1 Peter 4:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
Keith Daniel
J. Glyn Owen
Robert B. ThompsonJ. Glyn Owen
Reuben Walter
Zac Poonen
Dwight PentecostSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
As Christ hath suffered - He is your proper pattern; have the same disposition he had; the same forgiving spirit, with meekness, gentleness, and complete self-possession. He that hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sin - This is a general maxim, if understood literally: The man who suffers generally reflects on his ways, is humbled, fears approaching death, loathes himself because of his past iniquities, and ceases from them; for, in a state of suffering, the mind loses its relish for the sins of the flesh, because they are embittered to him through the apprehension which he has of death and judgment; and, on his application to God's mercy, he is delivered from his sin. Some suppose the words are to be understood thus: "Those who have firmly resolved, if called to it, to suffer death rather than apostatize from Christianity, have consequently ceased from, or are delivered from, the sin of saving their lives at the expense of their faith." Others think that it is a parallel passage to Rom 6:7, and interpret it thus: "He that hath mortified the flesh, hath ceased from sin." Dr. Bentley applies the whole to our redemption by Christ: He that hath suffered in the flesh hath died for our sins. But this seems a very constrained sense.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh..... The apostle having finished his digression concerning Christ's preaching in the ministry of Noah, to men whose spirits were now in prison, and concerning the salvation of Noah's family in the ark, by water, and concerning its antitype, baptism, its nature and effect, returns to the sufferings of Christ he had before made mention of; and argues from thence to holiness of life, and patience in sufferings, after this manner; seeing then Christ, the eternal Son of God, the Lord of glory, the holy and Just One, suffered such indignities, reproaches, and persecutions from men, the wrath of God, the curses of the law, and death itself; and that not for himself, nor for angels, but for men, and those not all men, otherwise his death, with respect to some, must be in vain; but for a particular number of men, in distinction from others, described in the beginning of this epistle, as elect, according to the foreknowledge of God; and these sufferings he endured in the room and stead of those persons, in the days of his flesh, while here on earth, and in his human nature, both soul and body, and was crucified through the weakness of his flesh, and for the sins of our flesh, and which he bore in his own: arm yourselves likewise with the same mind; that was in Christ; as he suffered for you, do ye likewise suffer for him, in his cause, for righteousness sake, for the sake of him and his Gospel; and bear all reproaches, afflictions, and persecutions on his account, willingly and cheerfully, with meekness and patience, as he did, and with the same view; not indeed to make satisfaction for sin, which was his principal design, but that being dead unto sin, you might live unto righteousness. The apostle speaks to the saints, in this exhortation, as to soldiers, and who had many enemies to engage with, and therefore should put on their armour, and be in a readiness to meet any attack upon them: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin: meaning either Christ, who having suffered in human nature for the sins of his people, whereby he has made satisfaction for them, is now clear of them; the sins that were imputed to him being took and bore away, finished and made an end of, and he justified from them, and freed from all the effects of them, and punishment for them, as from all the infirmities of human nature, from mortality and death: or the person that has suffered in and with Christ, his head and representative, which is all one as if he had suffered himself, in person; by virtue of which his sin ceases, and he ceases from being chargeable with it, as if he had never sinned; which is the case of every criminal, when he has suffered the penalty of the law for his crime: or else the person that is dead to sin, by virtue of the death of Christ, and, in imitation of it, who has been baptized into Christ's death, and planted in the likeness of it; whose old man is crucified with Christ, and he is dead with him; who has crucified the affections with the lusts, and through the Spirit has mortified the deeds of the body; which way the generality of interpreters go: such a man has ceased from sin; not from the being and indwelling of it in him; nor from the burden of it on him; nor from a continual war with it in him; nor from slips and falls by it, and into it; no, nor from it in the most solemn and religious services; but as from the guilt of it, and obligation to punishment by it, through the death of Christ; so from the servitude and dominion of it, through the power of divine grace, in consequence of Christ's death: or rather, the believer that suffers death in his body, for the sake of Christ, such an one immediately ceases from the very being of sin, and all commission of it; he becomes at once perfectly pure and holy, without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; and a noble argument this is to meet death without fear, and to suffer it cheerfully and willingly, since the consequence of this will be an entire freedom from sin, than which nothing can be more desirable by a believer: to this agrees the Syriac version, which renders the words thus: "for whoever is dead in his body hath ceased from all sins"; but the Arabic version more fully confirms this sense, and is the best version of the text, and is this; "be ye armed with this (same) thought, that (not for) he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin"; that is, fortify your minds against all the fears of sufferings, and of death, for the sake of Christ, with this single thought; that he that has suffered martyrdom for Christ, in his body, or has suffered death for his sake, or dies in the Lord, is free from sin, and so from sorrow, and is the most happy person imaginable; so that this last clause is not a reason of the former, but points out, and is explanative of what that same mind or thought is Christians should arm themselves with, against the fears of death; and it is the best piece of armour for this service, a saint can make use of.