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, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 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. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 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.
Comment: The first sentence is a long one with a number of thoughts.
- As Jesus suffered prepare yourself to suffer.
- If we suffer we cease from sin. I think this is better understood in the negative. If we are not prepared to suffer, we are siding with sin.
- Thus the decision to a commitment to be prepared to suffer for Jesus is siding against sin. It is not saying that Christians don’t sin, even though that is the goal to be aimed at!
We are to choose to live for God not according to the passions of Godless living. We will maybe be in strife with our neighbours and friends, but if we are to stand with God it is a choice we must make. It is an active choice!
Prayer: I don’t like the thought of suffering O God, but I choose to, if that is what comes in being faithful to You.
As I read it! 
Thank you Barry for your comments on this passage. Suffering is something I find very difficult to accept. I do not want to suffer, but as you wrote in the prayer, I will choose to for the sake of Jesus, my Lord and Savior who suffered for me. God bless you.
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