Think of What Sin did to Jesus (1 Peter 4:1)

SPIRITUAL DIARY

                                                                                                            Date:  01-26-03

My Worship Time                  Focus:  Think of what sin did to Jesus

Bible Reading & Meditation             Reference:  1Peter 4:1

            Message of the verse:  “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,”  (NASB95).  “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning.”  (NLT)

            The phrase “he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” is difficult to understand exactly what Peter was writing about.  It can be said for sure that when a believer dies sin will then have no more affect upon him.  Another view could be that the believer is identified with Christ similar to what Paul wrote about in Romans 6.  Still another this can be looked upon is that believers who do suffer in the flesh for doing what is good can be drawn closer to God, and therefore sin less because of the suffering, and trusting in God.  The Bible does not teach that a believer can be sinless in this life, we all still have the old nature within us and therefore when we yield to it will sin.

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  The battle not to sin is with me each and every day of my life, and there are far too many times when I fail to trust in the Lord for strength and fall to the lusts of the flesh.  I know that I am in a battle, and I know that there are times when I will fall, but as I grow up in the Lord, these times should become less and less.  If I were sinless while upon this earth, then I would have no need to trust the Lord for victory over sin.

The Word of God was very challenging to my heart as I read it this morning.

My Steps of Faith Today:  I want to trust the Lord, who is completely trustworthy;to work out His perfect will in the hearts of Kim and Tim as they prepare to vote next week. 

Memory verse for the week:  Psalm 119:11

Your Word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.