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. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God”(1 Peter 4:1, ESV).
Fighting against sin is not easy; however, Christ’s yoke is light. His yoke is light because He bears it with us and does the pulling. What is difficult is placing ourselves in the yoke, as it represents a death to self. If we give up when suffering begins, we hinder the growth of “Christ in us” and limit His work within us. We can say bold things, then scramble off the altar of sacrifice at the first sign of heat! Rather, let us set our faces toward the cross set before us. Let us be “armed with the same attitude” that receiving Christ within us means physical pain. With this understanding, we hope not to be such spiritual weaklings in the future but to grow up into Him.
Receiving more of His holiness in our bodies means pain! Count the cost and go the full distance. Consider the following:
- I appeal to you therefore, brothers by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Rom. 12:1-2, ESV).
- For consider Him who has endured such… so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin (Heb. 12:3, NAS). Amen? Better get started.
- As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him (Col. 2:6, KJV).
- Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12, ESV).
You may not have others externally beating, oppressing, or persecuting you as He did (and someday we may), but you do have your old man and the world opposing the life of Christ within you. Don’t feel ashamed or alarmed when pain comes; you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood, as Jesus did when He sweat blood in resisting temptation. Now you understand what the”cost” of being a Christian is—perhaps something you were unaware of before. It is a narrow path, and few find it.
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And“If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Peter 4:16-19, ESV).
Therefore, those who endure suffering in accordance with God’s will should entrust themselves to their faithful Creator and persist in doing good.