Arm Yourselves

Sermon Text

1 peter 4:1-6

4 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, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

• Because Christ suffered to bring unjust sinners to God, Christians must arm themselves with his mind and expect faithful discipleship to include suffering.
• God uses suffering to loosen sin's grip, teach dependence on Christ, and form believers who no longer live as slaves to circumstances or corrupt desires.
• The remaining time of earthly life is a limited stewardship that must be spent for God's will rather than the lusts and idolatries that once governed us.
• A changed life may appear strange and offensive to former companions, bringing slander, lost relationships, or other painful consequences.
• Believers need not seek revenge against those who revile them, because every person will give an account to Christ, the judge of the living and the dead.
• Christians who were condemned and killed by people remain alive to God; the resurrection of Jesus secures the hope that suffering and death do not have the final word.

• What pattern of Christ's thinking do I need to put on before the next trial arrives?
• How has suffering exposed or weakened a sinful desire that comfort allowed me to ignore?
• What am I spending the limited currency of my remaining days to pursue?
• Is my life recognizably different from unbelieving patterns of pleasure, speech, worship, and ambition?
• Which former practice or relationship tempts me to run again with the same flood of dissipation?
• When others speak evil of me for obedience to Christ, do I seek revenge or entrust judgment to him?
• Do I believe that death brings every person before the Judge and does not cancel moral accountability?
• How does Christ's resurrection strengthen me to endure social loss or bodily suffering without abandoning him?

Mind of Christ

The pattern of thought and resolve shaped by Christ's obedient suffering, love, and confidence in the Father's will.

Mortification

The Spirit-enabled putting to death of sinful desires and practices rather than continuing to serve them.

Sanctification

God's ongoing work of conforming believers to Christ in holiness, including through suffering and resistance to sin.

Fleshly lusts

Disordered human desires that seek self-indulgence instead of the will and glory of God.

Dissipation

Wasteful, uncontrolled living that spends time and life on indulgence, drunkenness, and corrupt pleasure.

Countercultural holiness

Obedience to Christ that refuses sinful social norms even when that difference attracts ridicule or loss.

Final judgment

The certain accounting every living and dead person will give to Jesus Christ.

Vindication

God's final public confirmation that those who belonged to Christ were right to trust and obey him despite human condemnation.