Facing Rejection by the World

Facing Rejection by the World Peter wrote in 1 Peter 4:12: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. No one wants to be rejected. We have a need to feel accepted. It is this need that gives power to peer pressure. It motivates us to behave in ways found acceptable by others. But this world will reject true followers of Jesus. We must choose Jesus over acceptance by man. How can we stay faithful when facing rejection? Peter begins by telling us not to be surprised when rejected by the world. Jesus predicted that His followers would face rejection. Peter told us in his first chapter that such trials while painful are purposeful. So, if you are a Christian, expect some rejection. In fact, we are to learn to rejoice in it. Stay faithful by facing rejection with joy. In 1 Peter 4:13, Peter says: But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. When others reject you for your faith, you are participating in the sufferings of Jesus. Paul calls it the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings. People are rejecting Jesus, not you. Our joy comes in the glory we will share with Jesus when his glory is revealed. As Paul put it: If indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. In the beatitudes, Jesus told us to rejoice when rejected because our reward is great in heaven. So, recognize the blessing of being rejected. Peter proceeds in v. 14: If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Jesus said in the beatitudes that we are blessed when we are insulted and falsely accused. And you are blessed now, not just in the future. Your blessing is having the Spirit of glory and of God resting on you now. But Peter adds that the rejection must be for following Jesus. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. Rejection due to fleshly behavior brings no blessing. Gross sin earns rejection. Being a busybody or a gossip deserves rejection. The blessing is for those suffering as a Christian. There is no shame in being rejected for being faithful to Jesus. Instead, it is an honor to be rejected for following Christ. So, you are blessed when insulted because of the name of Jesus. You are blessed if the insult is due to living faithfully for Him. So, rejoice when you are rejected for following Jesus. We also stay faithful by remembering that judgment is coming. Hear Peter in 4:17-18: For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" The verb translated do not obey primarily means "to disobey", but also means "to be unpersuaded." In this context it is a willful rejection of the gospel and of God's offer of grace. In Acts 19:8-9, it is used of an obstinate refusal to believe. In Acts 14:1-2, it means not only rejecting but actively opposing the gospel. Man is offered a clear choice. John 3:26 uses this same verb when it says: Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him. Whoever believes in Jesus already possesses eternal life, living in a close relationship with God. But whoever rejects the Son has made their choice to willfully resist the message of the gospel. They will not see life through eternity. The wrath of God will remain on them. This choice to believe or reject is placed before each person. But Peter tells us that judgment begins with us, the family of God, the church. God begins His judgment with His people, His children. Great awakenings begin with a cleansing of His church. After He returns, we will all give an account of our lives at the judgement seat of Christ. For believers, our sins have already been judged at the cross. But we will still give account for how we lived for Jesus. This will be difficult for many. If that is so, Peter asks what judgment will be like for the ungodly. Let the expectation of judgment motivate you to stay faithful. Peter concludes by urging us to stay faithful by submitting to God's will. In v. 19 he writes: So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. In this letter, Peter clarifies what we need to know of God's will. In 4:2, we learn that God's will is always contrary to our evil human desires. Note this does not include all human desires. In 2:12, 15 we are told it is God's will for us to do good to silence those who reject Christ. 1 Peter 3:17 reveals that it is sometimes God's will for us to suffer for doing good. Our text now tells us to submit to God's will even when it does include suffering. So, how are we to endure rejection for Jesus? Peter says to commit ourselves. The verb "commit" was used of entrusting your valuables for safe keeping. We are to entrust ourselves to God for safe keeping. God is called our Creator. He cares for His creatures and is able to keep us. God is also called faithful. You can depend on Him to keep you safe. The essence of faith is to trust in Jesus so fully that you submit everything to Him. Peter adds that we express submissive faith by continuing to do good, the same good that brought us rejection. Abstain from evil human desires and do what is right. Do good because of faith that has already submitted to God's will and received salvation by grace. Continue to do good even when doing so will bring more rejection. God will judge each of us. What will God look for in a believer? God will look for faithfulness in our faith in Jesus: A faith in Jesus that rejoices when we suffer for Him A faith in Jesus that lives to be ready to give account to Him at His judgment seat A faith in Jesus that submits to Him and always seeks to do good whatever that may cause. Will God find that faith in you? God is faithful to us. Let us be faithful to Him!