1 Peter 4:12-19

Introduction

English Standard Version Chapter 4

Suffering as a Christian

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.

Explanation

1 Peter 4:12-13 “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.”

Peter is speaking specifically to this church. “You are going to go through a trial as a test. It will almost seem surreal. Share in Christ sufferings so that you will be glad when His glory is revealed.

Have you ever had a time in your life that was so difficult you knew the Lord was testing you? Peter said that testing is coming for God’s people in this church.

1 Peter 4:14-15 “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.”

Most Christians in America are not the persecuted for being Christians; they are punished for being knotheads.

Christians deserve some of the ire that comes our way in certain situations.

The church is full of blatant hypocrisy from the members all the way to megachurch pastors.

The church has become less consumed with the lost and more consumed with keeping appearances.

We might have to do some apologizing before we can minister to some people.

Make sure that your suffering, your being ostracized, and your pain comes from living a Godly, Christ centered life.

When we suffer, we are blessed - because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

We did a pastors retreat this week, and one of the questions that was asked of us was, “Are you more aware of the presence of God or less?”

We miss the blessing of God’s presence, because we are so aware of temporal things.

1 Peter 4:16-17 “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?”

Shame is often attached to punishment, and I believe that Peter anticipates that the people God might feel shameful in their difficulty and hardship.

Let him glorify God.

Let him glorify God in the name of Christ

Before God cleanses the world, he cleanses the pew. Before God cleanses the pew, he cleanses the pulpit.

Sometimes, in the church, a judgement happens so that greater fruit will grow.

In the same way that farmers scorch the earth, so God helps them to

1 Peter 4:18-19 “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.”

Application

Invitation