Author

Ed Urzi

1 Peter – Chapter Four X

by Ed Urzi June 26, 2024

“With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you” (1 Peter 4:4 ESV).

The choices and decisions that stem from a Christian’s relationship with Jesus may puzzle those who don’t follow Christ. However, there are others who may respond in a far more aggressive fashion: “…they criticize and abuse and ridicule you and make fun of your values” (AMP). That type of response contains elements that are easy to understand, yet difficult to comprehend.

The easy part relates to the preferences of those who are disinterested in Christianity. When we distance ourselves from activities and behaviors that dishonor God, there are sure to be some who take offense. Those individuals might respond in the following manner:

Co-workers and acquaintances might say, “What’s wrong with us?“
Friends may ask, “Do you think you are better than we are?“
Family members might respond, “Isn’t our religion good enough?“

Some may be hurt by a decision to no longer run with them in their “wild and reckless living” (GNT). Others might be indignant. However, a percentage of those same individuals are likely to experience a sense of conviction regarding their choices. A God-honoring lifestyle may serve as an affront to those with other priorities- and some are likely to take it personally.

Thus, we can reasonably expect such individuals to malign us. One commentary helps explain that response…

“People whose lives change radically at conversion may experience contempt from old friends. They may be scorned not only because they refuse to participate in certain activities but also because their priorities have changed and they are now heading in the opposite direction. Their lives incriminate their friends’ sinful activities.” ₍₁₎

Another commentator adds, “No one is any more unpopular at a drinking party than a teetotaler; and the same is true of all abstainers from popular sins.” ₍₂₎

Nevertheless, that response is also difficult to comprehend, especially with regard to those whose lives once followed a path of self-destruction prior to salvation. One source elaborates on the strange dichotomy that may develop when Christ transforms those who once pursued “…the same flood of unrestrained wickedness” (CEB)…

“Unsaved people do not understand the radical change that their friends experience when they trust Christ and become children of God. They do not think it strange when people wreck their bodies, destroy their homes, and ruin their lives by running from one sin to another! But let a drunkard become sober, or an immoral person pure, and the family thinks he has lost his mind!” ₍₃₎

(2) Coffman, James Burton. “Commentary on 1 Peter 4”. “Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bcc/1-peter-4.html. Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas,

(3) Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. 2 vols. Wheaton: Scripture Press Publications, Victor Books, 1989. [2:420] Quoted in Notes on 1 Peter 2023 Edition, [4:4] Dr. Thomas L. Constable https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/1peter/1peter.htm

1 Peter – Chapter Four IX

by Ed Urzi June 25, 2024

“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).

Those who are content to live their lives apart from God may find it difficult to understand why others seek to honor Him. Thus, we have the following reminder from 1 Peter 4:4: “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” (NLT).

A person who makes his or her life choices without regard for God or the afterlife often finds it hard to comprehend why anyone might pursue a different set of values. While some may dismiss those who seek to honor God (often with an attitude of amusement or indifference), others may feel compelled to “heap abuse on you” (NIV). Thus, we should be prepared for the fact that some will mock or ridicule those who are genuinely committed to living a God-honoring life.

It’s been said that people tend to belittle things they don’t understand, and it’s fair to say that such responses may arise from a lack of understanding. For instance, many people find pleasure in a lifestyle that revolves around drinking and partying. It might be difficult for those individuals to fathom how anyone could lead a satisfying life without immersing themselves in a similar culture.

These realities present us with a choice: do we opt for cultural conformity with others, or focus on a life that is pleasing to God regardless of what others think? Before we address that question, it’s helpful to remember that no one in popular culture ever sacrificed their lives for us, as Christ did. No one in popular culture rivals Jesus as a model of love and humility. No one in popular culture has ever stood up to the members of a corrupt establishment as fearlessly as Jesus did. No one in popular culture comes close to living up to Jesus’ example.

