1 PETER 4

1 PETER 4:1-2, Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,  that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

1 PETER 4:12-19, Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happened to you, but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.  If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.  Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.  For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God, and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?  Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

It is believed Peter wrote this letter shortly before or after the burning of Rome and at the beginning of the horrors of a 200 year period of Christian persecution.

In the first 2 verses, Peter discusses one possible response to persecution – to give oneself over to the will of God!  Now in Verses 12-19, he turns to two other possible reactions.

First, believers may think they are being singled out and wonder why this “strange thing” is happening.  Yet suffering should be expected for those who follow Christ.

Second, Christians may think they are being judged for some reason.  But if they are living above reproach, they can rejoice that they are suffering according to God’s will and for His glory.  They can also stand firm, entrusting the outcome to Him as they continue to do what is right.

No matter what the reason is for suffering, God does use it – sometimes as discipline and sometimes as instruction.  It may be to train us in obedience; to produce patience; to prevent pride; to teach His ways; to prepare us to comfort others; or to prove us.

Let’s pray, Lord…Thank you for our sufferings.  Help us to be like the oyster that takes a speck of sand and makes it become a pearl of great value and that we will do the same with our difficulties, combined with Your greatness and glory until we develop our own pearl of great price – strength of character.  Amen and Amen!