Counting on the Example of Christ's Suffering

STRENGTH IN THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST'S SUFFERING

By Ezekiel Kimosop

I have been going through the Letter of 1 Peter as my devotional Book this month. Today, my devotion was centered on the passage of 1 Peter 4:1-6. 

This passage carries on the theme of Christian suffering which the writer commenced in the previous passage 1 Peter 3:13-22.

In that passage, Peter encourages us to stand with our spiritual convictions and be prepared not only to offer our defense to anyone who seeks to understand our hope in Christ, but to be prepared to suffer for our faith (3:15-17).

He also spoke of Christ's triumph over death through His resurrection and His ministry to the spirits of those who were bound for their disobedience during the flood of Noah. 

Christ finally ascended to heaven where He now reigns (3:19-22). 

Now back to our passage.

1 Peter 4:1-6, is a section of the longer passage of 1 Peter 4:1-19 that concludes the long exhortation on Christian suffering with the illustration of Christ's suffering as our example.  

The Scripture encourages us here that, being conscious of the example of Christ's suffering in the flesh, we are to arm ourselves also "with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God."(4:1-2). 

The purpose of Christian suffering is to prepare believers to remain strong and steadfast in the Christian faith in the midst of trials, temptations and afflictions. 

Suffering should draw out of us a stronger resolve for our obedience to Christ based on the conviction of His word in us. When we face trials or unpleasant circumstances that call into question our moral convictions, we should not despair but place our hope in Him who "...was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15). 

We are not perfect but He who calls us is faithful to preserve us in those difficult times.

APPLICATION

I don't know what you could be going through even as you read this exhortation. You may perhaps be facing lots of afflictions that you are unable to comprehend.

Some Christians face daily discrimination in their communities or work places simply because of their convictions as believers. 

Some of us may have been sidelined or even fired from our jobs because we won't compromise on our faith.

Others have been forced to choose between fostering some beneficial relationships founded on ungodly practice and upholding our Christian convictions when the interests clash. 

These examples may not specifically touch on your circumstances but they simply serve to illustrate the veracity of afflictions that we may face.

Every child of God is called upon to choose the path of obedience. It is not an easy path. It wasn't easy for Christ, neither for us. It comes with sacrifices, pains but it is God's way for us. We ought to walk the narrow path.

Here's the conclusion... 

No matter what we go through in this world, we should bear in mind that Christ is always with us by His Spirit (John 14:15-18). He daily guides us and comforts us. He reminds us in His word about our eternal destiny in Him and the hope of glory that awaits us when He returns to take us to be eternally in His presence (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18).

Keep it Christ.