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle here draws a new inference from the consideration of Christ's sufferings. As he had before made use of it to persuade to patience in suffering, so here to mortification of sin. Observe, I. How the exhortation is expressed. The antecedent or supposition is that Christ had suffered for us in the flesh, or in his human nature. The consequent or inference is, "Arm and fortify yourselves likewise with the same mind, courage, and resolution." The word flesh in the former part of the verse signifies Christ's human nature, but in the latter part it signifies man's corrupt nature. So the sense is, "As Christ suffered in his human nature, do you, according to your baptismal vow and profession, make your corrupt nature suffer, by putting to death the body of sin by self-denial and mortification; for, if you do not thus suffer, you will be conformable to Christ in his death and resurrection, and will cease from sin." Learn, 1. Some of the strongest and best arguments against all sorts of sin are taken from the sufferings of Christ. All sympathy and tenderness for Christ as a sufferer are lost of you do not put away sin. He dies to destroy it; and, though he could cheerfully submit to the worst sufferings, yet he could never submit to the least sin. 2. The beginning of all true mortification lies in the mind, not in penances and hardships upon the body. The mind of man is carnal, full of enmity; the understanding is darkened, being alienated from the life of God, Eph 4:18. Man is not a sincere creature, but partial, blind, and wicked, till he be renewed and sanctifies by the regenerating grace of God. II. How it is further explained, Pe1 4:2. The apostle explains what he means by being dead to sin, and ceasing from sin, both negatively and positively. Negatively, a Christian ought no longer to live the rest of his time in the flesh, to the sinful lusts and corrupt desires of carnal wicked men; but, positively, he ought to conform himself to the revealed will of the holy God. Learn, 1. The lusts of men are the springs of all their wickedness, Jam 1:13, Jam 1:14. Let occasional temptations be what they will, they could not prevail, were it not for men's own corruptions. 2. All good Christians make the will of God, not their own lusts or desires, the rule of their lives and actions. 3. True conversion makes a marvellous change in the heart and life of every one who partakes of it. It brings a man off from all his old, fashionable, and delightful lusts, and from the common ways and vices of the world, to the will of God. It alters the mind, judgment, affections, way, and conversation of every one who has experienced it. III. How it is enforced (Pe1 4:3): For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, etc. Here the apostle argues from equity. "It is but just, equal, and reasonable, that as you have hitherto all the former part of your life served sin and Satan, so you should now serve the living God." Though those were Jews to whom the apostle wrote, yet the living among the Gentiles they had learned their way. Observe, 1. When a man is truly converted, it is very grievous to him to think how the time past of his life has been spent; the hazard he has run so many years, the mischief he has done to others, the dishonour done to God, and the loss he has sustained, are very afflicting to him. 2. While the will of man is unsanctified and corrupt, he walks continually in wicked ways; he makes them his choice and delight, his work and business, and he makes a bad condition daily worse and worse. 3. One sin, allowed, draws on another. Here are six named, and they have a connection and dependence one upon another. (1.) Lasciviousness or wantonness, expressed in looks, gesture, or behaviour, Rom 13:13. (2.) Lusts, acts of lewdness, such as whoredom and adultery. (3.) Excess of wine, though short of drunkenness, an immoderate use of it, to the prejudice of health or business, is here condemned. (4.) Revellings, or luxurious feastings, too frequent, too full, or too expensive. (5.) Banquetings, by which is meant gluttony or excess in eating. (6.) Abominable idolatry; the idol-worship of the Gentiles was attended with lewdness, drunkenness, gluttony, and all sorts of brutality and cruelty; and these Jews living long among them were, some of them at least, debauched and corrupted by such practices. 4. It is a Christian's duty not only to abstain from what is grossly wicked, but also from those things that are generally the occasions of sin, or carry the appearance of evil. Excess of wine and immoderate feasting are forbidden as well as lust and idolatry.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:1-6 Peter urges Christians to decisively turn their backs on the former sinful way of life from which Christ in his suffering delivered us. 4:1 since Christ suffered physical pain: Peter introduced this idea in 3:18; he now indicates its significance in Christian experience. In our own physical sufferings, we are to imitate Christ’s attitude (see 2:21-24). Our suffering with Christ shows that we have identified with him (see Rom 8:17). Those who identify with Christ experience the victory over the power of sin that he won on the cross (Rom 6:1-10).
