A Call to Christian Courage
1 Peter 4:1-5

I. The Power of the Passion: Embracing Christ’s Suffering (1 Peter 4:1)
A. The Power of the Passion – Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered in the flesh (v.1)
B. The Preparation for Personal Purity – Arm yourselves likewise with the same mind (v.1)
C. The Proof of the Purge: Ceasing from Sin – He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin (v.1)

II. The Purpose of the Path: Living for the Will of God (1 Peter 4:2)
A. The Transition from Temptation to Transformation – That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men (v.2)
B. The Pursuit of Purpose in God’s Plan – But to the will of God (v.2)

III. The Past and the Present: Past Passions, Present Purpose (1 Peter 4:3)
A. The Past: Patterns of Permissible Passions – May suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles (v.3)
B. The Present: Power to Persevere in Purity – Walking in righteousness, not in riot

IV. The Public Perception and Personal Position: Standing Firm in Separation (1 Peter 4:4)
A. The Strange Suspicion of Society – Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them (v.4)
B. The Speech of the Saints – Speaking evil of you (v.4)

V. The Judgment of the Just: Standing Before the Judge (1 Peter 4:5)
A. The Coming of the Conclusive Judge – Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead (v.5)
B. The Call to Confidence and Caution – Live in light of his judgment