To live and love as Jesus, is to live as one who has been loved by Jesus, not only so, but as He loved me through the most difficult of circumstances.
So, with Him in mind, my, may I, no matter the circumstances, loving His way 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, - 1Peter 3:12-18 - arm yourselves with the same attitude, the same perspective, the same resolve - a commitment to love and holiness… taking into consideration of, being mindful of as a manner of thinking and feeling
4:1b Because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin - ceased from sin - suffers as Jesus suffered… (seeing the effect of sin on the lives of others, on this world - we grieve and are DONE!)
Finished with sin! It no longer has dominion over “me”!
I am no longer under its rule or reign
I have a choice to not allow it to master me (1Cor 6:12)
Though we/I live in a world that is under sin’s dominion (Eph 2:1-3)
This is what it means when it is said that we are “strangers and aliens” or “not of this world”
Neither, do I want to see sin and its consequences in others and so I make it my aim to “do something about it”
By living according to Jesus’ righteousness, I do good things in the sight of men that they may see and ask and receive and glorify God (Matt 5:16; Eph 2:1-10; Col 4:6; 1Peter 3:15)
So now, being loved by God, in view of His mercy, hating sin and its effects, I live my life with a desire to please God, living according to His loving commands...
As I grow in wisdom and experience I see more and more that I need not put myself through the consequences of sin and sinful attitudes as sin only rules (in) me as I permit by (Gal 5:1, 13; James 1:13-15)
Entertaining or nursing the thoughts of it - indulging my flesh’s desire for it
Giving into the temptation it offers - doing what my flesh desires
Suffering the consequences of my actions - sin and its effect on my life and spirit
Affliction on life and spirit through my conscience being assailed (guilt, shame, conviction - Ps 119:67,71,75; Ps 51)
My relationship with God and others being made ineffective - inhibited - lacking peace, assurance, and confidence (2Pet 1:8-10)
Discipline and a call to repentance, receiving correction, instruction (Ps 32:4; 89:31-33; Prov 1:7; 8:33; 15:5,31-33; 20:30; Heb 12:11)
Actual repentance - being restored and changing my way
Discipline of commitment to that new way - truth, new attitude, changed life, fruit
Here is the truth...
I need no longer be dominated by sin (Ps 119:33) but instead under the influence of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God - me not conquering sin, but God conquering it for me and in me - giving me the ability - the empowerment - to not sin
The flesh (and its depravity, or, propensity for sin, to sin) no longer being my nature, my first love, my deepest desire… (Rom 7:5; 8:1-17)
But instead, now, my nature having been made new, I am righteous and good as Jesus - His nature and character are in me by His Spirit. (1Cor 1:30; 2Cor 5:17,21; Gal 2:16)
So now, the Spirit in me is my life and ambition, my desire and goal (Rom 14:17-19; 2Cor 5:9; Col 1:10)
But remembering, that if I do sin, God forgives (Ps 32:3-5; 1John 1:9; 2:1-2)
Though still, the battle rages between the flesh and the Spirit, I do not “have to” succumb to the flesh, instead, I “get to” listen to, follow, and walk in step with, the Spirit under its influence
4:2 “as a result, they (we) 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 that proceeds out of the untouched (unchanged) part of us - what is not transformed by God
Prompted or governed by the flesh
But instead a God prompted, God directed life...
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 and His desire or my life expressed in His world
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.
Love each other deeply/sincerely/commitedly - from the heart
Love covers… sin. Covering sin
9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Hospitality…
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
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?” 19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit - or entrust - themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
