Done With Sin

1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 
 
ONE of the consistent themes of Peter’s letter is to be holy in all you do, obeying God’s command to, “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) Even though we cannot be completely holy in our lifetime, we can and we must direct our lives away from sin toward God’s righteousness. One signpost of our spiritual journey is the answer to the question, “Are you willing to suffer for Jesus?” Peter says if one suffers he will be done with sin? Should we look for ways to suffer, so we will no longer sin?
   Peter is not saying suffering for Jesus causes a sin-free life. Peter’s teaching here goes to the depth of our holy relationship with Jesus. Jesus, the man, was completely united with the Father and Spirit. In this union, he was holy. He was able to resist all sin, even to the point he suffered unto the cross. In his Gethsemane prayer Jesus clearly stated it wasn’t his will to suffer. Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
   Jesus, fully man, as human in his character as we are, wanted a different way. We have to understand Jesus viewed the cross’ torture as suffering. When he walked near a tortured man hanging on a Roman cross, he knew that would be his place one day. At least seven times the gospels record Jesus saying, “the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” (Matthew 17:12) This was on his human mind. He knew what would happen to his body.
   Still he remained wholly committed to his Holy Father in heaven. In his suffering, Jesus has shown us the power of a complete devotion to God’s will. This is loving God with all of our heart, mind and soul. Such a love is power to submit to God’s will. Such a love is power to increasingly be done with sin.
   When you are done with sin, you will regard your thoughts and actions by God’s standards. You will reject temptation because God’s Word dwells in your mind and heart. You will love following Jesus, even into suffering, because you know God has favored you to love him so deeply.
   Peter knew suffering. And he likely knew suffering would be the way of his death. Jesus told him in John 21:18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
   From that day on, Peter knew suffering was in his future, and he was done with sin. Peter wasn’t without sin as he ministered for Jesus. But he was done with a sinner’s life. He knew who he was and what he would do because he knew Jesus.