"For the time already past is sufficient [for you] to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In [all] this, they are surprised that you do not run with [them] into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign [you;] but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead."
1 Peter 4:3-5 NASB95
“the time already past is sufficient [for you]” - these brethren had received persecution and would likely receive more still. And yet, if they were wavering in their faith, this is the reminder of the choice and commitment that they had made. If they wanted to turn back, they should have by now. Satan should have already broken them, but he didn’t. How about you? Do you remember why you chose this path of holiness, this path of righteousness, the path of self-control? Remember!
“to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles” - The term/word “Gentiles” means race or nation or multitude. Though used in a variety of ways, here it refers to all who are not Jews or Christians and live in a culture of excess and lust, and sin as further described. Doesn’t seem that much different than our culture today, and absolutely no less applicable.
“having pursued a course” - The course. The way. The course the Gentiles walk is a completely different course than Christianity. Christianity is about self-control and the Gentile way is about letting loose. Indulging the flesh and its every desire to the greatest degree possible. Sounds like fun? It’s full of heartache and misery and disease and death. It’s the seductive and deceptive way of the course, the course that leads to the soul’s destruction in judgment before God.
“they are surprised” - and why wouldn’t they be? Who would refuse themselves of the fulfillment of lust and desire? Who could be so foolish as to deny themselves these gluttonous excesses of dissipation? And who would willingly choose such a life of suffering for Christ and Christianity when they could rather join in the “fun” of Gentile-living? “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (I Corinthians 1:18) Of course they are surprised. They are hardly sober enough to see their shame, much less the glory of Christ and the blessing of service and sacrifice in His kingdom!
“and they malign [you;]” - They do malign you! Because your life is a testament to their folly. Your life, if living righteously in Christ Jesus, is a visual in-their-face conviction of their sin. They know the way you are living is “better” than theirs, even though they may see it as boring. They know of your sincerity, they know of your righteousness, they see the goodness of Christ in you and accuse you of thinking you are better than everyone else, knowing full well that you are the most humble as a true follower of Jesus. It’s all they can do to justify their wickedness. And so the evil ones crucify you in their thoughts and with their words. (and in that day and age… sometimes on a cross!)
“but they will give account” - We all will. That’s why we chose what we chose and why we continue to choose it each day. Don’t forget that. We will all give an account. May yours result in praise and honor and glory to your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because you faithfully obeyed and lived in the gracious gospel.
Comments