1 PETER 2
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. – 1 Peter 2:21-25
1 PETER 2 DYING TO SIN
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you believed in Christ, you’re now a new creation
You are no longer to wear your old nature but walk in faith
There is no more reason to continue your habitual sinning
Instead, you need to embrace a righteous living
Love the Lord with all your heart, mind and strength
And then, love others as you also love your own self
Die to all occasions of sin and be renewed in your mind
Let it be in obedience to the word that comes from Christ.
In this letter of Peter to the church, he called the believers to die to their sins. He reminded them that Christ suffered and died for them so that they can emulate the same sacrifice that he laid out for their sins. He further brings them into the recollection that Jesus was sinless and that there was no corruption or falseness in him at all. The most characteristic of Jesus that Peter highlighted was how Jesus took all the beatings and the abuse of his accusers. He didn’t say a thing. There was no defense or arguing on his part, but just silence and continued trust in his just and merciful Father, who knew all things. He had no tinge of fear or hatred towards his abusers, but a love that cannot be matched by anyone.
Has anyone else done something similar than Jesus has done for you? He gave up his position sitting beside His Father and became one of us just so we can be freed from sin and reconciled with our heavenly Father. I have never met someone who would give up everything just to save or rescue me from danger. Not even the one who married me can give me that unconditional love that the Lord granted me. We live in a very corrupt world where most things are transactional. We give to get something in return and not truly out of love or service. We retaliate when we get hurt by someone. We sometimes hold on to grudges and offenses that keep us continually bitter and angry. Jesus did all the opposite of what any human would do. He quietly obeyed His Father’s plan to save us all. He didn’t question his Father why he needed to be the sacrificial lamb. He also didn’t give up or doubted that his Father’s plan was not the best solution for reconciling himself with mankind. Jesus never did or said anything that is not reflecting his Father’s character. He was obedient and trusting God in all things. Could we emulate the true act of humility and suffering that Jesus did just to keep us free from sin?
REFLECTION
- What would “dying to sin” look like in the life of a Christian?
