1 Peter
Sharing Christ's sufferings. 4:12-19
IntroductionThe passage before us begins the third and final part of Peter's letter. In this passage Peter further develops his teaching on Christian suffering. He gives practical advice and explains how suffering is but a sign of the coming judgement of God. The passage v12. Peter opens by encouraging his readers to not be astonished in the face of suffering, as though something were happening to them which was out of the ordinary. Suffering serves as part of our apprenticeship for Christ. v13. Yet, along with suffering there is glory. Christ rose from the dead and entered glory. Those who follow him will similarly move from suffering to joy, shame to glory. v14. A believer who suffers is blessed, is happy. That is, they are privileged, and this because the "shekinah", or manifestation of God's glory, is upon them. Glory comes through suffering, thus in suffering there is glory. v15. Since suffering for Christ honours Christ, a believer must be careful that they don't dishonor Christ by suffering for doing evil. The suffering Peter refers to is legal punishment at the hands of government authorities. Suffering as a murderer or a thief is not suffering for Christ. Peter also includes suffering prompted by being a "meddler". This is an interesting reference and is probably directed to those Christians who try to impose their ethical views on their neighbors. "Do gooders" leave themselves open to the resentment of those unworthy mortals who have to live next to them. v16. If persecution does happen to come our way because we are a "Christian", we should not be "ashamed", but rather praise God. Peter here uses the term "Christ's men", a term first used by Agrippa in a derogatory way, Act.26:28. Although this title had obviously come to be regarded with disdain by both Gentiles and Jews, it was not something to be ashamed of, but rather a badge of honour. v17-18. Peter now gives a very interesting insight into the suffering of believers. The suffering of the people of God is the first sign of God's judgement upon the human race - judgement begins with "the family of God." If the people of God face tribulation, then those who are against God will face even harder times. Jesus himself warned that the day of judgement would indeed be a time of wailing and grinding of teeth. Peter backs up his point by quoting the LXX (Greek) version of the Old Testament, Proverbs 11:31. v19. Peter concludes his argument by encouraging his readers to trust in the Lord during times of trouble and to continue to act rightly in difficult circumstances. The kingdom comes through suffering, such is God's will. We must accept this truth and remain faithful.
Life wasn't meant to be easy
1. Do not be surprised, v12
2. Rejoice, v13
3. Be happy, v14
4. Praise God, v16
5. Know the times, v17-18
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This letter from Peter to the churches in the provinces, serves as a warning to believers facing imminent trouble. Persecution is on the way, indeed, has already arrived. Peter therefore encourages his readers to stand firm in trouble. In particular, he wants to give them some practical advice. If persecution comes, let it be for following Christ, not for acting foolishly or with evil intent. When a believer does suffer for their Christian faith, there is a sense where they share, or identify, with Christ's suffering. Such is a privilege and it serves to purify us, prepare us for eternity, strengthening us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. What we have to be careful about is that we not suffer as an evil-doer. When we are faced with suffering, we need to remember that it is but the first sign of God's coming judgement. In the face of suffering, the believer should renew their faith in the living God through Christ.
v14
v15
v17
v18
v19 |