LIVING FOR GOD
Peter’s letter now proceeds in a powerful way to its conclusion. Having marshaled a series of excellent instructions aimed at causing them to live in faithfulness to God. Now Peter enters into an examination, laying foundations that will help them truly become Christlike. Here are echoes of the words Jesus has been speaking, even before he went to the Cross. Ironically the way to live for Jesus is to be put to death the old person and to draw close to God so you will stop being synonymous with the world.
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If 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 for ever and ever. Amen.”
1. 1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. This is the verse that transitions from chapter three’s discussions of how to serve Christ in our different roles situations life. Therefore is intended to be the lens or focus that applies to our witness in the world and our continuing faithfulness to God. What do you understand this verse to mean? I’ll give you some time to answer that and in Sunday’s post we will examine the implications of the six verses which will follow.
I understand this verse to be saying that “suffering in the body” reveals that I am refusing to allow the cravings of my body to control me. Our bodies are not reborn when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior but our spirit is. Therefore our bodies want to continue sinning while our spirit knows better and therefore does not allow our body to sin. So when our Christian Spirit prevents our body from sinning, Our bodies suffer because it wants to feel good but many times when the body feels good it is sinning. When my body feels a hunger pain that is good since I am on a diet but my body still suffers since it wants more food.
Paul wrote in 1 Corinithians 9:25-27 “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Tim Clutter - January 7, 2012 at 8:57 am |
TIM, SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG TO RESPOND. THIS COMMENT IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT ON. THANK YOU FOR THE INSIGHT.
sdunnpastor - February 10, 2012 at 9:49 am |