SHARING THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST

Bible Passage: 1 Peter 4:12–19

1 Peter 4:12–19 NASB 2020

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 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? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

INTRODUCTION

No one wants to suffer. This is an established fact and anyone who refutes it is either overlooking the common human desire for well-being or has a unique perspective that challenges traditional understandings of comfort and adversity.

But, be that as it may, the reality is that suffering is a part of the human experience. It does not matter who you are, where you come from, or what you have; In each life some rain must fall.

Context of the Text

FIRST PETER is the first of two New Testament letters attributed to the Apostle Peter; it encourages Christians to maintain hope while suffering.

The intended recipients of 1 Peter appear to have been facing significant hardships as a result of social and governmental opposition to their faith in Christ (1 Pet 2:19–20; 3:14–17; 4:12).

1 Peter 4:12 NASB 2020

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you;

The author advises believers to endure suffering, following the example of Christ (1 Pet 2:21).

1 Peter 2:21 NASB 2020

For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps,

This text teaches that suffering is not without meaning; rather, it serves as a crucible for faith and an opportunity for divine insight. Believers can learn to respond to suffering not with despair, but with a stance of faith, as God is both with them and at work in their situation.

Situation - Believers are to have an Expectation of Suffering

The first thing Peter tells his readers is not to be surprised by the fiery ordeal they will face. Suffering is not something strange or unexpected. As followers of Christ, we should anticipate trials and hardships. Peter urges us to adjust our expectations. By understanding that suffering is a part of our Christian journey, we can face trials with the right mindset. Instead of seeing them as punishments or anomalies, we recognize them as opportunities for growth and deeper faith.

Many professing believers in postmodern culture disdain and reject the biblical teachings about suffering and choose to challenge traditional Christian doctrine, including the idea that suffering is an inherent part of, not only the human experience, but also of the Christian experience. Much of this mindset has been perpetrated and perpetuated by the popular but deceitful “Prosperity Gospel.”

The prosperity gospel, also known as the health and wealth gospel, teaches that God will bless believers with material abundance and good health if they have enough faith and obey His commands. This perspective often leads to the belief that suffering, sickness, and poverty are a result of a lack of faith or sin, and that true believers should not experience these hardships.

Prosperity gospel proponents argue that God's love and blessings will protect His followers from suffering, and they often emphasize the importance of positive confession and claiming God's promises for a trouble-free life. This can lead to a misunderstanding of the Christian experience, as it downplays the reality of suffering and the role it can play in spiritual growth and reliance on God.

The Bible says:

1 Peter 2:21 NASB 2020

For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps,

What is Suffering?

The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary Suffering

The Bible portrays innumerable examples of suffering. It could come in many different forms—a loss in battle, destruction of the nation and the symbols of worship, ravaging illnesses, premature death, great physical pain, rejection and loneliness, spiritual torment such as guilt or disbelief about God’s goodness and concern.

Application:

Peter encourages believers to adjust their expectations by understanding that suffering is not something strange or unexpected. Instead, it is a normal part of the Christian experience. This shift in perspective helps believers to face trials with the right mindset.

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12)

Complications: Failing to have an expectation of suffering can Result in Unpleasant Realities

There are several complications that could result from not having an expectation of suffering:

Surprise and Discouragement: Peter warns believers not to be surprised by the fiery trials they face as if something strange were happening to them (1 Peter 4:12). Rejecting the idea of suffering can lead to confusion and discouragement when hardships inevitably arise, as it creates unrealistic expectations about the Christian life.

Loss of Joy: Peter encourages believers to rejoice in their sufferings because they are sharing in Christ's sufferings (1 Peter 4:13). Rejecting this aspect of the faith can rob believers of the deep joy that comes from identifying with Christ and experiencing His presence in the midst of trials.

Missed Blessings: Suffering for Christ's sake is seen as a blessing because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon those who suffer (1 Peter 4:14). Rejecting suffering may result in missing out on this special blessing and the deeper relationship with God that comes from enduring trials.

Ineffectiveness in Witnessing: Peter emphasizes that suffering for Christ's name brings glory to God (1 Peter 4:16). If believers avoid or reject suffering, they may miss opportunities to witness to others through their perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity.

Judgment and Refinement: Suffering is also presented as a means of judgment and purification for believers (1 Peter 4:17-18). By rejecting suffering, believers may hinder the refining process that strengthens their faith and prepares them for eternal glory.

Neglect of God's Will: Peter concludes by encouraging believers to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good, even in the midst of suffering (1 Peter 4:19). Rejecting suffering may lead to a neglect of God's will and a failure to trust in His plan and provision during difficult times.

Illustration:

Kin Hubbard had a knack for wrapping deep insights in humor:

I'll say this for adversity--people seem to be able to stand it, and that's more than I can say for prosperity.

It seems to suggest that while adversity can be endured and often brings out resilience, prosperity might sometimes lead to complacency or even challenges of its own. Maybe it's a reminder to stay grounded no matter the circumstances.

Resolution: Don’t Try to Eliminate the Expectation of Suffering (Embrace and Endure it)

See 1 Peter 4:19

1 Peter 4:19 NASB 2020

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

Explanation:

Therefore,

An Exegetical Summary of 1 Peter 4:19

It sums up what has already been said [NIBC]. It summarizes the teaching of the entire epistle up to this point [TNTC]. It introduces a conclusion to the discussion on suffering [NTC, TH]. It draws a conclusion about trusting God in suffering [BNTC]. It draws a conclusion about suffering for doing good [WBC]. It returns to the theme of comfort and encouragement after having digressed concerning the judgment [ICC]. It draws a conclusion from 4:17–18, that since their sufferings are a sign of God’s favor in saving them from his judgment of the wicked, they can trust him fully [Alf]. It concludes the section 4:12–19 [NIC].

Entrust

1, 2 Peter, Jude 1. Suffer Joyfully in Accord with God’s Will (4:12–19)

When suffering strikes, believers should “commit themselves to their faithful Creator.” Christ modeled what Peter enjoined, for when he was suffering, he entrusted himself to God (1 Pet 2:23). Jesus used the same word (paratithēmi) when he entrusted his spirit to God at his death (Luke 23:46). In Acts the word is used when Paul entrusted his converts to God (Acts 14:23; 20:32), and in the Pastorals the word designates the entrusting of God’s truth to faithful men (1 Tim 1:18; 2 Tim 2:2). Similarly, believers should entrust their lives to God as Creator.

Faithful Creator

The theme of suffering must always be accompanied by the themes of divine comfort and the ultimate Sovereignty of God in our lives amidst trials.

This knowledge ought to encourage us who believe to recognize God's presence in our suffering, reminding us that God understands our pain and has a purpose behind it. Why not see your struggles as a part of God’s greater plan and put your trust and hope in the midst of adversity.

Conclusion

Throughout these passages, Christ Jesus embodies the ultimate expression of suffering and sovereignty. He faced immense suffering while fulfilling God’s redemptive plan, showing that God is present even in our darkest hours. Jesus’ birth, his persecution, and his suffering on the cross illustrate that God’s purposes often unfold through pain, leading to ultimate redemption.

Must Jesus bear the cross alone?

In the midst of suffering, we can trust in God's sovereignty and embrace the divine purpose behind our pain, knowing that He is working all things for good.

Invitation:

Scars of Suffering

Adoniram Judson, the renowned missionary to Burma, endured untold hardships trying to reach the lost for Christ. For 7 heartbreaking years he suffered hunger and privation. During this time he was thrown into Ava Prison, and for 17 months 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!”

—Henry G. Bosch