Understanding Christian Suffering

In 1 Peter 3:15-22 the topic turns again to the suffering of Christians. The suffering Peter has in view here is that opposition or persecution that comes from doing what is right. He is not talking about being inconvenienced or when we rile others by being annoying. The key phrase in these verses is "sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts." Simply put Jesus suffered for our cleansing and spiritual health, if He suffers for us we may be called upon to suffer for his name. The Christian is one who takes the path of following Jesus and that means he is our Lord. We belong to him and are not our own. Our tendency is to look out for ourselves, avoiding confrontation and conflict, especially if it will cost us something. The work of Christ in us is putting to death our flesh, which is that sphere of human will and activity which is opposed to God. It is only as we sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts that we have direction for doing what is right and for understanding the opposition we will meet. Baptism is the sign that Christ is our Lord and symbol of his washing of our hearts. Baptism reminds us that we are not our own Lord but have submitted to Christ.