1 Peter 4:1
Living for God’s Glory
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin.2Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Be Ye Holy for I Am Holy
By Keith Daniel7.6K1:13:04Practical HolinessROM 12:22CO 6:17EPH 5:81TH 5:23HEB 12:141PE 1:141PE 4:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being transformed and renewed in our minds to align with God's will. He quotes from 1 Peter 1:14, urging believers to be obedient children and not conform to their former lusts. The preacher emphasizes that holiness is a personal choice and not influenced by external factors such as peer pressure or societal corruption. He shares a personal story about a man who was burdened by the moral decay in society and eventually preached at a convention, moving the young people to tears. The sermon highlights the need for believers to maintain their holiness and not compromise their faith.
Living for What God Wills
By J. Glyn Owen1.7K53:17Will Of God1PE 4:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the first two verses of 1 Peter chapter 4. He emphasizes the importance of having the same attitude as Christ, who suffered in his body. The preacher highlights that those who have responded to the call of Christ and become Christians are transformed by the gospel. They no longer live for their own desires but for the will of God. The sermon also mentions the contrast between the dark and selfish mindset of the world and the moral focus that comes with accepting God's grace.
A Proper Orientation
By Robert B. Thompson1.6K1:18:001PE 4:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Christ in order to avoid going to hell. He refers to Matthew chapter 25 and highlights the scriptural basis of his teachings. The preacher also mentions the need to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in evangelism, as different approaches may be necessary for different individuals. He explains the concept of being crucified with Christ and rising with him, and how this relates to the believer's experience of living in the flesh while also experiencing resurrection life.
Enough Is Too Much
By J. Glyn Owen1.3K50:48Christian Life1PE 4:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 Peter chapter 4, specifically verses 1 to 7. The main theme is about living a life that is aligned with the will of God, rather than indulging in sinful desires. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing that the end of all things is near and living in light of that reality. He encourages believers to be clear-minded, self-controlled, and prayerful in their daily lives. The sermon also highlights the argument from the past, present, and future as reasons for living a righteous life.
Pain a Sign of Life
By Reuben Walter1.2K51:48Pain1PE 4:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Job and how God spoke to him after he remained silent. The speaker highlights verse 14 of chapter 33, which states that God speaks to man in dreams and visions. The speaker emphasizes that God uses pain and suffering to redirect man from his own desires and to humble him. The sermon also addresses the topic of suffering and encourages believers to rejoice in their trials, as they are partakers of Christ's suffering. The speaker also cautions against letting emotions control one's actions, as it can lead to unnecessary pain and advises young people to practice restraint.
Suffering and the Kingdom of God
By Zac Poonen95849:05MAT 3:2LUK 24:25ACT 1:3ACT 14:22ROM 14:17PHP 1:29PHP 3:102TH 1:41PE 2:181PE 4:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the concept of the Kingdom of God as highlighted in the New Testament. It delves into the significance of suffering, both in the flesh and externally, as a means to enter God's Kingdom. The message challenges believers to endure tribulations, follow the example of Jesus in suffering unjustly, and seek righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit as the essence of the Kingdom of God.
Studies in 1 Peter-12 1 Peter 4:1-7
By Dwight Pentecost91736:521PE 4:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage from 1 Peter 4:1-7. He emphasizes the importance of suffering in the will of God in order to live in the spirit rather than in the flesh. The preacher compares this to the rigorous discipline and preparation of an athlete before a game. He highlights the need for believers to submit to God's authority and accept the sufferings that come their way in order to learn the lesson of dependence on God. The preacher encourages the congregation to not resist God and to embrace the challenges and adversities that come their way as opportunities for growth and sanctification.
