Christian Suffering Part 5.

Opening:

It is a beautiful thing to open the Word of God together on the Lord’s Day.

Introduction of the Passage:

This morning we are wrapping up chapter 4 of 1 Peter. We will be in verses 12-19. Peter is continuing on in his instruction on how Christians are to handle suffering. He was writing to the first century church who were about to endure horrific trials and who were already undergoing much persecution. So this was a very pressing question that they had. How are we to suffer well? And even, why does God allow us to suffer? Peter has been very uplifting and encouraging in this letter. And he continues on in this theme.

So with this in mind I would ask you to stand with me out of reverence for the Word of God.

Reading of the Passage:

1 Peter 4:12–19“12 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. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 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? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

Behold, the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Let’s pray.

Prayer:

Our Gracious Heavenly Father, we thank you for your kindness to us in giving us your Word. We know that it is not a surprising thing to encounter suffering in this life. So we thank you for Your instruction. Please apply this to our lives and conform us all the more into the image of your Son. We ask this in Jesus name, amen.

Introduction/ Opening Illustration:

Hebrews 12:1 says “1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” That really is a good summary of what Peter has been saying in this whole section. All people everywhere are called to bear the burden of suffering. Now that suffering looks different depending on when and where we are born.

But we do not get to choose that. God has placed each of us right where we are. We were born in America. This is a great blessing. But our landscape is changing. It is becoming increasingly difficult here. Now make no mistake, we are still incredibly blessed. But we are beginning to face challenges. Our culture is increasingly becoming more and more hostile to Christianity. We have been given the task of running faithfully right here.

See, it is not ours to simply complain. We are to be faithful to God in the midst of the challenges we face. That is the goal. Lay aside every sin and weight, and run the race God has set before us. It really all comes down to this, be faithful in whatever challenges we face. We honor God, not men. We did not choose this fight. But it is ours. The challenges of our day are set before us by the will of God. Will we be faithful? Or will we abandon Christ? Our calling is to be faithful.

Need:

And this is Peter’s central message. We need to know how to live in the midst of whatever challenges we face. And this is what Peter was telling the first century church.

Text Idea:

He tells them not to be surprised at the fiery trial God is sending, but to rejoice and trust the Lord.

Sermon Idea:

And our goal this morning is to hear this call. Do not be surprised by the suffering of this life. Instead; remain faithful, rejoice, and trust the Lord at the test He has placed us in.

Transition:

So let us dive in. Peter opens by telling the first century Christians do not be surprised, but rejoice at suffering.

Do Not Be Surprised, but Rejoice at Suffering.

1 Peter 4:12–14“12 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. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”

Explanation:

That opening phrase is a common theme in Scripture and especially in the New Testament. Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you, as if something strange were happening. It is not strange to suffer.

It is not strange to suffer.

In Matthew 10:22 Jesus tells us, “22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Suffering is not strange. We live in a world that is fallen. Because of sin, it is filled with death and tragedy. Suffering is not surprising. Often, critics of the gospel will pose the question, “if God is all loving and all good, why is there so much suffering?” This is known philosophically as the problem of evil. But it really is the wrong question. The question is not, why is there suffering? The question is, why is there any good?

Remember, God made all things good. It was our federal head, Adam, who plunged all creation into sin. And in him, we all fell. Beyond this, we are all sinners. We are all fallen and blasphemers. We have sinned against the God of the universe. Our just punishment is hell. We deserve to be destroyed. But God, in love and patience gives us grace. We deserve wrath, but He has given us mercy.

So we must not be surprised as suffering. We ought to be surprised that God shows us grace at all. But beyond this, Peter’s audience should not be surprised. Remember, Peter has been warning them of this coming trial that awaits them. Christ, and the Apostles prophesied a coming persecution that they are to be ready for. And Peter is again telling them to be ready.

Do not be surprised when Christ’s words come true. There is judgement coming. And indeed we know from history that this judgement did come. The Roman empire began brutally persecuting these Christians. If this letter was written right around A.D. 60, which we think it was, Peter will be executed in just a few years for his is faith. It is reliably believed that Peter will die for his faith, being crucified upside down, in a mere four to five years after this letter is written. And many of the faithful Christians who this letter was written to will face the same fate.

