1 Peter 4:1
“Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin”.
This passage speaks of a level of dedication. The suffering referred to here isn’t accidental. It’s a lifestyle of choice. The roman/greek culture of the day was decadent. To live by it would be the natural course of life. However, christian standards avoid much of it.
The worldly behavior is gossip, anger, self indulgence, fornication, gluttony, drunkeness and more. We all have impulses to do these things. Our parents raise us to avoid much of this. Our faith is applied to moderate it as well.
To resist these things is a type of suffering. It feels like going on a diet. We’re hungry for particular things, yet we do our best to resist them. This is difficult. That’s suffering. Peter says in today’s passage that if we have “suffered in the flesh, we have ceased from sin.”
This doesn’t mean we are to be ascetics and deny all pleasure. To do so would be to deny much of the good that God has created for us. God created much wonderful food in the garden and all, but one was to be enjoyed. So, also is much of life to be enjoyed and celebrated. However the bible tells us to resist some things and to moderate others.
The Lord isn’t legalistic, nor is He looking upon us in a disapproving manner. Misunderstanding this can create a harsh, crititcal conscience. 1 John 3:20 says, “in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.” Our hearts may condemn us, but God may not. Growth in His Word and His grace can bring freedom.
To not resist these things is sin. Some things are sin and to be avoided. Other things are good and allowed, yet to overdo is sin. Eating is an easy example. Overeating can be sin. Not to pick on those with eating problems. Anything can be overdone and become sin. This is part of what it means to let Jesus be our lord. He will nudge us as we live our days. Some are easy decisions, others are lifelong battles.
Lord, help us to resist that which grieves us and You. Help us to know what to celebrate and what to deny.