Purpsose of Suffering

Be Zealous For What Is Good

Peter asks a rhetorical question in 1 Peter 3:13

1 Peter 3:13 NASB95

Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?

The quick and obvious answer would be no one, however this is not the case in every situation. Generally speaking those who are zealous for what is good would not be subject to harm. The glaring question is what is good?

People who demonstrate generosity, kindness, unselfishness, humble, and thoughtfulness of others are generally looked at as good people. In their generosity they give to people who are in need. In their kindness they go out of their way to make someone else happy. In their unselfishness they make sure others needs are met before their own. In their humbleness they are quick to give credit to others instead of taking credit for themselves. In their thoughtfulness of others they do not speak evil of others but only that which is good. This type of person would be seen as a good person.

The second thing that I see here is that Peter says you have to prove yourself as a good person. This is by doing all these things rather than knowing and having intentions to do these things. James 1:22

James 1:22 NASB95

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

All of us know what to do in order to be a good person, but how many actually prove to be a good person. Actions speak louder than words. It takes intentionality and discipline to be a good person. For example, if you see someone who is obviously in need and does not have the capability of doing something that you can do, rather than asking them to let you know if they need help, just volunteer and do it. Because if you ask someone if they need help what are they most likely to say? And the truth of the matter is your probably being polite and hope they don’t ask for help. A good person just does it! They do not look for credit or expect anything in return. As a matter of fact they would prefer that no one else knows what you did.

Not only do you have to prove that you are a good person, but you also have to be zealous for good things. This means that you are passionate about goodness. 1 Cor. 14:12

1 Corinthians 14:12 NASB95

So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.

We are to strongly desire the fruits of the Spirit so we can edify the church.

Titus 2:14 NASB95

who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Through Christ we are to seek out and do good deeds.Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10 NASB95

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

We mus passionately desire good deeds and walk on our passions. Jesus has prepared the good deeds. All we have to do is walk in them.

Be Prepared To Suffer For Good Deeds

1 Peter 3:14 NASB95

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled,

Peter says that a person is blessed if they suffer for the sake of righteousness! Wait a minute! If we walk in good deeds isn’t it God’s responsibility to protect us from suffering? The answer is no! instead we are to be considered blessed if we suffer for the sake of righteousness. This doesn’t make sense! How can a person be blessed if they suffer for righteousness? There are several reasons. I would like to give you a few. James says in

James 1:2–4 (NASB95)

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Suffering for righteousness tests your faith. Are you going to change based on what you see or what you know to be true by faith.

Suffering for righteousness produces endurance. When you persevere through suffering you gain endurance in the struggle.

When the struggle is complete or is ongoing it makes you complete and able to face other suffering!

Peter says we don’t have to be scared of those persecuting us for righteousness because we are sanctified in Christ. When we participate in the righteousness that Christ calls us into, then the people that persecute us are not against us but against God. For we are only doing what God has called us to do. We should focus on not pleasing people, but on pleasing Christ.

Even when we do this people will still persecute us. However it always gives us an opportunity to witness for Christ

Leverage your suffering as an opportunity to share the gospel!

1 Peter 3:15–16 (NASB95)

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

Peter says make a defense for your acts of righteousness with hope, gentleness, reverence, and a good conscience. First we must tell them why we do what we do. We can tell them that we are led by the Holy Spirit to engage in what we are doing. We can tell them the intent of our heart and why we see what we are doing as a good thing.

Secondly, we are to be gentle in our answer. We must not be argumentative in our defense. We must be discerning in our defense. When we get into an argument you stop listening and start to win the argument. Our goal is not to win a theological debate, but gently explain how Christ called us to do what we are doing.

Thirdly, we must give our defense reverently. We must respect those that are persecuting us. We must not look down on them or have a “holier than thou” attitude about them. We must respect their position though we may not agree. There will be times for the sake of obedience to Christ that you simply agree to disagree while maintaining a good relationship.

Finally, we should give our defense with a good conscience. This means we need to be sure that what we are doing is from the Lord. If you are engaging in acts of righteousness other than what God has called you, then you will not have a good conscience. For example, if you are engaging in a good deed to get noticed or any other selfish motive, then you will not have a good conscience. Most of the time your true motive will be revealed.

It Is Better To Suffer For Good Then Wrong

Peter reminds us that it is better to suffer for good rather than evil. This seems like a no brainier until you understand the why? When a person suffers from doing wrong, the suffering is meant for the correction of the person. This edifies the person. For example if a person commits a crime then they will go to jail. Jail is meant to persuade a person not to do the crime or any crime again. Or if you sin, then the suffering of those natural consequences of that sin are meant keep you from sinning in that fashion again. Suffering for wrong edifies the person.

Suffering for good brings glory to God. It brings glory to God because it is His will that you suffer for good in that particular situation. He is able to use your suffering for His purpose and His glory.

Adonirum Judson, the renowned missionary to Burma, endured untold hardships trying to reach the lost for Christ. For seven heartbreaking years he suffered hunger and privation. During this time he was thrown into Ava Prison, and for 17 months he was subjected to almost incredible mistreatment. As a result, for the rest of his life he carried the ugly marks made by the chains and iron shackles which had cruelly bound him.

Undaunted, upon his release he asked for permission to enter another province where he might resume preaching the Gospel. The godless ruler indignantly denied his request, saying, "My people are not fools enough to listen to anything a missionary might SAY, but I fear they might be impressed by your SCARS and turn to your religion.

When we bear the marks of suffering for doing good, they are influential in demonstrating your faithfulness to God. It is your faithfulness to God in suffering that leads others to Him! This brings God glory!