1 Peter 4:12–19
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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.
Introduction
Introduction
What comes to mind when thinking of suffering?
What comes to mind when thinking of suffering?
Have there been moments
When I think of suffering, my first thoughts are how I don’t want to suffer. But what follows is the eternal reminder of how Jesus suffered.
Instead of wanting to share in His suffering, I see the evil in my heart not wanting to share that part of being Christian.
Verse 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.
I remember times where fiery trials caught me off guard and how my responses fell way short of seeing them as a testing of my faith.
But there have been times where God’s grace enabled me to face trials with rejoicing! As if something foreign from me took over and graced me to endure with joy.
I remember seasons of suffering where prayer became most intimate. Times with God increased while everyone around me decreased.
I remember times where I was insulted and treated as if what I was believing deserved pity. But I remember that God was much more than someone who I would go to. He was there sharing with me my hardships. The Holy Spirit was in sympathy with my weaknesses and hardships.
I remember worshipping God regardless of what was falling apart around me and how God gave me the ability to glorify Him no matter the circumstances.
2. Glorify God in your suffering
I remember self afflicted suffering. Sufferings that came as a result of sin and disobedience.
Do you remember times in your life where you reaped consequences for sin and disobedience?
Even still, God remained and while He did allow us to reap what we sowed, He was there still.
Suffering is a lifelong storm whether you are a Christian or not. But the Christian who suffers for righteousness sake the Scriptures call them blessed!
We are to be encouraged when suffering as a follower of Christ!
Verse 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
Verse 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
Because at the end of the day, being hidden in Christ Jesus now like Noah in the ark, we will live.
We will be given eternal life. And eternal life is to be with the Father and the Son!
So, entrust your soul to God in your suffering.
Our passage today is a call to endure and entrust our souls to our Creator!
Verse 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Yes, we will suffer but remember that you are His beloved!
Verse 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Main Idea: Share, glory and trust God in your suffering!
Main Idea: Share, glory and trust God in your suffering!
Outline
Outline
Outline
1. Share in Christ’ suffering (v.12-14)
2. Glorify God in your suffering (v.15-16)
3. Entrust your soul to God in your suffering (v.17-19)
1. Share in Christ’ suffering (v.12-14)
1. Share in Christ’ suffering (v.12-14)
Verse 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.
Verse 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.
In the beginning of verse 12 we see Peter addressing believers as “Beloved.”
A term of affectionate endearment common to both Testaments. In the OT it occurs about thirty-two times in the Song of Solomon,
The term “Beloved” was an affectionate term used commonly in both the Old and New Testaments.
It was used to describe someone as desirable, amiable, an object of one’s affection.
In the Song of Solomon it was used about 32 times (as an example).
In the OT it occurs about thirty-two times in the Song of Solomon,
In the NT “beloved” (Gk. agapētós) is used exclusively of divine and Christian love, an affection begotten in the community of the new spiritual life in Christ,
In the NT “beloved” was used exclusively of divine and Christian love and also it was used to address the people of God.
Peter called believers this in
Peter would also use this in
11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
Paul also used this in his epistles. 30 times he would address believers as “beloved.”
This term is meant to convey a heartfelt, genuine love and care for God’s people.
He would also use it in where he actually tells us his intent for both letters.
1 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
2 Peter
His intent in writing this to the church was to stir up their minds to remember what God had spoken through the prophets and through the commandments of Jesus through His Apostles.
And he used “beloved” to express his heart and concern here for God’s people.
To capture this briefly when speaking of Peter’s desire to stir God’s people to remembrance, Paul pointed out from Hosea a prophecy where God used this specific term to speak of the Jews and how He would use it to speak of the Gentiles.
Question: Why would Peter think that God’s people would think it strange for a fiery trial to come?
25 As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’ ” 26 “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’ ”
1, 2 Peter: Crossway Classic Commentaries The Close Connection of Suffering with the State of a Christian
The holy walking of a Christian condemns the world around him. It shows up the disorder and foulness of unbelievers’ profane ways. Further, the life of true religion, set next to dead formality, shows it to be a carcass. There is in the life of a Christian a convicting light that shows the deformity of the works of darkness, and a piercing heat that scorches the ungodly and stirs and troubles their consciences.
1, 2 Peter: Crossway Classic Commentaries 1 Peter (Robert Leighton)
Robert Leighton
His concern specifically in verse 12 of our text today was for God’s people.
It’s important to point this out because I believe this captures Peter’s heart for God’s people!
Robert Leighton
He told them not to be surprised or as one version put it, “do not think it strange,” when the fiery trial comes.
A Handbook on the First Letter from Peter 1 Peter 4:12
“the burning which comes to you to be a test to you”
One translator put it this way, “do not be surprised of the burning which comes to you to be a test to you.”
Maybe it was another reminder of suffering even as a Christian which we see in verse 16.
