1 Peter

Saturday, 7 December 2019

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

Peter now cites the same verse from Proverbs that James cited –

“…let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:20

Both of them have turned to Proverbs 10:12, cited here, to make their points –

“Hatred stirs up strife,
But love covers all sins.”

Knowing the source of his thought is right in order to understand what is on his mind. Peter then begins the thought with “And above all things.” It is an obvious expression which means, “What is most important of all,” or “What is of primary importance.” Without this understanding, there will be a void, or a lack, in everything else that he has instructed. And in the immediate sense, it refers to the words of the previous verse where he said to “be serious and watchful in your prayers.”

From there, he states what is of primary importance. It is to “have fervent love for one another.” The word signifies “fully extended.” If one were to think of a rope which is fully taut, that rope is meeting its maximum potential. This is the idea here. It is intense, constant, and a fully zealous love. This is what is to be displayed between believers, and it is because “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

As this is cited by both James and Peter, it needs careful attention. Are they speaking of forgiveness of sins by God which are then covered, or are they simply speaking of sins which are forgotten by the parties involved?

The safest interpretation is that this is speaking of the sinner’s life being saved from death, and the sinner’s sins being those referred to. This would be in line with, for example, Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5.

They sinned and died because of it. The passage concerning Ananias and Sapphira form a descriptive example of what could happen to those caught in sin. They strayed from the path and they died because of it.

The covering of the sinner’s sins is another matter. In Christ, there is a one-time for all time judicial atonement of sin. If James was referring to a non-believer, then his words refer to that. However, taken in connection with Peter’s words, which are certainly speaking of believers, it appears that the covering of the sins is not speaking of forgiveness by God in Christ, but by the overlooking of the sins of the sinner. They are covered and forgotten.

As an example: Mark begins drinking heavily. Alan intervenes and corrects Mark’s way of life. Mark is saved from death, maybe from driving while intoxicated, or maybe from alcohol poisoning – whatever. In the process, his sins are covered (forgotten) by those who see his life-change. His marriage is saved, his job keeps him on, etc. He is brought to a whole state once again.

Further, a multitude of sins which otherwise would have been committed, as he continued down his wayward path, have been averted. They have been covered by the change in his course. And this was because of the love of one for another. Thus, the loving act saved his soul from death and covered a multitude of his sins.

Life application: A strong and forgiving love is the truest sign of a Christian as we learn from Jesus’ words –

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34, 35

Although Jesus was speaking to His apostles, the words are directed to all faithful believers who come after them as well. When a brother sins against you and repents, you are obligated to forgive him of his offense. This is the model in every instance in the Bible. If they fail to repent, then you are to forgive them potentially and hand it over to the Father for Him to deal with.

By these actions, you “cover a multitude of sins” in the forgiving process. Once forgiven, the account is clear, and you can go on in the grace of the Lord. Think this through clearly and have peace with yourself, with your fellow Christian, and also in the arms of Christ.

Lord, You know the offenses committed against us and how upset they have made us. You also know the offenses we have committed against You. Their weight is far higher than what we have endured. This is certain. So, Lord, give us hearts willing to forgive when forgiveness is due, so that we won’t be outside of Your will and direction for our lives. Amen.

Friday, 6 December 2019

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7

Peter now gives a sound reason for arming oneself and for being prepared to give a sound defense for the faith. He says, “But the end of all things is at hand.” The word translated as “is at hand” is used for the last time here by Peter.

It is a common word which signifies “to draw near.” It can be near as in a location, such as “drawing near to Damascus.” It can be near in time, such as “midnight draws near.” It can be drawing near an event, such as “his death is at hand,” and etc.

Here, it is in the perfect tense, signifying extreme closeness. It is used in this same manner by Paul in Romans 13:12 and by James in James 5:8. All three speak of the imminency of the end of the age. The rapture of the church, and what comes after that, has been imminent from the start of the church age. There is no time that a believer could rightly say, “the Lord won’t come back today.” Therefore, that day is always at hand.

As Peter is specifically written to the Jews, and as his epistles are after Paul’s Gentile-led church age epistles, it is a good indication that it is intended for the Jews of the end times, after their regathering. And so, the words apply as much to the rapture for messianic believers as they do for those who are converted after the rapture. The entire set of end-times events is “at hand.”