Trial was coming. They are not to be surprised. But Peter gives hope. He says this trial and persecution was coming to test them. And this is an important lesson. God tests us to strengthen us.

God tests us to strengthen us.

This immediately brings to mind Paul’s words in Romans 5:3–5“3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

We know that God uses the pains of life to strengthen us. Like gold is refined in the fire, so the Christian’s faith is purified in testing.

2 Corinthians 1:9“9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.”

In pain, our faith is tested. And it forces us to rely on Christ. One of my all time favorite quotes is from Charles Spurgeon. He said, “I have learned to kiss the waves that cast me upon the Rock of Ages.” Christians stand alone in our attitude toward suffering. We know that suffering produces godliness. And in this, we have the incredible calling to rejoice in suffering.

Rejoice in suffering.

This is so backwards to our natural way of thinking. When we face trials and pain, the natural human reaction is to either become violent of sulky. We complain or we lash out. But the Christian is called to rejoice in suffering. We know the God who has called us to suffer. And we have the ability to see beyond the pain that so easily distracts us and even rejoice. Think of the Apostles. They were beaten and abused. But how did they respond? Acts 5:41 “41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.”

We are not to be surprised by the pain of life. But we are to rejoice. Why? Well, Peter gives several reasons. First, he says in pain we are sharing in Christ’s suffering.

We are sharing in Christ’s suffering.

When we feel the pain of this life, we are reminded physically of the pain Christ went through for us. Now, Peter does not mean that we are making atonement for our sins. No, Christ fully paid for our sins. But we know that in suffering, we are connected to the suffering of Christ. When we suffer for our faith, we are reminded of the One who suffered to give us that faith. When life becomes painful, we see Christ on the cross who took that pain for us. And this leads to rejoicing.

And Peter ties to this the hope that suffering with Christ is an assurance that we will shar in His glory. When we suffer, we are to be reminded of the glory that is coming. Christ will return and set all right. And on that day, all suffering will be ended and eternal glory and joy shall endure. And we know that just as suffering is guaranteed in this life, so also glory is guaranteed when Christ returns.

But there is more. Peter gives us a promise.

In suffering, the Spirit of God rests upon us.

This is such a deep theme in Scripture. In suffering we can trust the promises of God. We see this everywhere. When the godly suffer for their faith, they are to recall the promises of God. God always keeps His promises. And these promises give us hope and joy, even in the midst of pain. Hear now just a few of the promises of our God. Psalm 23:4 “4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Isaiah 43:2 “2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

Isaiah 43:5 “5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.”

2 Corinthians 4:9“9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;”

Nahum 1:7–8“7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. 8 But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness.”

Hebrews 13:6 “6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?””

Philippians 3:20–21“20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

And that is what Peter is doing here. He is giving the first century Christians who are about to be burned, beheaded, flayed, torn apart by animals, crucified, or various other sufferings a promise to anchor them to hope. In suffering, remember this. Never ever forget this. When we suffer for the name of Christ, the glory of the Spirit of God rests on us.

When you are in the darkness, when you are broken, when you are hurting because of the name of Jesus, the Spirit of God surrounds you. He is there with you. God the Spirit, third member of the Holy Trinity is right there covering you. You are not alone. When you are mocked for your faith, when you are beaten and abused for Christ, God rests upon you in a real way. And this is one of the most comforting promises in all Scripture.

Argumentation:

So as our culture changes, remember this. Do not be surprised when the liberal death cult of our age hates Christians. Do not be surprised when they mock you and even abuse you. If you lose your job for faithfulness to Christ, do not be surprised. Instead, rejoice. Rejoice for God is with you. Rejoice for you are given the gift of suffering for the One who suffered for you. Rejoice for this time of testing is being used by God to strengthen you in your faith.

When someone hurls curses at you for being a Christian, bless them, then find a quiet place and do a little dance for joy. God has counted you worthy of bearing His name through suffering.

Transition:

But Peter gives a caveat. Do not suffer for evil, but for Christ.

Do Not Suffer for Evil, but for Christ.

1 Peter 4:15–16“15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”

Explanation:

This may be a simple truth, but it one we must remember. When we suffer for doing what is wrong, that does not bring the glory of God. If you steal a car, and are arrested for it, you have no right to claim “God is testing me.” No, your sin landed you there. You are not facing persecution for your faith because you embezzled ten thousand dollars. You are there because of your sin.