Robert Leighton commentating on this passage said this:
“The holy walking of a Christian condemns the world around him. It shows up the disorder and foulness of unbelievers’ profane ways. Further, the life of true religion, set next to dead formality, shows it to be a carcass. There is in the life of a Christian a convicting light that shows the deformity of the works of darkness, and a piercing heat that scorches the ungodly and stirs and troubles their consciences.”
In other words, don’t think it strange when fiery trials come.
Trials like suffering and being insulted which we see in verse 14 happens to believers even when living faithfully.
Don’t be surprised beloved. Trials will come. But they come to test us.
Read Verse 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.
The Septuagint use for “surprised” spoke of letting a stranger in as a guest for the night.
Peter was meaning that trials should not foreign to believers. They are a part of the journey. But they have a purpose.
Peter already addressed this in the first chapter.
6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
You are being tested with fiery trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
So don’t think it a strange thing. Don’t be surprised. But rejoice!
Question: Why would we be surprised by fiery trials?
Answer: We’d be surprised when forgetting the sufferings of Christ.
When we remember His suffering. we can rejoice in ours. Because when remembering Christ we see the end result!
Verse 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
Verse 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
To share in Christ’s sufferings is to become like Him in His death () and we rejoice now because of the future hope of His appearing!
Peter’s concern here is to point to the truth of the appearance of Jesus Christ so that we can joy in our present sufferings.
He tells believers twice in verse 13 to rejoice.
First, But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings.
Here he is talking about a rejoicing as we share in Christ’s suffering.
Second, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
As we are sharing in Christ’s suffering now, we will also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed!
Peter is encouraging the saints to rejoice now.
The purpose of trials and suffering are to test the genuineness of our faith so that it may be found at the end of the day to be joyful not dreadful at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
We can rejoice presently because of the reality and truth of the appearance of Christ.
Even in the midst of burning, fiery trials.
The appearance of Jesus Christ also means that sufferings and trials will be no more.
(COME LORD JESUS)
Sharing in Christ’s sufferings guarantees the end result being rejoicing and absence of all trial and suffering.
Rejoicing does not wait till then. It can happen now because it is promised to us that we will see Him and be with Him.
Remember
24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
That’s where our endurance comes from. But also that is where we find joy for today. It is in the reality of His appearing.
This means that we are blessed even when insulted today!
Sharing in the sufferings of Christ today is sharing in His glory!
16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 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.
Insult has nothing on the glory that is to be revealed!
Fiery trials can’t compare to the glory that is to be revealed!
We are blessed!
Verse 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
Verse 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
We are blessed if we are insulted for the name of Christ!
Question: Why?
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Because we share with Christ insults.
The reward we have in heaven is eternally greater than the insults and hardships we face today. And the reward is promised because the Spirit of glory rests upon us.
And the reward is promised because the Spirit of glory rests upon us.
The same Spirit of glory that sealed us and marked us for affection rests upon us. Which means that He remains on us!
And says,
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Sharing in Christ’ sufferings promises us a reward that will never be taken from us.
So glorify God in your suffering!
2. Glorify God in your suffering
2. Glorify God in your suffering
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.
Verse 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
Verse 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
There is a suffering that is not God glorifying.
Peter points out 4 examples of things that can produce suffering as consequence.
But remember that Jesus did not suffer because He sinned.
Sharing in the sufferings of Christ means to share in sufferings that come because of righteousness not sin.
Jesus did not suffer because He sinned.
Peter is not including a suffering as a consequence of disobedience as what we should rejoice in. But a suffering that is caused because of righteousness. Which is the reason to rejoice because that is what Christ suffered.
Sharing in the sufferings of Christ means to share
When a Christian disobeys God’s commands and suffers for it, God is not glorified. In fact, it will send a mix signal to those watching you.
God will get the glory ultimately but presently disobedience is not God’s will for the Christian.
This type of suffering doesn’t call you to glorify God but it demands repentance before God.
Peter is warning believers obviously because one can succumb to disobedience. Especially when one is suffering.
What the Christian must do when suffering for righteousness sake is rejoice because the Spirit of glory rests upon them.
A Christian who suffers because of sin should mourn and repent before God not rejoice.
And in repentance God is glorified.
We are called to suffer for righteousness sake and not disobedience and sin.
We are supposed to suffer because we are Christian!
Verse 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
Verse 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
Here, Peter addresses believers as Christian.
Lexham Bible Guide: 1 Peter The Background and Significance of Christianos in 1 Pet 4:16
The label “Christian” (Christianos) was first assigned to followers of Jesus Christ in Antioch (Acts 11:26). Within a short time the term became common enough that Agrippa could use it in dialogue with Paul (Acts 26:28).
The label “Christian” was first assigned to believers in Antioch ().
Which became common, so much that Agrippa used it in dialogue with Paul ().
