past sinful behaviors. The Greek word for "desires" (epithymiais) implies strong cravings or longings, which believers are to overcome through the Holy Spirit. Living as WitnessesOur changed lives serve as a testimony to others. By abstaining from sinful behaviors, Christians can demonstrate the power of the Gospel. Guard Against TemptationBe vigilant in avoiding situations that may lead back to old habits. This requires a conscious effort to live according to God's standards. Community SupportEngage with fellow believers for encouragement and accountability. The early church thrived on community, which is vital for spiritual growth and perseverance. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some specific ways you can identify with the "desires of the Gentiles" mentioned in 1 Peter 4:3, and how have you seen transformation in your life since becoming a Christian? 2. How does understanding the cultural and historical context of the Gentiles' lifestyle enhance your comprehension of Peter's message? 3. In what ways can you actively demonstrate the transformation in your life to those around you, especially those who may still be living in the ways described in this verse? 4. How do the additional scriptures (Romans 13:13, Ephesians 4:17-19, Galatians 5:19-21) reinforce the message of 1 Peter 4:3, and what practical steps can you take to apply these teachings? 5. What role does community play in helping you resist the temptations of your past, and how can you contribute to the spiritual growth of others in your community? Connections to Other Scriptures Romans 13:13Paul also warns against living in debauchery and lust, urging believers to live honorably as in the daytime. Ephesians 4:17-19Paul speaks about the futility of the Gentiles' thinking and their darkened understanding, which leads to a life of sensuality and impurity. Galatians 5:19-21Paul lists the acts of the flesh, which are similar to those Peter mentions, and warns that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. The Time Past, a Sermon for the Last Day of the Year | J.R. Thomson | 1 Peter 4:3 | Cardinal Truths | J. J. S. Bird. | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | Christ the Grand Necessity of Man | D. Thomas, D. D. | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | Christ's Sufferings | D. Thomas, D. D. | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | Coming to Judgment | R. Finlayson | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | Conformity with Christ | Abp. Leighton. | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | Ecce Homo | A. Rowland, LL. B. | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | God's Win | | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | Living to God's Will | U. R. Thomas. | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | Men's Lusts Opposed to God's Will | John Rogers. | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | Sin Pierced | J. Trapp. | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | The Flesh Rightly Used | G. Calthrop. | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | The Rest of His Time in the Flesh | F. B. Meyer, B. A. | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | The Right Use of the Residue of Our Time | D. Thomas, D. D. | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | The Time in the Flesh | Homilist | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | The Will of God | F. B. Meyer, B. A. | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | Will of God | John Bate. | 1 Peter 4:1-6 | The Persecuted Christian Reminded of the Necessity of Suffering for Righteousness | C. New | 1 Peter 4:1-7 | A Sinner Changed by Grace | G. Burder. | 1 Peter 4:3-5 | Amusements | D. Thomas, D. D. | 1 Peter 4:3-5 | Christian Consistency | The Evangelist | 1 Peter 4:3-5 | Counteracting the Good | H. F. Kohlbrugge, D. D. | 1 Peter 4:3-5 | Departed Years | D. Thomas, D. D. | 1 Peter 4:3-5 | Excess of Riot | C. Wordsworth. | 1 Peter 4:3-5 | Pleasure | T. Adams. | 1 Peter 4:3-5 | The Consideration of Misspent Time an Incentive to Repentance | John Rogers. | 1 Peter 4:3-5 | The Old Year and the New | H. W. Beecher. | 1 Peter 4:3-5 | The Pleasures of a Holy Life Inexplicable to the Ungodly | J. Spencer. | 1 Peter 4:3-5 | The Voice of the Past | A London Suburban Minister | 1 Peter 4:3-5 | Living to the Will of God | U.R. Thomas | 1 Peter 4:3-6 |
People PeterPlaces Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, PontusTopics Abominable, Already, Banquetings, Behaviour, Binges, Carousing, Carousings, Carried, Choose, Course, Debauchery, Delight, Desire, Desires, Detestable, Drinking, Drinking-bouts, Drinkings, Drunken, Drunkenness, Excess, Excesses, Feasting, Flesh, Gentiles, Habitual, Idolatries, Idolatry, Images, Image-worship, Lasciviousness, Lasciviousnesses, Lawless, Lewdness, Licence, Licentiousness, Loose, Lust, Lusts, Nations, Noisy, Orgies, Pagans, Parties, Passions, Past, Pursued, Pursuing, Revelings, Revellings, Revelry, Revels, Sensuality, Spent, Suffice, Sufficient, Unclean, Unhallowed, Unholy, Unlawful, Walked, Walking, Wine, Winebibbings, Wine-drinking, Wines, Worship, WroughtDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Peter 4:3 5387 leisure, pastimes 5735 sexuality 5850 excess 6103 abomination 6209 pagans 8211 commitment, to world 8217 conformity 8777 lust 1 Peter 4:1-3 6030 sin, avoidance 1 Peter 4:1-5 5832 desire 1 Peter 4:3-4 5312 feasting 5866 gluttony 8848 worldliness 1 Peter 4:3-5 5979 waste 8438 giving, of time Library Christian Asceticism 'Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin. 2. That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4. Wherein they think it … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,JohnJune the Twenty-Sixth Crucifying the Flesh "Arm yourselves likewise with the same mind." --1 PETER iv. 1-8. Let not the body be dominant, but the soul. Let me study the example and counsel of the Apostle Paul. "I keep my body under." Literally, I pummel it! If it is obtrusive and aggressive, its appetites clamouring for supremacy, I pummel it! Paul was not afraid of severe measures where carnality was concerned. He would fast a whole day in order to put the flesh in its place. And so should it be with all the Lord's children. We are … John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year Personal Experience In conclusion I desire to add my humble testimony of a personal experience of the glorious work of entire sanctification. At the age of seventeen years I was converted. All who were acquainted with me had no reason to doubt the genuine, inwrought grace of pardon and the new life which at once began to bring forth fruit unto God. But the one to whom this mighty change seemed the most marvelous was myself. My poor soul, which for several years had been held under the terrible bondage and darkness of … J. W. Byers—Sanctification The Old Man and the New. "That we being dead unto sin should live unto righteousness."