Thus, we should ask if we will live our lives to please God (who is worthy of our devotion) or please others (who often provide the wrong example). And if our spiritual lives do not prompt non-Christians to question our choices, then we should take the opportunity to question ourselves. If our lifestyles are indistinguishable from those who have no interest in Christ, then something is likely to be amiss in our relationship with Him. We’ll explore this theme at greater length in our next study.

1 Peter – Chapter Four VIII

by Ed Urzi June 24, 2024

“You have spent enough time in the past doing what the heathen like to do. Your lives were spent in indecency, lust, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and the disgusting worship of idols” (1 Peter 4:3 GNB).

This reference to idolatry is one of many such warnings throughout the Old and New Testament Scriptures. For instance, God once addressed this subject through the Old Testament prophet Isaiah with a series of common-sense observations that warrant a lengthy excerpt. While these admonishments targeted idolatrous statues, they have broader implications that encompass all forms of idolatry, past and present…

“Who but a fool would make his own god—an idol that cannot help him one bit? All who worship idols will be disgraced along with all these craftsmen—mere humans—who claim they can make a god. They may all stand together, but they will stand in terror and shame.

The blacksmith stands at his forge to make a sharp tool, pounding and shaping it with all his might. His work makes him hungry and weak. It makes him thirsty and faint. Then the wood-carver measures a block of wood and draws a pattern on it. He works with chisel and plane and carves it into a human figure. He gives it human beauty and puts it in a little shrine.

He cuts down cedars; he selects the cypress and the oak; he plants the pine in the forest to be nourished by the rain. Then he uses part of the wood to make a fire. With it he warms himself and bakes his bread. Then—yes, it’s true—he takes the rest of it and makes himself a god to worship! He makes an idol and bows down in front of it!

He burns part of the tree to roast his meat and to keep himself warm. He says, ‘Ah, that fire feels good.’ Then he takes what’s left and makes his god: a carved idol! He falls down in front of it, worshiping and praying to it. ‘Rescue me!’ he says. ‘You are my god!’

Such stupidity and ignorance! Their eyes are closed, and they cannot see. Their minds are shut, and they cannot think. The person who made the idol never stops to reflect, ‘Why, it’s just a block of wood! I burned half of it for heat and used it to bake my bread and roast my meat. How can the rest of it be a god? Should I bow down to worship a piece of wood?’

The poor, deluded fool feeds on ashes. He trusts something that can’t help him at all. Yet he cannot bring himself to ask, ‘Is this idol that I’m holding in my hand a lie?'” (Isaiah 44:10-20 NLT).

1 Peter – Chapter Four VII

by Ed Urzi June 21, 2024

“For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the pagans choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry” (1 Peter 4:3 HCSB).

This catalog of inappropriate behaviors from 1 Peter 4:3 concludes with a reference to idolatry. In speaking of the lawless nature of this conduct, one source tells us, “The Greek word… means ‘contrary to law and justice, illicit, criminal.’ These idolatries were forbidden by Roman law. They must have been pretty bad.” ₍₁₎

Indeed, such behaviors were pretty bad, but not simply because they violated ancient Roman law. You see, it was the act of idolatry itself that made them bad. While idolatry may take many forms, we can identify an idol as anything we love, fear, or depend on more than God. When something takes the place of God in our lives, that thing (whatever it is) effectively becomes an idol.

Here’s why: if God does not occupy the highest position of love and affection in our lives, then we must substitute something (or someone) else as the ultimate object of such things. For instance, there are modern-day examples of those who have crafted an idol from a physical possession, a financial asset, or a person.

Let’s take the case of an individual who prioritizes the accumulation of financial wealth above all else. The person who values money above everything else is as guilty of idolatry as someone who bowed before a human-crafted statue in the Old Testament era, for both have relinquished God’s rightful place in their lives to something else. The same is true of anything that takes God’s place in our lives.

In light of this, we may consider anything that displaces the love and devotion that rightfully belongs to our Creator as an idol. This explains why the Scriptures repeatedly warn against engaging in such behaviors. For example…

“Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the LORD your God has forbidden” (Deuteronomy 4:23).

“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry…” (1 Corinthians 10:14).

