September 26, 2020
Nobody likes to suffer, yet the witness of the Scriptures is uniform in declaring that suffering is one of God’s greatest tools of transformation in the lives of His people. In his letters to the scattered church throughout Asia Minor, Peter addresses this issue and provides encouragement for believers who were under attack through persecution, oppression, and even direct attack by the enemy through false teachers. In the midst of their suffering, Peter reminds them to keep their eyes fixed on their eternal reward: Christ Jesus Himself! As we spend time over the next eight days reading the epistles of Peter, let’s make it out goal to fix our eyes on Jesus and to maintain joy in Him even through the most difficult trials and suffering!
In this chapter Peter reminds his readers that the end of all things, along with the final judgment of humanity, is swiftly approaching. In light of this fact, he calls them to live godly lives, to love one another deeply and to steward the spiritual gift which God had given them faithfully for the glory of God!
Peter then urges his readers not to be surprised or caught off guard by the suffering and persecution that they are experiencing. He reminds them that they are actually participating in Christ’s own sufferings when they suffer for their faith, and he implies that suffering and trial are the norm for faithful Christians. Jesus Himself said that His followers would be persecuted: if the world persecuted and murdered our Lord and Savior, how should we expect to be treated any differently?
So we who live without persecution for our faith are the exception, not the norm, for the church of Jesus Christ. Whenever persecution does arise, we ought not to be surprised by it or caught off guard as if it were something strange, but we should understand that this is what we have been called to as believers! Suffering is a necessary and integral part of what Jesus has called His followers to. As we endure suffering and persecution, we set our eyes on a hope that transcends every circumstance, a hope that is found in the faithfulness of our Creator, and we continue to pursue Him in doing good!
1 Peter 4
Stewards of God’s Grace
4 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
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.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Family Discussion Question:
- How does the nearness of the end, the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and the final judgment, help us to endure our temporary suffering which we experience in this world? How does the example of Jesus and the suffering He endured motivate us to respond to our suffering?
As a mechanical engineer, I can assure you that any object in motion in this world will experience friction. If you are moving for Christ, you will most likely experience rejection and resistance, for sure firey darts from satan. This chapter encourages us to expect them and to glory in them. God is with us to soothe the chaffing.
Gracias padre por tu palabra por tu sabiduría gracias porque eres fiel y misericordioso tu palabra nos edifica Señor debemos serte fiel llámame de tu espíritu santo padre no quiero apartarme de ti ni un sólo instante tu eres nuestra fuerza nuestra fortaleza nuestra esperanza sin ti nada es posible ayúdanos a mantenernos firme y a luchar en estos tiempos difíciles Señor amado contigo todo es posible sin ti no queremos nada gracias por tu amor incondicional Padre amado en su nombre hemos orado amén ?
I will love others and be hospitable without complaining. I trust my soul to a faithful Creator.
AMEN and HELLELUJAH!!! I trust my Lord.and Savior to.bring peace in our lives and our country. I will show how gratefull I am to be a child of God to others. I will be kind to others and humble myself to them. I want to live my life in the glory of God. In Jesus name I pray.Amen
Heavenly Father,
It is an honor to serve you in these difficult times. I pray that you would continue to help all believers in Christ see your hand in the middle of this chaos. Help us all continue to share the gospel with others and help us to love and see your truth and not man’s truth. Protect us from the evil and give us wisdom to recognize the difference. I pray for the ones that doesn’t know you, the ones that are hurting and suffering mentally, financially and feeling hopeless. I pray that you would draw them near to you and everyone that is needing to come into a personal relationship with you. We are nothing without you and I thank you for the many blessings that we are continuing to receive from a Heavenly Father that loves us unconditionally. May we continue to do the will of the Father until you return. In Jesus name I pray.
We are to expect suffering. Remember suffering will be rewarded. Rejoice in it as we are HIS.
Our blessed hope is in the return of Christ for his people.
We desire to be Christ like. When we try, others see, question, and wonder. We do this to honor our mighty, loving, and merciful God.. So that others will grow to desire a relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Thank you Lord for giving me your Spirit, to obey you and do good in the face of suffering and persecution.
If you read the Democrats platform and they gain control our church and its members will certainly suffer if we quote scriptures against the gay life style. .May not happen immediately but it will.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You have told us that You will always be with us wherever we go. This is a promise that I keep in my heart. With You, LORD all things are possible and You are all we need. Thank You for loving us with a love that is beyond understanding. ..a steadfast, never ending love. Whatever I have to face in this life, I am at peace knowing You are with me. In Jesus’ most precious and holy name. Amen.