I Peter 4
I Peter 4:1-6:
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time int he flew no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, fries, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this thy are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. for this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the sprit the way God does. |
1 Peter 4:1 records the only command in this passage: “arm yourselves with the same way of thinking.” The rest of the passage explains why we should obey this command. This call to arms pictures the Christian as a soldier ready for battle. Victory requires weapons. An unarmed soldier will suffer defeat. He must be dressed for battle with armor to fight. The language assumes conflict. Christianity is a battleground, not a playground. We are at war against the flesh, the world, and the devil.
--H.B. Charles Jr |
The Holy Spirit gives me the strength to remain hanging on the cross – to keep saying “No!” to the demands of my flesh – until the lusts die. Then I truly become free from sin.
As a human being, my flesh is full of selfishness. That is why Jesus says that I have to deny myself and take up my cross every day, all my life. As I use this cross day by day, bit by bit, I am overcoming sin and becoming more like Jesus. Life gets better and better when I’m no longer bound to reacting the way I used to, and it also gets better for others to be around me! -Active Christian
As a human being, my flesh is full of selfishness. That is why Jesus says that I have to deny myself and take up my cross every day, all my life. As I use this cross day by day, bit by bit, I am overcoming sin and becoming more like Jesus. Life gets better and better when I’m no longer bound to reacting the way I used to, and it also gets better for others to be around me! -Active Christian
I Peter 4:12:
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: |
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