A Holy God and a Holy People: The Church
By Jeremy Strang7091:20:15HolinessMAT 6:331PE 3:11PE 4:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of common grace, which is the grace of God that restrains people from being more wicked. He highlights that this grace is available to everyone, but it is only through accepting Jesus Christ that one can experience the deeper grace. The preacher then discusses the importance of living according to the Spirit and not the flesh, as living by the flesh leads to death. He also emphasizes the suffering and emotions of Jesus Christ, highlighting his endurance of sin and his ability to empathize with human experiences. The sermon concludes with a call to seek God's true grace and to passionately fulfill one's duty in serving Him.
Building the House of God - the Many Wounds of Love - Part 3
By Phil Beach Jr.2259:26Sin and ForgivenessChurchTransformation through GraceISA 53:5JHN 15:18ROM 6:42CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 4:32PHP 2:5COL 3:13JAS 5:161PE 4:1Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the destructive nature of sin and its impact on our relationships, particularly how it can hurt those we love the most. He highlights the importance of acknowledging our faults and seeking forgiveness, as well as the transformative power of grace that leads to healing and a new way of living. The sermon calls for a change in our walk, urging believers to embrace a life of faith, love, and humility, reflecting the mind of Christ in all aspects of life. Beach encourages the congregation to recognize their need for God's grace to overcome sin and to actively pursue a life that mirrors Christ's example of selflessness and obedience. Ultimately, he reassures that through Christ, there is hope and healing available for all who seek it.
Judgment in the House of God - 1 Peter 4-17
By Phil Beach Jr.211:16:03JudgmentChurch IdentityGEN 12:1MAT 7:21JHN 6:66GAL 2:20EPH 4:11PHP 1:21HEB 4:121PE 2:91PE 4:11PE 4:17Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for the church to align with God's original intention, as exemplified in the life of Abraham. He warns that deviation from God's word puts the church in danger of being set aside, and stresses the importance of a holy calling that reflects God's desires. The sermon highlights that judgment will begin in the house of God, focusing on the need for true believers to be distinguished from mere professors of faith. Beach calls for a recovery of the church's identity as a chosen generation, royal priesthood, and holy nation, urging believers to live in a way that honors Christ as Lord. Ultimately, he encourages a deep, transformative relationship with God that leads to a life fully surrendered to His will.
The Wind Is Shifting
By Allan Halton0JHN 15:18JHN 15:201PE 4:11JN 3:13Allan Halton preaches about the need for Christians to be valiant and faithful for God's truth in the midst of trials and persecution, drawing inspiration from the early Quakers who suffered for their faith. He highlights the shifting winds of persecution in Western lands and the deeper manifestation of Christ in His people that will provoke coming persecution. Halton emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the suffering and persecution that may come with a deeper reality of God's Spirit in our lives, urging believers to arm themselves with the same mind as Christ and be ready for the consequences.
Unity
By K.P. Yohannan0Spiritual WarfareUnityMAT 5:9JHN 17:21ROM 12:181CO 1:10GAL 5:15EPH 6:12PHP 2:2COL 3:13HEB 12:141PE 4:1K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of unity in serving God, acknowledging that initial excitement can fade as we encounter conflicts and challenges with others. He warns against losing sight of the true battle, which is not against fellow believers but against spiritual forces. The sermon encourages believers to arm themselves with the mindset of Christ, who suffered for us, to maintain unity and perseverance in service. Yohannan reminds us that our struggles often stem from forgetting our true enemy and the spiritual nature of our battles. Ultimately, he calls for a return to a heart of service and unity, grounded in Christ's example.
Three Reasons for Falling Into Sin
By Zac Poonen0PHP 2:8PHP 3:132TI 2:22HEB 4:151PE 4:1Zac Poonen emphasizes the inability of our own strength to overcome sin, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of sin in our beings and the futility of self-effort in achieving victory. He urges believers to recognize their weakness, flee from temptation, and earnestly pray for God's help. Poonen also discusses the importance of suffering in self-denial to cease from sin and do God's will, following the example of Jesus who chose obedience even unto death. Furthermore, he stresses the need for believers to press on towards perfection, not becoming complacent with their current spiritual state but continually striving to become more like Jesus in every aspect of their lives.
