To live and love as Jesus, no matter the circumstances, may this be what I am most eager to do… bringing glory to the Father and Jesus to those I love…
I am to live for God… 1Peter 4
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same
attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
4:1a Since Jesus suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same attitude, the same perspective, the same resolve - a commitment to love and holiness…
Consideration for
To be mindful of
Manner of thinking and feeling
4:1b Because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin - ceased from sin - suffers as Jesus suffered
Not: will not commit a sin - but, no longer being by nature sin, is no longer, from the soul, stirred by its incitements and seductions - being not your nature
But: no longer under condemnation for sin
Their nature now being righteous (Jesus’ righteousness)
In spirit which is indwelled and enlivened by God’s Spirit is in conflict with the flesh’s desire
And…
Finished with sin! It no longer has dominion over “me”!
I need no longer be dominated by sin (Ps 119:33)
Not “a voluntary stopping what I was doing before”
But “a pause imposed from without”
The flesh no longer being my nature, my first love, my deepest desire… but the Spirit in me being my life and ambition
4:2 “as a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires - or flesh, but rather for the will of God.” (Gal 5)
Making decisions according to self - done apart from faith
Independent of God’s inworking - of the flesh - or, carnal
This is displeasing to the Lord - even things that seem “respectable”
Flesh relates to unaided human effort
Decisions that originate from self or empowered by self
This proceeds out of the untouched (unchanged) part of us - what is not transformed by God
Prompted or governed by the flesh
But now, by the Spirit of God in me, for God and His will - that that is what brings me life and true peace, joy, and satisfaction - a new and renewed vision and ambition for life
This posture sets my eyes above - on Jesus
1 Peter 4:7-11
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for Being a Christian
1Peter 4:12-19
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” a
19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
