I Peter 4: 1-11 Peter once again speaks of God's purpose.. As he wrote in chapter 1, it is God who "caused us to be born again to a living hope.." to "obtain an inheritance which is imperishable".  He redeemed us by the "precious blood.. of Christ".  He chose us to be "a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of God's own possession".. SO THAT we would "proclaim the excellencies of Him who called [us] our of darkness into His marvelous light."   He has called us to "do what is right"..to follow in the steps of Jesus. Our calling is for the "very purpose" of living a life of blessing.. of harmony and sympathy.. of kindness and humility. ( 3:8-9)

 Peter writes, " Therefore since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin."  Peter is talking about laying down our lives.. our fleshly lives...our sinful lives.. putting to death, as Paul wrote to the Romans, " Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus." (Romans 6:11)

Peter says, ".. no longer (live) for the lusts of men, but for the will of God."  This is why the gospel has come.. "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." 

Everything we do, then, is for His purposes, and not for our own.  So, as Peter exhorts us, let's "be of sound judgement and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer." ( v7)  Pray that we would be "fervent in love.. hospitable.. without complaint.. serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God..."   Pray that we will speak as God gives us the words, serve as God supplies the strength.. "so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." 

Father, may it be so! Amen!