1 Peter 2:21,22
For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH.”
We are to follow Christ’s example. Peter gives two examples: Jesus didn’t sin, nor did He have any deceit in His mouth. I’ll focus on sin today.
My reflex response is guilt. I may have plenty of sin and probably have deceit on some level. However, I don’t think that’s what Peter wants. I believe Peter is attempting to motivate us to try more. If we scanned our lives, we could find areas of improvement. This will always be true.
Peter points to Jesus as an example. He did not sin. This doesn’t mean He wasn’t tempted. Hebrews 4:15 says “He was tempted in all ways, as we are, yet without sin.” That’s comforting. So, the struggles we feel aren’t sin. These temptations often bring us shame. We’re embarrassed we go through these times. However, they aren’t sin. They can easily become sin, but being tempted isn’t sinning.
Peter is encouraging us not to give in. Hebrews 12:4 says that our resistance to sin isn’t so great that we have shed bled. It further goes on to speak of being disciplined. I think of an athlete who denies some foods and many pleasures to stay in shape. We could do better.
A good follow up would be to pray and ask where we could improve. There may be some obvious areas on our mind. If not, we could forever beat ourselves up. That’s when a prayer might be better. “God, where is an area to work on?” He may point something out or He may respond with “You are good. I’m proud of you.”
One caution to the legalistic. We need to be guard against being so caught up with obedience and rules that we become a pharisee. In their eyes, they were perfect. They were condescending and unmerciful. An overemphasis on rule keeping can produce this. The heart is wrong.
Lord, thank You for Your example of resisting sin. Help us to rid ourselves of it, but keep a tender, merciful heart.