Exiled by Virtue ~ Sufferers not Sinners
Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1)
In the ever increasing cacophony of the woke there is no accommodation for virtue, only indulgence. But Jesus' call is for self-control, purity and holiness - a deliberate separation from this world.
Peter the apostle twice addresses his readers as 'exiles', people living in a place they do not belong. These are to be sufferers and NOT sinners, they will be mis-understood.
He develops his readers as 'strangers' because they are to be living for God. The world does not. Those 'strangers' resist sin, and are virtuous. Virtue sadly is rare on any life agenda, Christian churches included.
Please note the importance of virtue to Jesus. He began His work by teaching virtue. The Sermon on the Mount, Mark 1:15 AND He concluded His ministry by shouting out so loud that the world can still hear, 'forgive them Father for they do not know what they do'. Virtue encompassed all His ministry.
Peter's call is - live your life as strangers 2:17, in your heart set apart Christ Lord. V3:15a
The Last Word:
Long for God's will, and it shall be added unto you.
There are two more SoulSnacks in this new series following this week:
- Hardship authenticates faith, &
- Yesterday stays in yesterday.