Scripture: 1 Peter 4: 1-6
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
Scripture Commentary:
Some people will do anything to avoid pain. As Christ’s followers, we should live the rest of our time willing and prepared to do God’s will, and suffer for it if necessary. Sin loses its power to defeat us in our suffering if we focus on Christ and what He wants us to do.
When our bodies are in pain or our lives are in jeopardy, our real values show up clearly. Sinful pleasures seem less important. If anyone suffers for doing good and still faithfully obeys in spite of suffering, that person has made a clean break with sin.
The basis of salvation is our belief in Jesus but the basis for judgement is how we have lived
Believers, however, have nothing to fear because Jesus will be the final judge of all. In the end, we will all stand before God.
Read the Entire Chapter:
1 Peter Chapter 4