Bible Verse of The Day – 12-24-25

1 Peter 4:1-2 (LSB) 1 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose—because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin— 2 so as to no longer live the rest of the time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

These are truly interesting words penned by Peter.

Let’s dig into them to better understand what he was referring to.

His initial few words refer to Christ suffering in the flesh; literal wounds to His body.

But he then turns this to believers, urging us to arm ourselves with the same purpose.

This is not implying that we should intentionally seek opportunities to subject ourselves to physical harm just for the sake of suffering.

Peter is referring to a level of maturity whereby which we would accept physical suffering for the sake or the cause of Christ.

He is not implying that suffering itself purifies us. Rather, when our willingness to endure suffering for Christ outweighs our desire to satisfy the flesh, it reveals that we are no longer living to pursue our fleshly desires.

Our willingness to suffer shows that obedience to God matters more to us than comfort and pleasure.

Physically suffering for the One who died to pay for our sins helps us recognize the futility of fleshly pursuits; chasing after fruitless endeavors, lusting after people and things.

We realize that these things are, as Solomon so aptly stated, chasing after the wind; empty and in vain.

When we reach a point in our lives where we are willing to suffer for Christ, it shows maturity and the fact that our will is aligned with God’s will.

We have come to understand the Biblical concept of being bought at a price, and being willing to stand up for our faith, even if it means suffering for doing so.

The pleasures of the flesh become meaningless to us.

When we stand for our faith, we may lose social standing or become the subject of mocking and ridicule. Or we may experience being mistreated in various ways aside from physical affliction or harm.

These losses only confirm that our desires have been transformed by the Holy Spirit, no longer determined to please ourselves, but the One who shed His blood for us.

But Jesus prepared us well ahead of time to face such things when He spoke these words.

John 16:33 (LSB) 33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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