A Mind to Suffer

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” (1Pe 4:1-2 AV)

If we are not careful with this passage, we can conclude there comes a time when we suffer a one time suffering that results in perfect sanctification.  The underlined phrase, in a cursory reading, seems as though it implies as such.  The key to understanding this phrase is that which comes before it.  The suffering spoken of was what is oft referred to as the passion of Christ.  His passion, although historically it can be seen as one event, actually included many actions.  It began in the garden when He prayed with drops of blood.  It continued with His arrest.  It grew as they stripped Him, beat Him, plucked out His beard, spat on Him, cursed Him, and plat a crown of thorns on His head.  This passion grew even more debilitating as he was required to carry His own cross, had the robe stripped of his scab encrusted back, nailed to the cross, and His side pierced.  In short, His suffering in the flesh was determined before it began.  He set His face like a flint towards Jerusalem determined to suffer in the flesh for our sin.  So, the suffering was not one single act.  Rather, His suffering was spread over the length of His passion and His mind was to endure it to the end.

 In the same sense, we are to have the same mind.  From history’s point of view, when our life is over, it may seem like a one-time event.  While we are living it, it is not.  The mind to be surrendered to suffering for the goal of righteousness and holiness is the goal here.   The sin which is specifically spoken of above is the sin of others.  But it can be applied to personal sin as well.  Succumbing to the lusts of men means we give into their demands wishing the suffering to cease.  The flesh can be the same cruel adversary.  Whether it is the world, the flesh, or the devil, our adversaries wish us to capitulate to their desires.  The only liberty we can enjoy often comes at the expense of personal comfort or pleasure.  This victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil comes as personal expense.  It comes at the constant abiding of, and surrender to, suffering.  This willingness is something we must set in our minds that we will do.  No matter the cost, the mind of Christ says that we must take hits.  We must deal with tragedy.  We must live with discomfort.  We must not seek our own pleasure, but rather, the pleasure of God.  His will!

 Verse two is of particular note.  Peter is not stating we should surrender to suffering as the mere natural consequence of being human.  We should not suffer like putting up with the human condition without any objective in mind.  The objective comes first.  The surrender, second.  When Jesus came to Earth, He had already determined He was going to suffer.  The calling came before the suffering.  This is the same sense Peter is giving in the second verse.  “That he should no longer live…” indicates an objective to the surrendered mind.  Paul may have asked for the thorn to be removed, but the power of Christ resting on him was a higher and better desire.  If it takes a thorn, bring it on!  This is the understanding of the second verse.  We should have the same mind for a determined purpose!  Victory over the enemy of the believer must be a greater desire than personal comfort or pleasure.  No matter what!