I Peter 4  Peter continues to charge his listeners to follow the example of our Savior and to know His purpose.. and thus our own, the reason we have been chosen..
 Already in this letter he has told us that:

We are chosen "that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood" ( 1:2)
His great mercy " caused us to be born again to a living hope.. " (1:3)
As obedient children... we are called to be like the Holy One " who called you" - to be holy in "all your behavior". (1:15)
We are a "chosen race, a royal priesthood... that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (2:9)
"... such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men." (2:15)
"For, you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps." (2:21)
".... that we might die to sin and live to righteousness;" (2:24)
".. for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing." (3:9)

And he has given us the key to finding these purposes for ourselves, " but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts..." ( 3:15a) 

Now Peter continues to instruct us how to live according to Christ's purposes.  And the next one is a doozy... " Therefore since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased to sin.... so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh... for the will of God." ( 4:1-2)

To surrender our flesh... to die to self and to selfish desires is paramount to this calling that we have through Christ as we set Him apart as Master of our hearts.

It is why the gospel has been preached... "even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God." ( 4:6)

And one more purpose , "the purpose of prayer" ( 4:7) - Because the end of this life is near, we are called to be of "sound judgement and sober spirit" and to pray.
We pray :
For fervent love for each other.
For a heart of hospitality towards those in need.
That we will be good stewards of God's grace
That we are serving God with "the strength He supplies"
That we  will glorify God in all things.

These are the fruit of a life fully surrendered to God's purposes for us. We share in Christ's sufferings, we keep rejoicing in trials, and we await the day when we will exalt in the "revelation of His glory "

Thank You Father  for Your grace towards us.  So thankful that You are patient with us and tenderhearted towards us.  May Your will be done in us. Let Your word fill our thinking and move our bodies in Your footsteps Jesus!  You are Lord, my Master.. and I am Your slave.  Amen.