“…a greedy person is really an idol worshiper– he loves and worships the good things of this life more than God” (Ephesians 5:5 TLB).

Therefore, we can say that everything must take second place to God in our lives. Anything that fails to assume that position becomes an idol. As Jesus also reminded us in Luke 12:15, “…Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

1 Peter – Chapter Four VI

by Ed Urzi June 20, 2024

“For the time that has passed was sufficient for you to do what the non-Christians desire. You lived then in debauchery, evil desires, drunkenness, carousing, drinking bouts, and wanton idolatries” (1 Peter 4:3 NET).

1 Peter 4:3 highlights some additional behaviors that should not characterize those who claim to follow Christ. That list includes revelries (NKJV), carousing (AMP), or “wild parties” (GW). These activities allude to loud, drunken celebrations, or the type of rowdy, late-night partying that might draw the scrutiny of law-enforcement.

We can revisit the observations of the following commentator who offers insight into the word “carousing” from the original language of this passage: “This term kōmos is related to the Greek term for village, kōmē. It implies a large community-wide festive party involving excess of eating, drinking, and unrestrained sexual activity (cf. Rom. 13:13; Gal. 5:21).” ₍₁₎

In addition to what we read here in 1 Peter, we can find similar cautionary messages in the Apostle Paul’s Biblical letters. For example, Paul’s letter to the church in Rome and his letter to the churches of Galatia each contain the following admonitions…

“Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy” (Romans 13:13).

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: … envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” ( Galatians 5:19, 21).

Jesus delivered a similar warning regarding such behaviors in discussing the events that would unfold during the end times….

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap” (Luke 21:34 NIV).

Finally, several translations of 1 Peter 4:3 (such as the CSB, ESV, and NIV) make reference to “orgies” among these behaviors. Unlike today, the primary meaning behind that term was not sexual in nature (although it did not preclude such conduct). Instead, it referred to the actions of a riotous crowd at night. Then, as now, such activities might result in drunken brawls, physical injuries, and widespread property damage.

Today, we might refer to these destructive behaviors as an “orgy of violence.” These word pictures thus illustrate the type of warning that Peter issues to us under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter – Chapter Four V

by Ed Urzi June 19, 2024

“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” (1 Peter 4:3 ESV).

The next entry in our catalog of sinful behaviors from 1 Peter 4:3 is drunkenness. One commentator defines this word in the original language of this passage and offers some cultural insights: “[Drunkeness] is a compound term, found only here in the NT of ‘wine’ (oinos) and ‘bubble over’ (phluo). The ancient world drank wine regularly, as did Jesus (cf. Matt. 11:18-19) and the early church. It is the excess that is condemned (cf. Pro. 23:29-35; Rom. 13:13; Gal. 5:21).” ₍₁₎

In addition to what we read here in 1 Peter 4:3, the Biblical Scriptures offer numerous warnings regarding alcohol abuse. Such observations and admonitions are just as applicable to modern-day audiences as they were in the Biblical era…

“Show me people who drink too much, who have to try out fancy drinks, and I will show you people who are miserable and sorry for themselves, always causing trouble and always complaining. Their eyes are bloodshot, and they have bruises that could have been avoided. Don’t let wine tempt you, even though it is rich red, and it sparkles in the cup, and it goes down smoothly. The next morning you will feel as if you had been bitten by a poisonous snake. Weird sights will appear before your eyes, and you will not be able to think or speak clearly. You will feel as if you were out on the ocean, seasick, swinging high up in the rigging of a tossing ship. ‘I must have been hit,’ you will say; ‘I must have been beaten up, but I don’t remember it. Why can’t I wake up? I need another drink'” (Proverbs 23:29-35 GNT).

“Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, who are champions at pouring beer” (Isaiah 5:22 CSB).

“Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies. You will be filled with shame instead of glory. Now it is your turn! Drink and be exposed! The cup from the LORD’s right hand is coming around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory” (Habakkuk 2:15-16 NIV).

