He who suffers ceases from sin

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;(1 Peter 4)

I finally understand this verse as the Spirit spoke to my heart about it. It also flows real well in context of 1 Peter 4:1-8; though, I didn' t think about it in context.

As you stop doing things that your flesh enjoys you start to suffer. As you start to try and control your eyes so that you don't lust. Your eyes begin to fight you. As you stop having sex after becoming a Christian you can feel the your body begging for it. Most people don't truly suffer because they still allow things like a sketchy T.V. shows or masturbation to give their flesh some satisfaction. If they were to take those things away from themselves, they'd start praying fervently to God to give them strength, because they wouldn't overcome by any other means.

This is why Peter inspired of the Spirit can say: Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1 Pet. 1:6,7)

Christian living the repentant life will suffer even if they aren't persecuted. That's why Romans makes such a big deal about murdering the flesh; and, that's why Peter can write: "he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin". If you're disobeying more and more the lust of your flesh and suffering it, then you are not sinning (or at least sinning less, in reality versus just words).

Also I want to make a comment about the monks the reason they lived in monasteries was for this reason to learn to murder the flesh. I'm not saying to live in monastery, but I'm saying respect the purpose of it and glean from them what they did well. I recommend reading Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, it will challenge you.

Grace and Peace to my beloved brethren