Living for the Will of God (Part 1) | Resources
Passage:
Since 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, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1–2
Devotional:
Willful suffering sounds counterintuitive, but in reality, we choose willful suffering all the time. Mothers give birth for the hope of their child’s life, soldiers go to war for patriotism and security, people undergo surgery for the hope of healing, and seminary students read Christian Theology 3rd ed. by Millard J. Erickson in the tearful hope of fulfilling the rubric requirements.
The difference between intuitive willful suffering and the willful suffering Peter writes about is a supernatural understanding of Christ’s suffering on the cross. Christ’s physical suffering on the cross supernaturally accomplished a list of things Peter mentions in this text. First, it gives us an example to follow. Second, it obliterates the sting of death in our life. And third, it frees us from living for human passions and instead gives us the power to live for the will of God. As it says in Isaiah 53:5, “By his wounds you have been healed.”
Suffering for Christ does not give us license to sin (Rom 6:1-2), but rather, it is a warning that there is a war raging for your soul (2:11). So weaponize your mind (“arm yourselves”) in the same way Christ did. He did not sin, lie, threaten, or scheme his way out of it, but He trusted the Father (2:21-24; Mt 26:39). Trusting in the desires of your flesh anchors your hope in the futile end of your sin—eternal death. Trusting God in your suffering anchors your hope in God’s grace (1:13). Your life will be carried into His promise to restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you (5:8-10). Christ suffered, so you will suffer, but you couldn’t possibly be in better hands! Trust the Father and He will turn your desires into what He desires for you. by Dale Hight
Scripture Reading:
Sunday: Josh. 24; Acts 4; Jer. 13; Matt. 27
Monday: Judg. 1; Acts 5; Jer. 14; Matt. 28
Tuesday: Judg. 2; Acts 6; Jer. 15; Mark 1|
Wednesday: Judg. 3; Acts 7; Jer. 16; Mark 2
Thursday: Judg. 4; Acts 8; Jer. 17; Mark 3
Friday: Judg. 5; Acts 9; Jer. 18; Mark 4
Saturday: Judg. 6; Acts 10; Jer. 19; Mark 5
Memory Verse:
“Since 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” 1 Peter 4:1
Discussion Questions:
What in our text this week stands out as interesting, confusing, or challenging?
What “way of thinking” did Christ have while he suffered in the flesh? How are we able to think this same way?
What are the differences between human passions and the will of God?
How are you doing currently? Are you living more for human passions or for the will of God?
What current human passion do you need to submit to the will of God? How do we do this?
In light of what we have studied this week, how should you respond in obedience?