“What sorrow for those who get up early in the morning looking for a drink of alcohol and spend long evenings drinking wine to make themselves flaming drunk. They furnish wine and lovely music at their grand parties— lyre and harp, tambourine and flute—but they never think about the Lord or notice what he is doing” (Isaiah 5:11-12 NLT).

1 Peter – Chapter Four IV

by Ed Urzi June 18, 2024

“For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles–when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries” (1 Peter 4:3).

When used in this context, the word “walk” is a figure of speech that symbolizes our conduct and behavior. We might substitute the word “lifestyle” to express this concept as well. This reference to “the Gentiles” served as a concise means of identifying those who were outside the family of God. Taken together, the overall message is this: “The amount of time you previously spent leading a life that dishonored God was more than sufficient.”

To emphasize that point, the Apostle Peter then followed with a catalog of behaviors that characterize “…the evil things that godless people enjoy” (NLT). The first among those behaviors was “debauchery” (NET, NIV) or “lewdness” (NKJV).

“Debauchery” is a word that is rarely heard in modern-day conversations. This word was once used to identify unmarried individuals who embraced a promiscuous lifestyle. Today, we might use words like “immoral” or “wanton” to describe such behavior. One characteristic quality of debauchery is a lack of moral restraint, especially in the area of sexual indulgence. One source adds, “This term implies a total lack of self control, a determined violation of social norms…” ₍₁₎

The next characteristic is “lusts.” As mentioned earlier, this involves “a longing, especially for something that is forbidden.” ₍₂₎ In a general sense, “lust” is a characteristic that is found among those who seek to exploit others in various ways. It may also entail a desire to possess or control someone (or something) that belongs to someone else.

Whenever we engage is such behaviors, we effectively dehumanize others and objectify them for use in gratifying our needs or desires. Since lust often involves things like exploitation and selfishness (see Colossians 3:5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5), it is incompatible with the God who is love (1 John 4:8, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Therefore, this passage underscores the need to distinguish between human beings who bear God’s divine image and objects for our use.

It is also worth noting that lustful individuals are rarely content with the things they possess. Much like a smoldering ember that grows into a fire that consumes a forest, lust has a tendency to grow into a similarly destructive force. We should thus take heed to this passage to protect ourselves and others from being consumed in such a manner.

(2) G1939 epithumia Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1939/kjv/tr/0-1/

1 Peter – Chapter Four III

by Ed Urzi June 17, 2024

“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” (1 Peter 4:2).

The Apostle Peter offers another mark of a God-honoring attitude in our text from 1 Peter 4:2. We can turn to the following translations to enhance our understanding of this passage…

“…you should not therefore spend the rest of your time here on earth indulging your physical nature, but in doing the will of God” (Phillips).

“…you must live the rest of your earthly lives controlled by God’s will and not by human desires” (GNT).

“As a result, they don’t live the rest of their human lives in ways determined by human desires but in ways determined by God’s will” (CEB).

These allusions to our earthly lives offer an opportunity to reflect upon an intriguing, yet familiar element: time. You see, time is an interesting commodity. We can spend it or steal it. We can buy it or sell it. We can waste it or invest it. But once it’s gone, we can never recover it. This portion of Scripture thus encourages us to prioritize God’s will in the time He has allotted to us.

The following verses can help us identify God’s will as we face the choices and decisions of life. For instance, some examples of God’s will for us include…

Demonstrating mercy and humility (Micah 6:8).
Refraining from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
Expressing thankfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Doing good (as we saw earlier in 1 Peter 2:15).

When we align ourselves with God’s will in these aspects of life, we become better equipped to make decisions that honor Him in other aspects of life as well. However, the following verse identifies a number of “sinful human desires” (GW) to avoid…

This reference to “our past lifetime“ has nothing to do with the nonbiblical concept of reincarnation or the belief in a continuous cycle of past and future lives (see Hebrews 9:27).Instead, this phrase references the interval that preceded our regeneration and spiritual rebirth (2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore, the negative qualities that characterized our lives prior to Christ should not carry over into our new lives with Him.

