"BEFORE AND AFTER" (Pastor Tom Henry) ~ 7/1/25

“That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men…For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles...” (I Peter 4:2, 3)

Every believer’s life is divided into two periods, “the time past of his life, when he walked in sin,” and “the rest of his time,” when he is seeking to live “to the will of God.” Like history itself, the Christian’s life consists of a time before Christ, which he looks back upon with regret; and the rest of his time in the flesh, after the year of our Lord, as it were, after coming to know the Lord.

In considering our text three phrases stand out, which are of great importance as we consider the before and after that ought to be the life experience of every true believer. The first of these phrases (though it is not first according to the order given in the text.) is “the time past of our life.” Our second phrase is seen in verse two, “no longer.” Then our third phrase is also in verse two, “the rest of his time.” In these three phrases we can observe a radical change, a total transformation of character, such as defines repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our first phrase, found in verse three, “the time past of our life,” suggests a regretful reflection - regretful because of what our life was before coming to know the Lord - living “in the flesh to the lusts of men.” In other words, living to satisfy fleshly lusts. Paul says, “in time past ye walked according to the course of this world… Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh…and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” (Eph. 2:2, 3)

This is a regretful reflection also because time past is gone forever. We can never get back those wasted years. Satan would convince unsaved people of the very opposite. He would say of living to the lust of men, “This is what life is all about.” But every child of grace, as he looks back, is happy to say that “the time past will suffice for having wrought the will of the Gentiles,” that is, of this pagan world.

Reflecting on the past life of sin is regretful for a Christian because those former delights, now bring shame and humiliation. Perhaps he even still carries in mind and body marks of past indiscretions. In spite of the regrets, it is needful for us to remember the pit from whence we were digged. As we reflect, these words suggest a great contrast between what we were before Christ, and what we are now by His grace.

Thus, we have our second phrase in verse two. The believer, looking back cries “no longer.” Not only does he no longer desire the old life, but as the context suggests, his chief motivation and incentive for a total and radical change in behavior is found in the suffering and death of Christ. In verse one we read, “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.” The believer has died to sin by virtue of his union with Christ in His death. He has died unto sin once, therefore he now lives unto God in newness of life.

“Dying with Jesus by death reckoned mine; 

Living with Jesus a new life divine.”

Once a partaker of Christ’s suffering we can no longer serve sin. “How can we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?” The true penitent rises from his knees and vows “No longer!” No longer will I harbor the enemy of Him who loves me and gave Himself for me. This vow makes short works of every temptation: NO LONGER!

Notice the third phrase suggests a blessed prospective, and resolution: “The rest of his time.” Again, the Christians lifetime is divided in two: “the time past,” and “The rest of his time.” The rest of your life began when Christ came into it. This marked a new beginning, just as when the Israelites were delivered from Egypt, the house of bondage. (Ex. 12:1) The rest of our time is short at best. Let us make every minute count for Christ.

Some of you need to seriously look at your allotment of time and realize that you have a soul to save. And you need to know that that is the chief end of time given. This little space of time lies between two eternities. Very soon, and time shall be no more. Where you shall spend eternity depends on what you will do with Christ while God in mercy allows you time.