The Third Baptism
By Mike Atnip0MAT 10:38LUK 12:50ROM 12:211PE 3:141PE 4:1REV 2:10Mike Atnip preaches about the three baptisms in the Christian life, focusing on the often overlooked 'baptism of suffering' that Jesus spoke of in Luke 12:50. He emphasizes the importance of not replacing this baptism with a 'Prosperity Gospel' that promises material blessings, but rather following Jesus into His baptism of suffering. Atnip delves into the necessity of suffering in manifesting the righteous character of God and how believers are called to overcome evil with good, ultimately glorifying God through their responses to unjust treatment.
Our Daily Homily - 1 Peter
By F.B. Meyer0InheritanceSuffering For ChristMAT 5:10ROM 8:172CO 4:17HEB 10:371PE 1:41PE 2:241PE 3:141PE 4:11PE 5:10REV 21:4F.B. Meyer emphasizes the incredible inheritance believers have in Christ, which is incorruptible, undefiled, and eternal, highlighting that it is a birthright granted by God's mercy. He reassures the faithful that they are guarded by God's power through faith, even amidst trials and persecution, drawing parallels to the suffering of Christ and the strength found in sharing in His sufferings. Meyer encourages believers to arm themselves with the mindset of Christ, choosing to live according to God's will rather than succumbing to worldly desires. He reminds them that their suffering is temporary and serves a divine purpose, ultimately leading to eternal glory. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the hope of their heavenly inheritance and the assurance of God's presence in their trials.
Arm Yourself
By K.P. Yohannan0Spiritual WarfareEmbracing SufferingMAT 16:24JHN 15:20ROM 8:17EPH 6:12PHP 1:292TI 3:12HEB 12:21PE 2:211PE 4:11PE 5:10K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of arming ourselves for spiritual battles, reminding us that our struggles are not against people but against spiritual forces. He highlights how initial excitement in serving God can fade due to conflicts and disappointments, leading to bitterness if we forget the true nature of our battle. Drawing from 1 Peter, he urges believers to embrace a mindset of suffering as Christ did, understanding that this suffering is a privilege that enables us to be agents of redemption. Yohannan encourages us to follow Jesus' example of self-denial and to remain steadfast in our service, regardless of external challenges. Ultimately, he challenges us to prepare ourselves for suffering in the name of Jesus and His kingdom.
(A Good Foundation) 7. Sanctification
By Zac Poonen0JHN 8:11ROM 6:14ROM 8:291CO 10:131CO 15:34EPH 1:18HEB 4:16HEB 12:11PE 4:11JN 2:1Zac Poonen preaches on the twofold message of the gospel as seen in Jesus' words to the woman caught in sin: 'I do not condemn you' and 'Do not sin any more'. Justification marks the beginning of the Christian journey, while sanctification is the ongoing process of being set apart from sin, the world, and our own selfish desires. God's ultimate purpose for believers is to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus, running the Christian race with our eyes fixed on Him as our example.
Cleansed by the Blood - Refined by the Fire
By Richard E. Bieber0MAT 5:27MRK 11:22HEB 12:31PE 4:11JN 1:5Richard E. Bieber preaches about the importance of walking in the light and addressing the darkness within us. He emphasizes the need to cleanse our hearts from unforgiveness, covetousness, and lust in order to truly have fellowship with God and minister effectively. Bieber highlights the cleansing power of Jesus' blood for forgiveness of sins and the refining fire of God to purify us from unrighteousness, urging believers to embrace the process of purification and discipline as a means to share in God's holiness.
(Living as Jesus Lived) 3. Living in Holiness
By Zac Poonen0GEN 1:31PRO 14:27JHN 12:26ROM 8:31TI 4:81TI 6:16HEB 4:15HEB 10:19HEB 12:10JAS 1:21PE 4:12PE 1:31JN 1:51JN 4:8Zac Poonen preaches on the holiness of God and the call for believers to also walk in holiness. Through the example of Jesus, who faced and overcame every temptation without sin, believers are encouraged to follow His path of obedience and self-denial. Jesus, as our Forerunner, paved the way for us to run the race of faith with endurance, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and live in victory. The life of Jesus demonstrates that through obedience to God's Word and a life of godliness, believers can partake in the divine nature and experience the joy of walking as Jesus walked.
