SPIRITUAL
DIARY FOR 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 view is that 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.
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