1. Christ suffered for us as an example (1 Pet 2: 21)

Christ is an example for us. When we become more Christ-like, we become like the light of this dark and sinful world. This light creates a problem for the devil; he will try to snuff out this light. He will tempt the believer to cause him to turn away from God. He may take away the possessions of the believer to persecute him. If the world loves you and pats you on the back, the love of the Father is not in you. The devil will want you to live in sin and to be carnal. Only in heaven, would we not suffer. When we live a holy life on earth, we must be prepared to suffer.

2. Christ suffered for us to make us whole (1 Pet 2: 22 - 24)

Jesus had the power to escape the suffering of the cross, but it was His love for us that bound Him to the cross. Every child is born sinful, and as he gets older, he will learn the ways of the sinful world. The Word of God will help to keep us away from sin. It is God’s will that we are to serve Him in our corruptible bodies while we are on earth. If we have a glorified body and witness in our glorified body, man will believe because of sight, and out of a desire for that glorified body, and not because of faith. Jesus suffered and died for us, and as a result we have tasted newness of life. And we now have the mind of Christ, a spiritual mind.

3. Christ suffered for us to bring us home (1 Pet 2:25)

It is not God’s desire to send anyone to hell. His desire is always for us to come home to heaven. His suffering and death enabled us to have a place in heaven. Why then are we not in heaven with Jesus Christ the moment we are saved? It is God’s will for us to remain in this world to be witnesses for Jesus. We are to be His mouth, hands and feet, to bring the gospel to the lost. We must not treat God as an appendix: good to have but not crucial in our life.

What is Christ in my life? He came to suffer and die for me; I must live my life for Him and Him alone. May God help me to be willing to suffer for Him, and help me to be found faithful to Him.