1 Peter 4:2

1 Peter 4:2 ‘so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.'

‘so as to live' -‘Peter now explains “ceasing from sin” in more detail. It is for the purpose of living. life governed not by human feelings but by God's will.' (Grudem p. 167) Carefully note that suffering, persecution, trials etc…are not excuses for falling into sin. ‘Rather, such times grant to us opportunity for spiritual growth and development. Observe that person who has learned how to keep. strong grip on the Savior in time of great stress and difficulty…' (Oberst p. 195)

‘live' -i.e. practice, habit, lifestyle, daily living.

‘the rest of the time in the flesh' -Thus the statement, ‘suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin', does not refer to when. Christian dies. The person who has suffered in the flesh, continues to live in the flesh. Points to Note: 1. Being in the physical body isn't. handicap in resisting temptation or living for God. 2. Our body isn't our worst enemy, rather sin is something that starts in our thoughts (Mark 7:20).

‘no longer for the lusts of men' -Which presents no middle ground between ‘lusts' and the ‘will of God'. We are either living. sinful lifestyle or we are living for God (Romans 6:13; Matthew 6:24). One is always living for something or someone. There is no neutral ground between ‘sin' and ‘God'. Even Cornelius,. good moral person, found himself in sin and lost (Acts 11:13).

‘lusts of men' -‘guided not by human passions' (TCNT). This includes living for self, avoiding pain at all costs, placing momentary physical, emotional or mental comfort as. higher priority than serving God.

‘but for the will of God.' -Even during trials and hardship, the ‘will of God' is still an absolute standard for the Christian. Points to Note: 1. Which means that God's will must be clear and understandable. For we are commanded to live by it. 2. Truth isn't situational or cultural. Sin remains sin, even when doing the right thing might mean forfeiting your life (Revelation 2:10). 3. Breaking from the bondage of sin means so identifying with the will of God, that God's desire comes your desire. That serving God becomes stronger than the will for momentary comfort or the will to live on in the flesh. See Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:14.