Because of this, Peter says, “Therefore.” He is summing up the thought with words of exhortation which border on warning. With that said, he continues with “be serious.” The word he uses signifies to be right-minded, or clear-minded. It is an interesting word he chooses, sóphroneó, now used for the last time in Scripture.

HELPS Word Studies describes it as “[The whole word-family (root, sōphro-) comes from two words: sōos (‘safe’) and phrēn (‘what regulates life,’ the root of the English term, ‘diaphram’). Example: An opera singer controls the length (quality) of their tones by their diaphragm, which even controls our ability to breathe and moderates heartbeat. This regulates (‘brings safety’) to the body, keeping it properly controlled.]”

To this, Peter adds to be “watchful in your prayers.” The word signifies being sober. In other words, he exhorts his reader to be rational and clear-minded in prayer.

These things are especially important, again, because of the imminency of the coming of the Lord at the rapture, which is then to be followed with the tribulation and the second advent of Christ. The sequence of events could be at any time, and so believers need to be ready at all times.

Life application: Take your prayers seriously and don’t neglect them, the end of all things is at hand…Christ could return at any moment. Have you been negligent in telling others about Jesus? There is no time like the present, the end of all things is at hand…Christ could return at any moment. Whatever we do, we should do it with the expectation of Christ’s possible return.

This doesn’t just go for positive things; it should guide our life in not doing wrong things as well. Be honest, don’t lie, don’t steal, watch yourself that you don’t fall into sexual immorality, the end of all things is at hand…Christ could return at any moment.

When Christ returns, whether for us individually in death (be it sudden or from age) or for the whole church in the rapture, we don’t want to be found either neglecting His call or living in a less-than holy manner. Be ready, Christ is coming, and the end of all things is at hand.

Lord, how we need to be reminded of the imminency of Your coming. We often slip into unpreparedness – both in our witness to others and in the conduct of our personal life. Be with us, guide us, and carry us in a manner that will bring You glory on the day of Your visitation. Amen.

Thursday, 5 December 2019

For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 1 Peter 4:6

Like verse 3:19, there are various translations which are given for the words of Peter here. Two notable differences are –

For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, (NKJV)
For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead, (CSB)

The difference between “who are dead” and “who are now dead” was resolved in the evaluation of verses 3:18 & 3:19. The preaching was to those who were alive, but who are now dead. It was referring to those people who were alive before the flood to whom Noah preached. Such is true with other dead throughout the ages as well.

The reason for Peter’s words is based on what he just said concerning the coming judgment of “the living and the dead.” The question may arise, and indeed it is asked often, as to how someone who has never heard the gospel can be judged. But they have heard it. As Paul says elsewhere –

“But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed:
‘Their sound has gone out to all the earth,
And their words to the ends of the world.’” Romans 10:18

There is the hope of Messiah in all ages as was first promised to Adam and his wife at the very beginning. It is a hope that calls for righteousness in man in hopes of restoration with God. This is the message of Noah and others. Just because Noah didn’t know who the Messiah would be, it does not mean that he didn’t preach concerning Messiah. His words came through his understanding that God had a plan and it would be carried out in due time. His job was to preach concerning God’s righteousness until that time.

It is “For this reason the gospel was preached.” Peter wants his audience to know that the gospel, although limited in its understanding of God’s plan, was preached. As he next says, “also to those who are dead.”

This does not refer to those who were dead and were preached to while they were dead. Such is not found in Scripture, nor can it be inferred. Rather, “it is appointed for men to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Instead, the people Peter refers to in this verse are now dead, but they were alive when they heard the gospel. This is why translators use the term “now dead” or as the ISV translates it, “those who have died.” What occurred was in the past while they were living, but now – at this time – they are dead.

The word of righteousness went forth to proclaim righteous living to all. This is exactly what Peter has been referring to in the previous verses, especially verses 4:3-5. It is a world full of dissipation and debauchery, but some (whom Peter is addressing) have turned from that because of the gospel. It was no different at Noah’s time. He preached righteousness so “that they might be judged according to men in the flesh.”

This is what Peter said of the believers who had come to Christ in verse 4:4, where he said to his reader that those who failed to heed are “speaking evil of you.” In other words, the people of the world judged the believers “according to men in the flesh.” Such an instance may be, “Oh come on! You’re acting like a prude. Come and join us as we party our lives away.”

