TEXT: "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

The same excess of riot is the extreme behaviour that is violent and not under control, it is illegal, unacceptable, and immoral. It is associated with the Gentiles before they became Christians, that is, children of God.

Peter was writing to the strangers, the believing Gentiles, that were scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1 Peter 1:1. He wrote that in the time past of their lives, the Gentiles walked in this same excess of riotous behaviour such as: feeling or showing uncontrollable and very strong sexual desires, especially when love is not involved; indulging themselves in too much eating and drinking, getting drunk and vomiting; spending time partying in a noisy way; and engaging in the practice of worshipping statues as gods in a disgusting and extremely unpleasant ways.

But now, they have been washed, they have been sanctified, they have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. This makes it strange to those of them who are still indulging in these excess and riotous behaviour to speak evil of them.

Similarly, Christians today, were in the past, foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, and hating one another. But, the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared toward us. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, after being ravaged by sin, God made us alive to grow again, and renewed us in the Holy Ghost through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And being justified by his grace, we are made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Now that we have believed in God, we should be careful to maintain good works in Christ Jesus, Titus 3:3-8.

And finally, some other excesses and riotous behaviour that Christians should avoid are in these portions of the Bible: Romans 1:22-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; etc.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Pastor K. C.