PETER is pressing upon Christians the importance of living the life which is good, that is a life pleasing to God and in conformity to the example of Christ. In the previous verses (1 Peter 3:8-22) Peter uses the example of Christ in giving his life to redeem us, and the inheritance which is ours in heaven through Christ, to move us to live this good life. In these next verses which are before us in chapter 4 Peter is using the nature and character of our new life in Christ to urge us to live this good life, which is the character of the new life we have in and through Christ.

A proper interpretation of verse 1 is the key to a right understanding of this whole passage. Peter speaks first of Christ's experience when he lived on this earth. He suffered in the body. The suffering in the body which Peter is referring to here is not his suffering on the cross, but his suffering in his body and life while he lived and taught throughout his life and specially during his ministry recorded in the Gospel.

Christ suffered hugely in his body during his life. This suffering was the suffering brought about by the sinfulness of the world which offended his holy nature. This suffering was also his conflict between the desires of the flesh which are contrary to the desires of the Spirit. This suffering was also his conflict due to the temptations and assaults of the devil. This suffering was also caused by the hate of the world. All this was an assault on his holy nature, and the suffering was to deny the flesh and the world and the devil, and live a completely holy life. Christ's holy nature was defiled and offended by the sin all around him in the world. The conflict brought great suffering. An example of this suffering is Christ's temptations in the desert - Matthew 4:1-11.

Peter tells us we must have the same attitude, because if we join in this struggle and deny the flesh and the world and the devil we show that we have done with sin. The fact is that through faith in Christ we have died with Christ, and the old person we were is dead, and we have been raised to new life with Christ. This new life is created to be like God in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24). This new life is offended by sin, the world and the devil, and also the evil and corrupt desires which still remain in our bodies/flesh. By arming ourselves with the same attitude as Christ we show the reality of this new life within us, and so reveal we are real Christians. We desire to be done with sin, and we long after the spiritual and heavenly things our new nature in Christ desires.

So the Christian (v.2) does not live the rest of his or her life for the evil desires of the flesh, but rather for the will of God. The aspirations of people still in the world, which is called having a good time, is not for us. Because of this the world thinks we are odd. They don't realise the judgement that is to come for them (v.5). This separation and distinction between the people of God and the people of the world has always been true. Verse 6 is telling us that the Gospel was preached in Old Testament days, and through faith in the Gospel preached, people in the past suffered this same judgement/suffering in the body, but like Christians always lived according to God in regard to the spirit - that is there new nature. The preaching to the dead simply means that those who were dead in Peter's time, also had the Gospel preached to them when they were alive.

So Peter comes to specific ways in which this new good life is expressed. Giving time to meditate on these things is truly rewarding.

Firstly, we live in the light of the end of all things - the end of the world when Christ returns. We live to be ready for this and so we will not be ashamed when Christ comes.

Secondly, we see things clearly as they are, and exercise self control. This means we see what is evil, and what offends our new nature and Christ. We control all the desires of the flesh which are against our new nature and the things of Christ. Only as we do this can we engage in prayer with blessing and success.

Thirdly, we must love each other deeply. Love is the great characteristic of Christ and heaven which overcomes sin and evil. Paul describes the power of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. (cp. Proverbs 10:12)

Fourthly, the Christian must live for others and for the good and blessing of others. We offer hospitality. This encompasses more than giving meals, but all the ways people need support and help. For this selfless living we have been given gifts. These gifts have been given by God's grace in order to be used for the blessing of others.

Fifthly, the Christian is careful that all his or her conversation is according to the mind of God and Christ. This is specially important in preaching and seeking to witness for Christ. In such activity it is important to pray earnestly that God may speak to us from his Word, and give us the message to preach, and also the means and way to proclaim it.