Holding on to Hope
Monday, May 24,2021
Today’s reading: 1 Peter 4:1-3 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
I loved reading the explanation of our attitude towards sin written by Warren Wiersbe in “Be Hopeful” (p. 116). The picture is that of a soldier who puts on his equipment and arms himself for battle. Our attitudes are weapons, and weak or wrong attitudes will lead us to defeat. Outlook determines outcome, and a believer must have the right attitudes if he is to live a right life”. There are so many things in this life that are out of our control, however our attitude is something we can work on. I had a friend once who while raising her children had but one word held by a magnet to her refrigerator : ATTITUDE. That one word congers up so many feelings and questions that we need to constantly examine when looking at the direction our lives are headed. Are we skipping down the slippery slope of getting used to sinful thoughts behaviors, and habits to the point of not even realizing it? It really doesn't take long to adjust our attitude to the darker side, does it?? One thing that can destroy us is sin. A believer living in sin is a dangerous thing in the hands of Satan. Before you know it, you can be all the way down that slope living a life you know isn't God’s will for you. So, where is the hope in this passage? Peter is reminding his fellow believers of what their new life in Christ has brought them—freedom from sin! Because of Christ’s sufferings, sin was dealt with on their behalf. He encourages them to persevere and live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer. The contrast of the two lives (before and after living for Christ) is like night and day. “The will of God is so much better” (WW, p. 117). “Suffering, plus Christ in our lives, can help us have victory over sin….We are identified with Christ in His suffering and death, and therefore can have victory over sin. As we yield ourselves to God, and have the same attitude toward sin that Jesus had, we can overcome the old life and manifest the new life. (WW, p 117). Maybe your life doesn’t look like the last sentence in this passage: living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies…. Maybe your attitude is slipping in much more subtle ways. Is it time for us to take a look at what we are able to control and make sure our armor is in tact helping guide us in the direction of the freedom Christ offers? Peter is reminding us of where our hope lies. The will of God is to be enjoyed, not punish. It is to make our burdens light, not heavy. “We sometimes forget the bondage of sin and remember only the passing pleasures of sin”(WW, p. 118). How foolish it would be to return to that kind of life. Jesus, You are our living hope! Help us to look to You when we are adjusting our attitudes. Thank You for suffering for us on the cross. Remind us of this gift You gave us when we are slipping down the path towards sin. Keep us alert and our armor in tact. Show us today kind of life we can have when we live free of bondage and enjoy life the way You intend. Amen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm7BqvzlAv8&authuser=0