Be Perfect as Our Father in Heaven Is Perfect
By Phil Beach Jr.0MAT 5:481CO 11:11CO 13:11EPH 4:15EPH 5:11TI 4:12HEB 5:12HEB 12:51PE 4:11JN 2:15Phil Beach Jr. preaches about the journey to spiritual adulthood, emphasizing the call to be perfect and merciful like our heavenly Father, to imitate God, and to follow Christ as Paul did. He highlights the importance of leaders modeling faith, love, and purity, and the need for believers to grow up spiritually by craving the Word of God. The sermon stresses the necessity of submitting to God's discipline and child training to reach maturity in Christ, warning against resisting the Holy Spirit and hindering the growing up process.
The Gates of Death
By Paul West0MAT 16:24JHN 12:24ROM 6:11ROM 8:132CO 4:10GAL 2:20GAL 5:24PHP 3:10COL 3:51PE 4:1Paul West preaches about the necessity for Christians to daily enter the gates of death in order to find true life in Christ. He emphasizes that following Jesus often leads believers down a narrow, challenging path that requires mortification of the flesh and a willingness to face trials and temptations. By choosing the path of death to self and sin, Christians can experience a new spiritual vibrancy and protection from the snares of the enemy, ultimately receiving abundant life and grace from God.
Spiritual Forensics
By Paul West01PE 4:1Paul West emphasizes the constant battle in the mind of believers, comparing it to a computer database where old files resurface, and rogue files are injected by external sources. He highlights the importance of discerning the nature of these thoughts to effectively mortify them. Paul urges Christians to be vigilant against past shameful memories that can resurface unexpectedly, emphasizing the need for immediate banishment of impure thoughts. He likens the renewed mind in Christ to a powerful weapon against satanic strongholds and encourages believers to fortify their minds with God's Word for protection and victory over impure influences.
Arm Yourself! (Devotional)
By A.B. Simpson0Spiritual WarfareEmbracing SufferingMAT 5:10LUK 22:42ROM 8:171CO 10:13EPH 6:12PHP 1:292TI 2:12JAS 1:21PE 2:211PE 4:1A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of arming ourselves for spiritual battle, recognizing that our true struggle is not against people but against spiritual forces. He encourages believers to embrace suffering as a means of following Christ's example, highlighting that Jesus endured misunderstanding and pain throughout His life without fighting for His own rights. Simpson reminds us that suffering is a privilege that can lead to obedience and redemption, urging us to make a deliberate choice to adopt a mindset of suffering for the sake of others. He warns that neglecting this reality can lead to bitterness and conflict, while following Christ's example keeps us engaged in the battle. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to serve the Lord with a heart willing to endure hardships, ensuring we remain steadfast in our mission.
