ESOCS Devotional 13 May 2021
TEXT: 1 PETER 4:1-6
MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” (1 Peter 4:1 NKJV).
Peter in this letter writes to both the Gentile and Jewish believers on the subject of holy living, for those suffering persecutions. In our text, he urges us to approach life in the same manner as Christ, when we are treated unjustly.
Christians are like Christ. We share not only in the glory and power with which He overcame sin and death but also in the unjust treatment He suffered physically in the hands of fellow men for doing right. It is common in all tribes and in all spheres of life that those who stand for the truth suffer physical deprivation and hatred. If we must live a life pleasing to God, we have got to understand this and be prepared to live with it. Jesus did suffer in the flesh for no just cause. The Bible says: “Since Christ suffered physically, you too must strengthen yourself with the same way of thinking that he had ….” (Phil. 2:5-11 GNV).
For the sake of growing in faith and righteous living, we have got to swallow the pill of physical suffering for doing good. The process of refining gold is not easy. It passes through hot fire. So do Christians pass through challenges and pains for the sake of righteous living. In verse 1b of our text we read: “… because whoever suffers physically is no longer involved with sin.” (GNV)
As Christians, we have to get to the stage in life where we become stable in righteous living, through allowing the word of God and the Holy Spirit to control our life (Rom. 8:13-14), no matter what we may suffer. That is the essence of our union with Christ, and our true being.
- Be persistent in living a virtuous lifestyle, no matter what.
- Lord, give me the spirit of endurance of the saints of old.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Job 19:21-27; John 19:38-42; Genesis 7:11-18
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ESOCS Devotional 13 May 2021
