Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1Peter 4:10).
We operate on two levels/departments/dimensions:
-the mental level: knowledge; experience; education; etc. – the mind level;
-the practical level: actions; attitudes;
We find this idea reflected in the way the Holy Spirit instructed the NT writers to call and encourage the believers to live godly lives. This is what Peter wrote, “…since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin” (v.1).
The right attitude results in the right approach to sin: being “done with sin”.
Paul wrote, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). Transformation at mind level results in the ability to accept and live under God’s will.
Peter’s main purpose in writing to the Church at that time, was to encourage them to live godly lives no matter what their circumstances were. It comes from the text that the Church was experiencing trials and hardships. Peter reminded them of: God’s calling…they were called to be God’s own people;
The high price that was paid so that they may be accepted by God; the sufferings that Christ went through to accomplish their salvation.
In our passage Peter brings into forefront the importance of that “godly life” – it was a witness to the world. The Christian life is a different life – to the extent that the un-believers start wondering what kind of people Christians may be. They are surprised, “What do you mean you go to church?”, etc.
First comes the surprise – then comes the mockery…and slander.
Peter calls for a life controlled by God’s will NOT by fleshly or worldly passions, desires, excesses – good stewards of God’s grace.