Christian Suffering

Be mindful of the true nature of trials (vv.12-13).

Opportunities for testing and refinement

Why were believers persecuted?

They refused to take part in household, city, and state worship norms. This was viewed as a lack of loyalty and a rebellious spirit that undermined good order. TODAY — bow your knee to whatever cultural norm is being touted or you’re an enemy of democracy.

They didn’t take part in family celebrations and other social events because they were often tied to idol worship. TODAY — it’s okay to be lack-luster and lukewarm in your commitment to Christ and involvement in church because there are other things that are important, too.

Holy living is a critique of unbelieving cultures. TODAY — to love the sinner but refuse to celebrate their practices gets us labeled as Bible thumping bigots who hate others.

There were practices that were frowned upon by Jews and Gentiles…things like gathering in their “secret societies,” treating one another as brothers/sisters/family, and refusing social and class lines. TODAY — the world probably wouldn’t frown upon us taking in the outcast and the broken and downtrodden, unless it was to call us hypocritical. The question we must wrestle with is, are we a hospital for the hurting or a hang-out for the “haves?”

Jesus is Lord was a direct contradiction to the Roman confession, Caesar is lord. TODAY — Jesus is Lord is a direct contradiction to the “follow your heart” mantra where pleasure becomes the sole determiner of how we live.

Be serious about the call to holy living (vv.14-15).

In context, believers will suffer ridicule from the unbelieving world because they take seriously the call to holy living (1 Pe.1:13-16 “Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.”)

Purpose to pursue holiness — “just do it!”

The Spirit comes along to help

Be cautious about comfortable Christianity (vv.16-18).

Embrace the shame of unity with Christ. Honor was counted as a chief virtue in the 1st century by Jew and Gentile alike. We should seriously examine the genuineness of our faith if it doesn’t cost us anything!

Honor was a publically acknowledged worth that a person possess, and when someone faced adversity and evidenced courage, generosity, and/or wisdom, it would add honor that person and his family name.

Conversely, where cowardice, stinginess, and foolishness increased, the name was shamed and honor decreased.

In God’s economy, embracing personal shame (not bringing shame upon the name of Christ!) was an opportunity to worship, to make much of God.

Judgment is coming for all

May we be found faithful

Heed the warning of the unrighteous

Two paths, narrow and difficult or broad and easy

Be obedient as a faith filled follower (vv.19).

Do you embrace trials as an opportunity to become more like Christ?

How serious are you about pursuing holiness?

Examine your life this morning: are you embracing a comfortable Christianity? Do you carry Christ into your everyday life only to fit in just fine with the world around you?