I Peter 4:1-7  Once again Peter talks about our purpose.... all that is God's will for us.  He has already taught that:

We are being built up into a "spiritual house for a holy priesthood"  for the purpose of offering up "spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ." ( 2:5)

We are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood..for God's own possession".. for the purpose of proclaiming "the excellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light." (2:9)

We are called to do right "for such is the will of God" to "silence the ignorance of foolish men". (2:15)

We are "called for this purpose ( to do right, even if you suffer for it)... since Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps." (2:21) 

We are to "called for the very purpose".. of blessing others - "let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but blessing instead." (3:8-9)

And now Peter writes, "Therefore since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin." (4:1) 

The word translated "purpose" here is ennoia - thoughtfulness, understanding.. intent.  Is a compound word coming from en-with the idea of position, giving yourself wholly to; and nous - intellect, thought, feeling, or will.  

So, we are to thoughtfully, deliberately, and wholly and intentionally "live.. for the will of God."  We are to thoughtfully, deliberately, wholly, and intentionally cease from sin - including those things that are considered desirable by the world.. even when we are ridiculed for not joining in. 

The time is coming, Peter says, when everyone will "give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead." We can only be prepared for that day as we live according to His purposes.

Two more times he speaks of purpose:

"For the gospel has for this purpose been preached.. " (v6) The gospel's purpose is so that " though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God." 

Because the "end of all things is at hand, be of sound judgement and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer." (v7)

Preaching the gospel and prayer! We have a vital purpose in this world today!

Jesus, You are our Lord and Master, our perfect example of a life lived for the purpose of doing the will of God.  You offered up spiritual sacrifices.  You proclaimed the glory of the Father.  You did right.. and suffered for it.  You remained holy when all around You ridiculed and mocked You.  You lived according to the will of the Father.. in all You did and in all You said.  You preached the good news so that we.. who were dead in our sins and trespasses.. could have Life.. eternal life, purchased by Your blood.  You prayed and are still praying for us.. so that we might live for Your purposes.. the will of the Father.  We praise and worship You!  Father, thank You for loving us and sending Your Son to be our Savior and Lord. We pray that Your will be done in each of us.. who are called by Your Name.  Fulfill Your purposes in me.. in us..  today, Lord, I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.