July 12
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1 PETER 4
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, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 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. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
– 1 Peter 4:1-6
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1 PETER 4 WHEN WE SUFFER IN THE FLESH
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When our forefathers sinned, we inherited our inclination to sin
It became our nature to follow the cravings of our flesh
But because of God’s steadfast love, he sent us Jesus Christ
He suffered in the flesh so we can be cleansed from our sins.
When Christ suffered and died on the cross, he crushed Satan
We can therefore have victory over evil because of that
When we suffer in the flesh, we triumph over sin
The Spirit of the Lord leads us to overcome our cravings.
When we do not give in to the pleasures that we so easily have
We are actually starving our flesh and it will eventually die
When the flesh dies, it is easier to follow the Spirit’s lead
Do not be afraid to suffer for the sake of our beloved Lord.
Because of the new life we received when Jesus died
We are no longer slaves to our passions and desires
We are given the Spirit to help us overcome temptations
Let us thank the Lord our God for his mercy and redemption.
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REFLECTION
• Why shouldn’t we be afraid of suffering for Christ according to these verses?