1 Peter 4:1-2 discusses how Jesus suffered for obeying God during His life on earth. His example should inspire believers who have died to sin to live out the rest of our earthly lives for God’s purposes rather than our sin nature, even when we suffer for doing so.

1 Peter 4:3-5 explains that the old sinful lifestyle that dominated believers before we came to faith in Christ no longer has power over us. Unbelievers may be surprised and angry when we don’t sin with them or condone sinning. But every person will be held to account by God for the things we’ve done in life.

1 Peter 4:6 shows that God’s purpose in sending Jesus to die for our sins then resurrect from the dead was so that we who believe could live according to God’s will. We can live the way God wants us to, with new life, free from sin. This will invite rejection and mistreatment from nonbelievers.

1 Peter 4:7-9 teaches that because there will soon come a day when God will judge all men, believers need to focus on activities that have eternal value such as wisdom, prayer, love for each other, and hospitality for other believers.

1 Peter 4:10-11 makes the point that since God will one day judge our deeds, another way believers can make our lives on earth count for eternity is by using our God-given spiritual gifts to serve one another. Some have gifts for communicating God’s word, to teach and encourage, others have gifts to help others through acts of service, and by taking care of earthly needs. It is God who gives the ability to serve one another, and when we do, God is glorified.

1 Peter 4:12-13 reminds us again that believers who live faithfully will encounter suffering. We should not   be shocked or think something unusual is happening when we suffer as Christians. God uses suffering to grow us, strengthen us, and refine us. We can take courage during our suffering so that when Jesus comes, we will be rewarded and overjoyed.

1 Peter 4:14-16 shows that those who suffer for the name of Christ are blessed by God’s Spirit at work in their life. In contrast, we should be careful not to bring suffering on ourselves by sinning. The pain we feel when we are punished for sin is not the same as suffering for doing good. When we suffer for being obedient to God, we should praise God, because it comes to our benefit by growing us now and rewarding us in Christ’s kingdom.

1 Peter 4:17-19 asks since judgment will come soon for the church, what will happen to those who have not believed in Christ? God will reward the righteous; He will also condemn the sinner. So believers who suffer for being faithful to God should rest on God’s faithful promises as we do what is right.