“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, 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.” (1 Peter 4:1-2)

I would highly recommend  read yesterday’s message before continuing on here today; just saying ;-)

Clearly, Peter must be mistaken here to suggest that anyone could possibly ‘cease from sinning’…because we all know that everybody sins…and that ‘Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven’…and that we will always continue to sin on ‘this side of heaven’, right?

Oh, but wait…didn’t Jesus admonish us to ‘go and sin no more’? (John 5:14; 8:11)…and that “we know whoever is born of God does not sin’…because ‘whoever abides in Christ no longer practices sin’ (1 John 5:18; 3:6)? This all seems so confusing at times …when we read what is in God’s word…but then hear something differently from our pulpits, not to mention when we look in the mirror and know so many keep sinning, right?

Do you know why those folks in Matt. 7:21-23…the ones who were doing all kinds of wonderful spiritual works for God’s kingdom were rejected and told to ‘depart’? It was because they continued to practice sin. And what did Paul say about anyone who continued to practice those 'evident deeds of the flesh', in Galatians 5:21? So maybe that is why we are told that God’s people are ‘destroyed for a lack of knowledge’, in Hosea 4:6.

So what kind of ‘suffering’ was Peter talking about that we are told we’ll endure, having the same mindset that Jesus had who ‘suffered’ for us? I would submit to you for further study that there is a ‘suffering’ that takes place when we too, take up our own cross and follow Jesus who leads us to ‘die to self’ as we ‘put to death the deeds of the flesh’. (Romans 8:13; Luke 9:23; Acts 17:11) But it won’t be as severe as when Jesus suffered for us- Hebrews 12:4.

Remember how we were talking about dealing with that ‘besetting sin’ in your life, that we know we should be done with…but fail miserably at and repeatedly when it came to overcoming it? Yeah…that one. We were using ‘fault finding’ as an example and finally came to the conclusion that perhaps a ‘critical spirit’ was involved, so during your time of repentance, that ‘spirit’ was removed…and ‘went out’ as Jesus describes in Matt. 12:43. But He also explains in that short lesson what the spirit then does, if you remember?

So here came God’s presence of peace and joy that washed over you (Acts 3:19). And I told you there would be a ‘test’; as in you can count on it; but no need to worry…because now you are abiding in Him and doing things His way, knowing full well that you really can ‘do all things through Christ who strengthens you’ by His grace which He freely gives. (Phil. 4:13).

You do know what’s coming around the bend, right? It might happen within the hour of you getting up off your knees…or later in the day…or a week or two from now; but that test is coming and all of a sudden…you are going to have super X-ray vision and see more faults in other people then you ever thought possible. Welcome to your ‘pop quiz’. God’s about to test you to see how serious you were when you cried all those tears and pleaded for freedom from your sin.

Peter even went on to mention in his letter that we should ‘think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you…but to rejoice that you partake of Christ’s sufferings…’ (and that God’s glory will be revealed) (1 Pet. 4:12-13). And surely you are familiar with the words offered up by James:

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4). He also wants to make it clear further down that it is NOT God who is ‘tempting’ you to sin (13-16).

So here are a few more passages that you might want to acquaint yourself with, from Hebrews that will encourage you when these ‘tests’ come your way. Be assured that “Jesus Himself suffered when He was tempted, and He is able to aid those who are also being tempted’ (2:18). “We have a High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted in all points or area as we are…yet He was without sin” (4:15).

“Therefore let us come boldly and with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in our time of need.” (Heb. 4:16)

So when is your ‘time of need’? It’s when the enemy comes ‘roaming about like a roaring lion seeking to devour’ (1 Pet. 5:8)…and thinking he can find easy access back into the ‘house from which he came’ (Matt. 12:44)

What does James tell us to do when this happens? “Resists him!” (James 4:7). Peter tells us the same thing in 1 Pet. 5:9, even reminding us that we are not alone, but that the ‘same sufferings occur among our brothers throughout the world’. Allow me to spell it out this way: When that ‘critical spirit’ (or whatever you are overcoming now) returns and serves up the easy display of faults for you to just jump all over in those around you…it’s in that moment that you call upon the Lord for His grace as you humble yourself recognizing you don’t have it in you to defeat this spirit. And who does God give grace to? (James 4:6).

And as you purpose to simply stand upon the word of God in obedience, you won’t feel great, trust me. But it’s in that moment of need…that God imparts…just enough grace for you to stand and resist…but something in that ‘flesh’ of yours will suffer as you ‘put it to death’ (Rom. 8:13: Col. 3:5).

“And after you have suffered for just a little while…the God of all grace will come and perfect and establish and strengthen you…” (1 Pet. 5:9).

Do yourself a favor and read over these last six paragraphs a few more times and let them sink in. Then finish up with reading Galatians 2:20 and see if that doesn’t make more sense to you. :- ). Be blessed.