This is certainly the sentiment of Genesis 6, for example. It is also the sentiment of Lot while in Sodom, and etc. There is abounding wickedness. This is so much the case that those who retain a righteous spirit are judged by the wicked according to the flesh. However, those same people “live according to God in the spirit.”

This is what Peter said to his reader in verse 4:2 –

“…that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”

This is what happened with Noah. It is also the state of Lot, as Peter will later say of him –

“…and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked ⁸ (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)—” 2 Peter 2:7, 8

The good news of righteousness in anticipation of Messiah is instilled in man. It takes an active rejection of that good news to condemn the righteous and live one’s life in wickedness. This is what the world has done, and it is what the world continues to do.

Peter is not speaking of people getting a second chance after death. That is a contradictory thought which is not supported by either the context of Peter’s words, or the context of the state of man as is presented in Scripture. 

Life application: As a review of what has just been presented, we ask again, “Who is being talked about here?” Did someone go preach to dead people? The answer is, “No.” The people who are being referred to were alive when they heard the gospel message just as we today hear the gospel.

The context of the passage is that Peter was speaking about Jesus suffering for us “in the flesh” and so we should be of the same mind, not living for sin and lust but for the will of God. He then went on to explain that we all were also like the disobedient people of the world, having done the same wicked things. Unlike them though, we are now free from condemnation, whereas those who are still disobedient will “have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the ‘living and the dead.’”

He then said, “For this reason,” and explained that this is the same pattern that was applied to those who are now dead, but previously heard the gospel. Here is a breakdown then of the idea we can draw from what Peter is saying –

1) Living a holy life, one which is honoring to God, is what should be expected when the gospel is preached to us.
2) God is going to bring judgment on all people who have heard the gospel, but failed to receive it; they’ve had no change in their heart or life.
3) It makes no difference how others judge us, particularly those who live “in the flesh,” as long as we live the way that God would have us live – in His Spirit and for the message of Christ.

Remember fellow Christian, we are accountable to God, not to men, for our actions. When someone pokes fun at you for being a faithful believer, pay it no heed. God’s commendation is infinitely more valuable than their accusations.

Praise be to God who has called us out of death and bondage, and who has brought us into the Light of His glorious Son. Lord, we could sing of your love and faithfulness forever. And, indeed, we shall! Let us not be discouraged nor ashamed when men mock us for following You. Instead, may we count it as double honor. Amen.

Wednesday, 4 December 2019

They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:5

The words are connected to those of the previous verse who “think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.” Peter says of them now that “They will give an account.”

Here he uses the same term that he did of believers in verse 3:15 –

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”

It is probable that he is tying the two thoughts together in his mind. Christians are to be prepared to give a defense concerning their faith because all people will be required to give an account of their lives. If the first can lead to a resulting change in others, the account given – and the judgment rendered – will be vastly different for the one who must give his “account to Him who is ready to judge.”

The Greek more closely reads, “having Himself in readiness.” The judgment is near, it is always at the ready, and when the time for it arrives, it will be conducted without delay. Further, it is speaking of the coming judgment of God which will be conducted by Christ Jesus. This is explicitly stated in Acts 10:42 and in 2 Timothy 4:1. It is also stated in other ways elsewhere. It is Christ Jesus who has been ordained by God for this purpose.

If one thinks about it logically, Christ is the standard for judgment. He was found without sin, and He prevailed over death because of it. He is the embodiment of the law, and therefore, what He has done is the ideal to which all others must attain in order to meet God’s standard and be accepted by Him.

Therefore, one will either be found in Christ, and thus acceptable to God, or he will not be in Christ and unacceptable to God. The judgment will be that simple to conduct. There will be no balances to weigh out good and bad. There will be no listing of deeds leading to justification. There will be no time in purgatory which leads to a state of sanctification and holiness. There will only be those in Christ and those who are not in Christ. Those in Christ will be saved; the others will be condemned.

And this judgment is for both “the living and the dead.” Those who are alive at the time of judgment will be judged. Those who have died before that Day appointed for them will be raised for judgment. No person in all of human history will be excluded from this, and it will be a perfectly fair and eternally final decision.

