1 Peter 4:12-19
Today's Passage: 1 Peter 4:12-19
In our passage today, Peter has some instructions for Christians regarding trials, suffering, and persecution.
1. Don’t be surprised.
Peter bluntly says that trials should not be a surprise, but an expectation, for the Christian. This is just a part of living in a fallen, sinful world. But he wants us to be aware that God’s love for us is steadfast, even in the midst of trial.
2. Rejoice!
As opposed to just dealing with suffering in a negative or even neutral posture, Peter implores us to REJOICE when faced with suffering. This must be because, in our suffering, we ARE like Christ and are becoming more like Him as well.
3. There are different types of suffering.
Sometimes, God brings about suffering into our lives. Sometimes, we face persecution from others because of our commitment to Christ. But sometimes, we suffer because we make sinful choices. Peter is telling us to embrace the first 2, but reject the last one.
So, don’t sin your way into suffering. But if God is the one brings it about,
16 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.
Keep pressing on. Keep trusting God. Keep pursuing holiness. Keep repenting of your sin and applying the gospel to your self.
Keep being faithful.
Written By: Graham Withers
In our passage today, Peter has some instructions for Christians regarding trials, suffering, and persecution.
1. Don’t be surprised.
Peter bluntly says that trials should not be a surprise, but an expectation, for the Christian. This is just a part of living in a fallen, sinful world. But he wants us to be aware that God’s love for us is steadfast, even in the midst of trial.
2. Rejoice!
As opposed to just dealing with suffering in a negative or even neutral posture, Peter implores us to REJOICE when faced with suffering. This must be because, in our suffering, we ARE like Christ and are becoming more like Him as well.
3. There are different types of suffering.
Sometimes, God brings about suffering into our lives. Sometimes, we face persecution from others because of our commitment to Christ. But sometimes, we suffer because we make sinful choices. Peter is telling us to embrace the first 2, but reject the last one.
So, don’t sin your way into suffering. But if God is the one brings it about,
16 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.
Keep pressing on. Keep trusting God. Keep pursuing holiness. Keep repenting of your sin and applying the gospel to your self.
Keep being faithful.
Written By: Graham Withers
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