Lesson 16: How we are set apart – not by our standards

Read 1 Peter 4:1-19- https://www.bible.com/bible/59/1pe.4
 1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;
5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.


This chapter gives us three things about holiness which may be different from what we expect: 1) holiness is not by our standards, 2) holiness means we will be servants, and 3) holiness is accomplished by faith.

Sometimes we want to choose what holiness should look like in our lives. We would like it to be comfortable, and not so limiting that we cannot enjoy some of the comforts we have grown to enjoy.

But Jesus reminds us in these words that He did not come to be served – though He is the creator of all that exists – but to serve. He was not born in a palace – though He is the King of kings – His first bed was a food trough for animals. He was not wealthy – though He owns everything He created – His only personal possession here on earth was the coat He wore.

Jesus came to earth knowing He would suffer. Even though His human body feared the pain of the cross (see Luke 22:39-42), He was determined to carry out God the Father’s plan no matter what it would cost Him. Verse 1 above says we are to arm ourselves with this same way of thinking.

*If you were to say to Jesus today – I will serve You no matter what it costs me, what would you fear most?

We are reminded in our verses today how the people around us think seeking personal pleasure is the way to find happiness and satisfaction in this world. But everything we do only for ourselves will be of no value at all when Judgement Day comes and we stand before God to give account of our lives. If we have accepted Christ, Judgment Day will not be about where we spend eternity (Romans 6:7), for His eternal life means we spend eternity with Him (John 14:3); but judgment will mean gaining or losing rewards from Jesus (1 Corinthians 9:27). Every reward will be something with which we can bring God more glory.