Give Ourselves Up
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 55:22PRO 3:5MAT 16:24PHP 2:51PE 4:1Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of taking on the mind of Christ, embracing toil, hindrance, and suffering with His virtue, and recognizing the short time we have to labor for His sake. She emphasizes the need to love, be silent, suffer, and sacrifice our inclinations to fulfill God's will by aligning ourselves with others, finding happiness in bearing the cross laid on us by God. Tileston encourages surrendering to God's daily discipline, trusting Him like a loving mother who carries us in His arms, and offering all, including disappointments, to God to grow in generosity of spirit.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
As Christ hath suffered - He is your proper pattern; have the same disposition he had; the same forgiving spirit, with meekness, gentleness, and complete self-possession. He that hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sin - This is a general maxim, if understood literally: The man who suffers generally reflects on his ways, is humbled, fears approaching death, loathes himself because of his past iniquities, and ceases from them; for, in a state of suffering, the mind loses its relish for the sins of the flesh, because they are embittered to him through the apprehension which he has of death and judgment; and, on his application to God's mercy, he is delivered from his sin. Some suppose the words are to be understood thus: "Those who have firmly resolved, if called to it, to suffer death rather than apostatize from Christianity, have consequently ceased from, or are delivered from, the sin of saving their lives at the expense of their faith." Others think that it is a parallel passage to Rom 6:7, and interpret it thus: "He that hath mortified the flesh, hath ceased from sin." Dr. Bentley applies the whole to our redemption by Christ: He that hath suffered in the flesh hath died for our sins. But this seems a very constrained sense.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh..... The apostle having finished his digression concerning Christ's preaching in the ministry of Noah, to men whose spirits were now in prison, and concerning the salvation of Noah's family in the ark, by water, and concerning its antitype, baptism, its nature and effect, returns to the sufferings of Christ he had before made mention of; and argues from thence to holiness of life, and patience in sufferings, after this manner; seeing then Christ, the eternal Son of God, the Lord of glory, the holy and Just One, suffered such indignities, reproaches, and persecutions from men, the wrath of God, the curses of the law, and death itself; and that not for himself, nor for angels, but for men, and those not all men, otherwise his death, with respect to some, must be in vain; but for a particular number of men, in distinction from others, described in the beginning of this epistle, as elect, according to the foreknowledge of God; and these sufferings he endured in the room and stead of those persons, in the days of his flesh, while here on earth, and in his human nature, both soul and body, and was crucified through the weakness of his flesh, and for the sins of our flesh, and which he bore in his own: arm yourselves likewise with the same mind; that was in Christ; as he suffered for you, do ye likewise suffer for him, in his cause, for righteousness sake, for the sake of him and his Gospel; and bear all reproaches, afflictions, and persecutions on his account, willingly and cheerfully, with meekness and patience, as he did, and with the same view; not indeed to make satisfaction for sin, which was his principal design, but that being dead unto sin, you might live unto righteousness. The apostle speaks to the saints, in this exhortation, as to soldiers, and who had many enemies to engage with, and therefore should put on their armour, and be in a readiness to meet any attack upon them: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin: meaning either Christ, who having suffered in human nature for the sins of his people, whereby he has made satisfaction for them, is now clear of them; the sins that were imputed to him being took and bore away, finished and made an end of, and he justified from them, and freed from all the effects of them, and punishment for them, as from all the infirmities of human nature, from mortality and death: or the person that has suffered in and with Christ, his head and representative, which is all one as if he had suffered himself, in person; by virtue of which his sin ceases, and he ceases from being chargeable with it, as if he had never sinned; which is the case of every criminal, when he has suffered the penalty of the law for his crime: or else the person that is dead to sin, by virtue of the death of Christ, and, in imitation of it, who has been baptized into Christ's death, and planted in the likeness of it; whose old man is crucified with Christ, and he is dead with him; who has crucified the affections with the lusts, and through the Spirit has mortified the deeds of the body; which way the generality of interpreters go: such a man has ceased from sin; not from the being and indwelling of it in him; nor from the burden of it on him; nor from a continual war with it in him; nor from slips and falls by it, and into it; no, nor from it in the most solemn and religious services; but as from the guilt of it, and obligation to punishment by it, through the death of Christ; so from the servitude and dominion of it, through the power of divine grace, in consequence of Christ's death: or rather, the believer that suffers death in his body, for the sake of Christ, such an one immediately ceases from the very being of sin, and all commission of it; he becomes at once perfectly pure and holy, without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; and a noble argument this is to meet death without fear, and to suffer it cheerfully and willingly, since the consequence of this will be an entire freedom from sin, than which nothing can be more desirable by a believer: to this agrees the Syriac version, which renders the words thus: "for whoever is dead in his body hath ceased from all sins"; but the Arabic version more fully confirms this sense, and is the best version of the text, and is this; "be ye armed with this (same) thought, that (not for) he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin"; that is, fortify your minds against all the fears of sufferings, and of death, for the sake of Christ, with this single thought; that he that has suffered martyrdom for Christ, in his body, or has suffered death for his sake, or dies in the Lord, is free from sin, and so from sorrow, and is the most happy person imaginable; so that this last clause is not a reason of the former, but points out, and is explanative of what that same mind or thought is Christians should arm themselves with, against the fears of death; and it is the best piece of armour for this service, a saint can make use of.