“For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles – when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:3-4 NKJV).

The life of a Christian is as different as light is to darkness (cf. Rom. 13:12).  The world sees it and sometimes lets the Christian know that it is seen as distinctively different.  Peter addressed the fact that the unconverted world will not like such a distinctive lifestyle.  The Christian must clearly understand the nature of living the godly life in the midst of a “crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Eph. 2:15).  The Christian’s pure life is not popular with the world.  Consider three thoughts from this distinctive yet unpopular lifestyle.

1. The Past. The Holy Spirit through Peter does not ignore nor deny that the lifestyle of a Christian before conversion is one of the world.  He specifically states, “For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles” (1 Peter 4:3).  Peter lists some of the former practices in that same verse.  It is interesting to note that the Gentile practices were a lifestyle mirrored in idolatrous activities.  Various works of the flesh (cf. Gal. 5:19-21) are given to paint the picture.  One interesting item of note is the listing of the terms “ drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties” (1 Peter 4:3 NKJV).  Sometimes the question is asked, “Where in the Bible is social drinking condemned?”  This is the passage that I reference to answer that question.  Drinking parties were just that.  Beverage alcohol as a social drink was and is a commonplace practice of the world.  The very phrase “let’s party” to someone of the world is considered to be synonymous with the presence of alcohol.  Today, alcoholic drinks are called “adult beverages.”  The list of practices in verse three are distinctive of a lifestyle of the world.
2. The Present. Verse four shows a stark contrast of lifestyle keenly noticed by the world.  “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:” (1 Peter 4:4).  It must be clearly seen that a Christian lives a 180-degree change from its former lifestyle.  The Christian no longer runs with that crowd but it trying to show the unconverted a better life to live.  Paul knew the danger of Christians trying to mix the world with the Christian lifestyle (cf. 2 Cor. 6:14-16).  He wrote to the Corinthians, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” (2 Cor. 6:17).  Conformity to the world is forbidden (cf. Rom. 12:2).
3. The Perception. The world calls the lifestyle of the Christian “strange” (1 Peter 4:4), “speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:4).  Why would a Christian think that odd?  Ignorance and self-indulgence has never understood the converted life to Christ.  The perception of the Christian is seen in the words “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” (1 Peter 4:2).  A purified soul (cf. 1 Peter 1:22) does not desire to go back into sin (cf. 2 Peter 2:22).  While the Christian is persecuted for his lifestyle, he is not ashamed (cf. 1 Peter 4:16).  His life is for pleasing God.

Jimmy Clark