“So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit. The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.”
In 1 Peter 4:1-11, the theme of suffering is addressed with practical guidance. The passage encourages believers to live righteously and endure suffering with hope. We have hope because of what was shared last chapter. Jesus is coming back, we don’t need to find our hope in the things of this life but we should find our hope in the things to come in heaven. Peter gave some practical guidance for what it looks like to live with eternity on our minds so we can endure suffering well.
Live Like the End is Near (1 Peter 4:1-3) • Act like Jesus could come back any moment. Decide to live by God's will, not your own. You can’t run towards sin and run towards Jesus at the same time; they go in opposite directions.
Handle Opposition Like the End is Near (1 Peter 4:3-6) • People might not understand why you avoid sinful activities. They might criticize you, but remember, everyone will one day answer to Jesus for their actions. Stay hopeful because, for those who believe in Jesus, death leads to the eternal life we’ve been hoping for.
Pray Like the End is Near (1 Peter 4:7) • Make prayer a priority. Pray earnestly and regularly for God’s guidance and for others to come to faith in Jesus.
Love Like the End is Near (1 Peter 4:8) • Show love that forgives and endures, even when it's hard. This kind of love shows others the message of the gospel. Don't delay in fixing conflicts with fellow believers.
Serve the Church Like the End is Near (1 Peter 4:9-11) • Use the special gifts God has given you to help others in your church. These gifts are meant to serve others and make Jesus known. • Your role in the church is important to God.
In summary: Live with the awareness that Jesus could return at any time, handle criticism and difficulties with hope, pray regularly, love others deeply, and use your gifts to serve the church.
This breakdown was inspired by a sermon I heard on this chapter I will attach below!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watermark-audio-sunday-messages/id76017520?i=1000645377307