Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 137th. Edition.
Dear People of whom the World is not Worthy,
We are back to the theme of suffering in today’s passage (1 Peter 4:1-2). The meaning of part of this passage is not very clear, but the message is. In essence, Peter is saying to us that a lot of benefits can be reaped from suffering. One of those is to focus away from sin. But I go ahead of myself.
Expect Suffering (v. 1a). We should not be caught unawares by suffering, as though it were unexpected. The simple fact that Christ suffered should be warning enough. Jesus said as much to his disciples (John 15:20), so we ought to be prepared for the eventuality.
Accept Suffering (vv. 1b-2). The phrase “he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” is intriguing, because it seems to say that when people suffer in the flesh, they stop sinning. This would challenge John’s statement, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). More likely, Peter is saying that suffering takes the focus away from sinful attractions, so that we no longer find sinful lusts desirable, and live our lives instead for the will of God. God may allow suffering so that we can shift our attention to the things that really matter. Think about it, if you are obsessed with the big three – “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16), you will have little time for God. Suffering will bring the reality of the vanity of all three homes.
At times, that is what it takes. God’s purpose is not punishment but purification, that we may glorify him in the way we conduct ourselves. Unless you are already perfect, suffering is coming your way.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.