We’re continuing our walk through 1 Peter. He’s been teaching about having a change of attitude by the renewing of your mind.

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do — living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

1 Peter 4:3 NIV

Peter now appeals to our spiritual experience. He tells us that we’ve spent enough time trying to accomplish what the Pagans are doing. We found out that it doesn’t work. All of that sinful lifestyle leads nowhere.

He uses some clear descriptions that sound very close to home in our generation. Peter talks about out of control desires, too much wine, letting loose, drinking bouts, and unlawful image worship. That’s how the world views having a good time. I let loose on the weekend, destroying my body, then feeling like dirt on Monday.

It should be different for us as believers. If you remember from the end of chapter 3, we’ve cried out to God. Through baptism we craved and demanded a good conscience before God. Our life has been totally renovated.

They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.

1 Peter 4:4 NIV

The world thinks we’re crazy for not running after these things. He literally says that it’s alien to them. It’s strange that we don’t want to rush together with them into the same excess of unsavedness.

So, they speak evil of you. That’s because your lifestyle of radical righteousness convicts them. They realize that their lifestyle is only providing a temporary happiness.

But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

1 Peter 4:5-6 NIV

This is what should fuel our evangelistic burden for the lost. Everyone will go before God in judgment. I believe that this knowledge is built into our DNA as humans.

And this verse gives us some insight into what Christ was doing while His body rested in the grave. First, Jesus went into hell and proclaimed to the unrighteous dead. Then, He preached the good news to the righteous dead. After proclaiming His triumph over death, Christ lead them out victoriously.

This is why the Gospel message is so important. The Lord wants no one to perish. He wants as many as possible to enter into the joy of His kingdom. We all have to do our part in accomplishing this mission.

Question: How well are you advancing God’s kingdom?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi