I Peter Chapter 4

I Peter 4:1-6 ~ The Suffering in the Flesh in Salvation Part 2

covers I Peter 4:2-6

Peter is saying that suffering comes for two reasons. The first reason is for sanctification. To set us apart to live for the will of God rather than the desires of men. And after sanctification, the second reason is sufficient time. Now that you are saved you have had enough time in the past to live for and exercise the flesh. The moment you receive Christ God considers you have had enough time. It is like a parent coming to a child and saying, "Time to grow up." You have had sufficient time of your life to work out the will of the heathen in doing all of these things. It is over. It is past. Time to spiritually decide that the Lord has set you apart for Himself. Stop trying to reach back into the past, even stop trying to reach into future, but follow Christ.

I Peter 4:12-19 ~ The Exhortation Concerning Proper Perspective Part 3

covers I Peter 4:14 part 2

When a person receives Christ they actually participate in two aspects of the person of Christ Himself. According to Paul in Philippians chapter 3 verse 10 he says, Oh that I might know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, while being made conformable to His death. There are two aspects to Christ. The power of His resurrection, we all like that part. But what about the fellowship of His sufferings? If we have fellowship with Christ, we have to fellowship with the total person. He did not suffer so that we would not have to suffer. We are actually following His steps.