1 Peter 4:2

That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

That {G1519} he {G980} no longer {G3371} should live {G980} the rest {G1954} of his time {G5550} in {G1722} the flesh {G4561} to the lusts {G1939} of men {G444}, but {G235} to the will {G2307} of God {G2316}.

with the result that he lives the rest of his earthly life no longer controlled by human desires, but by God’s will.

Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.

that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

1 Peter 4:2 KJV Commentary

Context of 1 Peter 4:2

This verse continues the thought from 1 Peter 4:1, which states that "he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin." Peter is addressing believers, likely scattered throughout Asia Minor, who are facing various forms of persecution and social pressure. The context suggests that genuine suffering for Christ, or even the spiritual identification with Christ's suffering and death, marks a decisive break from a life dominated by sin. This suffering is not merely physical pain but a spiritual crucifixion of the old self, leading to a new orientation in life. The passage emphasizes a fundamental shift in allegiance and purpose for the Christian, moving away from worldly pursuits.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Radical Transformation: The verse calls for a complete reorientation of life. It signifies a decisive break from one's former way of living, implying that the believer's past life of sin is truly over. This transformation is not superficial but deeply rooted in the person's new identity in Christ, impacting how they live the rest of their earthly life.
  • Purposeful Living: The core message is a shift from self-gratification to divine alignment. No longer is life to be lived according to "the lusts of men" – human desires and worldly cravings – but rather "to the will of God." This highlights a new, God-centered purpose for every aspect of a believer's remaining time on earth, emphasizing a renewed mind focused on God's purpose.
  • The End of Sin's Reign: When a person suffers "in the flesh" (spiritually identifying with Christ's death to sin), it marks the end of sin's dominion over their life. This doesn't mean sinless perfection, but rather a cessation of living *for* sin, a conscious decision to no longer be enslaved by it, as detailed in passages like Romans 6:12-14. It’s about living in victory over sin's power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lusts of men" translates from the Greek epithymiai anthrōpōn (ἐπιθυμίαι ἀνθρώπων). While epithymiai can refer to any strong desire, in this context, it carries a negative connotation, referring to ungodly, selfish, or worldly cravings that stand in opposition to God's purposes. Conversely, "the will of God" comes from thelēma Theou (θέλημα Θεοῦ), which signifies God's divine purpose, decree, or design for humanity. It implies an active, conscious submission and obedience to God's revealed desires for our lives, contrasting sharply with human-centered desires.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Peter 4:2 provides a powerful call to examine our priorities and motivations. It challenges us to:

  • Live Intentionally: Every day is an opportunity to choose to live for God's will, not our own desires or the world's dictates. This involves making conscious choices in our thoughts, words, and actions, reflecting our new life in Christ.
  • Prioritize God's Kingdom: Our time, resources, and energy should be directed towards advancing God's purposes, not merely accumulating worldly possessions or seeking fleeting pleasures. This aligns with seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
  • Embrace Sanctification: The verse speaks to the ongoing process of sanctification, where believers are progressively made more like Christ. It encourages us to continually put off the "old man" and put on the "new man," living out the implications of our baptism into Christ's death and resurrection, as described in Colossians 3:5-10.

This verse serves as a foundational principle for Christian living, urging believers to live out their remaining time on earth in a manner that honors God and reflects their transformed identity in Christ, free from the enslavement of worldly lusts.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 4:22

    That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

  • Ephesians 4:24

    And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

  • 1 Peter 1:14

    As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

  • Titus 3:3

    For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

  • Titus 3:8

    [This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

  • Romans 6:11

    Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  • Ephesians 6:6

    Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
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