Peter commands believers to adopt the resolve of Christ's suffering so they no longer live for human desires but for the will of God.
1 Peter 4:1-6
1 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,
2 that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
The time spent in Gentile patterns of indulgence is sufficient; believers must expect surprise and abuse when they no longer join the same excess.
3 For we have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken binges, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries.
4 They think it is strange that you don’t run with them into the same excess of riot, blaspheming.
Those who malign God's people will give account to the Judge of the living and the dead, and the gospel's reach is interpreted in view of judgment and life before God.
5 They will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6 For to this end the Good News was preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed as men in the flesh, but live as to God in the spirit.
The nearness of the end calls for alertness, sober-mindedness, and prayer.
1 Peter 4:7-11
7 But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.
Believers must love deeply, practice hospitality without grumbling, and use spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God's varied grace.
8 And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.
9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
10 As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.
11 If anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering is not strange for those united to Christ; believers share in Christ's sufferings and will rejoice at his glory.
1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you.
13 But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.
Insult for Christ's name is not shame but blessing, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on those who suffer as Christians.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified.
15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men’s matters.
16 But if one of you suffers for being a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this matter.
Judgment begins with God's household, so believers who suffer according to God's will must continue doing good while entrusting their souls to God.
17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins first with us, what will happen to those who don’t obey the Good News of God?
18 “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.