Rejoicing in Suffering for Christ

Introduction:

If you would please turn in your Bibles to 1 Peter 4:12-19

Illustration:

Imagine you are a Christian living in a country where your faith is illegal and persecuted. You face constant threats, harassment, and violence from the authorities and the society.

How would you feel?

How would you cope?

How would you respond?

Let’s see this morning from the passage how Peter instructs those who suffer for Christ on how they should respond to righteous suffering

1 Peter 4:12–19 NKJV

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

In these 8 verses, Peter is addressing Christians who are suffering for their faith in a hostile world.

He gives them four instructions on how to endure and rejoice in their suffering for Christ.

Preview:

These four instructions are:

(1) Do not be surprised by suffering;

(2) Rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings;

(3) Glorify God in your suffering; and

(4) Entrust yourself to God in your suffering.

So lets take a closer look at the first instruction.

Instruction 1: Do not be surprised by suffering (v. 12)

Explanation:

Peter tells his readers not to be surprised or think it strange when they face trials and hardships because of their faith.

He says that these sufferings are a test of their genuineness and loyalty to Christ.

They should expect to suffer as Christians in a world that is opposed to God and His gospel.

I reminded of James words from James 1:2-4

James 1:2–4 NKJV

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Application:

We should not be shocked or dismayed when we encounter difficulties or opposition because of our faith.

We should realize that suffering is part of the Christian life and that it is an opportunity to prove our love and devotion to Christ.

We should also remember that we are not alone in our suffering, but that we have a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and endured the same trials (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Hebrews 12:1–3 NKJV

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Instruction 2: Rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings (v. 13-14)

Explanation:

Peter tells his readers to rejoice inasmuch as they participate in the sufferings of Christ.

He says that by suffering for Christ, they are identifying with Him and His mission.

He also says that they will be overjoyed when Christ’s glory is revealed at His second coming.

He adds that if they are insulted for the name of Christ, they are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on them.

Application:

We should rejoice in suffering for Christ, because it means that we are following His example and fulfilling His purpose.

We should also look forward to the day when He will return and reward us for our faithfulness.

We should also consider it an honor and a privilege to bear His name and to experience His presence and power in our lives.

Instruction 3: Glorify God in your suffering (v. 15-16)

Explanation:

Peter tells his readers to make sure that they suffer for the right reasons.

He says that they should not suffer as murderers, thieves, criminals, or meddlers, but as Christians.

He says that if they suffer as Christians, they should not be ashamed, but praise God that they bear that name.

Application:

We should glorify God in our suffering by living holy and honorable lives that reflect His character and will.

We should also not be ashamed of our faith or compromise our convictions, but boldly proclaim and defend the gospel.

We should also praise God for calling us into His family and giving us a new identity and dignity in Christ.

Instruction 4: Entrust yourself to God in your suffering (v. 17-19)

Explanation:

Peter tells his readers to recognize that their suffering is part of God’s judgment that begins with His household.

He says that if God judges His own people, how much more will He judge those who do not obey the gospel.

He also quotes Proverbs 11:31 to show that the righteous will have difficulty on this earth, and yet implying that the wicked are doomed to a more harsher suffering due to their unrepentant hearts.

He then urges his readers to entrust themselves to God, who is faithful, and to continue to do good.

Application:

We should entrust ourselves to God in our suffering by trusting His sovereignty, justice, and grace.

We should also remember that our suffering is temporary and light compared to our eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).

We should also continue to do good deeds that demonstrate our faith and love for God and others.

Conclusion:

Summary:

In this passage, Peter gives us four instructions on how to endure and rejoice in our suffering for Christ:

(1) Do not be surprised by suffering;

(2) Rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings;

(3) Glorify God in your suffering; and

(4) Entrust yourself to God in your suffering.

Challenge:

Let us apply these instructions to our lives and follow Peter’s example of rejoicing in suffering for Christ.

Let us also pray for our brothers and sisters who are facing persecution around the world and support them in any way we can.

Pray