--1 Peter iv. 24. The Psalmist sings: "They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God." (Psalm lxxxiv. 7) We must maintain this glorious testimony, altho our own experience often seems to contradict it. Not experience, but the Scripture, teaches us divine truth; nor is it as tho the procedure of the divine operation in our own heart could differ from the testimony of the Sacred Scripture, but that our … Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Man's Chief End Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; … Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity A Battle with Smallpox Soon after we began work in the city, my brother George went out to assist in a meeting at Edgewood, Iowa. A mother desired prayer for her little girl, so my brother and another minister laid hands on her and prayed for her healing. The mother said that some one thought her child was taking smallpox, but that she was sure it was a mistake. The ministers saw a few little pimples on the child's lip and asked her if the same breaking-out was on other parts of her body. The mother's answer was, "None … Mary Cole—Trials and Triumphs of Faith A Nickname Accepted 'The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch' --ACTS xi. 26. Nations and parties, both political and religious, very often call themselves by one name, and are known to the outside world by another. These outside names are generally given in contempt; and yet they sometimes manage to hit the very centre of the characteristics of the people on whom they are bestowed, and so by degrees get to be adopted by them, and worn as an honour. So it has been with the name 'Christian.' It was given … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts Of Avoiding of Curious Inquiry into the Life of Another "My Son, be not curious, nor trouble thyself with vain cares. What is that to thee? Follow thou Me.(1) For what is it to thee whether a man be this or that, or say or do thus or thus? Thou hast no need to answer for others, but thou must give an answer for thyself. Why therefore dost thou entangle thyself? Behold, I know all men, and I behold all things which are done under the sun; and I know how it standeth with each one, what he thinketh, what he willeth, and to what end his thoughts reach. … Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Some Other Writers of the New Testament [Illustration: (drop cap L) Ancient engraving of man reading scroll] Let us now look at the rest of the books which make up the New Testament. In the days when Paul preached at Athens, the old capital of Greece, much of the ancient splendour and power of the Greek people had passed away, for the Romans had conquered their country, and they were no longer a free nation. Yet, although the Greeks had been forced to yield to Rome, their conquerors knew that the Grecian scholars and artists were far … Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord; COMPRISING I. HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND REASON OF HIS PRACTICE; II. DIFFERENCES ABOUT WATER BAPTISM NO BAR TO COMMUNION; AND III. PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES AND TRUE[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Reader, these are extraordinary productions that will well repay an attentive perusal. It is the confession of faith of a Christian who had suffered nearly twelve years' imprisonment, under persecution for conscience sake. Shut up with his Bible, you have here the result of a prayerful study of those holy … John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Wilderness State "Ye now have sorrow: But I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." John 16:22. 1. After God had wrought a great deliverance for Israel, by bringing them out of the house of bondage, they did not immediately enter into the land which he had promised to their fathers; but "wandered out of the way in the wilderness," and were variously tempted and distressed. In like manner, after God has delivered them that fear him from the bondage of sin and Satan; … John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled Licence of the Papal Church in Destroying Purity of Doctrine. 1. The marks and government of the Church having been considered in the seven previous chapters, the power of the Church is now considered under three heads--viz. Doctrine, Legislation, Jurisdiction. 2. The authority and power given to Church-officers not given to themselves, but their office. This shown in the case of Moses and the Levitical priesthood. 3. The same thing shown in the case of the Prophets. 4. Same thing shown in the case of the Apostles, and of Christ himself. 5. The Church astricted … John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Disciple, -- what is the Meaning and Purpose of the Cross... The Disciple,--What is the meaning and purpose of the cross, and why do pain and suffering exist in the world? The Master,--1. The cross is the key to heaven. At the moment when by My baptism I took the cross upon My shoulders for the sake of sinners, heaven was opened, and by means of My thirty-three years bearing of the cross and by death upon it, heaven, which by reason of sin was closed to believers, was for ever opened to them. Now as soon as believers take up their cross and follow Me they … Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. BY JOHN BUNYAN. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bunyan's works, 2 vols. folio, 1767. No man could have been better qualified to give advice to sufferers for righteousness' sake, than John Bunyan: and this work is exclusively devoted to that object. Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand of … John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Links 1 Peter 4:3 NIV1 Peter 4:3 NLT1 Peter 4:3 ESV1 Peter 4:3 NASB1 Peter 4:3 KJV
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