Standing Firm Against Worldly Passions

The suffering of Christ in the flesh once again (2:21; 3:18) functions as a model and inspiration for Peter’s readers. Though we live in the flesh, we die to our flesh and worldly passions daily and live rather for the will of God (v2). What kinds of worldly passions do we forsake? Peter lists living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry (v3). When we refuse to participate in these carnal lusts as perhaps we did formerly, we can expect some family and friends still in those behaviors to malign us. However, we do not answer to them and their desires for us; rather, Peter reminds us that our oppressors too will stand before Christ as judge. We draw inspiration to persevere against worldly passions from Christians who faced similar pressure and malalignment but now rest in the spirit with God. Moreover, because “the end of all things is at hand” and Christ’s return is imminent, we live self-controlled and sober-minded, devout in prayer and kingdom-work.