Reader Blog

Read: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Important principles are given to the readers to prepare for the coming sufferings. Peter begins this passage about fiery trials with an affectionate pastoral address - “Beloved.” It conveys love and compassion to his readers.
 

Expect suffering: We must accept trials as a test of our faith. The word “fiery” can be a figure of severe affliction, which the Lord designs for our spiritual purity (1 Peter 1:6-7). So instead of seeing our trials as a defeat, we must face it as a test to overcome. We must be able to say, “He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).

Exult in suffering: In verses 13-14, Peter make references to “joy” four times within the two verses. Then he shared several factors that enable the believers to rejoice in their sufferings.

Suffering confirms our fellowship with Christ - “But rejoice in as much as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings” (v.13a).

Suffering confirms our exultation at His glorious coming - “That when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (v.13b).

Suffering confirms our devotion to the Lord - “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye” (v.14a)

Suffering brings the Holy Spirit’s special ministry - “for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you” (v.14b).

Suffering brings glory to God - “on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified” (v.14c).

Examine yourself in suffering: As verse 15 says, we should neither be law-breakers (“murderer,” “thief,” and “evildoer”) nor trouble-makers (“busybody”/ meddler). But if we are persecuted for being a Christian, we can rejoice and glorify the Lord (v.16). Our sufferings can be a chastisement for sins (vv.17-18).

Entrust yourself to God in the midst of your suffering (v.19b).

Thought: Let us press on then, never despair, though troubles abound

PRAYER: Lord, Thou art my wisdom, might. Be ever near me.