Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
The suffering of Christ in the body here refers directly to his death on the Cross for our sins (1 Peter 1:11; 2:21; 3:18). The implication of Jesus’ death for us on the Cross compels the followers to follow in His footsteps (1 Peter 2:21). The suffering of Jesus calls forth the Christians to prepare themselves mentally (“picture of a soldier ready for battle and face even possible death,” IVP Bible Background Commentary, Craig S. Keener) to face martyrdom. Now, as Christians possesses the same attitude as that of Christ, who was willing to face suffering to the point of death, they can also have the assurance that their faith is genuine and tested.
The proof of the genuineness of our faith is the willingness to suffer to the extent of laying down our lives for someone else. As Christians come to that point, they cease to sin (intentionally,Amplified Version) against God. It’s similar to how Paul describes the Christian life as “dying to sin” or “dying with Christ” (Romans 6:2, 8). A person does not automatically become impeccable (once they trust Christ), but they are given the power to live godly lives without falling into continuous sins (2 Peter 1:3, 4; 1 John 3:6). Now, with that mindset of willing submission to live and die for Christ, they no longer focus their minds on fleshly evil (appetites, Amplified Version) and human desires but for the will (and purpose, Amplified Version) of God.
Our mindset tells us where our heart is at. If our mindset is constantly indulged on fleshly desires, we are not yet ready to live for the will of God. The will and purpose of God, then, is to suffer and die like Christ. With the amount of intensity of pain and suffering that Christ endured for the sake of our sins, Christians are also called to endure hardships, overcome earthly desires, embrace sufferings and even death for the sake of the Cross. This is the purpose of our lives: to live and die for Christ. This teaching is not popular but it is the teaching of the Scriptures.
Prayer: God, you have given us everything that we need for living a godly life. We are not satisfied with what we are today. We offer our lives on the altar of sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. Ignite in us a passion to live and die for you, In Christ name, amen.
