◄ 1 Peter 4:4 ►
Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.
Study Bible
Because of this,
This phrase refers back to the previous verses where Peter discusses living for the will of God rather than human desires. The "this" indicates the lifestyle change that occurs when one becomes a follower of Christ, choosing to live righteously and abstain from sinful behaviors.

they consider it strange
The early Christians were often viewed as peculiar by their contemporaries because they rejected the common social norms and practices of the time, such as idolatry and immorality. This strangeness is a result of their transformation through Christ, which sets them apart from the world (Romans 12:2).

of you not to plunge with them
The imagery of "plunging" suggests a deep involvement in sinful activities. The original Greek word implies a rush or a dive into these behaviors, highlighting the intensity and recklessness of such actions. Christians are called to separate themselves from these practices (2 Corinthians 6:17).

into the same flood of reckless indiscretion,
The "flood" metaphor indicates an overwhelming and destructive force, reminiscent of the flood in Noah's time (Genesis 6-9), which was a judgment on widespread sin. "Reckless indiscretion" refers to a lack of moral restraint, common in the pagan practices of the time, such as drunkenness and debauchery (Galatians 5:19-21).

and they heap abuse on you.
Persecution and verbal abuse were common experiences for early Christians, as their refusal to participate in societal norms was seen as a rejection of the culture itself. This abuse fulfills Jesus' prophecy that His followers would face persecution (John 15:18-20). The Greek term for "heap abuse" suggests slander and reviling, which believers are encouraged to endure patiently (Matthew 5:11-12).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The apostle and author of the epistle, writing to encourage and instruct believers facing persecution.

2. Recipients of the Epistle
Early Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor, experiencing social ostracism and persecution for their faith.

3. Pagan Society
The non-Christian society surrounding the early believers, characterized by practices contrary to Christian values.

4. Reckless Indiscretion
Refers to the sinful behaviors and lifestyles from which the believers have turned away.

5. Abuse
The verbal and social persecution faced by Christians for not participating in the sinful practices of their society.
Teaching Points
Living Counter-Culturally
As Christians, we are called to live in a way that often contradicts societal norms. This may lead to misunderstanding and ridicule, but it is a testament to our faith.

Enduring Persecution
Expect opposition when living out your faith. Remember that suffering for righteousness is a part of the Christian journey and aligns us with Christ's own sufferings.

Witness Through Conduct
Our refusal to engage in sinful behaviors serves as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. Let your life be a testimony to those around you.

Strength in Community
Lean on fellow believers for support and encouragement when facing societal pressure. The early church thrived through mutual support and shared faith.

Hope in Eternal Reward
Keep your eyes on the eternal reward promised to those who endure. Earthly trials are temporary, but the glory to come is everlasting.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Peter's description of societal pressure in 1 Peter 4:4 resonate with the challenges Christians face today?

2. In what ways can Romans 12:2 and 1 Peter 4:4 together guide us in making daily decisions that honor God?

3. How can we prepare ourselves to respond with grace and truth when faced with ridicule or abuse for our faith?

4. What practical steps can we take to strengthen our Christian community in light of the pressures described in 1 Peter 4:4?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for your faith. How did you see God at work in that situation, and what did you learn from it?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 12:2
Encourages believers not to conform to the patterns of this world, similar to Peter's exhortation to resist societal pressures.

Ephesians 5:18
Contrasts being filled with the Spirit with indulging in debauchery, paralleling the call to live differently from the world.

Matthew 5:11-12
Jesus speaks of the blessing in being persecuted for righteousness, aligning with the experience of Peter's audience.

2 Timothy 3:12
Paul warns that all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will face persecution, echoing the reality faced by Peter's readers.

1 John 2:15-17
Warns against loving the world and its desires, reinforcing the call to separate from worldly practices.
Sermons
Cardinal TruthsJ. J. S. Bird.1 Peter 4:1-6
Christ the Grand Necessity of ManD. Thomas, D. D.1 Peter 4:1-6
Christ's SufferingsD. Thomas, D. D.1 Peter 4:1-6
Coming to JudgmentR. Finlayson 1 Peter 4:1-6
Conformity with ChristAbp. Leighton.1 Peter 4:1-6
Ecce HomoA. Rowland, LL. B.1 Peter 4:1-6
God's Win1 Peter 4:1-6
Living to God's WillU. R. Thomas.1 Peter 4:1-6
Men's Lusts Opposed to God's WillJohn Rogers.1 Peter 4:1-6
Sin PiercedJ. Trapp.1 Peter 4:1-6
The Flesh Rightly UsedG. Calthrop.1 Peter 4:1-6
The Rest of His Time in the FleshF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Peter 4:1-6
The Right Use of the Residue of Our TimeD. Thomas, D. D.1 Peter 4:1-6
The Time in the FleshHomilist1 Peter 4:1-6
The Will of GodF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Peter 4:1-6
Will of GodJohn Bate.1 Peter 4:1-6
The Persecuted Christian Reminded of the Necessity of Suffering for RighteousnessC. New 1 Peter 4:1-7
A Sinner Changed by GraceG. Burder.1 Peter 4:3-5
AmusementsD. Thomas, D. D.1 Peter 4:3-5
Christian ConsistencyThe Evangelist1 Peter 4:3-5
Counteracting the GoodH. F. Kohlbrugge, D. D.1 Peter 4:3-5
Departed YearsD. Thomas, D. D.1 Peter 4:3-5
Excess of RiotC. Wordsworth.1 Peter 4:3-5
PleasureT. Adams.1 Peter 4:3-5
The Consideration of Misspent Time an Incentive to RepentanceJohn Rogers.1 Peter 4:3-5
The Old Year and the NewH. W. Beecher.1 Peter 4:3-5
The Pleasures of a Holy Life Inexplicable to the UngodlyJ. Spencer.1 Peter 4:3-5
The Voice of the PastA London Suburban Minister1 Peter 4:3-5
Living to the Will of GodU.R. Thomas 1 Peter 4:3-6
People
Peter
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus
Topics
Abuse, Abusively, Astonished, Blaspheming, Corruption, Dissipation, Dissoluteness, Evil, Excess, Excesses, Flood, Heap, Injuriously, Join, Longer, Malign, Plunge, Profligacy, Riot, Run, Running, Saying, Sink, Speak, Speaking, Strange, Surprised, Violent, Wasting, Wherein, Wild, Wondering
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Peter 4:4

     5565   suffering, of believers
     5775   abuse
     5893   insults

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

1 Peter 4:4-5

     5556   stewardship

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,John

June 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

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