But when you suffer for righteousness, then you are blessed. When you are arrested and jailed for protesting the murder of unborn children, you are blessed by God. When you are slandered for being a Christian, you are blessed by God. When you loose your job because you refuse to go alone with the gender madness of our culture, you are blessed by God.

Argumentation:

And this is an important thing to remember. The wicked will slander us. But it must be exactly that, slander. To paraphrase pastor Doug Wilson, “Being a faithful Christian in our day means that you will be accused of all kinds of evil. But the accusations must be false.” It is not a sin to be accused. It is a sin to actually sin.

In our day, you almost cannot even be a Christian without being called all the cultural buzzwords of evil. “You Christians are racist, bigots, homophobes!” It’s almost at that point where if you aren’t being called that, I am worried. Our world is so backwards and depraved that being accused of those things is a sign you’re on the right track. But those accusations must be false. They will slander you, but that slander must be a lie.

And this brings up a really interesting note on this passage. Peter says to suffer under the name Christian. This is one of only three times the term Christian is used in Scripture. And this term itself was originally a slander. It basically meant, “little Christs.” It was a derogatory term. It was used as a slander. So Peter is saying, “Suffer under that term.” They want to hate us for being like Christ, yes and amen. Let them. But do not be persecuted for murder, or theft, or any other evil.

Do not be persecuted for sin. Be persecuted for righteousness. And when you are hated and slandered for Christ and the truth of His Word, you will be blessed.

Transition:

But Peter also gives a common warning contained in Scripture.

Judgement Begins in the House of God.

1 Peter 4:17–18 “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? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?””

Explanation:

This is a very dark promise. But the truth of it is obvious. God is the judge. And God judges all peoples. But God begins with His own people. We are the children of God. And as Hebrews 12:6–7 says, “6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?”

God loves us. He disciplines us. And this is a good thing. This is why Hebrews continues in 12:27 “27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.” God judges the church first. God judgments are a purifying fire to the righteous.

And this is seen throughout Scripture. Take Malachi 3:3 which says, “3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.” God judges His people to refine them.

But here is the warning. Peter says, “and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” He then quotes from Proverbs saying, “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

This is a terrifying warning. God judges the church. He purifies her as His holy bride. But what hope is there for the lost? The answer is none. There is no hope for the wicked and lost. I said God’s judgement purifies the righteous. But it burns up the wicked. For who can stand before a holy God? Only those who are in Christ.

Argumentation:

And we must hear this. Beloved, I bear bad news. We are under the judgement of God. It is not coming. It is here. We are under the anger and judgement of God as a nation. Our land has spilled countless gallons of infant blood. We actively blaspheme the God who made us. We mutilate children and pervert the marriage bed. We are a people given to sin. And now, judgement has come. We are as bad as Sodom and Gomorrah. But in our arrogance we thought that we could escape God’s eye. But lo, He sees all. And we are reaping our due.

So beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial out there as if something strange were happening. We have mocked the God of Heaven and Earth. And God will not be mocked. And judgement starts in the house of God. It begins in the church.

Do you ever wonder why so many churches and denominations are falling into utter wickedness? Why have so many churches begun to affirm sexual degeneracy? It is because the judgement of God has come, and it is beginning in the house of God. God is judging the church. Isaiah 3:12 “12 My people—infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your guides mislead you and they have swallowed up the course of your paths.”

Is this not what we see in the church? Men abdicating their God given responsibility leaving the women and children to take their place. Shepherds that lead the people into destruction. The church is under judgement.

So what do we do? We fall on our face before God and repent. We repent of our sins. We covenant to be faithful to God. We are in the midst of a time of judgement. We must humbly come to God and repent. We must repent of our sin. And then, we trust God. Peter even says that in judgement, the righteous are saved, although scarcely. And God has filled His Word with promises we cling to. And then we trust God.

Transition:

And this is Peter’s final point.

Suffering Is Part of God’s Sovereign Will. Trust Him and Do Good.

1 Peter 4:19 “19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

Explanation:

Many people object to this doctrine. But there it is in Scripture. Suffering is part of God’s sovereign will. And if we would just stop for a moment, we could see the comfort that comes from this. If God is not in control of suffering, what hope is there? The answer is obvious. None. There is no hope if God is not in control of our suffering.

