Suffering Well

God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him.

Am I devoted to doing good? (v.13-14)

Context — God’s favor is toward the righteous.

A “zealot” for good.

Conventional thinking says pain = bad. Scripture points out that suffering can bring blessing (life!).

Opposite of the prosperity gospel, for suffering is the evidence of God’s grace:

To sustain us.

That He would grow us through it!

Is Christ my Lord? (v.15a)

First, settle the matter of salvation.

Second, for Peter’s readers, they were saved. So, the matter pertains to making sure the throne is occupied by Christ alone.

When this is the case, we can:

Submit to His sovereign rule in ALL matters…wherever He leads.

We have hope that this world is not our home.

Give firm justification for suffering well: it is the gospel.

Is my conscience clear? (v.15b-16)

First, gentleness. It is even-tempered…cool under pressure.

Second, reverence. It’s actually the word phobos which can be translated “fear” or “reverence,” but usually in response to God. Value of a person should create reverence for all life (imago dei).

A word of caution: the agenda is hope in the gospel.

This helps us keep a clear conscience, that is, morally centered…the voice that either afflicts or comforts us, depending on the morality of our choice.

Can you lay your head on your pillow and rest well, with a clear conscience, trusting you sought to honor Christ and keep Him foremost in your actions?

Is my mentality right?

The kids, when we have the GPS turned on in the car, they want us to zoom out to see how far. But then, you always have to re-center. Peter re-centers here, reminding us of what is right about this:

1 Peter 3:17 “For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”

If God wills it, should you seek something else?

If God will it, it is not in vain. It develops our faith in God.

This week we hiked up Gee Creek Trail…about 1.3 miles in and then back out again. It traces along Gee Creek, and there are places where the water seems almost still. It reminds me of the saying, “Still water runs deep.” Lack of chaos in the midst of trial comes from depth of faith.