1 Peter 4:3-4
For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;
By Gentiles, of course, it is referring non-Christ Followers (I make a careful distinction between Christian and Christ Follower because many in our culture claim to be Christians while rejecting, ignoring and/or remaining ignorant to many of the teachings and claims of Christ. What is a Christian without Christ?). Specifically I'm taken aback by, "Drunkenness," "Drinking Parties," and "They are surprised when you do not join them."
Especially when starting my college career I found that drinking parties were something that really happened. (More so they are still called "drinking parties." That is the goal of those gathering at these events.) I had heard about them before but I had never experienced one until college. I used to become quite sad at these parties. Something about the way people had to drive happiness into their veins and then be miserable the next day claiming they had a great time always seemed ironic to me. It still baffles me that people will drink alcohol of which they dislike the flavor in order to get drunk. Don't get me wrong, I drink alcohol, but in very limited quantities and the flavor is the most important aspect for me. Jesus asked me not to get drunk(1) because He loves me and knows what's best and so I never have and never will because I love Him. It is not alcohol that is the issue, only its abuse.
But that's a bit of a tangent. The most surprising thing that hit me with this scripture was, "They are surprised when you do not join them." That is the exact reaction I've received many many times. I've been called rude for not accepting an additional glass of wine, been teased when denying a shot, and received countless odd looks when I said, "no, thanks." It's strikingly true that "There is nothing new under the sun(2)." Written almost 2000 years ago, our call for holiness (as God is holy[3]) and warning of being mocked ("they malign you") is still in equal and full swing.
We must keep strong in what is right despite ridicule for doing right or praise for doing wrong. When the line blurs err on the side of caution. God is the only One to Whom we will give an account of out lives(4). Peter reminds us again later in the same chapter:
1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
This is normal. This is not not new. This we may expect. In this we may rejoice.
Footnotes
(1) Ephesians 5:18 "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit."
(2) Ecclesiates 1:9 "What has been is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done,
and there is nothing new under the sun."
(3) 1 Peter 1:16 "since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
(4) Hebrews 4:13 "And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
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