What is the meaning of 1 Peter 4:1? Therefore Peter uses “Therefore” to point back to the foundation he has just laid (1 Peter 3:18-22). Because Christ has already triumphed through righteous suffering, what follows is a logical response. Similar transitions appear in Romans 12:1 (“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God…”) and Ephesians 4:1, where past gospel truths compel present obedience. since Christ suffered in His body • The phrase focuses on the real, physical suffering of Jesus on the cross—“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). • That suffering was purposeful, accomplishing redemption (Isaiah 53:5; Hebrews 2:10). • Because Christ willingly embraced pain for righteousness, He models the path believers are to follow (Luke 24:46; Philippians 2:8). arm yourselves with the same resolve • “Arm” pictures a soldier suiting up; the weapon here is a settled mindset. • Adopt Jesus’ attitude: obedience matters more than ease (Philippians 2:5; Hebrews 12:2-3). • Practical implications: – Expect opposition (John 15:18-20). – Choose righteousness even when it costs (Ephesians 6:13; Romans 6:11). – View suffering as temporary and purposeful (2 Corinthians 4:17). because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin • Suffering for Christ draws a clear line of allegiance—“For he who has died is freed from sin” (Romans 6:7). • The phrase does not promise sinless perfection but indicates a decisive break with sin’s dominion (Galatians 2:20). • Enduring hardship for faith shows that the old life no longer rules (1 Peter 4:2; 1 John 3:9). • Trials refine and prove genuine faith (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7). summary Peter links Christ’s past, physical suffering to our present calling. Since Jesus endured the cross, believers are to arm themselves with His mindset: choosing obedience though it brings pain. Such willingness to suffer signals that sin’s reign is over and that our lives now belong fully to God. |
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