Life application: Idol worshippers cover the majority of people on earth. Any religion not founded on faith in Jesus Christ is idol worship. One doesn’t need to bow to a stone Buddha to fit this category. Instead, any form of incorrect worship will do, whether it is pantheism (belief that everything is God); polytheism (belief in many gods); etc. Like them, liars, murderers, thieves, sorcerers, those who practice astrology, etc. are all awaiting the same fate. Either Jesus Christ is Lord in one’s life, or something else is.

While considering this, take time to also reflect on those who mistreat you or persecute you because of your faith. Right now, it seems unbearable. We hear of Christian persecution around the world and it seems like the enemy is winning the battle. In America, it is becoming increasingly difficult to even mention the name of Jesus in public without having somebody from the ACLU or some other anti-Christian organization threaten to sue you, or have you tossed into jail.

If you feel their oppression, don’t be surprised, these things will come. But remember that Jesus is a fair and righteous Judge. In the end, they will receive their just desserts for having fought against Him in this life. Following His path will be rewarded and fighting against it will be punished. Nothing will be left unattended on the great Day of His righteous judgment. Be at peace and continue to be a light to these people lest they share in the fate of the wicked.

Lord, our inclination at times is to pray for speedy judgment on those who persecute and fight against Your church. But You would have us do otherwise. You would have us pray for them now so that they might turn and be healed. Give us willing hearts to do this so that they may receive commendation, not condemnation, on Your great Day of visitation. Amen.

Tuesday, 3 December 2019

In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 1 Peter 4:4

Referring to the list of things that pagans choose to do, Peter now says something that is not unexpected for anyone who turns from such a life to living in holiness in Christ. He says, “they think it strange that you do not run with them.”

The term Peter uses is literally “not running with them.” They are a band of miscreants running as quickly to the gates of hell as they can, and suddenly one of them realizes the error of his way and stops. The others turn their heads in surprise and wonder what on earth is going on. “Hey, this is the way to hell! You’re never going to get there like that.”

But this is the point of living in holiness and not for the flesh. It is to turn to what reflects the nature of God, and to what God expects for His people. However, they cannot see this as their minds are clouded by the things of the flesh. It is a complete surprise that you have ceased to join with them “in the same flood of dissipation.”

The words of Peter speak of debauchery to the point of excess, even to overflowing. The word Peter uses, which gives the sense of “excess,” is found only here in the Bible. Vincent’s Word Studies notes that when used in classical Greek, it speaks of tides which fill the hollows. There is an overflowing sense of debauchery which they are engaged in, but which the believer suddenly realizes is wrong. In stopping and turning from it, Peter then says that they are “speaking evil of you.”

The idea here is, “You idiot. Stop acting so self-righteously. We know who you are and what you have done. You are as bad as us, and now you act as if you are a saint.” It is common for those who do evil to not turn from their evil when they see holiness on display. Rather, they do their utmost to pull the one who has turned from his wickedness back to their own level. Like crabs in a bucket, they will always pull the one attempting to get out of it back in – even so that they can be boiled alive together.

Life application: Peter is making a connection to the previous chapter where the flood of Noah was introduced. Surely Noah faced the evil tongues of those around him who belittled him as he steadily built the ark. But in the end, he was saved through the flood and the others were destroyed. Likewise, if you have come to Christ and have given up on the character and conduct you once lived, you have probably faced (and possibly still face) the jeers of those you once hung around with.

They may look at you as if you’ve lost your mind, thinking it strange that you don’t run with them anymore. The fact is though that you are the one who has found reason and understanding, and it is you who are being safely guided through the very same flood that you were once drowning in. Don’t be disheartened and don’t be discouraged by the constant beat of the drums calling you to return to this empty way of life. Rather, stand fast and march on towards the goal which is the high calling of life in Jesus Christ.

By your steadfast attitude, you may even become a witness to the very people who are currently giving you such a difficult time. In the end, they may have their eyes opened, simply because of your faithfulness to Christ. Stand firm then in Jesus, and may He be your safe hiding place and strong refuge. Don’t let the life you once lived take over and nullify the glorious work of sanctification that Jesus is working in you.

Lord Jesus, you know the temptations we face, the taunts we endure, and the continuous call for us to return to our previous way of life. Give us a strong and resolute spirit to stand firm against these things and to be bold and faithful as witnesses to the glorious change You have brought about in us. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.