It is only used three times in the New Testament.
It literally meant “anointed ones” which was meant to point out being anointed by the Holy Spirit which communicated to others that they were followers of Christ.
If anyone suffers as an anointed one (a follower of Christ) let him not be ashamed.
Believers should not look at their suffering because of being a Christian as a disgrace.
It is interesting how so many in the visible church avoid this reality today.
As if they are ashamed to say that suffering is the path of the Christian.
Suffering for righteousness sake is sharing in the sufferings of Christ!
Which is meant to make us more like Christ!
That is why we should glorify God.
In being called an anointed one, a follower of Jesus Christ, we are to glorify God when sharing in His sufferings!
We shouldn’t be ashamed of it. But we should rejoice!
We are to praise, honor, magnify, extol, display the greatness of God in our suffering!
Because at His appearing, we will find joy not condemnation and fear!
The dreadful Day of the Lord to the Christian is a joyful Day.
So live as one who has entrusted their soul to Christ!
Jesus gave us the ultimate example of entrusting our souls in His crucifixion.
–463. Entrust your soul to God in your suffering
3. Entrust your soul to God in your suffering
3. Entrust your soul to God in your suffering
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
The word here commit is the same word used in our text.
Jesus entrusted Himself to the Father. Giving us the greatest example.
Which is what we should do when suffering as a Christian.
3. Entrust your soul to God in your suffering
We should follow in His steps.
3. Entrust your soul to God in your suffering
3. Entrust your soul to God in your suffering
Verse 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?
Verse 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?
Calvin helps when he commented on this verse.
Commentaries on the Catholic Epistles Chapter 4
He amplifies the consolation, which the goodness of the cause for which we suffer brings to us, while we are afflicted for the name of Christ. For this necessity, he says, awaits the whole Church of God, not only to be subject to the common miseries of men, but especially and mainly to be chastised by the hand of God. Then, with more submission, ought persecutions for Christ to be endured. For except we desire to be blotted out from the number of the faithful, we must submit our backs to the scourges of God. Now, it is a sweet consolation, that God does not execute his judgments on us as on others, but that he makes us the representatives of his own Son, when we do not suffer except for his cause and for his name.
For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God;
For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God;
Calvin, along with many others have concluded that the judgement in the house of God is one, not of condemnation, but of discipline and purging.
Which we call sanctification which happens first and only in the household of God.
An example of this can be Church Discipline. Which happens only in the household of God.
So if God takes seriously His own church when it comes to implementing judgement how much more will His judgement be with those who are disobedient!
Peter is highlighting the seriousness of God’s judgement. Not to condemn believers but to create sobriety in His people. Especially because of the hardships they face.
It begins in the household of God as discipline and purification. But the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God will be condemnation and destruction.
Question: What does it mean when Peter says, “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God?” And why after what he had spoke of before?
Remember Peter’s intent for writing this letter.
1 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
ESV1 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
He talked about this is 2 Peter 4-10.
Peter has in mind what God had spoken through the holy prophets.
One text that came up was
1 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. 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. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. 5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.
Here is an example of how God will refine His people and as He states, “be a swift witness” against the ungodly.
The judgement here, as what was understood by the Prophets, was one that would be called “the day of the Lord.”
He spoke of this in .
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
This is a dreadful day for the unbeliever. But for the Christian, it is a day to rejoice. A time to be thankful for God’s protection and care.
Like Noah. While God brought judgement upon the world. God preserved His people.
An example of this can be found in .
4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked 8 (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones,
The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials.
Judgement is not punishment for the believer. It is rescue and salvation!
The Lord keeps the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment. Which is condemnation.
God takes disobedience seriously. Even in the household 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.
Verse 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Verse 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Peter is recalling what was said in the Proverbs.
English Standard Version Chapter 11
31 If the righteous is repaid on earth,
how much more the wicked and the sinner!
31 If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!
Some might have questions about the meaning of being scarcely saved as if almost saved.
But that is not what Peter is saying.
It can literally be read, “If the righteous is rarely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner.
And “If the righteous is scarcely saved,
To illustrate this Jesus would talk about how difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God.
24 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27 But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
It’s so difficult that it is impossible with man!
If it is that difficult then what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner when judgement comes!
They have no escape!
But we have found a way. Jesus Christ!
Verse 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Verse 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Just as Noah placed himself in the ark and was preserved from the judgement of God, so can we entrust our souls to a faithful Creator!
Verse 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Verse 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Main Idea: Share, glory and trust God in your suffering!
Main Idea: Share, glory and trust God in your suffering!
Suffering is allowed by God. He is sovereign and in control. What we must to is entrust Him with our souls!
No matter the hardships we must continue in obedience and preoccupation with His glory!
Share in His sufferings!
Share in His sufferings!
Glorify God in your suffering!
Entrust God with your soul!