LOCK AND LOAD
1 Peter 4:1-2 NKJV
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, 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.
Peter is resorting to military terms in his encouragement and instructions to the believers. Of course, we remember that Peter was the guy in the garden with Jesus who cut off a man's ear with a sword. However, in these two verses, Peter is not advocating violence but rather a mindset.
Christ suffered for us in the flesh. The cross was suffering in the flesh. But also, the abuse and rejection Jesus took when He was carrying out His ministry was suffering in the flesh. But Jesus never threatened the ones who hurt Him. He never "took anything out" on the ones who mocked Him. And because He was tempted on all points as we are, yet without sin, there was most certainly some suffering involved. (Hebrews 4:15) This is the reason that Jesus can empathize with our weakness. He felt what we feel. And because He never gave into sin, He is not only our Savior, but also our example.
Peter then tells the church to arm themselves with the same mind - the same purpose. To arm yourselves involves a preparedness, a state of readiness, especially for war. Earlier in his letter, Peter warned of the flesh desires that war against the soul. Peter had an understanding of the fight of faith and how that pertained to life on earth. When armed, a person is ready instead of being taken by surprise. When there is a realistic understanding of what is coming, resolve is strengthened.
There is suffering in the flesh when a person says no to the desires and strong urges that pull at them. But when there is suffering of this nature, there is also a stoppage of sin. Notice Peter is not talking about suffering with sickness, poverty, or mental oppression. Those types of sufferings do not stop someone from sinning. Being sick never made me holy. But being sick did make me much harder to live with. No, the suffering Peter is talking about is the flesh nature rebelling about being told no. Our flesh does not like no; it wants what it wants.
And as someone stops sinning, then life in the flesh becomes more about doing the will of God than living for the desires of man. This is a disciplined life but a better life. Living in the will of God is always better.
APPLICATION
Arm ourselves with the mindset that says we are willing to suffer in the flesh in order to step away from sin and please God. There is nothing light about this. We are following Jesus our example. And this is a message that does not elicit shouts of joy. This is a disciplined lifestyle for those who are followers, disciples, of Jesus.
The benefits of reducing the amount of sin in our lives are many. But one big benefit is a greater understanding of the One we love and serve. When we follow His example, we become more like Him because we see more clearly what He did for us and the challenges He endured - for us.
PRAYER
Thank You, Lord, for Your example. Thank You that I can arm myself with Your mindset. And not only share Your attitude but walk away from sin and closer to You.