One source illustrates the meaning behind this idea by saying, “You never should have lived this way at all, but whatever time you spent was too much…” ₍₁₎

(1) Ice, Rhoderick D. “Commentary on 1 Peter 4”. “The Bible Study New Testament”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/ice/1-peter-4.html. College Press, Joplin, MO. 1974.

1 Peter – Chapter Four II

by Ed Urzi June 14, 2024

“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” (1 Peter 4:1 ESV).

Before we move forward in our study of 1 Peter chapter four, we should note what the latter portion of this verse says, as well as what it fails to mention.

For example, we can interpret this reference to “whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” in the following manner: when we arm ourselves with Jesus’ attitude towards suffering, we offer proof to show that we have renounced sin. Therefore, those who prayerfully seek to adopt Jesus’ mindset are done (NIV) or finished (CEB) with sin in this sense.

However, this does not mean that we will achieve a life of sinless perfection if we “arm [ourselves] with the same way of thinking.” For instance, the Scriptures tell us that it is impossible to live a sin-free life. The Biblical book 1 John offers one such example: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8 KJV).

In addition, the book of Romans tells us, “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV). The Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes acknowledges this reality as well: “There is no one on earth who does what is right all the time and never makes a mistake” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 GNB).

So, while it is impossible to live sinlessly, the lifestyle of a professing Christian should not be characterized by a recurring pattern of sinful behavior. A person who claims to follow Christ but lives in a manner that is inconsistent with that claim is someone who should consider the message of 1 John 3:6: “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him” (NIV).

The following commentators offer a quick succession of insights that can help us apply this reference to those who have “ceased from sin“…

“The world directs its persecution against those who are living lives of obedience to God, thus those who have ceased from sin.”₍₁₎

“When a believer deliberately chooses to suffer persecution as a Christian rather than to continue in a life of sin, he has ceased from sin.” ₍₂₎

“…[this] passage speaks of believers’ desire not to sin because of their real identification with Christ, which gives them power and motivation not to sin.” ₍₁₎

(2) William Macdonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary Edited by Arthur Farstad, Thomas Nelson Publishers [1 Peter 4:1]

(3) R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 2248.

1 Peter – Chapter Four I

by Ed Urzi June 13, 2024

“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” (1 Peter 4:1).

At just nineteen verses, 1 Peter chapter four is a relatively brief chapter. However, anyone who seeks to live a God-honoring life will benefit from the many practical insights that are contained within this portion of Scripture. For instance, verse one of 1 Peter chapter four begins by saying, “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude.”

As we’ve already noted, the use of the word “therefore” links a previous teaching or idea to an associated action, consequence, or behavior. In this instance, 1 Peter 4:1 encourages us to adopt the same attitude that Jesus exhibited in following God’s will for His life. This is especially true whenever we face difficult or painful circumstances.

Jesus expressed that mindset in the following statement that is recorded for us in the Gospel of John: “I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me” ( John 6:3 NIV). We can find another example in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus is quoted as saying, “…not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42 NIV).

So this passage counsels us to look to Jesus for an example of how to respond when we encounter the challenges of life. Since Christ suffered in the flesh, He serves as our model. Because of this, we should arm ourselves with the same attitude and accept God’s will in those areas that may lead us to suffer. Peter will expand on this theme later in this chapter with some important qualifications. But for now, the following commentator summarizes the idea behind this verse…

“The Apostle urges the disciples to make a clean break with sin. As our Lord’s grave lay between Him and His earlier life, so there should be a clean break between our life as believers and the earth-bound life, which was dominated by lawless passions.” ₍₁₎

Finally, we should note the imagery associated with the expression “arm yourselves.” This tells us that God’s people should approach unjust suffering with the mindset as a well-armed soldier who is prepared to endure a military conflict. Thus, as we read in the New Testament book of Philemon, “Let Christ himself be your example as to what your attitude should be” (Philemon 2:5 Phillips).

(1) Meyer, Frederick Brotherton. “Commentary on 1 Peter 2”. “F. B. Meyer’s ‘Through the Bible’ Commentary“. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/fbm/1-peter-2.html. 1914.

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