Living Through The Heat

Introduction: We can empathize with one another when it come to persecution. Anyone who lives a godly life will always experience a certain level of persecution. You are going to find people in ever circle who appose Christ, the gospel and truth (work, school, neighborhood, your family, etc). I would call this “normal” persecution.

We are now entering a different level of persecution. Peter empathizes with them regarding the “fiery trials.” This was about to or was currently experienced by the church. This was persecution from those in power.

Church historian Andrew Miller gives us the following graphic account of the “fiery trial” that was raging even as Peter wrote: “This was the first legal persecution of the Christians; and in some of its features it stands alone in the annals of human barbarity. Inventive cruelty sought out new ways of torture to satiate the bloodthirsty Nero—the most cruel Emperor that ever reigned. The gentle, peaceful, unoffending followers of the Lord Jesus were sewn in the skins of wild beasts, and torn by dogs; others were wrapped in a kind of dress smeared with wax, with pitch, and other combustible matter, with a stake under the chin to keep them upright, and set on fire when the day closed, that they might serve as lights in the public gardens of popular amusements. Nero lent his own gardens for these exhibitions, and gave entertainments for the people. He took an active part in the games himself; sometimes mingling with the crowd on foot, sometimes viewing the awful spectacle from his chariot. But, accustomed as these people were to public executions and gladiatorial shows, they were moved to pity by the unexampled cruelties inflicted on the Christians. They began to see that they suffered, not for the public good, but to gratify the cruelty of one man. But fearful as their death was, it was soon over; and to them, no doubt, the happiest moment of their existence. Long, long before the lights were quenched in Nero’s garden, the martyrs had found their home and rest above—in the blooming garden of God’s eternal delights. This precious truth we learn from what the Saviour said to the penitent thief on the Cross: “Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise”” [Phillips, J. (2009). Exploring the Epistles of Peter: An Expository Commentary (1 Pe 4:12). Kregel Publications; WORDsearch Corp.]

Peter provides us with some instructions on how to live among the evil turn towards the Christian.

1) Don’t Be Surprised (v12)

Real Christians are different (v12)

The “strange thing” is the prosperity, power, and popularity of so many people in the Western church and the so-called “prosperity gospel” that infatuates so many of them. Such a “strange” development ought not to take us by surprise.

2Co 6:14, 17 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

Quote: The world depends on lies, pride, pleasure and the desire to get more. A dedicated Christian builds his life on truth, humility, holiness and the desire to glorify God (Warren Wiersbe)

The world does not persecute “religious people,” they persecute righteous people.

Ever since God declared war and victory over Satan in the garden, Satan has been on the attack through God’s people.

Why the trial?

“not” = marker of a question

“think it…strange” = to be affected with novelty v. — to be or become emotionally or cognitively impacted by the introduction of something new or strange.

“fiery trial” = suffering ⇔ burning n. — agony understood as resembling the pain that the process of burning inflicts.

The degree of the trial was going deeper and becoming more painful.

Question: Have you ever found yourself more “solid” in your trusting God after the difficult trial?

This “fire” is a “refining process” (1 Peter 1:7)

Remember, no all trials are sent for the same purpose (i.e. typical human trials, disobedience)

“to try” = examination n. — the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes); investigation.

To receive a trial is to also say God trusts me with this. Also, God has greater things to trust you with.

“which is” = to come to pass

“Happened” = to happen ⇔ come together v. — to happen, understood as various elements or circumstances coming together.

Illustration: Trials are part of the puzzle pieces that will one day create this beautiful image.

All persections and trials “go together.”

They are part of God’s divine plan! (Romans 8:28)

2) Reasons To Rejoice (vv13-14)

We have fellowship with Jesus

Listen, it is an honor and privilege to suffer “with” Jesus.

It is a gift from God — Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

Not every believer grows to the point where God can trust them with such trials. REJOICE!

Act 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Examples: 3 Hebrew children / Paul’s trials / Jesus will be with you too!

There is future glory

Quote: “Suffering” and “glory” are twin truths that are woven into the fabric of Peter’s letter.” (Warren Wiersbe)

Your trials today are a mark of assurance of glory with Jesus returns ( 1 Peter 1:7-8)

God does not replace suffering with glory, but transforms suffering into glory.

Turn to: John 16:20-22 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. [21] A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. [22] And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

Illustrations: Pianist / athlete.

You are enabled to glorify Jesus

We suffer because of His name — Joh 15:21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

You can mention denomination, but when you mention you are a “Christian” thats when things start to happen.

Why does the world hate His name? His name is where all authority lies. Satan hates that!

The world may speak against His name, but “we” speak and live that His name would be honored.

The name Christian is only mention 3 times in N.T. / given to them by their enemies.

True story: Poly carp was the Bishop of Smyrna about the middle of the second century. He was arrested for his faith and threatened with death if he did not recant. “Eighty and six years have I served Him,” the saintly Bishop replied, “and He never did me any injury. How can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?” “I have respect for your age,” said the Roman officer. “Simply say, ‘Away with the atheists!’ and be set free.” By “the atheists” he meant the Christians who would not acknowledge that Caesar was “lord.” the old man pointed to the crowd of Roman pagans surrounding him, and cried, “Away with the atheists!” He was burned at the stake and in his martyrdom brought glory to the name of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: So lets tune our hearts in to the reality of the Christian pilgrimage; 1) Don’t be surprised about your persecution; 2) God is refining you; 3) It comes with divine purpose; 4) Your life is for His glory.