By“… for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” Really, that statement got me thinking a lot. But upon careful analysis of what the Apostle was writing, it is true. Let’s delve deeper into these three initial verses of 1 Peter chapter 4.
Verse 1
“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin
1 Peter 4:1 (NKJV)
Christ suffered for us in the flesh. But the suffering being spoken of here isn’t the one he went through days before his crucifixion (although that one counts because of the redemption we have in Christ). Instead, it is about how He got tempted on every side, yet without sin (see Hebrews 4:15). “On every side” in Hebrews 4:15 that Jesus suffered all kinds of sinful temptations, including sexual sins, hunger, lies, and other desires of the flesh.
But because He suffered in the flesh to bear with all these things, even as fully God, He died to them. In other words, any craving towards such sinful desires died in His mind. And that is what the Apostle is entreating us to arm our minds with this scripture.
He says we should arm ourselves with the same mind of Christ when it comes to suffering (facing diverse temptations). Because as for the temptations, they’ll come. And even James 1:14-15 (NKJV) says,
[14] “… each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”
So, temptation isn’t always of the devil but from our own desires. There are many believers who desire to be rich and translate them to travelling abroad using dubious means. Nevertheless, the Bible says such people pierce themselves with many sorrows (see 1 Timothy 6:9). It’s a person’s extreme desire to be wealthy that ends up using dubious means to get money.
You see, temptation hasn’t always been the problem; it’s how people process it. God has good plans for you. But unfortunately, many people don’t believe in God’s Word more than what they see when they go to town. Let’s say God has promised to get you a car for ministerial purposes. Then you visit another pastor, notice the car he’s using, and then go and tell God you want a car just like that pastor’s. What you’ve done is that you’ve made that pastor’s possession your standard, which is wrong. Many people are infiltrating their own ideas to the promises God gives them. What a tragedy! The plans God has for you are beyond what you can see. He can do things for you beyond your imagination (see Ephesians 3:20).
If you suffer these temptations till a time that whatever you’re wishing for isn’t fulfilled, then you’ll die to them. So that after losing all your appetite and craving towards material possessions, you’ll trust God better. Better believe in God’s promises for your life instead of fantasising about your life.
Verse 2
“that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”
1 Peter 4:2 (NKJV)
So after suffering denial of wished things in your mind, you’ll definitely give up pursuing them and then turn to trust in God’s will. But to me, I’m wondering why people choose to fantasise about their lives, pursuing all forms of material possessions to no avail before trusting God. Isn’t it better to trust God’s plan for your life rather than chase after things?
There are two primary things that make people chase fleshly things: the people they surround their lives with and what they watch or read. If you keep listening to how unbelievers use dubious means to get wealth, you’ll end up following suit. And if you keep watching or reading ungodly content, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll start living like what you’re consuming.
The eternal life Jesus gives you is not for try-and-error living. You’re supposed to commune with God, so much so that He shows you what to do in life and follow Him, not to do what others are doing. Stop funfaring!
Verse 3
“For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.”
1 Peter 4:3 (NKJV)
Assuming you were addicted to alcohol and Jesus saved you, will you go back to it? I suppose not, right? That’s what Peter reminded the believers who received his epistle. You and I weren’t born automatic believers in Christ. It took some time for Grace to locate us. Therefore, time has already been wasted in our lives as we chased diverse orgies. And now that you are born again, dedicate your life to knowing God, discovering your purpose in Him and taking your part in His universal dominion mandate.
You’re a blessing!
