Excerpt from "A Study on 1 & 2 Peter"

3/22/2018

1 Peter 4:1-2

1. Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

2. That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

 

Peter begins by reminding these Christians that Christ had suffered for them. So that, they could come into the fellowship of those who have a personal experience with the Lord. Further Peter stresses the fact that their Savior suffered in the flesh like as others. That he was not merrily a far off God, but a God who took on the nature of man that he might be the example for those who would follow him. He went through suffering, torment, pain and finally death. Why death, because without the shedding of blood there could be no remission of sin.

               Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

We know as we look at this again, that the blood of animals such as lambs (sheep), cattle, goats, doves could not be the supreme sacrifice that was needed. Their sacrifice was not special enough to pay the price that was needed for all mankind. The world had to have a savior of high enough degree to be able to cover or wash away the sins of the world. This does not mean as so many believe that when Christ died upon the cross, the sins of the world were forgiven. It means that when man, will come to Christ in humbleness, and repent and ask for the forgiveness of their sin that Christ can and will wash away their sin by his blood. Peter was there at the crucifixion. It was at the trial of Jesus that Peter denied the Lord three times. Whereupon Peter went out and wept bitterly, asking God to forgive him, of his sin, his spiritual weakness. As Peter is here trying to prepare these Christians for the future, what may lie ahead? I am firmly convinced that he was also thinking of the time when he also would go to the cross.

Used by permission of the Author: David Wilson