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1 Peter 4:1, 2 - Living the Will of God.

1 Peter 4:1-2 (NKJV) 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.

WORD STUDY

Ceased From Sin. That is, he has abandoned sin as a way of life. Peter does not mean to imply that the person here referred to no longer makes mistakes, but that he has turned his back on the world, the flesh, and the devil, and that, by God's grace, he has set out to follow in the footsteps of the Master. [SDA Bible Commentary]

Will Of God. The life of one who has "ceased from sin" follows a new course altogether. His will is subject to the will of God as the compass is to the magnetic pole. He walks, "not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Rom. 8:1). [SDA Bible Commentary]

INTRODUCTION

Some people will do anything to avoid pain. As followers of Christ, however, we should be willing and prepared to do God's will and to suffer for it if necessary. Sin loses its power to defeat us in our suffering if we focus on Christ and what he wants us to do. When our bodies are in pain or our lives are in jeopardy, our real values show up clearly, and sinful pleasures seem less important. If anyone suffers for doing good and still faithfully obeys in spite of suffering, that person has made a clean break with sin. [Life Application SB]

COMMENTARY PEARL

The Agony of Success
   "Character:" said Helen Keller, "cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." Having lost her sight and hearing at 19 months old, she would know about suffering, wouldn't she? Yet, considering the life she lived despite her limits, she knew something about victory as well.
   Many have known, even the most faithful, the truth expressed in the text for today. Without trial, without effort, without suffering "in the flesh," we cannot have victory, and certainly not without the power of God working in our lives.
   We know the promises. Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." And 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."
   But even though Christ provides "the way of escape," what self-denying Christian doesn't experience the agony of success as he resists every cell in his being, down to the DNA, screaming for sin? Are you willing to suffer in the flesh, denying the clamors of your fallen nature, in cooperation with God's power? Then arm yourself, according to today's promise, with the mind of Christ. As He took up His cross, He'll strengthen you to take up yours and follow Him (Luke 9:23).
   Lord Jesus, help me to die to self so I can live "for the will of God" and not "for the lusts of men." [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

COMMENTARY

Society's Norm - or Sin?
   Maybe your walk of faith - the story of your conversion - doesn't involve a radical contrast between the "before" and the "after," but it does make God's grace no less remarkable. Even though your life may have seemed relatively devoid of sin, God helped you recognize your transgressions; He enabled you to see that you need a Savior. And He saved you! That is amazing grace.
   Some people's coming to faith in Jesus, however, means a marked change in lifestyle. In Peter's words, they "walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries" (1 Peter 4:3). Interestingly, nothing on Peter's list of ungodly behavior was considered particularly immoral in the Greco-Roman world of the time. When Christians chose not to participate in such activity, they were simply labeled antisocial.
   Similarly, many ungodly behaviors today are accepted by society as perfectly normal. And modern society still has its idols. Drunkenness, lust, extramarital sex, greed, profanity, and other sins are generally accepted as the norm. Strenuously avoid these sins - despite how accepted they are all around you - and live as God's light. Don't let an evil world dull your sensitivity to God's presence and His will. Let your salvation continue to be a wonderful testimony to those around you of God's grace. [Being Still With God Every Day by Henry Blackaby]

ILLUSTRATION

   One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between 2 wolves.
   "One is Evil. It is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.
   The other is God. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith."
   The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"
   The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed." [source unknown]

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Open the windows of the soul heavenward, and let the light of the Sun of Righteousness in. Do not complain. Do not mourn and weep. Do not look on the dark side. Let the peace of God reign in your soul. Then you will have strength to bear all your sufferings, and you will rejoice that you have grace to endure. Praise the Lord; talk of His goodness; tell of His power. Sweeten the atmosphere which surrounds your soul... Look on the bright side of everything. 2SM266, 7

Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God. Martin Luther

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

1 Peter 4:1, 2 - Living the Will of God.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2011/20111125-1324.html

Psalm 119:11 - The Importance of Memorizing Scripture.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240131-0947.html

1 Corinthians 15:57 - The Vital Need for A Relationship with Christ.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220721-0812.html

Hebrews 12:3 - So keep your mind on Jesus Then you won't get discouraged and give up.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210111-1048.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/