Understanding Our Suffering

I Peter 4:12-19

This week’s epistle reading from the lectionary continues readings from the First Letter of Peter, and his encouragement and practical counsel to Christians who were being persecuted during the very early years of the Church.  Following God’s Word and clinging to Him will help us face difficult trials ahead.  There are four things to remember when facing trials and to help us through persecutions.  The first is to expect trials to occur (vs. 12).  Then secondly, we are to rejoice through it (vs. 13-14).  Thirdly, we should evaluate the cause of the trials and persecution, whether it is because of our own bad behavior (vs. 15-18).  And lastly, we need to trust God through it all (vs. 19).  Let’s take a closer look at what God, through Peter, has to teach us here.

We often think that if God loves us, we won’t have to go through anything difficult, and He would stop any trials.  God is all-wise, and He uses these trials, hardships and sufferings He allows to come into our life to draw us closer to Him.  God uses them to strengthen our relationship with Him, and to bring Him glory.  God allows our trials to help test us, and to purge and cleanse us.  If we are yielded to Him, He will use these painful circumstances to cleanse and purify us.  We need to allow them to drive us to the Lord, not drive us away from Him.  Then when God brings us through a trial, and we give Him thanks and praise, that glorifies Him, and will also encourage others.

When a Christian is being persecuted for his faith and is doing and living right, he will have joy in heaven, when Christ’s glory shall be revealed (vs. 13).  That is a cause for rejoicing, in spite of how difficult things may be at the time.  Verse 14 is reminiscent of Jesus’s words in Matthew 5:11.  The Holy Spirit will strengthen us when persecuted for the faith.

Not all of our suffering is necessarily because of being a Christian.  Sometimes it could be because of our own bad, obnoxious, or ignorant behavior.  If we get reprimanded at work, or even lose our job, it might not be because the boss is persecuting us for being a Christian.  Could it be that we were slacking off at work?  Is it because we are a Christian that our neighbor doesn’t like us, or is it because we act obnoxious?  Peter admonishes us to be sure that if we are persecuted that it is not because we are doing something to deserve it (vs. 15).

Peter and John suffered for obeying God and for preaching the Word, as we see in Acts 5:40-41.  God had not abandoned them.  He still was watching over and blessing these apostles.   Keep on obeying God regardless of the suffering (vs. 16).  Are our actions and behavior worthy of the name Christian?  Or do we bring Him shame and dishonor?  Let’s be sure that our life brings Him only glory.

In verse 17, Peter isn’t speaking about the final judgment, but of God’s refining discipline to help shape us into better Christians (Hebrews 12:7).  We need to obey God and His Word no matter how difficult the trial.  He will reward obedience and faithfulness (vs. 19).  Commit our soul to God just like we “commit” our money to the bank for deposit.  We trust them to handle it well.  How much more should we trust God?

All of our trails and problems are temporary.  God will deliver us, either here on earth, or when He brings us to heaven.  Our future is secure in His hands, either way.