Study of Peter 1 & 2: Chapter 4 Verses 1-5...

4 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the will of God. 3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. 4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of debauchery, and they slander you; 5 but they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Verse 1

Christ being Jesus was beaten in the flesh and died on the cross for our sins. 

This verse then refers to we need to do the same.

Our flesh needs to die.

21 For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps, 1 Peter 2:21

Verse 2

So, for the rest of our lives, we need to put to death the flesh and live for the will of God.

2 Far from it! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. Romans 6:2-4

Verse 3

The first part of this verse where it talks about time already passed refers to the reproof for the sin that they had already committed.

2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. 1 Corinthians 12:2

Then it turns to us

That we are not to do as the desires of the gentiles and that the writer is reproofing us as well of our past sins and that we are not to do that anymore.

In the final part of this verse list the things we should not engage in.

Verse 4

They being gentiles are surprised that you don't do as they do and they slander you meaning they damage your reputation.

18 And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, Ephesians 5:18

Verse 5

They will account for all the things they have done to Him meaning Christ.

He is ready to judge the living and the dead.

42 And He ordered us to preach to the people, and to testify solemnly that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. Acts 10:42