Digging Deeper – Resolve to Resist
1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, 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.
1 Peter 4:1-3 (ESV)
RESOLVE TO RESIST
In 1 Peter 4, the apostle Peter instructs his readers to arm themselves with the same resolve and way of thinking that Jesus Christ had so that they might abstain from the carnal desires that war against them. Peter reminded them that they had already spent enough time in their past doing the things that unbelievers (“Gentiles”) like to do. They have ceased to do such things because of their faithfulness to Christ. Why does Peter give them this reminder? There are times, as believers when we fail to have this resolve toward sin, and it gets the better of us.
Psychiatrist Dr. Stephen Grosz points to research that shows we usually don’t respond when a fire alarm rings. Instead of leaving the building immediately, we stand around and wait for more clues. But then, even with more information, we still won’t make a move—and sometimes that proves deadly. For instance, in 1985, 56 people were killed when a fire broke out in the stands of a soccer match in England. Close examination of television footage later showed that fans did not react immediately and continued to watch both the fire and the game, failing to move toward the exits. Grosz concludes: “After 25 years as a psychoanalyst, I can’t say that this surprises me. We resist change. Committing ourselves to a small change, even one that is unmistakably in our best interest is often more frightening than ignoring a dangerous situation.”
When God alarms us of sin and impurity in our lives, we are best served to exit that sin and run to God immediately. If we hesitate, procrastinate, or rationalize our behavior, we will endanger ourselves and those around us. God shows us our imperfections not to discourage us but to point us to grace and provide the power to overcome them.
How do you typically respond when facing the ugliness of your sin? Why is it more harmful to procrastinate when dealing with the habitual sin in our lives? Proverbs 28:13 (CSB) says, “The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” Give thanks to God for the grace that awaits you every time you turn away from a sinful attitude or behavior and turn toward Him in obedience. Ask Him for Christ’s resolve to battle the sinful desires waging war within you.
Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Maturity at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton. He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.
