“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind.” 1 Peter 4:1
Dear Ones:
In the book of Romans, Paul speaks of the “suffering of this present time,” and the “…glory which shall be revealed unto us.” (Romans 8:18) He makes the comparison between the two subjects, by revealing that the sufferings on this earth are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come. The reason for such a contrast is found in the scope, nature, and longevity of each. Suffering has its roots in sin. Either directly or indirectly, we suffer because of the sin of Adam, or as a result of the more immediate sinful acts and attitudes by ourselves or others. Suffering has its limits for the believer, for though we are tried, it will end, then the experience of incomparable glory. With regard to the nature of suffering, it is known in very many forms. Never wanted or desired, it takes us where we would never want to go or be led, for it reveals itself in various degrees of pain and loss. Sometimes the result can be a sense of hopelessness and helplessness, a lostness, with no clear understanding as to “why.” However, we do understand that with regard to the nature of things on this earth, especially in regard to the sinful heart of man, and the knowledge of an enemy of our souls who would have us to perish, that we all will suffer. Suffering can be in mind, heart, soul and body, It is often an imposed pain, certainly not sought after, and suddenly appearing, resulting in great loss, with temporary unmet desires and hopes of deliverance. However, in this context of the world, and understanding something its spiritual history, we find that that there is an answer to present suffering, and a divine purpose, accompanied with the promise of present grace, and great hope for the future. In that culminating moment of entering into the Lord’s presence, it is a moment of the cloudless day, the experience of the perfect calm, in the harbor God’s presence. It is the ushering into the very presence of Him that is perfect goodness, life, and love, Holy and true, the Savior from sin, and the Deliverer from all pain and suffering.
In all things pertaining to understanding how to live before God, walk with Him, even though we will suffer, and to know Him in the context of this world, we always begin with the One who is the Beginning and the Ending, the Author and Finisher of Faith. He alone has provided us a “way,” and “means,” by which to live victoriously in the midst of suffering. The beginning of our understanding of this matter begins with our vision in truth of the “suffering Servant of Jehovah.” It is by the power of His life, and the clarity of His example, that we are called to follow Him, trusting Him fully, who finished well His race, work, and mission. Peter speaks of this in his first letter: “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.” (4:1) Peter makes it plain that our example is Christ, and Him alone. The call then comes to us that we are to arm ourselves with the same mind. It is only as we have the “mind of Christ,” that the Lord by His Spirit, will pour the power into us when we need it. The Lord through Peter is showing us the way how to live through suffering, and it begins with grasping the mind of Christ, making it our own by faith, and living by the faith of Christ, receiving all from the Father, who is faithful to, “…supply all our need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (1 Cor. 10:13) Before Jesus “went to war,” He had clearly armed Himself in the face of suffering, as He chose to drink the cup of suffering, according to the will of God, to save us all.
Dear Father, Arm us with Christ’s mind, resolve, and power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad