Preparing to Suffer

The resurrected Christ has now returned to heaven (Acts 1:9), where he is seated at God's right hand. Such a seat symbolizes the honor and power that is now his (Psalms 110:1; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 12:2). Having assured his readers that Christ suffered for them (1 Peter 3:18), Peter urges them to prepare for troubles ahead. His words bring forth the image of a soldier getting his weapon, when he tells them to arm themselves with Christ's attitude toward suffering. The one who suffers persecution for Christianity has given up the life of sin. Thus, sin no longer lures him through lusts that appeal to sinful men. Instead, he is drawn by the will of God to live the right life. A Christian's time for living in sin is past (1 Peter 3:22; 1 Peter 4:1-2).

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