The Path of PerseveranceSample

Therefore since Christ has 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. Peter 4:1-2

The chapter starts with Peter reminding us that since Christ has endured suffering for us in His physical body, we are to arm ourselves with the same mindset, recognizing that our old self has been put to death on the cross of Christ. Now, we are invited to live the rest of our days surrendered to the glory of God's will. In layman’s terms: we were made for Jesus! We were made for His story line and to be caught up in His glory.

Now, we are to live free from sin and in the sweet aroma of righteousness! We no longer live for our former desires but now for the will of God. Think of Jesus’ metaphor in John 15. Jesus says: “I am the vine and you are the branches...abide in me, and I in you. For a branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine.” As we surrender to God's will, to living by faith, and by being obedient to scripture, we find ourselves grafted into His vine, and His life flows through us. We find our former desires get pruned away, and a new fruit is produced, one that is brought forth from the vine and fully ripe with righteousness and purpose!

The chapter concludes once again with the fragrance of hope. Right in life’s hardships and sufferings, Peter urges us to commit our souls to Him, our Faithful Creator.

1. What are the desires of the flesh that I am still wrestling with, and how can I submit them to God?
2. What does it look like to “arm ourselves” with the mindset of Christ?
3. How can I commit my soul to God as my faithful creator and trust in Him in hardship?