We happy few

Peters first epistle believed to be written between 62 and 65 AD.

It was written to the Churches in Asia Minor.

The purpose of the letter was to encourage the churches to bear the weight of persecution.

During the time of it’s writing, Nero was the emperor. Particularly cruel, Nero, who had his mother, first and second wives, and many others killed, ruled from 54 to 68 AD.

He blamed the christians for the great fire that burned Rome July 18, 64.

As a result, Christians were seized and tortured into confessing, then torn to pieces by dogs, crucified or burned alive and used as human torches at night.

1 Peter 4:12–19 NASB95

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Christians shouldn’t be surprised if they suffer.

Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you….

Romans 8:16–17 NASB95

16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Romans 8:18 NASB95

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Those that suffer together, grow together.

New research provides clear evidence of what soldiers, athletes, and others know well: Shared pain can promote bonding even more deeply than shared pleasure. This is true, it turns out, for people with no history of working or playing together.

Psychology Today 2015

US Airways Flight 1549

“Strange how people who suffer together have stronger connections than those who are most content.”

— Bob Dylan, Brownsville Girl

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother.

Peter Knew it also: Suffering for the sake of Christ will bring you closer to the person of Christ.

In Acts 5. Peter and the apostles were brought before the High Council. They were ready to kill them, but one teacher of the law, Gamaliel argued against it.

Acts 5:40–42 NASB95

40 They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Paul talks about it in his letter to the church of Rome.

Romans 5:3–4 NASB95

3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

Don’t suffer for the wrong things

1 Peter 4:15 NASB95

15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;

Moral argument for the existence of God.

If we recognize the existence of a universal set of Rights and Wrongs that transcends humanity, a universal moral law, the argument would be that there has to be a universal moral law giver.

Three of these things that Peter cites are on that list.

Murder

Theft

Evildoer

The world recognized these as wrong, so if you suffer for doing these, well….You had it coming.

“Troublesome Meddler”

one who looks carefully on others’ affairs.

Arguments against Christians:

Hypocrites

Judgemental

Clean up your own backyard.

Matthew 7:5 NASB95

5 “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Nowhere are we called to judge unbelievers.

Judgement starts with US

1 Peter 4:17 NASB95

17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Fiery Ordeal: Refining Fire that purifies us.

1 Peter 4:19 NASB95

19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

If you believe in an all powerful, all knowing God, all Good God. You have to believe that everything that happens is by his expressed or permissive will.