Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Peter 4

The strongest and best arguments against sin are taken from the sufferings of Christ. He died to destroy sin; and though he cheerfully submitted to the worst sufferings, he never gave way to the least sin. Temptations could not prevail were it not for man's own corruption; but true Christians make the will of God, not their own lust or desires, the rule of their lives and actions.

And true conversion makes a marvellous change in the heart and life. It alters the mind, judgment, affections, and conduct. When a man is truly converted, it is very grievous to him to think how the past of his life has been spent. One sin leads to another.

Six sins are mentioned here that are dependent on one another. It is a Christian's duty not only to keep from gross wickedness but also from things that lead to sin or appear evil. The gospel had been preached to those who have since died, who by the proud and carnal judgment of wicked men were condemned as evildoers, some even suffering death.

But being made alive to Divine life by the Holy Spirit, they lived to God as his devoted servants. Let not believers care, though the world scorns and reproaches them.

The destruction of the Jewish church and nation, foretold by our Saviour, was very near. The speedy approach of death and judgment concerns everyone, and these words naturally lead our minds to this truth. Our approaching end is a powerful argument for us to be sober in all worldly matters and earnest in religion. There are so many things amiss in everyone that unless love covers, excuses, and forgives in others the mistakes and faults for which everyone needs the forbearance of others, Satan will prevail in stirring up divisions and discords.

But we are not to suppose that charity will cover or make amends for the sins of those who exercise it, so as to induce God to forgive them. The nature of a Christian's work, which is high work and hard work, the goodness of the Master, and the excellence of the reward, all require that our endeavors should be serious and earnest. And in all the duties and services of life, we should aim at the glory of God as our chief end. He is a miserable, unsettled wretch who clings to himself and forgets God, being only preoccupied with his reputation, gain, and base aims. These aims are often frustrated; and when he attains them, both he and they must shortly perish together.

But he who has given up himself and his all to God may confidently say that the Lord is his portion; and that nothing but glory through Christ Jesus is solid and lasting, which abides forever.

Through patience and fortitude in suffering, dependence on God's promises, and adherence to the word the Holy Spirit has revealed, the Holy Spirit is glorified; but through the contempt and reproaches cast upon believers, He is defamed and blasphemed. One might think such cautions as these are unnecessary for Christians, but their enemies falsely charged them with heinous crimes.

And even the best of people need to be warned against the worst of sins. There is no comfort in sufferings when we bring them upon ourselves by our own sin and folly. A time of universal calamity was near, as foretold by our Savior (Matthew 24:9, 10). And if such things happen in this life, how terrible the day of judgment will be! It is true that the righteous are scarcely saved—even those who strive to walk uprightly in the ways of God.

This does not mean that God's purpose and accomplishment are uncertain, but rather it underscores the great difficulties and hard encounters along the way—that believers go through so many temptations and tribulations, so many fightings without and fears within. Yet all outward difficulties would be insignificant if it were not for the lusts and corruptions within. These are the worst hindrances and troubles.

And if the way of the righteous is so hard, then how hard will the end of the ungodly sinner be, who walks in sin with delight and thinks the righteous is a fool for all his efforts! The only way to keep the soul well is to commit it to God through prayer and patient perseverance in doing good. He will direct all things to the ultimate advantage of the believer.