crumbs49

 

Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 49

Following Jesus

Scripture 1 Peter 4: 1-6 NIV 4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

Crumbs Peter points to three essential tactics for his challenged readers.

1. Adopt Christ’s attitude (verse1) To find Christ’s attitude we need to search the New Testament. He was loving, focused and humble. I do know not understand the mystery of suffering but one small part seems that it restrains sin. Christ’s suffering was for our sin. In Hebrews 12 we learn that our suffering is a discipline to help us become more like our heavenly Father.

2. Avoid the world’s palliatives (verses 2-4) It seems to me that the enjoyment by letting go of restraint is a sad parody of the true joy the our Lord offers. The temptation is to ease the burden of living by letting alcohol or other chemicals take us to take the strain and go where responsibility is forgotten. Other folk idolise a wide range of things and activities All this is both sinful and sad.

3.Awareness of accountability ( verses5-6) Outside the Christian revelation there is a wide awareness that our species is accountable. One of God's gifts to us is time. He will ask us how we spent it. I do not understand Peter’s reference to preaching to the dead but the life of faith is living with unanswered questions. Christ’s death is our forgiveness. Thank God.

Queries ( for private thought or joint discussion) 1. What are the aspects of Christ’s attitude we should adopt ? 2. Why shouldn’t we indulge in the pleasures of the flesh ? 3. How should an awareness of our accountability affect our behaviour ?