Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh,[a] arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. 1 Peter 4:1-6
B. Living a life of spiritual warfare
1. Denial and defeat of our flesh: 1 Peter 4:1, Rom. 6:1-14, Gal. 2:20
2. Denial and forsaking our past desires and conduct: 1 Peter 4:2, Col. 3:1-10
3. Denial and separation from the world: 1 Peter 4:3-4, John 17:15-17, 1 John 2:15-17
APPLYING THE WORD
1. Is my thinking being shaped by the Word or the world?
2. Does Jesus’ sufferings shape my attitudes in suffering?
3. Am I living separated from the world or immersed in it?