1 Peter 4:12-19 - How to pass the test

How to pass the test

Recap

Chapter 2 - 4 good conduct surround by gentiles (non-Christians)

Chapter 5 is about how to keep the band together

This section is a look over his shoulder - you get suffering now?

Does God test us? if so how? Does sin test us? How do we respond to these tests?

1 Peter 4:12–19 ESV

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.

Here is how you pass it.

Expect it

Rejoice

Do Good

v12 - Expect the test

Does the test come from God or Sin? - don’t worry about it

Adam and Eve were tested, Jesus was tested, you will be tested.

What will the test look like? - suffering

Insofar as you share Christ's suffering

Importance?

= over spiritualization which 1) cheapens suffering and 2) taking advantage of grace.

“Guidelines for Suffering like Jesus”

Jesus’ Righteous suffering - is the guide for us - If Jesus would have suffered for it then it counts, if Jesus wouldn’t have gotten to that point in the first place it doesn't count.

Example - Suffering in prison

Because I was helping people and others looked bad so they lied and put me in prison - it counts.

Because I killed someone… that’s different - it doesn’t count

Jesus being arrested

Christian College Students arrested because they are yelling at people on their campus, that they are going to hell - it doesn’t count

College Students getting arrested for kindly telling people about Jesus in Muslim countries - It counts

Jesus ministering to the Gentiles

I lost my job because I stole from them - it doesn’t count

I lost my job because I prayed for someone and they told me not to do it, It counts.

Jesus healing on the sabbath

Don’t cheapen Suffering

1) Jesus was not surprised when the trials happened. So you shouldn’t be either EXPECT IT

2) vs 13 Rejoice

1) Rejoice because you look like Christ AND 2) Christs spirit rests on you

Rest - Gen

Why should I be happy?

1) Why rejoice? It’s HARD!

Peter alludes to Isa 11:2

Isaiah 11:2 ESV

2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

When we are trained into the ways of Jesus like this, we rejoice. I do!

2) Jesus is with us

People attack what is holy - if you become holy you will be attacked. So don’t be ashamed

Peter gets to preaching 15-17

vs 15 Don’t take advantage of Grace

Busybody or meddler - someone who busies himself in the affairs of others in an unwarranted manner.

Simply being insulted does not mean one is blessed; it must be because of Christ.

VS 16 - Don’t be ashamed

Others will look shamefully at you (We are headed towards a shame and honor society)

Criticism can be deflected - being shamed damages one’s social standing.

VS 17 - For Judgement is coming

Stand before God and be judged for everything - If this is scary for the righteous think about the unrighteous.

Jesus said

Matthew 25:31–36 ESV

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

Meaningful Suffering, Expensive Grace

VS 18 It’s easy to be saved, it's hard to do stay here every day

so

3) Do Good

VS -19 Entrust your soul to your Creator & Do Good

What does doing good look like?

Entrust our souls (everything) to him

Care for others

How do you pass the test?

expect it

Look for fiery trials

Rejoice

Be happy when you suffer for Jesus

Do Good

Keep Entrusting yourself to Jesus and Care for others

Jesus is with. He was in the beginning, was throughout history, is with you now, he will be with you tomorrow

(Another in the fire)