Going against the Flow

1 Peter 4:1-6
1Since 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, 2so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

Some passages are a struggle, plain and simple. This is one of them for me. Peter’s words become slightly convoluted for me and I had to read them several times to make any sense of them whatsoever and do more than a little research into what he wants to teach us. So – here goes.

Our personal suffering does not bring the forgiveness of sins. Only the suffering and death of Jesus did that work. But our suffering does have the beneficial effect of stripping away sinful distractions from our lives and lifting our focus higher. God uses our hardships to refine and purify our desires so that they more closely reflect God’s will.

Have you every tried to walk up a downward moving escalator? It’s energy consuming but can be done. Then try it during rush hour when it is filled with people. Now you face a tough challenge. But living as Christians can feel that way sometimes. Our lives go against the flow. Those living outside of God’s Kingdom would have us join them on the downward trek as it eases their feeling of guilt and makes their sinful activities seem normal. We are able to combat that lifestyle only through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, which Peter strongly encourages us to do.

Verse 6 is difficult. What Peter seems to be saying is that this impending judgment on all sin and all sinners is the reason why the gospel of salvation was proclaimed—to lead people to repentance and faith in the Savior. Believers who had died already (especially if under persecution) would not lose out on this great reward. The believers may indeed be “judged according to men in regard to the body,” that is, be subject to human authorities, courts, police, and jails, but that involves only temporary externals. What really matters is that we “live according to God in regard to the spirit.”
Jeske, M. A. ©2002. James, Peter, John, Jude (p. 116). Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Pub. House.

So I guess the message for the day is look to Christ crucified for your lifestyle choices instead of the ways of the world. You may find yourself going against the flow, but it’s God’s direction that you seek, not your own.

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