Suffering
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1 Peter 4:12-19
1 Peter 4:12-19
Context: Peter is writing to the church in Rome (Gentiles). The church was being heavily persecuted because of their faith in Jesus. Peter is reminding them that their suffering is a blessing because:
They are suffering for the sake of Jesus, showing that you are truly His (Identity)
Their suffering is strengthening their faith (Sanctification)
Jesus, and others, went through the same suffering (Unity)
Their love amidst suffering is a testimony of Jesus to those that are persecuting them (God’s power; evangelism)
Rejoice as you share Christ’s suffering
10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
(The suffering Servant (Isaiah 53))
His glory is revealed; we glory with Jesus in sufferings
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,
49 Lord, where is your steadfast love of old,
which by your faithfulness you swore to David?
50 Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked,
and how I bear in my heart the insults of all the many nations,
51 with which your enemies mock, O Lord,
with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed.
52 Blessed be the Lord forever!
Amen and Amen.
Don’t be found to suffer as a sinner… or a meddler (1 Thess 4:11; 2 Thess 3:11; 1 Tim 5:13)
The Christian church will be judged first
31 If the righteous is repaid on earth,
how much more the wicked and the sinner!
29 For behold, I begin to work disaster at the city that is called by my name, and shall you go unpunished? You shall not go unpunished, for I am summoning a sword against all the inhabitants of the earth, declares the Lord of hosts.’
6 Kill old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one on whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the house.
Those who understand God’s sovereignty have joy even in the midst of suffering, a joy reflected on their very faces, for they see that their suffering is not without purpose.
R. C. Sproul
It is when we view our suffering as meaningless—without purpose—that we are tempted to despair.
R. C. Sproul
17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Context: Peter is writing to the church in Rome (Gentiles). The church was being heavily persecuted because of their faith in Jesus. Peter is reminding them that their suffering is a blessing because:
They are suffering for the sake of Jesus, showing that you are truly His (Identity)
Their suffering is strengthening their faith (Sanctification)
Jesus, and others, went through the same suffering (Unity)
Their love amidst suffering is a testimony of Jesus to those that are persecuting them (God’s power; evangelism)
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory (and power) and of God rests upon you.
But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
NCC Q#6: How can we glorify God? We glorify God by enjoying Him, loving Him, trusting Him, and by obeying His will, commands, and law.
For it is time for judgement to begin at the household of God;
and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
And “if the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to the faithful Creator while doing good.
Why do we suffer?
Suffering is a part of being human
God uses suffering correctively (Ps 119:67)
God uses suffering constructively (Romans 5:3-4)
God uses suffering for His glory (Gen 50:20; Rom 8:28)
The purpose of suffering can be cosmic
Notes:
We’re not called to be happy about it; Jesus “take away cup”
First time calling them “fiery trials”
But “rejoice!”; have your eyes on the Sovereignty of God, the Creator. Hebrews 12:2-3
“Being ashamed” = appeasing the culture