Big Idea - In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter warns us to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against our soul. But we all know that the desires and cravings of the flesh are a powerful force, and resisting them is no small task. In this passage, Peter again reminds us that we are not to indulge in the worldly pleasures that everyone around us so freely dives into - sexual immorality, wild parties, getting drunk, etc. We may not be tempted to go to the bar, get drunk, and go home and sleep with a total stranger. But everyone deals with cravings and evil desires. Maybe our cravings are more socially acceptable, so we think they are not as serious, like overeating. Or, our sins are more secret and online than at the local pub. Regardless of the kind of sin we struggle with, we all struggle, and the real question is how can we overcome the "passions of the flesh?"
Peter answers that we overcome these evil desires by arming ourselves with a different kind of thinking or mindset. It is the same way of thinking that governed the life and actions of Jesus and gave Him the power to overcome sin and, more importantly, to accomplish God's will and purpose in His life perfectly. The mindset of Christ was to obey God and do His will no matter the cost. So, how do we arm ourselves for the battle waging between our flesh and soul so that we follow God and do His will no matter the cost? First, we must remember daily that the power of sin over us has been broken and defeated by the death of Christ. Second, we must set our life on the right goal - living to do God's will rather than living for ourselves. Third, we need to change our understanding of the conditions of a good life. Finally, we need to learn the skill of delayed gratification. It is far better to wait for the reward than seek pleasure in the moment of passion.
