THE TIME HAS COME

INTRO

300 Quotations for Preachers Most Grand Truths Learned by Trouble

Most of the grand truths of God have to be learned by trouble; they must be burned into us with the hot iron of affliction, otherwise we shall not truly receive them.

This quote comes from Charles Haddon Spurgeon, a man who was intimately acquainted with suffering. Unlike many who live in this self indulgent, over privileged, and entitled generation, he understood the value and worth of it. So many people have committed to the belief that suffering is not ever something that will concern them, due in part to the false teaching of men who have crept in aware perpetuating another gospel. But the biblical truth today is that suffering is part of the human experience. May I remind you that the ultimate cause of suffering is sin, which has brought violence, disease and death into the world. And every one, without exception, will experience suffering in this world. Turn your Bibles with me to 1 Peter 4:12-19:

1 Peter 4:12–19 ESV

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 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. 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? 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 a faithful Creator while doing good.

Holman Bible Handbook 1 Peter

The Epistle of 1 Peter was written to Jewish and Christian believers living in the northern part of Asia Minor. They faced persecution because of their commitment to Christ. Peter wrote to urge them to show stamina and commitment. Peter also wanted his readers to show a Christian life-style that would convert pagan sneers and accusations into appreciation and respect. To accomplish this, he urged all Christians to obey their leaders, servants to be subject to their masters, and husbands and wives to demonstrate honor and submission to one another. The vivid descriptions of Christ’s suffering and death (2:21–25; 3:18) could serve as an encouragement for Christians to conquer evil and endure to the end.

It is abundantly clear that Suffering is a major theme in 1 Peter. Peter elaborated upon the subject of suffering throughout the entire epistle. He offered words of hope to his readers as they faced suffering (1:4–5; 5:4). He pictured suffering as purposeful (3:14; 4:14). Christians were to endure it patiently (2:21; 3:9), and they were to demonstrate joy despite hardship (4:13). They could draw encouragement from following the example of Christ in suffering (2:21–25). God’s will often demanded that believers endure suffering (4:19).

David S. Dockery, ed., Holman Bible Handbook (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1992), 762–763.

Judgment and Suffering

What I wanted to bring to the attention of this august body is this issue of judgment. The text seems to suggest that there is a correlation between judgment and suffering.

Suffering As a Part of Judgment

(4:17–19)*

The thought expressed in 4:17 is not easy. Therefore, we should note first that the verse should be linked not to verse 16 but rather to the whole paragraph, especially to verse 12. There Peter described suffering as a “fiery trial.” Now he develops this idea. The period of time has begun in which God is judging the world: he is “weeding out” those who are opposed to him and those whose faith in him is hypocritical (which is not the same thing as a weak but genuine faith).

Nevertheless, as in Amos 3:2, where God punishes those whom he has especially chosen as his people because of their sins against his known will, so here too God’s judgment is directed against the church as the company of people who profess to believe in him. The church is not so much here God’s family (NIV; Gk “house”) but rather his temple (2:1–10). It ought to be holy and pure. The effect of persecution is to show up in the church those who really believe and are prepared to stand firm and those who do not really believe and so fall away when under trial. This judgment also purifies the true believers, encouraging them not to commit shameful acts.

I. Howard Marshall, 1 Peter, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1991), 1 Pe 4:17.

The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: 1 Peter Suffering As a Part of Judgment (4:17–19)

This passage, however, is concerned not with retribution for sins committed by God’s people but with the testing and strengthening of faith and the overcoming of evil’s power by loyalty to God expressed in suffering. It is expressed in general terms of what may befall the church, and the idea that God sends persecution upon his people as a punishment for their sins is simply not present. Rather it affirms clearly that, right in the midst of the testing which God imposes on his people, they can prove his faithfulness to keep them by his power for their future salvation (1:5).

Peter says that as the household we should 1) expect suffering, 2) endure suffering, and 3) see suffering as a blessing rather than as a curse, 4)be careful what you suffer for, 5) Suffer as a Christian.