But the reality is that clearly according to the Word of God, suffering is part of God’s plan and He uses it to refine us, make us more godly, and train us to rely on Him. Suffering kills our sin, strengthens our faith, and brings us near to Christ. So when we suffer, we are to trust our souls to our Faithful Creator. What a comforting phrase.

God is our faithful Creator. He is the one who knit us together in our mother’s womb. He is the one who has kept us and sustained us in the midst of all of life. We can trust God with all our pain and suffering. We trust Him because He uses it to bring us to repentance and further into faith in Him. Once again, I am reminded of that quote from Spurgeon. “I have learned to kiss the waves that cast me upon the Rock of Ages.” When suffering drives us closer to our Lord, blessed be that suffering.

So what are we to do in the midst of suffering? Well, we trust God while we do good. What does that mean? The old Hymn put it well. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” That is what we do. We trust and obey. We trust God to do what He wills. And we obey Him.

Argumentation:

When we suffer for Christ, we obey and honor Him. When we face slander for Christ, we obey and honor Him. We rest in the knowledge that our loving Father is disciplining us. We repent. We obey. We follow on after Jesus.

So what should a man do when facing suffering for Christ? Repent of his sin and be a godly man. What about women? Repent of her sin and be a godly woman. Same for fathers and mothers. Same for employers and employees. Same for grandparents. Same for every single Christian.

We can rest in this comfort. And how comforting it is. To be in pain and to be able to say, “Lord, I do not understand. But I know you are in control. I know you are good. I trust you.” The amount of times I have prayed that is countless. But it has always been true. I know the Lord. I know He is good. I know He is loving. And I know He is in control. Nothing will happen to us outside His will. He is God. He is Lord. Yes and amen.

Transition:

This passage is one filled with pain and comfort.

Conclusion:

We will suffer, but we can trust the Lord with our suffering. We know He uses pain for our good and His glory. We know the Spirit of God is with us when we suffer Christ’s name. We know suffering is part of God’s plan. We can trust and obey Him when we suffer.

Visualization:

So as we go out into a broken world, remember this. As you encounter a culture that hates Christ and Christians, remember this. We are not surprised. And we trust the Lord.

Reiteration:

We are not surprised by suffering for Christ. We are faithful in suffering for our Lord.

Application:

So I want you to remember these things as we leave.

In our culture, do not be surprised when the world hates Christians.

It is not surprising when the world hates us, Jesus told us in John 15:18 “18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” If they crucified out Lord, we should not be surprised when the wicked and rebellious hate Christians who bear His truth and message.

When you see the depravity of the World, do not be surprised. It is God’s judgement. We should not be taken off guard by this.

Rejoice that we are counted worthy of sharing in Christ’s sufferings.

We are all part of God’s story. And in the grand story God is telling, He has placed us right where He wants us. So as our culture descends into madness, remember, we are blessed to live where and when we do. God has placed us here. And when we are slandered for the name of Christ, we are sharing in the sufferings of Christ. Remember how He was slandered and beaten for you. He endured the cross, for you. He suffered torment and death even for you.

But then remember the hope. If we share in His suffering, we will share in His glory. Remember the words of Paul in Romans 8:18 “18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” The pain of this life may seem great. But when compared to the glory that is coming, it is not even worth mentioning. We can confidently say we are“9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” as 2 Corinthians 4:9 says.

Finally, we can rest in God’s sovereignty.

Rest in God’s Sovereignty.

Beloved, we are here in this time for a reason. God has planned it. And in His story, He has placed us here. Let us trust in Him. Let us rest in the God who has placed us here. Let us suffer well. Let us live righteously. Let us honor the God who loved us, even when we did not love Him. Let us trust the faithful Creator.

Do not fear. When you turn on the news and feel all is in chaos, fear not. Our God is in control. Many Christians have walked through far worse than we have ever even dreamt of. And God was with them. Rest assured, He will walk with us. And remember, the Spirit of God is within us and upon us. Have peace. Walk humbly with God.

Let’s pray.

Closing Prayer:

Offering:

Offertory Prayer:

Benediction:

Romans 5:3–5“3 ... we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

May the peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ comfort you in all you endure this week. Peace be with you, and with your spirit.