Armed for a Different Life

Living for the Will of God in a World That Doesn’t Understand
1 Peter 4:1–11

The Christian life was never meant to be lived on autopilot. Following Jesus in a world that does not share our values requires intention, resolve, and a transformed way of thinking. Writing to believers who were socially marginalized, culturally misunderstood, and morally pressured, the apostle Peter reminds the church that Christianity is not merely something we believe—it is a way of life shaped by the cross.

In 1 Peter 4, the tone shifts. Peter moves from encouraging believers to endure suffering to calling them to actively live differently because of Christ. The question he answers is deeply practical: How should we live in a hostile world while waiting for Christ’s return?

His answer is clear. Because Christ suffered for us, believers are called to arm themselves with Christ’s mindset, live for God’s will, love one another deeply, and serve faithfully—all for the glory of God.

Arm Your Mind with Christ’s Attitude (1 Peter 4:1–2)

Peter begins with a striking command: “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking.” The language is unmistakably military. To “arm yourselves” implies preparation, resolve, and readiness for conflict. The Christian life requires intentional mental preparation because suffering for righteousness is not accidental—it is expected.

The mindset we are called to adopt is Christ’s own willingness to obey the Father even at great personal cost. As Paul writes in Philippians 2, Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death. Wayne Grudem rightly notes, “The willingness to suffer for doing good is a mark of genuine commitment to Christ.”

Peter goes on to say, “whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” This does not mean sinless perfection. Rather, it speaks of a decisive break with a self-centered way of life. Grudem explains that the one who continues obeying God despite suffering has made a clear break with sin. D. Edmond Hiebert adds that this phrase depicts the spiritual triumph of the believer whose old life, dominated by sin, has been terminated—even though sin has not been completely eradicated.

Suffering has a refining effect. As John Piper observes, “Suffering loosens the grip of sin because it forces us to decide what we truly value.” When obedience costs us something, it reveals who—or what—we truly live for.

As a result, believers no longer live for human passions but for the will of God. Like a soldier who does not choose his mission based on comfort, the follower of Christ no longer directs his own life. Our purpose is no longer self-determined; it is God-directed.

Leave the Old Life Behind Without Looking Back (1 Peter 4:3–4)

Peter reminds his readers that they have already spent enough time living as the world lives. He lists behaviors common in pagan culture—sensuality, drunkenness, and idolatry—not to shame believers, but to emphasize that the old life has had its day. There is no need to revisit it.

As Warren Wiersbe wisely states, “God does not save us so we can relive our past, but so we can redeem our future.”

Choosing holiness, however, often provokes a reaction. Peter notes that the world is “surprised” when believers no longer join in their former way of life. That surprise frequently turns into mockery, slander, or accusation. Charles Spurgeon once warned, “If you never receive opposition from the world, you may want to question whether you are living contrary to it.”

F. B. Meyer echoes this sobering truth: “It does not matter how good your deeds are received by men. If you are like God you will find them received with contempt and ingratitude.” Yet Peter does not instruct believers to retaliate or withdraw. Instead, they are called to remain faithful—to stand firm without becoming bitter.

Remember: God Is the Final Judge (1 Peter 4:5–6)

The accusations of the world are not the final word. Peter reminds believers that those who mock and oppose them “will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” God sees every act of injustice, every word of scorn, and every quiet act of faithfulness. Judgment belongs to Him, not to us.

Thomas Schreiner captures the comfort of this truth: “The certainty of divine judgment frees believers from the need to defend themselves.” We can endure misunderstanding because we trust God’s justice.

Peter’s reference to the gospel being preached to those who are now dead reassures suffering believers that death does not mean defeat. Those who trusted Christ, even if they suffered or died for their faith, were not abandoned. God’s verdict—not man’s—is final. Death does not nullify the promises of God.

Live with Eternal Urgency (1 Peter 4:7–9)

With Christ’s return in view, Peter urges believers to live with urgency. “The end of all things is at hand,” he writes. Proper eschatology does not lead to speculation or panic, but to sober, prayerful living.

A clear mind and self-control are essential for prayer. The expectation of Christ’s coming should drive believers to their knees, not into endless debates. A. W. Tozer once said, “The man who is intimate with God will never be casual about prayer.”

Peter also highlights the centrality of love within the Christian community. “Above all,” he writes, “keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” Love does not ignore sin, but it refuses to weaponize it. As Spurgeon put it, “Love is the oil that takes the friction out of life.”

This love expresses itself through hospitality—open hearts and open homes—offered without grumbling. In the early church, hospitality was costly, and it remains so today. Gospel-shaped love always moves outward, even when it requires sacrifice.

Serve as Stewards of God’s Grace (1 Peter 4:10–11)

Peter concludes by calling every believer to active service. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another.” There are no spectators in the church. Spiritual gifts are not earned achievements but graciously received tools meant for the good of others. As Wiersbe aptly says, “Spiritual gifts are tools, not trophies.”

Peter broadly categorizes these gifts into speaking and serving. Those who speak must faithfully proclaim God’s Word, and those who serve must do so in the strength God supplies. The principle is simple but profound: God provides the power; we provide the obedience.

The ultimate aim of all service is clear—“so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” John Calvin rightly affirmed, “The glory of God is the ultimate end of all Christian service.”