Seeds for 05/29/2024 - 1 Peter 4:1
Scripture:
Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.
Observation:
No one wants to suffer in the body. If they do we are suspicious about them!
Peter wants us to have a particular perspective on suffering, however.
Jesus suffered in His body, which led to our salvation. He dealt with the penalty and consequence of sin, and also its power. His suffering had a purpose and it accomplished something.
Likewise, our suffering can be embued with purpose as well. Peter’s perspective is supported by other NT writers as well.
Consider Paul in Romans 5:3-5:
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
And James in 1:2-4 of his letter:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Our suffering may be used by God to accomplish something in us. That something is sanctification. Peter says, “whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.” God can use suffering to refine and purify us—in particular, suffering because of our devotion to Jesus.
“Sanctification” is a theological term that refers to growing in spiritual maturity—a process of becoming completely devoted to Jesus and fully shaped by His character.
It is, in other words, to be done with the power of sin in our lives. Can this be accomplished in our lifetime? Well, Peter seems to think that is not off the table, so maybe we shouldn’t dismiss it out of hand. Either way, Peter assures us that though suffering is an inescapable part of life, it need not be a meaningless part. It can still be used to grow closer to the Lord.
Application:
When did some suffering or hardship draw you closer to God?
What else might the Holy Spirit be speaking with you about in the text today?
Prayer: Lord, use any suffering or trial that I endure to increase my victory over sin and my full devotion to you. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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