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle here draws a new inference from the consideration of Christ's sufferings. As he had before made use of it to persuade to patience in suffering, so here to mortification of sin. Observe, I. How the exhortation is expressed. The antecedent or supposition is that Christ had suffered for us in the flesh, or in his human nature. The consequent or inference is, "Arm and fortify yourselves likewise with the same mind, courage, and resolution." The word flesh in the former part of the verse signifies Christ's human nature, but in the latter part it signifies man's corrupt nature. So the sense is, "As Christ suffered in his human nature, do you, according to your baptismal vow and profession, make your corrupt nature suffer, by putting to death the body of sin by self-denial and mortification; for, if you do not thus suffer, you will be conformable to Christ in his death and resurrection, and will cease from sin." Learn, 1. Some of the strongest and best arguments against all sorts of sin are taken from the sufferings of Christ. All sympathy and tenderness for Christ as a sufferer are lost of you do not put away sin. He dies to destroy it; and, though he could cheerfully submit to the worst sufferings, yet he could never submit to the least sin. 2. The beginning of all true mortification lies in the mind, not in penances and hardships upon the body. The mind of man is carnal, full of enmity; the understanding is darkened, being alienated from the life of God, Eph 4:18. Man is not a sincere creature, but partial, blind, and wicked, till he be renewed and sanctifies by the regenerating grace of God. II. How it is further explained, Pe1 4:2. The apostle explains what he means by being dead to sin, and ceasing from sin, both negatively and positively. Negatively, a Christian ought no longer to live the rest of his time in the flesh, to the sinful lusts and corrupt desires of carnal wicked men; but, positively, he ought to conform himself to the revealed will of the holy God. Learn, 1. The lusts of men are the springs of all their wickedness, Jam 1:13, Jam 1:14. Let occasional temptations be what they will, they could not prevail, were it not for men's own corruptions. 2. All good Christians make the will of God, not their own lusts or desires, the rule of their lives and actions. 3. True conversion makes a marvellous change in the heart and life of every one who partakes of it. It brings a man off from all his old, fashionable, and delightful lusts, and from the common ways and vices of the world, to the will of God. It alters the mind, judgment, affections, way, and conversation of every one who has experienced it. III. How it is enforced (Pe1 4:3): For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, etc. Here the apostle argues from equity. "It is but just, equal, and reasonable, that as you have hitherto all the former part of your life served sin and Satan, so you should now serve the living God." Though those were Jews to whom the apostle wrote, yet the living among the Gentiles they had learned their way. Observe, 1. When a man is truly converted, it is very grievous to him to think how the time past of his life has been spent; the hazard he has run so many years, the mischief he has done to others, the dishonour done to God, and the loss he has sustained, are very afflicting to him. 2. While the will of man is unsanctified and corrupt, he walks continually in wicked ways; he makes them his choice and delight, his work and business, and he makes a bad condition daily worse and worse. 3. One sin, allowed, draws on another. Here are six named, and they have a connection and dependence one upon another. (1.) Lasciviousness or wantonness, expressed in looks, gesture, or behaviour, Rom 13:13. (2.) Lusts, acts of lewdness, such as whoredom and adultery. (3.) Excess of wine, though short of drunkenness, an immoderate use of it, to the prejudice of health or business, is here condemned. (4.) Revellings, or luxurious feastings, too frequent, too full, or too expensive. (5.) Banquetings, by which is meant gluttony or excess in eating. (6.) Abominable idolatry; the idol-worship of the Gentiles was attended with lewdness, drunkenness, gluttony, and all sorts of brutality and cruelty; and these Jews living long among them were, some of them at least, debauched and corrupted by such practices. 4. It is a Christian's duty not only to abstain from what is grossly wicked, but also from those things that are generally the occasions of sin, or carry the appearance of evil. Excess of wine and immoderate feasting are forbidden as well as lust and idolatry.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:1-6 Peter urges Christians to decisively turn their backs on the former sinful way of life from which Christ in his suffering delivered us. 4:1 since Christ suffered physical pain: Peter introduced this idea in 3:18; he now indicates its significance in Christian experience. In our own physical sufferings, we are to imitate Christ’s attitude (see 2:21-24). Our suffering with Christ shows that we have identified with him (see Rom 8:17). Those who identify with Christ experience the victory over the power of sin that he won on the cross (Rom 6:1-10).