I Peter 4:1 Review

I Peter 4:1, Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind,

The same mind – Christ suffered for others!

4:1, What is “Therefore” there for?

3:18-22, That Christ, the just, suffered for those unjust in order to bring them to God – He suffered with purpose.   Hebrews 12:2, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.

Know that God allows pain, loss, and wrong (Ps 23 – lead into shadows) in order that His power might show in the life of His people (II Corinthians 12:9) so that they might have the opportunity to tell of the hope that they have (I Peter 3:15).

Therefore, we need to have an eternal, a distant, a vertical, a God view.  Eyes upward!

As Christ suffered for obedience and doing good, so shall those who are His.

I Peter 3:13-17, We should have the mind of Christ in embracing the idea that suffering is part of God’s means of using His people to move people to Calvary and salvation.

Thinking of Jesus, we know that suffering can come because we do right in the face of “enemies.”  Note 3:8, the word “finally” which immediately suggests a list.  If we look at 3:1, 2:18, and 2:13 we find the word “submit.”  The list has been about submitting to harsh, hard, and difficult people.

What sets up the list?  2:11-12, Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Those saved are now citizens of the “upper story” – they are now foreigners and pilgrims.  What is the charge for these tenants of God’s grace?  Abstain and do good and part of that “doing good” is to submit to government – the good and the bad.  It is to submit to bosses – those greedy, mean and/or unjust (Jesus suffered for those unjust), and to submit to husbands who are not interested in God nor His ways.  In 3:7 is the word “likewise” meaning – “submit.”  There is a charge to husbands to lead their home and when the wife will not let that happen – husbands must continue to submit to God’s will and graciously and firmly lead.  And lastly, 3:8 addresses the family of God who are not always in accord.  In 5:5 is the charge to church people to likewise “submit.”

And what does submitting get you?  Suffering!  3:14, 16.  Just like Jesus!  (3:18, 4:1)

Does the idea of submitting mean to roll over and be a “door mat” or “just take it”?  Maybe.  But…

There are Three Options to Submitting:

1. Avoid (flee) – Jesus when the Nazarites tried to kill Him (Luke 4:30), wanted to stone Him (John 10:33 and 40)

Daniel was not at the statue that condemned the three to the fire.

2. Appeal – Jesus asked, “Is there any other way?”

Daniel 2 – a ten day trial option to the government’s will.

3. Disobey – Jesus would not be silent nor cease His ways (the raising of Lazarus in John 11:50, 53).

Daniel 6 – told to not pray, yet prayed, and went to the lions.

You had better know what you believe.  What are the core truths – which of your beliefs are worth fighting for and dying for?  Preferences (can be very, very strong) v. Convictions (will die for)

There are Three core Helps when Suffering:

1. God is with you through it all – the disciples in a horrible storm, John 14:16; Isaiah 43:2
2. God’s grace is sufficient – II Corinthians 12:9, Luke 12:12, I Corinthians 10:13
3. God can make good of it all – Genesis 50:20, the cross of Jesus (Galatians 6:14)

There are Three “Dont’s” when Suffering:

1. Don’t deny Jesus.  God is offended, because He is well pleased with His Son!
2. Don’t disobey.  Jesus told His followers to observe all that He taught.  Don’t reject His will.
3. Don’t quench or grieve the Spirit by not taking a stand, speaking up, or serving others.

While none of us desire suffering, pain, or loss, we should not be surprised by the same.  God has promised such and promised to use such in His great work of redeeming a people to Himself.