How God wants us to live

How God wants us to live

Dr. Eddie Ildefonso

1 Peter 4:1 (NASB)

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.”

    From the time of Christ until now, committed Christians have come to understand what the term “spiritual warfare” is all about in their personal lives. Throughout the history of the church many believers have borne the burden of belittling, beating, butchery, burning, and the shedding of their blood. The Christians in Peter’s day were experiencing persecution and suffering. Peter’s epistle offered comfort to these Christians, but also a challenge to arm themselves for spiritual conflict.

    He reminds all of us that the degree of our effectiveness will be affected by our credibility as Christians. It is for this reason we are to shun the depraved lifestyle of the ungodly and embrace holiness in our thoughts and actions. Our lifestyle is not to be patterned after those who do not know Christ at all. Believers are to be different in their behavior, honoring Christ in the way they live. That is not easy, however, and usually not popular. The world tells us, “Do your own thing.” What they fail to tell you, however, is to make sure they approve what you are doing.

    Carnal people tend to oppose godliness or anyone that lives that way. Godly living tends to be a source of irritation or conviction to some folks. Some of these people will respond by lashing out and unleashing verbal attacks. Sometimes these attacks can get physical, too. This is why Peter challenges all believers to arm themselves with the weapon of a committed mind, a mind or an attitude that is dedicated to serving the Lord Jesus Christ, even if their dedication leads to suffering. This is the issue that we will address in this message.